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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.

Reshaping The Toon (INSTALLATION)

Reshaping The Toon (INSTALLATION)

Friday 7 August & Saturday 8 August
FREE
Newcastle City Library

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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TRUTH!

TRUTH!

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
FREE
Northern Stage

What if a brighter future started with a game? Join a playful band of rebels as they bring laughter, mischief…

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The Secret Parade

The Secret Parade

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11:00 – 17:00
FREE
Brunswick Place

Grab your map and set off on a city-wide treasure hunt! Discover hidden artworks, unlock clues and uncover surprising stories…

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Possê

Possê

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
FREE
Northumberland Street

Possê is a joyful, high-energy outdoor performance bringing together live percussion, dance, theatre and voice in a vibrant celebration of…

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You Are Here: NOVUM

You Are Here: NOVUM

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm – (Saturday only) 4pm
FREE
Newcastle City Centre

You Are Here: NOVUM is an interactive audio experience through Newcastle city centre, guided by a live performer and experienced…

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String and Strong’s Great Big Gameathon

String and Strong’s Great Big Gameathon

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August
FREE
Newcastle Civic Centre

Ready to play? These curious characters are on a mission to learn how humans play, but they can’t quite remember…

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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