Events in South Shields From 20th April – 26th April 2026

You can find a range of events in South Shields this week across music, arts, family activities, and wellbeing. The calendar features community-led initiatives that highlight local talent and civic engagement.

Families can join guided walks along Ocean Road, now part of the town's historic promenade. These begin near Bessy's Sweet Bakes, a café with longstanding ties to South Shields’ fishing heritage; free refreshments are available midday at sheltered stops along the route for caregivers and children.

Art lovers can attend all-day life drawing sessions at The Customs House, a building dating back to 1830 that once served as an administrative centre during the town’s peak maritime period. Beginner portrait classes run on weekdays with instruction from local artists. Muddy Fingers Pottery hosts raku and obvara workshops on Thursday evenings; these are held at their space near the junction of High Street and Bridge Road.

Music events include performances by student ensembles from South Tyneside Academy of Musical Performance CIC, taking place in evening slots. On Friday night, Westoe RFC celebrates its 150th anniversary with a black tie ball at Hedworth Assembly Rooms, located just outside the city. Attendees are invited to dress formally.

Evening entertainment includes quiz events hosted by Mark Labbett, known for his work on Channel 4 and BBC quizzes; entry is ticketed. These take place across multiple venues, including one near Metro Station. Practical sessions include business plan workshops delivered through South Tyneside Enterprise Hub. Wellbeing drop-in chats follow the Five Ways framework, a local public health initiative designed to improve mental fitness.

A special event on Wednesday evening features a conversation between crime fiction writer Marrisse Whittaker and romance novelist Carrie McGovern, hosted by the library near Bridge Road. Audience members are invited to contribute written notes during the session.

All venues listed are accessible via Tyne and Wear Metro or bus routes connecting with A19 Trunk Road. Some parking areas near Ocean Beach Pleasure Park remain limited; attendants recommend using designated public car parks on weekdays to avoid congestion, especially between 4pm and 7pm.