Events in Northumberland: What’s on this summer?
Northumberland is one of the most exciting counties in the UK, brimming with historic castles, vibrant Northern towns and beautiful Northumberland beaches. And there’s so much going on that everyone’s welcome - here’s our pick of what’s happening this summer in Northumberland.
The Paxton House Antique Fair
Friday 3 - Sunday 5 July 2026 & Friday 4 - Sunday 6 September | 10am - 5pm (10 - 4pm on Sunday) | Paxton House, TD15 1SZ
The Paxton House Antiques Fair returns for 2026, with up to 80 quality dealers selling antiques, decorative items, salvage, jewellery, ceramics and curiosities. Set within the beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the River Tweed, in the shadow of Paxton House itself, it's a stunning backdrop for a day of browsing. There's onsite catering, a kids' play area and free parking, plus the chance to book a separate tour of the house's renowned Chippendale furniture collection. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too, and with 80 acres of parkland to explore, including a popular woodland playground, there's something for everyone.
Dinky Dub Fest
Thursday 23 July - Sunday 26 July 2026 | 10am - 5pm | Druridge Bay Country Park, NE61 5BX
Pack the campervan and head to Dinky Dub Fest, the laid-back sister festival to Mighty Dub Fest, back at its original venue in the grounds of one of the country's best country parks. Enjoy a chilled-out weekend beside a beautiful lake, just a short walk from the beach, with two stages of live music, traders, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Don't miss the family fun too, including circus skills, a magician, craft workshops, quizzes, bingo, and music workshops, all topped off with great food and drinks from The Boozy Bars.
North East Dog Festival
Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 August | 9am - 5pm | Kirkley Hall, NE20 0AQ
Join the North East Dog Festival, the region's ultimate celebration of dogs, taking place Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August at the picturesque Kirkley Hall, just outside Newcastle. Established in 2015, this unique canine celebration has charmed thousands of dog lovers with thrilling main arena displays, a wellbeing stage, the Clever K9 Ring, gundog scurries, have-a-go activities and a breed hang-out. There's also two charity dog shows, a Kennel Club Scruffts qualifier, and over 120 exhibitors offering top food, drink and shopping. Early bird tickets are available for a limited time, and under 5s go free.
Glendale Show
Saturday 29 August | 9am onwards | Wooler, NE71 6LF
Enjoy a fantastic day out featuring the incredible Atkinson Action Horses, alongside halter-led cattle, sheep, horse, pony, and donkey classes, plus alpacas and majestic Clydesdale horses. Explore the horticultural, industrial, countryside, speciality food, and craft marquees, and enjoy live music, children’s entertainment, a traditional fairground, and over 200 trade stands. Don’t miss the companion dog show, The Sheep Show, Pony Club games, falconry display, Sumo Suit Relay Race, chainsaw carving, Aldabra giant tortoises, and the Grand Parade of Livestock.
More summer events in Northumberland
Festival of Fairies at Lilidorei | Wednesday 3 June - Sunday 12 July
Ahoy Academy - Bamburgh Castle | Monday 29 June - Friday 31 July (various dates, please check with venue)
The Mindful Art of Baking Bread - Summer Focaccia | Thursday 2 July
The Paxton House Antique Fair | Friday 3 - Sunday 5 July
Sunset Festival for Ukraine | Saturday 4 July
Brocksbushes Summer Fayre | Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 July
Northumberlandia Food and Craft Market | Sunday 5 July
Romans Return to Vindolanda | Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 July
Our Wic - Celebrating Berwick's Everyday Royalty | Saturday 11 - Thursday 16 July
Friendship Walk: Guided Evening Walk Along Hadrian's Wall | Saturday 11 July
Demo & Lunch at Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland | Wednesday 22 July & Saturday 15th August
Dinky Dub Fest | Thursday 23 July - Sunday 26 July
Brewery Talk & Tasting | Saturday 25 July
The Cheviot 7 Peaks Challenge | Sunday 26 July, Sunday 16th August & Sunday 20 September
Paxton Artisan Pop-Ups | Tuesday 28 July & Tuesday 18 August
Outdoor Cinema Experiences at Alnwick Castle | Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 2 August
The Three Musketeers...sort of! | Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 9 August
Van Wild | Thursday 30 July - Sunday 2 August
Outdoor Cinema - Mamma Mia | Friday 31 July
The Gaderung Weekend at Ad Gefrin | Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 August
Steamworks: Festival Fiasco | Monday 10 August
Tynemouth Station Book Fair | Sunday 16 August
Osprey Watch | Every Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday until Sunday 16 August
The Tiger Who Came to Tea | Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 August
North East Dog Festival | Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 August
Beach Gathering at Budle Bay | Friday 28 - Monday 31 August
Bellingham Show and Country Festival | Saturday 29 August
Archery on the Frontier | Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 August
Great North Bike Ride | Sunday 30 August
Take a look at our Northumberland events calendar
No matter what kind of activities in Northumberland you’re looking for, this wonderful county has plenty to explore this summer. From romantic ruined Northumberland castles to pop-up gin bars and family-friendly festivals, to some of the most country’s demanding Northumberland cycling routes, it doesn't get any better than sunshine-filled events in our incredible county. Whether you are looking for a family day out in Northumberland, free activities in Northumberland, or a day trip on a budget, this county has it all.
Want to know more? Take a look at Visit Northumberland’s calendar of events in Northumberland today and start planning your getaway.
