Free Open Quay studios in North Shields, Joe McElderry and burlesque at the Playhouse, plus Tynemouth market: times and booking links for 25 to 27 September.

This weekend on the coast brings North Shields’ first Open Quay studio trail, two nights at Playhouse Whitley Bay and the usual Saturday and Sunday market at Tynemouth station. Everything below is taken from each venue’s or organiser’s own listing, checked on Friday 25 September.

The quick answer

  • Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm: Open Quay, North Shields. Free.
  • Saturday, 7.30pm: An Evening of Burlesque, Playhouse Whitley Bay.
  • Sunday, 7.30pm: Joe McElderry: Classic 2026, Playhouse Whitley Bay.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3.30pm: Tynemouth Market, Tynemouth station.
  • Every day, 10am to 5pm: Tynemouth Priory and Castle.

Friday 25 September

Tonight’s Ocean Film Festival at the Playhouse is listed as sold out on the venue’s page. So is the Billy Joel tribute night at Spanish City, according to Spanish City’s what’s on page.

Spanish City’s 1910 restaurant lists a steak night tonight on the same page.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September: Open Quay, North Shields

The biggest thing on this weekend is free. More than 20 studios, galleries and workshops between the Fish Quay and Howard Street open their doors from 11am to 4pm on both days. It is the first time North Shields has run the event.

We covered the programme in full on Wednesday, including which venues open on one day only and where to pick up a map: Open Quay North Shields: 20+ venues open free this weekend.

Saturday 26 September: An Evening of Burlesque

An Evening of Burlesque plays Playhouse Whitley Bay on Marine Avenue at 7.30pm. The venue bills it as the UK’s longest-running burlesque theatre show, mixing cabaret, comedy and speciality acts.

Tickets are sold through the Playhouse page, where the current price shows at checkout. A booking fee applies. A “Suite Experience” upgrade with a drink and a cheese and meat plate is also on sale.

Sunday 27 September: Joe McElderry: Classic 2026

Joe McElderry brings Classic 2026 to the Playhouse at 7.30pm. The listing describes a stripped-back show of opera and classical songs.

Under-14s must be with an adult, and only food and drink bought inside the venue is allowed.

All weekend: Tynemouth Market

Tynemouth Market fills Tynemouth Metro station every Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3.30pm, with market stalls and street food. Its own site says:

  • dogs are allowed
  • there is paid parking on the west side of the station
  • the market is inside Tynemouth station, so you can get there by Metro

All weekend: Tynemouth Priory and Castle

English Heritage opens the priory on the headland every day, 10am to 5pm, until Sunday 18 October, according to its prices and opening times page. Prices vary by day and are cheaper booked ahead. Our winter opening guide has the times from November, when it goes weekends only.

What it means for you

  • Want something free? Open Quay is the one. Take the Metro to North Shields and walk down to the Fish Quay.
  • Going to the Playhouse? Both evening shows start at 7.30pm. Book on the venue’s own pages rather than a resale site.
  • Driving? Resurfacing work is still moving around the borough under signage. Check our roadworks and travel page before you set off, and see parking in Whitley Bay.

Looking further ahead: the Playhouse has Wishbone Ash on Monday 28 September, Women in Rock on Tuesday 29 September and T-Rextasy on Wednesday 30 September, all on its full events list.

Sources