Apparently, it's only been sixteen months since nightclubs have been closed, but it feels a lot longer. At last, some of Leeds' biggest nightlife events are preparing their return as we count down to "freedom day".
July 19, dubbed "freedom day", is when restrictions will ease and nightclubs will return to their former glory: swinging open their doors to unearth pulsing basslines and two-step rhythms.
Capacities on bars and nightclubs will be lifted, the 'rule of six' will no longer apply, social distancing measures will also be removed - meaning you can go and order at the bar, rather being stuck at your table.
But most importantly, we'll be able to get up and dance.
There's a huge feeling of excitement in the city, not just from punters but from the promoters and artists who've been waiting over a year to go back to work. Now, at last, the day is nearly upon us.
With that in mind, we've run down three of the best parties Leeds has coming up this summer so you're not caught short. See you down the front, we'll be to the left of the stage.
Newsam Park Festival is the first dance music festival to return to Leeds this summer
Newsam Park Festival Saturday 21st August, Newsam Park
This all-new event will be the first dance music festival in Leeds this summer, so expect a spectacular open-air occasion from one of the best parties in Leeds.
It will be soundtracked by Sven Vath, Nightmares on Wax, Mella Dee, Enzo Siragusa and Folamour and more across gorgeous Lake and Garden stages with epic atmospheres and immersive production. Do not miss it.
Mint Festival returns on Saturday 25th September in a brand new location / Image: Mint Festival
Mint Festival Saturday 25th September, Newsam Green Farm
This year's much anticipated Mint Festival is at an all-new location, just 10 minutes from town.
The natural sprawling beauty of Newsam Green Farm is a perfect canvas for four fantastic stages of high-class music. Brands like Fuse and Trick, headliners like Ricardo Villalobos and Amelie Lens, and high-tech production and pyrotechnics all await you at this ultimate adult playground.
Mint Warehouse in Holbeck is returning will a full programme of clubnights showcasing local talent and that from further afield / Image: Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse Multiple dates, Holbeck
It was already the best place to party in the North, but after an almost two-year closure and vast refurbishment, Mint Warehouse is back and ready to take it to a whole new level.
The multi-roomed space has everything from communal main room raves to cozy backroom get-togethers. World-class sound systems boom in every room, and international tastemakers like Jeff Mills, Eats Everything, Patrick Topping, Sasha, Hot Since 82 and tens more are already lined up between now and Autumn.
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Award-winning vintage retailer announces new store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2021 
