From SIRF to Stockton Sparkles: Six unmissable events to look forward to in 2026 in Stockton-on-Tees!
Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) and the ever-popular Stockton Sparkles are just two of the exciting festivals and events you don't want to miss in Stockton-on-Tees Borough this year.
Armed Forces Day kicks off a packed events programme on Saturday 20 June, and will be the Borough's first event to be celebrated in the ambitious new Stockton Waterfront urban park.
And with the welcome return of Stockton's famous fireworks display in November, Remembrance Day and the much-loved Santa on Wheels, there really is lots for residents and visitors of all ages to look forward to in 2026!
Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "This year's exciting events programme begins with the unmissable Armed Forces Day: A Community Celebration, honouring our armed forces, past, present and future and showcasing the scale and ambition of the new urban park.
"Stockton Waterfront is a place for the whole community, and I truly can't think of a better event to launch this fantastic new space when it stages a spectacular programme of events and community celebrations - including a ceremonial flypast by the famous RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
"Of course, SIRF remains the jewel in the crown of our events offer and attracts visitors from far and wide, providing our residents with the opportunity to enjoy world-class street performance, dance, music and outdoor arts for free.
"In November, the urban park and Riverside will be lit up with the welcome return of our annual Stockton Fireworks display - a breathtaking show which attracts in the region of 25,000 visitors!
"Then the ever-popular Stockton Sparkles and Santa on Wheels will once again bring some Christmas cheer and round off the Borough's packed events schedule with plenty of festive fun!
"There's so much on offer to entertain, dazzle and delight this year, for all the family - so be sure not to miss any of it!"
Here are six events coming soon:
Armed Forces Day & Community Celebrations
Saturday 20 June & Sunday 21 June
Stockton High Street, Waterfront urban park and Riverside
Celebrate and support our Armed Forces at this special event packed with activities, live entertainment and interactive displays. Set in the surroundings of the new Waterfront Park, this event will welcome audiences to explore the phenomenal redevelopment.
Meet representatives from across the military and partner organisations and learn more about their work, past and present.
This much-loved annual event will be enhanced this year with special activities in the Waterfront park for all the family to enjoy, including a showcase of military vehicles, cadet forces river display and rowing races, boat flotilla on the Tees, live music and a funfair on the riverside with a 22-metre-high Ferris Wheel.
And be sure not to miss a dramatic early evening ceremonial flypast by the famous RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight!
The community celebrations will continue on Sunday 21 June with plenty more for families to enjoy, including the large marquee with community activities and pop-up performances and buskers in Finkle Square and the Riverside fair.
Events and activities will take place showcasing how the park can be used by community groups in the future, such as walking groups, workshops and dog-friendly events.
Over the weekend The People's Wall - a huge 64-metre Community Art Wall - will also be on display where visitors can be inspired by local artists and the history of the site, add their own contributions and share their stories onto the wall.
SIRF 2026
Friday, 31 July until Sunday, 2 August
Stockton Town Centre, Waterfront urban park and Riverside
Get ready for an unforgettable 39th edition of SIRF as it makes its debut in the new Waterfront park, with a dazzling programme of street theatre, circus, music and dance.
As the North East's leading free to enjoy outdoor arts festival, SIRF transforms Stockton town centre into a vibrant stage.
A huge array of artists will perform at the festival from the Tees Valley alongside acts from France, Catalonia, Netherlands, Korea, Australia and the UK.
With more than 100 performances across the weekend, there's something for everyone to enjoy, and this year will shine a spotlight on audiences with over 11 shows that have participation and communities casts.
The ever-popular Community Carnival also returns on Sunday, 2 August, bringing a lively parade of music, costumes and creativity to the High Street.
Stockton Fireworks
Sunday 1 November
Waterfront urban park and Riverside
The hugely anticipated Stockton Fireworks returns in November with a spectacular display.
Set along the banks of the River Tees, with the stunning backdrop of the new Waterfront park, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of colour, light and celebration - a true highlight of the autumn calendar.
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday, 8 November
Stockton Town Centre
Residents are being invited to honour those who gave their lives in both World Wars and more recent conflicts on Remembrance Sunday.
Stockton Parish Church will hold its usual contemporary Sunday Service with a remembrance theme, ending with the Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.
A parade will then march up Stockton High Street to the Cenotaph for a special outside service, before marching back down the High Street with the Mayor and other VIPs taking the salute.
Stockton Sparkles
December (dates to be confirmed)
Stockton High Street
Wrap up the year with festive cheer as the much-loved Stockton Sparkles returns.
Expect spectacular seasonal entertainment, full of family activities. The always bustling Christmas market will be there and don't miss the dazzling Illuminated Lantern Parade and more during the always popular festival!
Santa on Wheels
December (dates to be confirmed)
Across the Borough
Santa Claus is coming to town... so make sure to give him a wave!
The big man in red will be spreading plenty of festive cheer across the Borough with the welcome return of Santa on Wheels to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.
Santa's four-day festive open-top bus tour will be decked out with dazzling lights and atmospheric festive music to put smiles on the faces of residents young and old.
For more information on these six spectacular events and other things to see and do in Stockton-on-Tees Borough in 2026 visit the Visit Tees Valley website.
