Events in Darlington From 11th May – 17th May 2026

Home · Events in Darlington This Week

You can find a range of events in Darlington this week, from music and comedy to talks and creative workshops. The town’s cultural schedule includes performances at venues like The Forum Music Studios and Harrowgate Club & Institute Ltd, with events such as live jazz, open jam sessions, and a comedy show by Elaine Robertson. There are also history-focused talks at Darlington Library, exploring topics like the Pease family’s influence on civic buildings and the history of allotments. The town’s railway past, marked by the East Coast Main Line, is reflected in events like the talk on Newbey Lowson’s 1802 tour with Turner.

Darlington’s nightlife offers a mix of live music, comedy, and themed evenings. Look out for events like Honky Tonk Thursdays at Cowgirls And Country and performances by Smoove & Turrell. Pubs and bars provide relaxed settings, with the station frontage currently used as a car park, creating an unattractive first impression for visitors. The town has green spaces ideal for families and walkable areas around the town centre, though parking can be inadequate during peak times. Check the listings below for times and details.

Monday 11th May

Jesmonite Coasters at The Majestic Darlington

· Shopping & Markets

A hands-on workshop at The Majestic Theatre where participants create two coasters using jesmonite.

Glorious!

· Darlington Hippodrome · Nightlife & Music

Comedy musical Glorious! about Florence Foster Jenkins premieres at Darlington Hippodrome in 2026.

Tuesday 12th May

Local History Month - Newbey Lowson of Darlington a Talk by dr John Stanley

· Culture & Arts

Dr John Stanley discusses Newbey Lowson of Darlington and his 1802 tour with Turner in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Wednesday 13th May

Local History Month - Allotments: a Potted History, Talk by Carol Marley

· Culture & Arts

Carol Marley gives a humorous talk on the history of allotments from Anglo Saxon times to today at Darlington Library.

Darlington Business Summit 2026

· Nightlife & Music

A business summit at Hopetown Darlington offering networking and practical support for local entrepreneurs.

The Forum Open Jam With Ria Robinson

· The Forum Music Studios · Nightlife & Music

Ria Robinson hosts an open jam session at The Forum Music Studios, inviting musicians to perform live.

Thursday 14th May

Comedy | Elaine Robertson: Delulu

· The Forum Music Studios · Nightlife & Music

Comedian Elaine Robertson performs her new stand-up show 'Delulu' at The Forum Music Studios.

Design & Build a Marketing Process For Success

· Nightlife & Music

A business training event focused on building and measuring effective marketing processes.

The Property Thing May - Adam Lawrence - Propenomix

· Nightlife & Music

Adam Lawrence presents a data-driven analysis of property and economic trends for investors at Blackwell Grange Hotel.

Life Drawing at The Vault

· Nightlife & Music

A relaxed life drawing session with background music, open to all skill levels at The Vault.

Honky Tonk Thursdays

· Nightlife & Music

Live country music, karaoke, and 2-for-1 drinks at Cowgirls And Country every Thursday.

Friday 15th May

Hark! The Sound of Stories Presents 'on Sycamore Gap'

· Nightlife & Music

A poetry and music event inspired by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree at Darlington Library.

Them 4

· Harrowgate Club & Institute Ltd · Nightlife & Music

Them 4 perform live at Harrowgate Club & Institute Ltd in Darlington on 15 May 2026.

Saturday 16th May

Smoove & Turrell

· The Forum Music Studios · Nightlife & Music

Soul music duo Smoove & Turrell perform their classic tracks at The Forum Music Studios.

Sunday 17th May

Tees Valley Writing Conference 2026

· Culture & Arts

A writing conference featuring panels and workshops for authors and creatives in Tees Valley.