free events
Positive local stories, useful developments and people making a difference in free events.
Thousands of community-made peg dolls reach the final station at Hopetown
A free September exhibition at Hopetown Darlington brings together thousands of hand-crafted peg dolls created by communities during the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary celebrations.
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Darlington’s free Rhythm & Tunes weekend celebrates 30 years of town-centre music
Darlington’s Rhythm & Tunes Festival returns across 11 to 13 September, with free live music in Market Square and performances in town-centre venues.
Free Stockton nature walk opens up one of Tees Valley’s urban wildlife havens
A free guided walk at Portrack Marsh and Maze Park on 26 September will bring Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Cleveland Naturalists Field Club experts together to explore wildlife in the heart of Stockton.
Free September sea watch invites families to scan Saltburn’s horizon for dolphins
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is inviting beginners, families and experienced wildlife watchers to a free social sea watch at Saltburn on Sunday 20 September.
Daisy Fest brings a free bank holiday day out to Norton in support of neurodivergent families
Daisy Chain is opening its Norton farm for a free bank holiday festival with live entertainment, animals, games, stalls and family activities on Monday 31 August.
Free 5km AquaPaddle invites kayaks, canoes and boards onto the Tees in Stockton
Stockton’s volunteer-led AquaPaddle returns on 6 September, offering a free 5km social paddle through the town centre for people bringing their own suitable craft.
Free Tuesday stargazing nights return to Wynyard this September
Wynyard Planetarium and the Jack Youdale Observatory are bringing back free Tuesday evening drop-ins for the 2026/27 stargazing season, with telescopes, friendly advice and no booking required.