Anyone who knows me know that I’m a big fan of emo, pop punk, punk, and metal/screamo. When looking for universities, places to find friends within my subculture was absolutely a factor. My Google searches were extensive, but I only found a few bits and bats, relying on word of mouth, advertising algorithms, and iykyk-style events to find my place. So here I am, three years on, ready to bestow my hard-won wisdom upon the masses.
Good music and safe environments made me feel safe to reach out to people and form lasting friendships. That said, onto my top picks for the best alternative spots in Newcastle.
1. Rise
Rise is on every single Saturday at Greys Club, with special events for anniversaries, Halloween, and New Years (New Years is incredible, I haven’t missed it since I started my degree). There are usually three rooms, split into the Terrace playing ‘The Classics’, Main Room playing Metal, Nu-Metal, Emo and Punk (taking requests), and a Nu/Rap room. On occasion, the Mezzanine is opened and plays Nu-Metal/ Metal. The people are super friendly, and the bouncers are on top of their game. I’ve never felt unsafe there.
(Psst: Half-price discount on Rise admission comes with a membership with Newcastle University Rock Society)
2. Blush
Blush is an alternative night held at World HQ, with live alternative music, DJ-ing, and live skating on the terrace outside to watch. The vibe is friendly, with loads of moshing and dancing. The smoking area outside is spacious and social, and the atmosphere is very welcoming and safe. All said, a great night out!
3. NQ64
NQ64 is an arcade bar with awesome video-game themed cocktails. Admission is free, and you pay for tokens to play the arcade games with. They have a great selection of games, including a very popular Guitar Hero room (I have been badly defeated there many, many times).
4. NX
NX is a venue located right in the centre of Newcastle, hosting concerts and events. The Emo Night hosted there every so often is a big highlight and always sells out quickly. The vibes in that room with everyone screaming Sleeping With Sirens at the top of their lungs is seriously unbeatable!
5. O2 Live
The O2 is a similar venue, with loads of incredible bands stopping by. My favourite events of theirs are defo the tribute bands. My mum and I saw tributes for Linkin Park, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and My Chemical Romance, and have tickets for a Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana tribute night later this year. Security is professional, the venue is spacious, and the bands are incredible.
6. Four Quarters
With a similar vibe to NQ64, Four Quarters offers special nights before and after big alternative concerts with drinks deals. Their cocktails are video game themed and so instagrammable. They also serve pizza to eat while you game, which is super yummy. They have both vintage and newer games, for single players and groups alike. A great date idea, and also a lush night out with friends!
Whether you’re just considering Newcastle for university, or you’re already here and looking to branch out, these venues are absolutely the places to go to find people within your subculture. I love to just walk around the city and see all of the awesome subcultures on display – outfit envy and all. Goths, punks, gamers, emos, scene kids, and metalheads alike can all find something to enjoy in Newcastle!
FAQs on the best alternative nights out in Newcastle
An alternative night out is anything that breaks away from the typical clubbing-and-bars routine. In Newcastle, that could mean themed karaoke, retro arcade bars, escape rooms, late-night crazy golf, or live comedy nights.
Check out The Cluny in the Ouseburn for indie, rock, and acoustic acts, or Bobiks in Jesmond for smaller, eclectic gigs. Both offer a more intimate vibe than big venues.
Try a night at Tyneside Cinema for classic or indie films, followed by cocktails at one of the speakeasy-style bars like WC Newcastle (yes, it’s in a converted public loo).
Definitely—many venues like Junkyard Golf, Lane7, and board game cafés such as Meeple Perk offer fun activities and alcohol-free options, so you can still enjoy the atmosphere without a hangover.
Alvinos is a favourite for its eclectic décor, cocktails, and vintage pinball machines. For something truly different, try The Punch Bowl Hotel in Jesmond—it’s part pub, part microbrewery, part pizzeria.
Hi, I’m Reid! I’m an English Literature Student at Newcastle University. I love writing fiction, poetry, and listening to the loudest music I can find.
Top tip for students? You don’t have to do everything in front of you. While University is ripe with both career opportunities and social events, remember to take life at your own pace!
