It’s almost the bank holiday! Yippee! An extra day off work and time to explore whatever city (or non-city) you happen to be in. As you’ll know, we’re based in Leeds and as always, there’s lots to do this weekend. Here’s some top notch inspiration to get you started.

Friday
Looking for somewhere to kick off the long weekend and take advantage of the Friday buzz? We’d recommend heading to Northern Monk. You can wander along the canal and enjoy a beer outside (sun permitting) and a good feed in the The Refectory, which is currently hosting our neighbour, Wapentake as its resident foodie.  

Once you’re fed and watered, head down to music festival, World Island, which is happening in Leeds all weekend (remember, you do need a ticket). Tonight it’s Sampha and Badbadnotgood! Or if you’re looking for something a little different, you’ll find Afrobeat, funk and reggae at Howard Assembly Rooms as all-female supergroup, Les Amazones d’Afrique take to the stage.

(Image credit: World Island)

Saturday
After you’ve had the mandatory Saturday lie-in, head to Northern Print Fair at Duke Studios, and grab an awesome brunch at Sheaf Street Cafeteria while you’re there. Hop on the best mode of transport in Leeds, the Water Taxi (if you can miss the queue) and dock at one of the best places (if not the best) to be on a sunny day, Water Lane Boathouse.

Another awesome lunch option is Eat North at North Brew where you’ll find Meat Stack, What a Donut, Rabbit Hole Coffee and I Knead Pizza (to name a few). You can also enjoy the tail end of Leeds Indie Food where The Reliance will be “cooking the books” from 6.30pm to 10pm.

If you’ve had enough of the sunshine we’ve been promised, head to Hyde Park Picture House to cool down with a good film. Tomorrow they’re showing Nothing Like a Dame and The Breadwinners. Alternatively, West Yorkshire Playhouse has two cracking shows on this bank holiday weekend, The Girl on the Train and Hard Times – two novel adaptations which are not to be missed.

Live Art Bistro has a treat in store for you too with Pink Suits: Political Child & Sam Kennedy as part of Yorkshire Dance’s Performing Gender Week. Alternatively, you can opt to “get your Spain on” at Arts@Trinity’s Flamenco Festival. Castanets and fans at the ready!

(Image credit: North Brewing Co)

Sunday
Make the most of Sunday sans blues with a trip to Kirkstall Abbey Market. Explore the beautiful ruins with food and treats from some of Leeds’ best businesses.

No Sunday would be complete with a roast, and we certainly have a few favourites. Dock 29 is fantastic for veggies and meat eaters alike but if you fancy something a little more traditional, head to The Cross Keys for your Yorkshire puds.

When it comes to arty adventures, you can look no further than Sunny Bank Mills which has its Clocking Off exhibition on this weekend.

Fill your Sunday evening with merriment and giggles by returning the West Yorkshire Playhouse for Bridget Christie’s stand up show. The living legend, Bryan Adams, is also on at Leeds Arena on Sunday evening, if you fancy rocking out to Summer of ‘69!

Finally, Whitelock’s is hosting a Candlelit Victorian Banquet from 6-11pm, if you’re yet to have your fill of bank holiday grub.

(Image credit: Brisbane Tailoring  and Sunny Bank Mills)

Monday
Now’s the time to enjoy that extra day off (**sound of trumpet fanfare**)! Head to Otley for the Traditional Maypole event where a team of female morris dancers called The Buttercross Belles will be celebrating May Day the traditional way.

The Real Junk Food Emporium is still open for business, so nip down and grab what you need for a picnic, including some bread for the ducks before heading across to Roundhay Park to tuck into your treats. Our weather app is promising a sunshine filled treat.

Fancy feeling very Yorkshire? Then pop to The Carriageworks for We Are Bronte at 7.30pm.

And finally, finish off the long weekend with time on the Belgrave rooftop, with delicious pizza from Dough Boys kitchen, followed by the sounds of Femi Kuti and The Positive Force.

We hope that’s given you a little inspiration. What else do you have planned for the long weekend? Tell us in the comments below.