Whether you’re in Newcastle for your first year or fifth, there’s plenty for you to get involved in.
We’ve put together a list of things on in the city this September, from an immersive 360° Queen show in a planetarium to dragons on the Tyne.
There’s also plenty of free and discounted events going on in the University and Students’ Union!
Common Thread with Ilisha Thiru Purcell – 17 September, Alphabetti Theatre
Ilisha is an award-winning Sri Lankan-Scottish poet. Join her for a creative writing workshop at the charming Alphabetti Theatre. Fittingly for the University welcome period, September’s workshop is titled Welcome: Writing Home and Safety.
Common Thread welcomes writers both aspiring and experienced. Whether this is the first time you’ve written creatively or the hundredth, come along for an evening of stories!
You can book your space for free.
Queen Heaven – 18 to 19 September, Life Science Centre
Picture credit: International Centre for Life (Queen Heaven in Newcastle - September 2025 - Centre For Life)
Have you always wanted to listen to some of Queen’s best music set to classic music videos, stunning astronomy visuals, and archive footage in a planetarium?
Well, you’ve probably never even thought about it!
Queen Heaven has been a hit across the world from Germany to Japan. Now it’s your turn to watch it in Newcastle’s very own planetarium.
The Lord of the Wings – 19 to 20 September, Wylam Brewery
Picture credit: FoodBattles44 and Wylam Brewery (THE LORD OF THE WINGS - NCL - 2025 | Facebook)
There can only be one wing to rule them all…
Who will it be? Find out at the Lord of the Wings, where wing specialists, street food vendors, and kitchens come together in the scenic Wylam Brewery.
It’s not just chicken wings – this free entry food festival has a whole host of wing-themed foods, with vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options as well.
Autumn-themed punch needling workshop – 20 September, Lime Street
Give yourself a break from the chaos of the welcome period with this fun, relaxing workshop.
You’ll learn the basics of punch needle, and craft your very own autumn-themed keyring or bag charm to take home.
Tickets are £20 and cover all supplies.
Craft & Flea Makers Market – 21 September, Boiler Shop
Craft & Flea’s Makers Market is full of handmade and vintage goods. You can come along just to admire what vendors have in stock in this colourful, creative market, or buy something to decorate your room.
No two Craft & Flea markets are ever the same, with a unique lineup of stalls each time.
Past markets have included ceramics, prints, chilli jam, crochet, glasswork, nails, cookies, and more.
Entry is £2.50; you can pre-book online or pay entry at the door.
Dragon Boat Race – 27 September, Quayside
It’s time for Newcastle’s annual Dragon Boat Race!
Whether you’re drumming, paddling, or watching, this charity challenge is a fun day for all. If you’d rather stay dry, there’s plenty of fun activities along the Quayside for spectators.
Imitating Life – 28 September, Great North Museum
In the 19th century, glassmakers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka brought life to art with their detailed, delicate glass models of marine invertebrates.
The Great North Museum on campus brings a selection of their work to Newcastle in Imitating Life.
Freshly Squeezed: Open Mic Night – 30 September, Cobalt Studios
Credit: Cobalt Studios (Freshly Squeezed: Open Mic Night Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite)
End September with a song at this open mic night led by a Newcastle University researcher, future-folk musician Jayne Dent (Me Lost Me).
Come along ready to listen or with a song to perform.
Cobalt Studios suggest a donation of £3 for this event to help keep the venue running.
On-campus events
As usual, campus is busy this September with welcome events!
If you’re around a bit earlier, come take a look at International Welcome Week in the Frederick Douglass Centre on the 10 -12 September. While designed for new international students, all students are welcome at this event.
Chat with other students and representatives from University and city services at the Information Fair or pop into one of our welcome information sessions.
The week finishes off with a welcome celebration for new international students (pizza, Percy, and puzzles provided).
Your Students’ Union has five weeks of fun, fairs, and freebies lined up for you at the BIG Welcome from the 15 September to the 19 October.
Learn more about what you can get involved in at the Clubs & Sports and Societies & Volunteering Fairs.
Keep an eye out for discounted tickets to events in the city, with everything from bubble tea making to a tour of St James’ Park. This is the perfect opportunity to try new things and make new friends.
By Leo, an MBiol Zoology, Stage 4, student