What to do on August Bank Holiday Weekend in Leeds

The August Bank Holiday Weekend is almost here and from the 23rd to 25th August, there’s plenty to do whether it’s a weekend with friends, the family or both!

Royal Armouries – Roman Festival

Head down to the Royal Armouries Museum over the bank holiday weekend for a free, family-friendly celebration of ancient Rome, with live-action combats and dramatic performances. Have a go at mini chariot racing, learn some warrior moves at gladiator training school, and experience Roman life with living history displays and authentic food and drink, all at the Roman Festival.

Enjoy some cinema in the outdoors at Kirkstall Abbey with a screening of Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and their wands and robes!

Visit Temple Newsam for the craft markets where a selection of seasonal artisan makers can be found! Make a day of it by exploring the estate, discover the history of the house, visit Home Farm and the animals, or just enjoy the parkland and have lunch with the amazing backdrop of this historic house.

Cheer on Northern Superchargers as they take on the Oval Invincibles at The Hundred in Headingley! Musical guest Oliver Pinder, originally from Bradford, will showcase his evolution from indie-folk to alt-pop, armed with tracks from his debut EP ‘Potential, I Guess?’ during the action packed day.

Kirkstapalooza at Kirkstall Bridge Inn will be 3 days of live music, food pop-ups and the best of locally brewed beers, all in a traditional riverside pub.

Albion Place will host Artsmix Market on Saturday 23rd, offering a wide range of truly original arts, crafts, clothing & accessories, homewares and produce; all at great prices.

Little Bird Markets will be taking over City Square on Saturday 23rd and Briggate on Sunday 24th, with unique stalls selling crafts, homemade items and baked goods.

For more family friendly activities check out our Summer Holidays blog.

Leeds West Indian Carnival, credit Mark Ratcliffe

The whole weekend is a party starting on Saturday the 23rd with the Leeds West Indian Carnival: The Carnival Royalty Show at the Leeds Playhouse, showcasing the costumes, the performers and the culture behind one of Europe’s longest running West Indian Carnivals.

Bongo’s Bingo’s bank holiday banger will raise the roof at The O2 Academy. A night filled with chaos, confetti and hands-in-the-air classics… and some pink Henry hoovers.

Sabroso Street Food will be taking over Water Lane Boathouse serving up Tacos and Tequilas.

Sunday 24th sees the Black Music Festival at Potternewton Park with 2 stages of live performers playing reggae, R&B, Hip Hop etc…

White Cloth Hall will be partying extra hard on Sunday 24th celebrating their 1st birthday with all welcome to join!

After the success of their White Party Uyare, the team behind Tharavadu serving amazing Keralan dishes, will be hosting an All Black Masquerade Party — a night of glamour, mystery, and pure rooftop enchantment. DM them on Instagram for more details.

Then Monday 25th is the grand finale of the weekend – the West Indian Carnival itself! Running for almost 60 years, the carnival will bring vibrant costumes, dancing, music, food and culture.

From the Friday to Sunday, Bramham Park hosts Leeds Festival with headliners Travis Scott, Hozier, Chappell Roan and Bring Me The Horizon. Go for just a day or enjoy the whole weekend!

Electric Shuffle Leeds, the cocktail and shuffleboard bar, is celebrating the long weekend with Jungle Vibes bottomless brunch that promises to bring a touch of the tropics to Leeds.

Or head into the city centre to BOX LEEDS where it’s Sundown Sessions every Thursday, Friday and Saturday are transforming the venue into one of the city’s ultimate live music destinations with even more music on for August Bank Holiday Sunday!

For more of our headline events check out our Autumn Guide.