A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Dean Bank

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Dean Bank, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Dean Bank

Learn to Knit in 50 Squares: 11. The convergent one1

Learn to Knit in 50 Squares: 11. The convergent one

at A Wing and a Bear

Join Jennifer for part one of a long-term series of short knitalongs based on the book Learn to Knit in 50 Squares by Anna Pantelous. For this series we require that you have a copy of the book, whether purchased from us (we will offer a 10% discount on the book to those registered for the class) or elsewhere. If you

6.3 milesSat 11 Jul15:00
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Evensong2

Evensong

at St Andrews C of E Church

The Office of Evening Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, sung by choir and congregation, with hymns and a short address/meditation or spiritual reading. On the 1st Sunday of the Month and major fests there is also Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

1.6 milesSun 12 Jul19:00
Local gemSee the details→
Religion & Spirituality

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Bowes Book Club6

Bowes Book Club

at Bowes Museum

Embrace curiosity and join the conversation as we explore stories that celebrate the arts, culture and creativity. Each session will showcase a hand-picked selection of objects from the collection and encourage lively discussion. Whether you’re a seasoned reader, a museum enthusiast, or looking for a new experience in an inspiring space, dive into a range of fiction, non-fiction, historical and modern explorations of change, style and empowerment through a range of perspectives. Please note: books will not be provided, so please ensure you can get one before the session. Suitable for ages 18+. Β£10. Booking recommended. Ticket price includes free tea or coffee. Sunday 12 July: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Please contact the learning team at if you have access requirements, so the session can be adapted to suit your needs. To reserve your place click β€˜book tickets’ and select the ticket that suits you. We’ll confirm your membership when you arrive, or you can pay for a day ticket/ join as a member on the day. BOOK TICKETS

17.5 milesSun 12 JulΒ£10.
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Pop-aoke7Free! (worth double-checking)

Pop-aoke

at Flares Reflex

Get ready to sing your heart out at POP-AOKE – our all-new karaoke night at Flares Popworld Middlesbrough! 8PM – 2AM FREE ENTRY all night FREE SHOT for every singer Β£2.50 DRINKS ALL NIGHT! From pop classics to party anthems – this is your time to shine! Grab the mic, grab your mates, and let’s make Sunday nights UNMISSABLE!

15.2 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Families @ St Chad's8

Families @ St Chad's

at St Chad's Parish Church

A service for families with school aged children. We all hear stories from the bible, sing songs, pray together, do crafts and other activities, before finishing with tea and toast. This service is only for those who come with school aged children. Parents, grandparents, & carers all stay and join in with the worship.

16.1 milesSun 12 Jul16:00
Local gemSee the details→
Community
FEAST9

FEAST

at Sunderland Minster

This informal service runs throughout most of the year, but takes a break in August. We begin, together, for singing and to hear the Bible (often presented in dramatic form) before choosing from a range of activities - quiet reflection, craft, Bible study in English or in Farsi. We then come back together, to share what we have done and learned, and some weeks we end with eating a simple lunch together.

16.8 milesSun 12 Jul12:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community
community10

Little Gems

at The Bistro

Little Gems School of Dance invite you to join them and defy dance gravity with a show packed full of amazing routines! We have it all in one show – disco classics, pop legends, musical memories and reimagined classics, before finally we dance through life and prove how Wicked we really are!

19.8 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community

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