Exams and assessments are over, and romance is in the air!
It's time to relax and recharge, and enjoy the city at a slightly slower pace - unless you're doing the Valentine's relay race!
With Year of the Horse celebrations, free exhibitions, markets, and Valentine's events, there's plenty to help you make the most of this month!
If you want something active, or more low-key, these events picked out by our Student Content Creator, Yumeka, have you covered.
Year of the Horse Celebrations (22 February)
Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Newcastle city centre with a vibrant programme of parades, performances and cultural activities.
The main parade will travel through key city streets, including Grey’s Monument and Stowell Street, passing under the iconic Chinese Arch.
Visitors can also enjoy lion and dragon dances, martial arts displays, and a wide range of food stalls and family-friendly attractions.
This event offers a lively way to experience Chinese culture and welcome the new year with the local community.
Price: free
Time: from 11:00, 22 February
Location: City centre
More Info: Get into Newcastle website
Flower Power Vegan Festival, Wylam Brewery (7 February)
Flower Power Vegan Fest returns to Wylam Brewery this February for a weekend dedicated to plant-based food and drink.
Featuring over ten independent traders, the festival showcases a wide variety of vegan dishes alongside music and drinks in a relaxed social setting.
It is ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone interested in exploring meat-free cuisine while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
Price: free entry
Time: 12:00-late, 7 February
Location: Wylam Brewery
More info: Get into Newcastle website
Run Newcastle: Valentine's Couples Relay Race (15 February)
This Valentine's relay race encourages couples or friends to team up and take part in a fun outdoor running event on Town Moor.
The race combines fitness with asocial atmosphere, making it suitable for both regular runners and those looking for a light-hearted sporting challenge.
It is a great way to celebrateValentine’s Day in an active and memorable way.
Price: £14 (affiliated entry) / £16(unaffiliated entry)
Time: 14 February
Location: Starting from Town Moor
More info and sign-up: Run Nation
Makers Market NewcastleGateshead, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (28 February)
This curated Makers Market celebrates independent art, craft and design, bringing together around 50 artists and makers from across the UK.
Visitors can browse a diverse selection of handmade goods and creative products while supporting small businesses and local designers.
It is a great opportunity for students interested in art, design, and creative industries to discover unique work and gain inspiration.
Price: from £2
Time: 28 February
Location: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Tickets: Eventbrite
HAPPY! Exhibition, Hatton Gallery (14 February - 9 May)
The Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University presents HAPPY!, an exhibition running from February to May.
Developed in partnership with the Jerwood Collection and the gallery's young people's group, L-INK, the exhibition features works by established artists alongside student-created pieces inspired by Victor Pasmore's 1957 Art Education Exhibition.
This exhibition offers an engaging insight into contemporary art and creative learning in a university gallery setting.
Price: Free entry (donations welcome)
Duration: 14 February - 9 May 2026
Venue: Hatton Gallery
More information: North East Museums website
Valentine's Vivaldi by Candlelight (14 February)
Enjoy an elegant Valentine’s evening with a candlelit performance of Vivaldi’s music inside the beautiful Newcastle Cathedral.
Performed by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta, this concert creates a romantic and atmospheric setting through classical music and historic surroundings.
It is perfect for those seeking a calm and memorable cultural experience on Valentine’s Day.
Price: from £20-40
Time: 14 February
Location: Newcastle Cathedral
More info and tickets: Newcastle Cathedral website
Bouldering - Give It A Go (4 and 18 February)
This bouldering session offers a fun and accessible introduction to indoor climbing, suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience.
Participants can challenge themselves on a variety of climbing routes while improving strength and coordination.
It is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and try something different in a supportive environment.
Price: £8
Time: 4 and 18 February
Location: The Pool (Climb Newcastle)
More information: NUSU website
Newcastle United - St James' Park Stadium Tour (3 & 19 February)
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Newcastle United's iconic stadium?
This guided tour gives you the chance to explore St James' Park, including areas normally closed to the public such as the players' tunnel and changing rooms.
It is a great opportunity for football fans and anyone interested in the city's sporting culture to learn more about the club’s history and traditions!
Price: £5
Time: 3 & 19 February, 3 March
Location: St James' Park
More information: NUSU website
Newcastle Cathedral History Tour (4 February)
Discover the rich history of one of Newcastle’s most important landmarks with this guided tour of Newcastle Cathedral.
Visitors will learn about the building's medieval origins, its role in the development of the city, and its stunning architecture.
This tour is ideal for students who enjoy local history, architecture, or simply want to explore more of Newcastle beyond the campus.
Price: from £5
Time: 4 February
Location: Newcastle Cathedral
More information: NUSU website
Lectures, and more!
INSIGHTS lectures highlights this month include:
Queer beyond London: LGBTQ lives in Brighton, Leeds, Manchester and Plymouth by Professor Matt Cook, 12 February. More information on the INSIGHTS website.
Fake news: Historical perspectives, contemporary challenges by Professor Jo Fox, 24 February. More information on the INSIGHTS website.
Creative Careers (27 February)
Got that creative spark? Join us for Creative Careers and find out how you can turn that passion into a career!
Taking place on Thursday 26 February, Level 1 of King’s Gate will host a number of creative experts all there to share their insights across a range of workshops, talks and panel sessions.
More information on the Careers website.
Placement Week (2-6 February)
Discover the benefits of doing a placement year while studying at Newcastle University, throughout Placement Week 2026.
More information on the Careers website.
If you want culture, movement, food, music or just a relaxed day our, these events are a great way to make the most of February in Newcastle!
By Yumeka, a PGT Marketing student and Student Content Creator