Welcome to Middlesbrough, we’re so glad you’re here! Explore free cultural events throughout September and October.

MIDDLESBROUGH ART WEEK

The Auxiliary and various venues, 24 September to 3 October

The North East’s leading contemporary art festival. Middlesbrough and its people are rich in culture. Through workshops, talks, film screenings and workshops, explore what it means to be open, connected and actively involved in the cultural life of our town and its places

Exterior of the Auxiliary warehouse with crowds of people outside

LITTLE BORO

MIMA, 26 September

Little Boro fills Centre Square with shipping containers, showcasing local and national artists, plus art, play and activities for all ages. Supported by Borderlands, funded by Arts Council England.

TURNER PRIZE 2026 OPENING DAY

MIMA, 26 September

Be part of this defining cultural moment for Middlesbrough. Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku are this year’s artists. The Turner Prize 2026 will run at MIMA until March 2027 with the overall winner announced 10 December.

Turner Prize 2026 at MIMA Credit Nana Kofi Asamoah-Adu

MIMA EVENTS

MIMA, 26 and 27 September

  • Travelling Artists Studio
  • MIMA Art Trolley
  • Be the Artist with Stellar Creates (MIMA tipi)
MIMA stellar creates cultural event

ORANGE PIP MARKET

Baker and Bedford Street, 26 September

Orange Pip is flagship event that’s lively, family-friendly and free. Expect the best artisan food and drink stalls and local live music as the market celebrates 10 years

Orange Pip market in full swing

VERISIMILITUDE

Centre Square, 17 September to 11 October

Verisimilitude, the appearance of being true or real, is explored through the work of four sculptors with layered storytelling.

Verisimilitude at Centre Square

BY ENDEAVOUR

Cleveland Centre, 25 September to 2 October

The historic Cleveland Art Society are hosting a visual art exhibition near the Endeavour ship in the mall. Opening 25 September at 12pm with acclaimed Middlesbrough-born artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

Cleveland Art Society By Endeavour poster
Vegetarian noodle dish

Eat

Sushi and matcha or cruffin and coffee? Try everything from loaded bagels to casual brunch spots to banging burgers and trendy dinner hangouts across the town centre.

See some of our favourite food venues here.

A sunny beer garden with a delicious refreshing pint and some summer flowers

Drink

Find craft beer at micro pubs, sip perfectly crafted cocktails and relax in friendly coffee shops and pubs across Bedford Street, Baker Street, Albert Road and Grange Road.

Some more of our favourite drink spots here.

A live band playing at STACK Middlesbrough

Play

Head to PLAY Middlesbrough for some of the best indie vibes around.

A legend of the North East, STACK is your local social hub with live music and street food.

Try Level X for next-generation gaming, e-karting, AR bowling and much more

swimming pool in Leonardo hotel in Middlesbrough

Stay

Fancy staying longer? Holiday Inn Express is located on Centre Square, right opposite MIMA. Leonardo Hotel is just round the corner and Premier Inn and Travelodge are within a 10 minute walk.