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What to do on August Bank Holiday Weekend in Leeds
10th August 2026
Wondering what to do in Leeds over the August Bank Holiday weekend? From family-friendly attractions and cultural festivals to live music and outdoor events, Leeds is packed with activities for visitors and locals alike. Explore our guide to the best events and experiences happening across the city during the August Bank Holiday and start planning an unforgettable long weekend in Leeds.
Full Weekend
Leeds Festival
27th – 30th August
The biggest music festival of the Summer, Leeds Festival, is back at Bramham Park with headliners Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence & The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and Raye. This year sees their biggest overhaul with six new and improved stages from headlining acts to breakthrough artists.
Book your weekend tickets here.
Yard Party at The Old Woollen
29th – 30th August
Enjoy a traditional bank holiday party at The Old Woollen with laid back music, deckchairs, street food, cocktails, and its family & dog friendly!
White Cloth Hall
29th – 30th August
Celebrate White Cloth Hall’s 2nd Birthday with a big Bank Holiday Bash featuring DJs, cocktails specials and cake!
29th August
High Society at Leeds Grand Theatre
Saturday sees the last day of High Society at Leeds Grand Theatre with stars Helen George, Freddie Fox and Nigel Lindsay leading the cast of the most swell party of the year.
African & Caribbean Food Fest at City Square
Start the weekend with a celebration of culture, colour and rhythm with the African and Caribbean Food Festival at City Square. A mix of mouth-watering food stalls, arts & crafts, family activities and more.
Hannah Catherine Jones UNEARTHING(S) Live Performance at Leeds Art Gallery
To mark the closing weekend of the UNEARTHING(S) exhibition in Leeds Art Gallery’s Central court, artist Hannah Catherine Jones will be performing live at her largest solo exhibition to date.
Dom Martin at Brudenell Social Club
Multi award winning blues rock artist Dom Martin headlines a night at Brudenell Social Club, with Katie and the Bad Sign as special guests.
Story Explorers at Leeds Central Library
Last chance to take the family on an adventure into space, through the jungle and to the bottom of the ocean with Story Explorers, a collaborative experience between Leeds Libraries and the British Library.
R&B Mania at Project House
RNB Mania is bringing six hours of iconic R&B anthems, both classic and modern, to Project House.
Saturday Night Comedy at Glee Club Leeds
Start your weekend off with an evening of comedy with Justin Moorhouse, Pete Selwood and Ingrid Dahle on stage.
30th August
Black Music Festival 40th Anniversary at Potternewton Park
Leeds’ Black Music Festival is celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary with live music across various genres including reggae, R&B and Hip Hop, and much more .
All-White Party at Uyare
Party at one of Leeds’ best rooftop spots with live DJs and entertainment till late. Dress Code: All White Only– channel your inner Greek goddess/god!
YORK Railway Institute’s Golden Rail Band at Lotherton
As part of the Leeds Bands in the Park Summer programme, join the popular York Railway Institute’s Golden Rail Band at the stunning historic home of Lotherton.
An Evening with Sir David Jason at Leeds Grand Theatre
Join Sir David Jason for an evening at Leeds Grand Theatre, sharing never-before-heard stories, rare clips of behind-the-scenes and hilarious anecdotes from his amazing career.
JHOOM Leeds
Team Nightout bring a night of non-stop energy, Bollywood & club anthems and more!
The Space Lady at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Starting her career in the 1970s, The Space Lady returns to Earth with her blend of synth and psychedelic music.
Club Classics 90s & 00s Courtyard Party at Project House
Spend your Bank Holiday Sunday dancing and singing along to the club classics of the 90s and 00s at Project House.
Paisley Dark Rooftop Takeover at Headrow House
Head to the roof of Headrow House with Paisley Dark and special guests Viper Patrol, Marie Avril and more!
Last day of Phantasmagoria at HMI
Don’t miss the exhibition Phantasmagoria: Folkloric Sculpture for the Digital Age at Henry Moore Institute with the 30th August being its final day.
Final day of Trivial Pursuit Leeds
Last chance to test your knowledge of Leeds with the Trivial Pursuit trail across the city. Visit the iconic landmarks of Leeds to answer questions on history, geography, sports and more to win big prizes.
31st August
Leeds West Indian Carnival
Leeds West Indian Carnival, the oldest continuously running of its kind in Europe, returns for Bank Holiday Monday, with a parade to Potternewton Park. Expect colourful costumes, music and more!
Playlunch at Brudenell Social Club
Playlunch, an Australian fusion of retro dance music, will be playing a free concert at Brudenell Social Club, voted the UK’s best independent music venue by Time Out.
Girly Pop Festival at Project House
Girly Pop Festival is back with Pink Pony Party – a day of music from dazzling live tribute performers including Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé + glitter stations, delicious treats and photo-worthy backdrops.
Mongolian Summer at Royal Armouries Museum
Enjoy the last day of Mongolian Summer with the final horse show, featuring archery and showcasing other weapons used by the Mongol Empire. The Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed The World exhibition runs until 1st November.
Bank Holiday Steam Running Day at Middleton Railway
Set out on a journey at the world’s longest continuously working railway for a Bank Holiday Steam Train ride.