Craft market, Anti-Valentine’s Party & Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on sale

Bad romance will be on display at Baltic on Saturday, 14 Feb, as the gallery invites singles, friends, and couples looking for an alternate Valentine’s night to ditch the roses and enjoy an Anti-Valentine’s Party Night. 

Featuring drag performances from Dollhaus dolls - including Mea T. Cleaver, Kealea Sin Love, Leviathanne, Laila Sagittaria, and Strawberry Fatcake - the night will also include music from North-East DJs Cousin Dan, Westy, and Becky Woodcock, all in collaboration with Big Beat Manifesto. Tickets include a free pizza slice, and three indulgent cocktails are on sale that align with the night's theme: The Toxic X, The Break-up, and The TonICK with non-alcoholic options available. Guests are invited to dance, enjoy the performances, and vent their biggest turn-offs by adding icks to the ‘ICK’ wall. 

At the end of the month on Saturday, 28 February, the Early Spring Makers Market returns to Baltic. Delivered in collaboration with Endless Love Creative, this popular one-day event sees 50 artists and makers from across the UK set up stalls inside the gallery to sell unique and contemporary design-led pieces. The Early Spring Makers Market will feature botanicals, ceramics, clothing, jewellery, knitwear, homeware, print and stationery from an ecletic list of stallholders. 

Many creators bring limited editions, originals and new works for 2026. Visitors can browse beautiful art for their home, gift inspiration and thoughtful one-of-a-kind items. £2 entry, 18s and under free. Tickets can be booked before the event online or purchased at the door. 

On Sunday 15 March, Baltic will welcome families to enjoy a Mother’s Day Picnic Afternoon Tea in the gallery. With four sittings at 11:30 / 12:30 / 13:30 / 14:30, this special event is a memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day at one of the region’s most iconic venues. The relaxed, picnic-style Afternoon Tea will include classic finger sandwiches, freshly whipped houmous with crudité, warm sausage or cheese & leek rolls, followed by scones piled high with clotted cream and jam, plus delicious cakes and English Breakfast Tea to enjoy. 

There will also be a chance for families to get creative at the Mother’s Day card-making station, where children can unleash their creativity and make heartfelt, handmade and unique cards for Mums to treasure.