Top Picks

Free Things This Weekend

Good local plans needn't cost the earth. This page keeps an eye on the stronger free events nearby, so you can skip the faff and get straight to the promising stuff.

11–12 July Near Hartlepools, The

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We don't just scoop up anything with a £0 next to it. These picks still need to be nearby, useful, and properly explained, because 'free' is lovely but 'free and baffling' is less of a selling point.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Hartlepools, The, 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 Hartlepools, The

England V Norway - World Cup1Free! (worth double-checking)

England V Norway - World Cup

at Flares Reflex

England vs Norway LIVE at Flares & Popworld Middlesbrough! FREE ENTRY before 10:00 PM Join us this Saturday as England take on Norway in a huge international clash, shown LIVE on our big screens with full commentary . Doors Open: 9:00 PM Kick Off: 10:00 PM Live Commentary from 10:00 PM Live DJ before the match, during half-time and after the final whistle. Popworld Room open from 10:00 PM for anyone who wants to keep the party going throughout the night. Open until 4:00 AM – stay with us after the final whistle and keep the celebrations going with our DJs until close. Whether you're here to back England, soak up the atmosphere with friends or carry on the party after the match, we've got your Saturday night covered. Flares & Popworld Middlesbrough Arrive early to guarantee the best view of the screens.

8.7 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Pop-aoke2Free! (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 £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!

8.7 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community

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Paddington4Free! (worth double-checking)

Paddington

at Cultural Shift

From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (Harry Potter), Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined – until he meets the kindly Brown family who … Continued

10.6 milesSat 11 Jul11:15
Local gemSee the details→
Community
community5Free! (worth double-checking)

Hearth Outdoors

at Mining Art Gallery

From nature trails and family-friendly wildlife sessions to sensory exploration, games, simple bush craft, and hands-on conservation, each session responds to the time of year and encourages curiosity, reflection, and a deeper connection to place. Perfect for families and individuals who want to connect with nature and each other.

19 milesSun 12 Jul11:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Vynas w The Fry Ups & Luminous6Free! (worth double-checking)

Vynas w The Fry Ups & Luminous

at Independent

On the 23rd January 2026, vynas made their debut in Newcastle, from such a small stage, their presence commanded the crowd and moved them with their unique sound. Now, making their debut in their home town, Vynas have been welcomed at Independent in Sunderland at their biggest stage yet. Accompanied by The fry ups and … Continued

15.7 milesSat 11 Jul20:00
CuratedSee the details→
Community
Seaside Los Jameos9Free! (worth double-checking)

Seaside Los Jameos

at Stanhope Travel Ltd

Linger for longer in this luxurious Lanzarote hotel. At Seaside Los Jameos, you?ll find whitewashed architecture and a beach just steps away. Attentive service, a broad selection of rooms and delicious cuisine come as standard. In need of pampering? Book into the spa for revitalising therapies. Let a calming room or suite be your comfy holiday base on Bed And Breakfast, Half Board or All Inclusive. Four outdoor pools, mini-golf and tennis will have you out in the rays for days. There are clubs and tailored menus for kids, plus the trendy Piano Bar and more for grown-ups.

32.3 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Film: Hamnet10Free! (worth double-checking)

Film: Hamnet

at Warkworth Memorial Hall

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao directs a powerful story of love and loss. William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) falls for the free-spirited Agnes (Jessie Buckley). Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage and three children, but as Will's theatrical ambitions draw him to London, Agnes remains behind to manage the household. When tragedy strikes, their bond is deeply tested—but through grief and resilience, their journey inspires the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. The film also stars Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn and is produced by renowned filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes. The film received numerous accolades, including winning the Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for Buckley at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, and eight nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Zhao, with Buckley winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. (2025 certificate 12, 2 hours).

47.4 milesSat 11 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upRainy Day Picks This WeekendA shortlist for damp weekends: likely-indoor plans, cosy venues, and fewer reasons to pretend your coat is more waterproof than it is.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.