Events and Activities in Leeds for August Bank Holiday Weekend

Plan Your August Bank Holiday Weekend in Leeds

Leeds offers a wide range of events and activities over the August Bank Holiday weekend, catering to different interests including music, culture, food, and family-friendly entertainment. The city is hosting several notable festivals, live performances, and exhibitions from 27 to 31 August 2026.

Music Festivals and Concerts

• Leeds Festival (27–30 August) – Taking place at Bramham Park, this major summer music festival features headliners such as Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence & The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and Raye. The festival introduces six new and improved stages showcasing both established and emerging artists.
• Dom Martin at Brudenell Social Club – Blues rock artist Dom Martin headlines a night with special guests Katie and the Bad Sign.
• R&B Mania at Project House – A six-hour event featuring classic and modern R&B anthems.
• Saturday Night Comedy at Glee Club Leeds – Comedians including Justin Moorhouse, Pete Selwood, and Ingrid Dahle perform on stage.
• The Space Lady at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen – Synth and psychedelic music from the artist who began her career in the 1970s.
• Club Classics 90s & 00s Courtyard Party at Project House – A dance event featuring club classics from the 1990s and 2000s.
• Paisley Dark Rooftop Takeover at Headrow House – Live music with Paisley Dark and special guests including Viper Patrol and Marie Avril.
• Playlunch at Brudenell Social Club – A free concert featuring Australian retro dance music.
• Girly Pop Festival at Project House – A tribute music festival with performances inspired by artists such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Beyoncé.

Family and Cultural Events

• African & Caribbean Food Festival at City Square – A celebration of culture with food stalls, arts and crafts, and family activities.
• Story Explorers at Leeds Central Library – An interactive experience for families exploring themes of space, jungle, and ocean.
• Bank Holiday Steam Running Day at Middleton Railway – Steam train rides on the world’s longest continuously working railway.
• York Railway Institute’s Golden Rail Band at Lotherton – Part of the Leeds Bands in the Park Summer programme, with a performance at the historic Lotherton estate.
• Mongolian Summer at Royal Armouries Museum – Final day of the event featuring a horse show with archery and displays of Mongol Empire weaponry. The exhibition “Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed The World” continues until 1 November.

Theatre and Art

• High Society at Leeds Grand Theatre (29 August) – The final day of the production starring Helen George, Freddie Fox, and Nigel Lindsay.
• Hannah Catherine Jones UNEARTHING(S) Live Performance at Leeds Art Gallery – A live performance marking the closing weekend of the UNEARTHING(S) exhibition.
• An Evening with Sir David Jason at Leeds Grand Theatre – An event featuring stories, rare clips, and anecdotes from the actor’s career.
• Phantasmagoria Exhibition at Henry Moore Institute – The last day to visit the exhibition “Phantasmagoria: Folkloric Sculpture for the Digital Age.”
• Trivial Pursuit Leeds – Final opportunity to participate in a city-wide trivia trail visiting Leeds landmarks.

Special Celebrations and Parties

• Yard Party at The Old Woollen (29–30 August) – A traditional bank holiday event featuring music, street food, and a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere.
• White Cloth Hall 2nd Birthday Bash (29–30 August) – A celebration with DJs, cocktail specials, and cake.
• Black Music Festival 40th Anniversary at Potternewton Park (30 August) – A music festival featuring reggae, R&B, hip hop, and other genres.
• All-White Party at Uyare – A rooftop party with live DJs and entertainment, with an all-white dress code.
• Leeds West Indian Carnival (31 August) – Europe’s longest-running West Indian carnival returns with a parade to Potternewton Park, featuring colourful costumes and music.

These events provide a diverse selection of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend in Leeds.