The FRESHEST Events To Attend In Leeds This Summer
There’s always something exciting going on in Leeds, whether it’s an event which focuses on arts and culture, food and drink, music or live sports, this West Yorkshire city sure knows how to put on a good time.
If this is your first summer spent in the buzzing city and you’re wanting to know what’s taking place, or you’re a local trying to find something new to make 2023 a standout, our guide on the freshest events to attend in Leeds will sort you out!
Let the good times roll folks…
1. The North Leeds Food Festival
Kickstarting our post is none other than The North Leeds Food Festival, despite taking place in May this much loved event is certainly worth a mention.
For the 7th year running, Roundhay Park will be home to a celebration of all things food, drink, performing arts and live music.
On the 13th and 14th of May, you can munch upon tasty international street food, watch free chef demos, get involved with interactive tasting sessions from local experts, as well as enjoy entertainment, comedy and arts shows.
There’s also live music all day long so you can dance along and have some drinks from the 8 independent bars onsite!
Tickets are on final release so be quick if you do want to go.
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When: 13-14th May
Where: Roundhay Park
2. Live At Leeds In The Park
The event programme for 2023 is jam packed in this city, and if you’re looking for music festivals to attend, Live At Leeds In The Park is a must.
Held in the grounds of Temple Newsham Park on Saturday 27th May, this annual music celebration features the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, The Big Moon, Everything Everything, Kate Nash and The Lathums on the lineup.
It’s not just music which is the focus either, there will be a variety of gorgeous food to choose from like fries, burgers, chicken, noodles, Mac ‘N Cheese, Donuts and more, along with bars so you can enjoy some drinks!
Tickets are still available so make sure to grab yours if you’re wanting to say goodbye to the end of the academic year in style.
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When: 27th May
Where: Temple Newsam Park
3. Slam Dunk Festival
Slam Dunk Festival is the UK’s number one pop-punk, rock and alternative festival, and the North addition takes place every year within Leeds.
This year’s line-up includes big names like The Offspring, Bowling for Soup, Less Than Jake, Flogging Molly, and Boston Manor along with many more.
If you want to rock out with your mates this summer and make unforgettable memories then make the 27th and the 28th of May free in your calendar!
Unfortunately, tickets for this year’s rock and punt festival have sold out but you can sign up for alerts on See Tickets’ fan to fan resale outlet.
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When: 27th-28th May
Where: Temple Newsam Park
4. Sounds Of The City
Experience Leeds like never before at Sounds Of The City.
Held within the iconic Millennium Square in the heart of the city centre, this year’s event programme will see Kasabian, Blossoms, Bastille, Morrisey, McFly, The Wombats and more take to the stage.
This annual series of events is back in West Yorkshire for the second year and will take place from July 6th up until July 15th – it’s not one to miss out on!
If you’d like to go to any of these shows, tickets are still on sale on the official website with prices varying from show to show.
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When: 6th-15th July
Where: Millennium Square
5. Summer Solstice: Asian Music Festival
When it comes to events in Leeds, one in particular which stands out to us is the Summer Solstice: Asian Music Festival.
What can you expect? On the 21st June 2023, the Leeds Corn Exchange will be hosting an unforgettable inner-body experience of music, celebration, and unity.
Celebrating the longest day of the year the event will be taking place from 11am up until 5:30am with an amazing line-up of live music from award winning musician Qais Essar along with others.
If you want to attend, tickets are pay what you can starting from £3.
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When: 21st June
Where: Leeds Corn Exchange
6. Leeds Festival
Looking for something to do this August bank holiday weekend? Leeds Festival should be at the top of your list.
The festival will be held over the weekend of August 25th to August 27th, with a stellar line-up featuring artists from a wide range of genres.
From icons such as Sam Fender to The Killers to Foals to Billie Eilish to Loyle Carner to Steve Lacy to Lewis Capaldi, this is a music celebration you’ll want to be part of this summer.
You can also experience comedy shows, silent discos, DJ performances, and indulge in mouth-watering food and drink!
Get your ticket sorted before they’re all gone by heading to the official website.
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When: 25th-27th August
Where: Bramham Park
7. Mint Festival
Yorkshire’s biggest dance music event, Mint Festival is yet again returning this September in the fields of Newsam Green Farm.
The huge line-up of dance music spans across house, techno as well as drum and bass, with big names like Ben Hemsley, Enzo Siragusa, East Ends Dubs, Jayda G, Sosa set to play.
We’d be here all day naming every one of the killer artists that are performing across the 16th and the 17th September, but you can head to the website to see a full line-up breakdown.
If you want to get those end of summer plans sorted before the next academic year begins, box off your ticket now!
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When: 16th-17th September
Where: Newsam Green Farm
8. The Ashes Series 2023
We told you this guide would feature an event for everyone, and for the cricket fans out there, you’re in luck as The Ashes Series 2023 is coming to Leeds.
Headingley Stadium will stage the Third Ashes Test within July for the men’s and women’s cricket matches between England and Australia.
Sadly, official supplier tickets for Days 1–4 have sold out, but reseller tickets are available if you do want to attend.
If you’re a sports lover, this is going to be one hell of an event taking place from the 6th until the 10th July.
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When: 6th-10th July
Where: Headingley Stadium
9. The Popworld Festival
Back again for a second year, The Popworld Festival is landing in Millennium Square for a massive party on the 5th August.
You can grab your besties and dance along with a drink in hand to mega hits from pop acts of the 90s and 00s, like Ronan Keating, Claire, Richards, B*Witched, Chesney Hawkes and DJ Casper.
If you’re a fan of Popworld, we’re sure you’re going to have an amazing time.
So, get your ticket at the ready, and your dancing shoes on!
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When: 5th August
Where: Millennium Square
10. 42nd Street
If you’re a fan of the theatre and looking for events taking place in Leeds, 42nd Street is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale which is coming to the Grand Theatre and Opera House.
Choreographed and designed by award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones, this show tells the story of small-town-girl Peggy Sawyer and her rise to fame as a Broadway star.
Starring Samantha Womack as Dorothy Brock, Michael Praed as Julian Marsh, Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, Les Dennis as Bert Barry and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer, this musical is sure to be entertaining.
Don’t miss it, buy your ticket now for a great night at the theatre with your friends this summer!
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When: 25th-29th July
Where: Grand Theatre and Opera House
That’s the end of our guide on the 10 freshest Leeds events you need to attend, now go and get your plans sorted by booking your tickets. It’s going to be a summer to remember!
What events are you planning on attending? We’d love to hear from you @urbanstudentlife.
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