Looking forward to a three-day weekend? We are! We’re hoping the sun will grace us with its presence again and shine down on all of the amazing things happening in Leeds. Still not got your bank holiday weekend sorted? Don’t worry! We have the lowdown.

Saturday 25th August

Toy Art, Riley Smith Theatre, 10am – 4pm
After a respectable lie-in, we’d recommend heading across to Riley Smith Theatre at Leeds University Union to check out Toy Art. An exhibition brought to you by some of the leading toy artists in the UK, you’ll be able to experience their work and chat to some of them in person.


Image: Toy Art UK

Eat North, North Brewing Co, 12pm onwards
Fancy some beer and fantastic street food? There’s no better to place to find it than Eat North at North Brewing Co’s brewery tap. With a selection of coffee, sweet treats and street food goodness, you’re bound to find something which tickles your fancy.

Mango Lassi launch, Northern Monk Refectory, 11.45am onwards
From one brewery to another, Northern Monk is hosting a special celebration for its much-loved Mango Lassi IPA which is returning to its taps as part of Leeds Beer Week. There’ll be street food and fun on offer too.


Image: Northern Monk Brewery

Pride and Prejudice at Roundhay Park, 2pm and 7pm
It is the truth universally acknowledged that bank holidays are the absolute best. Make sure yours continues to be top notch with a trip to Roundhay Park for an open air performance of Pride and Prejudice. Swoon as Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love and feel the warm glow of knowing that you still have two more lie-ins to come.

Sunday 26th August

Leeds Feast, Water Lane Boathouse, 11am onwards
Not had enough street food yet? We hear you! Head down to Water Lane Boathouse for a feast and a half at the aptly named, Leeds Feast! Enjoy the beer garden in the sun (fingers crossed) with a pint or two, food from our friends at Ox Club and many others and music from Hyde Park Brass and a selection of DJs. This event is on 27th too!

Left Bank Opera Festival, Left Bank Leeds, 2.30 to 3.30pm
Catch the last day of the Left Bank Opera Festival with a performance of Calcutta by Ensemble Tempus Fugit. There will be other fun activities throughout the day so head up from 1pm.

Black Music Festival, Potternewton Park
Formerly known as Leeds Reggae Festival, the Black Music Festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe. Get in the mood for carnival with some of the best reggae, hip hop and r ‘n’ b performances from across the globe! There’ll be food and arts and crafts too!


Image: Black Music Festival (Photography: Guy Farrar)

Monday 27th August

Leeds West Indian Carnival, Chapeltown
Right, this one is our favourite and we strongly recommend that you make it the cornerstone of your bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, see the very best of Leeds with this all out party! Expect costumes, music and an awesome atmosphere. Keep an eye on social media for announcements about timings.

Chapel Allerton Arts Festival Week, Chapel Allerton
Just up the road from the carnival, you’ll find the beginnings of the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival. A week of celebration before the main event (31st – 2nd), head to Seven for a Short Film Festival from 7.30pm or enjoy an Art Hunt with the kids around Gledhow Valley Woods during the day.


Image: Chapel Allerton Arts Festival

Leeds Piano Trail, Leeds city centre, all day
Completed the Art Hunt at Gledhow Valley Woods (see above) and still fancy hunting some more…? Well, LeedsBID is supporting the 2018 Leeds Piano Competition and has hidden 12 pianos around the city to celebrate. You can pick up a trail map from info points across the city or just wander round and see how many you can find. Here’s a starter for 10, there’s one at The Tetley if you fancy some food to kickstart your hunt and there’s also one hiding at Corn Exchange, which is always worth a visit!

There you have it. Our bank holiday round up is bound to keep you busy. Have we missed anything? How do you plan to spend yours?