Family fun and must-see events this May
May is shaping up to be a fantastic month in Darlington, packed with events, activities and experiences for the whole family. From food festivals and farmers markets to Star Wars fun and heritage walks, there’s something happening for everyone! Here’s your guide to what’s on in Darlington this May:
Early May Highlights
May 1 – The Misfit Market at Darlington Market 5pm – 9pm
Experience the UK’s number one alternative night market right here in Darlington. Explore weird and wonderful to strange and unique gifts and accessories. Featuring over 20 bizarre vendors, tarot reading, 6 street food vendors, 3 bars and the market quiz taking place at 7pm.
May 2 – 5 Darlington Food & Drink Festival brought to you by Darlington Market
A long weekend of foodie fun! Expect delicious eats, pop-up bars and family friendly entertainment throughout the indoor market and Market Square.
May 3 Echo 3’s Star Wars Family Fun Day
May the force be with you at this themed charity day, featuring face painters, character appearances and galactic fun. Don’t forget to try the Bluemilk!
May 3 BMXTRAS Stunt Display at Hopetown Darlington
BMXXTRAS will be bringing all the thrill of the skate park to the heart of railway heritage. Two of the UK’s top BMX pros will perform the most incredible tricks and stunts to bring you 100% thrilling satisfaction. The Jump Box Show is perfect for a family audience, featuring a roll in ramp from the roof of the show van to a large 6ft BMX jump box - you'll get to see lots of heart-stopping stunts!
May 5 10:30am Free Guided Walk ‘Why the railway came to Darlington’
Celebrate National Walking Month and the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway with this free guided walk visiting some of the key historic sites, and learn about some of the people behind the birth of the world’s first passenger railway.
Spaces are limited so please sign up.
May 5 VE Day 80 Celebrations at Hopetown Darlington
A special day of commemoration and remembrance – just as communities did 80 years ago. The site will be adorned with Union Jack bunting and flags to capture the spirit of the celebrations and street music will take place throughout the day.
Mid-May Must-Dos
May 8 Midsummer Night Market brought to you by Darlington Market
Browse artisan stalls, enjoy tasty street food and soak up the early summer vibes at this cool evening market.
May 10 Darlington Dance Festival
The town centre comes alive with dance performances from community groups across the borough – expect energy, colour and lots of toe-tapping fun!
May 10 I see you like this at Theatre Hullabaloo
I See You Like This is an acclaimed interactive art experience created by Jessica Wilson with designer Matilda Woodroofe to celebrate the fascinating relationship that is at the heart of individual identity. Tickets are £3 and must be booked in advance.
May 11 Darlington Farmers Market brought to you by Darlington Market
A must for food lovers – shop local produce, handmade goods and fresh seasonal treats right in the heart of the town centre.
May 12 Runstock Festival brought to you by Up & Running
This brand new running and wellness event features world famous international brands with trainers and kit for everyone to test out on a social 5km run.
May 12 - August 30 Fairytale Creative Play
Dress up, play and re-enact popular fairytales or create your own! Make magical potions, collect golden eggs and play in the fairytale castle – your little ones imaginations can run free! This is a free activity and there is no need to book however please be aware, during busier times there may be a short wait. The Hullabaloo is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 2pm.
May 16 - 18 Groovefest
A fab new music festival which will be lighting up venues with disco, soul and Motown vibes across the town centre.
Details of the full line up are available.
May 17 – 18 Tees Cottage Pumping Station Teddy Bear’s Picnic Open Days
Little ones will love exploring the historic Tees Cottage Pumping Station along with their teddy.
Call 07493 173123 to pre-book your tickets and reserve a picnic (£10 per child). As well as games and activities, the miniature train ride will be running and the wonderful beam engine, gas engine, Lancashire boilers and Smithy!
For full details head to the Tees Cottage website.
May 19 – 21 Pint of Science
Pint of Science is returning to Darlington for its second year! Each night will provide a unique line up of talks bringing scientists and their research out of the lab and into pubs, cafes and places near you to share their scientific discoveries. Held in the relaxed and informal environment at The Forum Music Studio.
May 20-24 Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical at Darlington Hippodrome
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, the brand new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions is coming to Darlington Hippodrome! The iconic movie set to the decade’s best songs is an irresistible combination and with over 40 four and five star reviews, it’s the ultimate 90s night out. Grab your friends, reserve a table at one of the town centre’s many restaurants and make a night of it.
May 22 Midsummer Night Market brought to you by Darlington Market
Back for round two! Another chance to enjoy this twilight shopping experience.
May 23 and 24 Beneath the Snow at Theatre Hullabaloo
Beneath the Snow is an exciting, playful and enchanting adventure with beautiful music and lighting. Audiences will sit on the stage in close proximity to the actors and bed of tissue paper so they can fully experience the magic of this show. Tickets are £8 and must be pre-booked.
May Half Term Fun and End of May
May 24 Motorsport Day 10:30 - 3:30
Petrolheads and curious kids alike will love this display of motor vehicles and activities in the town centre.
May 26 Thornton Hall Open Day and Plant Fair
A great day out for all ages, Thornton Hall opens its doors for the first time this year. Explore the beautiful gardens, shop plants and enjoy countryside charm.
May 27 Tractor Tuesday sponsored by Lloyd Ltd
Always a hit with little ones! Check out agricultural vehicles and machinery up close in the town centre. Opportunities to see real agricultural equipment, try out ride on tractors and diggers and take part in lots of other themed activities.
May 27 May Half Term Pool Party at The Dolphin Centre
Dive into the May holidays with this fun-filled Pool Party at the Dolphin Centre. It includes a live DJ on poolside and floats in the main pool, plus diving boards, slides and the toddler pool will be open to enjoy too! No booking required, normal admission applies.
May 27 Poetry with Dommy B at Theatre Hullabaloo
This fantastic, fun-filled session invites children to explore drama, poetry, and performance. With Dommy’s brilliant guidance, they’ll create their own words and rhythms, and maybe even see their ideas come to life in the show! Tickets start from £10 and must be pre-booked.
May 27 and 28 Make Some Noise at Theatre Hullabaloo
Make some Noise! suitable for ages 5+ is written and performed by award-winning poet Dommy B who also performed the show at last summer’s Hullabaloo in the Park. There’ll be rhymes, jokes, plus lots of opportunity to make some noise and get involved in this celebration of the power of sound and friendship. Tickets start from £8 and must be pre-booked.
May 29 Animal Experience at Cornmill Shopping Centre
Meet and learn about a range of fascinating creatures in this free interactive session taking place in the Cornmill Shopping Centre.
May 31 Emergency Services Day
Get hands-on with fire engines, police cars, ambulances and more as the town centre plays host to our local heroes and their incredible vehicles.
Plan your month in Darlington
If that’s not enough for you Archer’s Ice Cream is now open seven days a week from 11am – 6pm; Railway Pioneers – an incredible exhibition runs at Hopetown Darlington throughout May and, of course, Under the Sea soft play, at the Dolphin Centre, will be available throughout the month for you to pay a visit. Not to mention Darlington Libraries are hosting a range of activities to keep the kids busy during the half term.
Whether you’re into food, history, music or just making memories with the family, May 2025 in Darlington is packed with opportunities to get out and about and enjoy our brilliant town. Save the dates, invite your friends and don’t miss a thing.
Find full details for all events in our What's On listing.