The ultimate what's on guide for the last two weeks of summer in Leeds
There's something to suit everyone!
Roundhay Park outdoor theatre - various weekends
Heartbreak Productions are coming to Roundhay Park this summer to put on open air adaptations of some of the most famous and popular novels and plays of history. The Taming of the Shrew and Murder on the Terrace are still to be performed in upcoming weeks, so grab your camping chair and a ticket now!
Breeze on Tour - dates vary depending on location
The ever-popular Breeze tour returns once again this summer. There will be arts and crafts activities, sports, performances and of course the giant inflatables, available for everyone from 0-19. There will even be a fairground and refreshment stalls!
Dangerous Arts at Royal Armouries - 29th July - 3rd September
The Royal Armouries will be exhibiting some of the 'Dangerous Arts' that have been a part of British history this summer. Flash talks will be taking place for free regularly, but there will also be the chance to meet experts in their fields such as costumiers and leatherworkers and take part in drama workshops.
Family Films at The Palace Picture House - 29th July - 3rd September
The Palace Picture House - a beautiful 1920's cinema at Armley Mills Leeds Industrial Museum - will be showing a mystery family film every day (apart from Mondays!) across the summer holidays. You can email or call the venue to find out the film on the day, but if you like a bit of mystery in your life just show up and give it a go! The price of the film is included in museum entry, meaning that a family of 5 can watch the film for an incredible total of £5!
Park Here and Play - 12th - 28th August
The space outside of Leeds Art Gallery on Victoria Gardens will be temporarily transformed this summer into a re-imagined space for all to enjoy. The organisers promise a programme of fun activities, bringing the creativity of the gallery to the space outside. Expect buskers, crafts and food a-plenty!
Amazing Animals at Temple Newsam's Home Farm - 14th - 18th August
Exotic animals from across the country will be present at Home Farm across the week of the 14th August, with a variety of entertainment on offer: everything from bird of prey displays to pony rides. The farm promises exotic animals and mystery visitors throughout the week so it sounds the ideal way to spend a day with the family!
Kirkstall Fairy Kingdom - 19th August
Within the spectacular ruins of Kirkstall Abbey on this magical day you will find fairies, Cinderella, goblins and plenty of other curious creatures. The organisers encourage fairy tale fancy dress participation and are promising lots of fairy fun for little ones, with entertainment including puppet shows, fashion shows, crafts and face painting. We reckon this day would make the year of little ones with a penchant for fairies. It is ticketed, so make sure you book ahead.
Vintage weekend - 19th - 20th August
The Vintage Weekend at Lotherton Hall is a celebration of all things vintage and retro, with a special emphasis on the '50's and '60's. Expect live music and dancing, stalls and lots of vintage dress!
Leeds Classic Bus Run day - 20th August
Thwaite Mills Watermill plays host to this year's Classic Bus Run, where vintage buses from the 1950's and 60's will be offering free transportation between Leeds city centre, Leeds Industrial Museum, Thwaite Mills and Middleton Railway. There will also be a classic car show - another one for the vintage lovers!
Leeds Festival - 24th - 27th August
Reading Festival's far superior sister site, Leeds Festival is going to be a stormer of a weekend once again in 2017, with incredible main headliners Eminem, Kasabian and Muse guaranteed to put on one of the biggest shows Leeds has ever seen.
Leeds Beer Week - 25th August - 3rd September
One for the grownups here - Leeds Beer Week is a 10 day long celebration of the wonder that is beer, with special events taking part at participating bars and pubs across Leeds throughout the period. Check out the Leeds Beer Week website for more information on individual events.
Eat North bank holiday weekender - 26th - 27th August
Leeds Indie Food launched EatNorth at North Brewing Co only a matter of months ago, but this weekly street food market at the brewery has gone down a storm. For the bank holiday there will be a Manchester takeover (we'll forgive them that though because the food is always ridiculously delicious), across both Saturday and Sunday from 12pm - late, with street food, a bar, games and live music.
Leeds West Indian Carnival - 28th August
This year's Carnival celebrates 50 years since it began, making it the longest-running European Caribbean carnival parade, so it's sure to be a party not to be missed.
Left Bank Opera Festival
Northern Opera Group and Left Bank Leeds are collaborating for the first ever Left Bank Opera Festival. There will be opera productions fitting with the theme of 'Great British Opera' so if you're an opera lover this is the festival for you!