North Shields will celebrate its first ever Open Quay weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, supported by North Shields Cultural Quarter with funding from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. The celebratory weekend invites locals to step inside the studios, workshops and creative spaces that are shaping the town's vibrant cultural future.
For one special weekend, artists, makers, photographers, designers, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists and community organisations will open their doors free of charge, offering a rare chance to explore the creative spaces usually hidden from public view.
From the Fish Quay to Howard Street, Northumberland Street to Nile Street, visitors can follow their own trail through more than 20 venues, meet over 40 artists in their studios, watch live demonstrations, take part in workshops, enjoy exhibitions and discover the remarkable creative community that calls North Shields home.
Open Quay celebrates a town with creativity woven into its history. From shipbuilding and fishing to contemporary art, design and making, North Shields has always been a place where people create, innovate and tell stories. Today, a new generation of artists, independent businesses and cultural organisations is building on that legacy, transforming historic buildings, bringing empty spaces back to life and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience creativity first hand.
Families can enjoy hands on activities, including LEGO, pottery, heritage crafts like basket weaving, children's play sessions, printmaking and animation. Visitors can explore working artist studios, discover stained glass, sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, textiles, public art, illustration, vinyl record pressing and much more.
The weekend also highlights the role creativity plays in wellbeing and community, with opportunities to meet organisations using art to support mental health, recovery, parenthood, inclusion and connection.
Along the way, visitors can pause for coffee and pastries, browse local galleries and independent shops, enjoy the cafés and restaurants of the Fish Quay, and discover why North Shields has become one of the North East's most exciting creative destinations.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, looking for a fun family day out, searching for something different to do, or simply curious to see what happens behind the doors of North Shields' creative spaces, Open Quay offers something for everyone.
Charlie Gray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at North Tyneside Council, said: “Open Quay is a celebration of the creativity that runs right through North Shields.
“Our artists, makers and cultural organisations are breathing new life into historic buildings, opening up new opportunities and helping to shape a really exciting future for the town.
“This weekend gives people the chance to step inside those spaces, meet the creative community and see first-hand why North Shields is becoming one of the most vibrant cultural destinations in the North East.”
Open Quay takes place Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September from 11am to 4pm (unless otherwise stated). The event is free to attend, with many venues fully accessible and activities taking place throughout the weekend.
For the full programme, venue map and accessibility information visit nscq.co.uk.
Open Quay 2026 is funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter – a designated Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ), funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and North Tyneside Council.