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NOVUM Festival 2026 7 - 9 august 2026 Newcastle City Centre

The City Is Your Playground

NOVUM Festival is back this Summer with a three-day takeover 
of creativity, entertainment and unexpected moments across Newcastle city centre.


Explore. Play. Watch. Enjoy. Wander.

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NOVUM Festival 2026

7 – 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

A City Full of Surprises

For one Summer weekend, Newcastle city centre will transform with a family-friendly programme of free events, outdoor performances, artist workshops, music and plenty of “you just had to be there” moments.

Browse Events

  • Free and drop-in events

    Easy to dip into and free to explore, with a weekend of culture, play and entertainment across Newcastle city centre this summer.

  • Across the city centre

    Explore Newcastle’s iconic spots and hidden corners bursting with colour, creativity and surprises across the city.

  • Open to everyone

    Packed with family-friendly fun and joyful community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy together.

  • Unexpected moments

    Look out for pop-up moments across the weekend, including a city-wide artwork to discover as you go.

NOVUM Festival 2026

7 – 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

WHAT’S ON

Take a look at some of the standout moments happening across the NOVUM Festival weekend, and stay tuned for more to be announced.

Gan Canny

Gan Canny

Friday 7 August, Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11am
The Arches, Newcastle University
FREE

Discover the stories behind #NOVUM26’s colourful community flags and bunting in this special exhibition celebrating creativity, collaboration and Newcastle’s neighbourhoods.…

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Reshaping The Toon (INSTALLATION)

Reshaping The Toon (INSTALLATION)

Friday 7 August & Saturday 8 August
During Library opening hours
Newcastle City Library
FREE

What would your Newcastle look like? Inspired by Dominoes, Station House Opera’s spectacular city-centre artwork culminating in a giant domino…

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Melanie Baker + Support – live at #NOVUM26

Melanie Baker + Support – live at #NOVUM26

Friday 7 August
7.30pm
Newcastle Contemporary Art Gallery
£15

Step inside A Room in Bloom and experience one of the North East’s most exciting live artists in a setting…

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Wheelie Proud Flag Making

Wheelie Proud Flag Making

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11:30am & 2:30pm
Outside Great North Museum: Hancock
FREE

Go bold with glitter, colour, patterns and messages that celebrate who you are, what you love or simply what makes…

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Portals

Portals

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11am
Newcastle City Centre
FREE

Stumble across four magical Portals across #NOVUM26; bursting with colour, light and interactive experiences, these larger-than-life arches are your invitation…

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Blockbuster Factory

Blockbuster Factory

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11am & 1.30pm
Northumberland Street
FREE

Step into Martin Bielspurg’s film venture, where you’re not just an audience but the beating heart of the movie! Join…

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NOVUM Festival 2026

7 – 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

Your NOVUM Weekend Starts Here

Big moments, pop-up surprises and plenty to see across the city. Explore what’s happening across the weekend and sign up to hear the latest festival news.

EXPLORE WHAT’s ON JOIN THE MAILING LIST