We all know this is one of the biggest weekends for Leeds of the year, and for good reason. We'll be seeing the likes of Yorkshire's own Arctic Monkeys and Bring Me The Horizon on stage with The 1975, Halsey and so many more international artists, it really is going to be a weekend to remember for locals and everyone travelling across the country to attend the three-day festival.
But by no means does that mean that there's not endless things to do in and around the city centre, there's new bottomless brunches, last chance to grab some of your favourite sarnies and the Leeds Jurassic Trail is keeping the whole family busy with the 13 dinos spread across the city centre.
Keep reading to find out more about everything to make plans for the bank holiday, and the days leading up to the long weekend too...
Grab one last sandwich from Cafe 164
Monday 22 August - Friday 26 August 2022 | Munro House, Leeds city centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Cafe 164 is closing its Munro House cafe in Leeds city centre but there's still chance to go and wish the owners a heartfelt goodbye and grab a signature sandwich combo and a coffee whilst you're there. Despite the sad news, this isn’t the end for the cult favourite sarnie stop, there's plenty of exciting news ahead for their Headingley cafe...The last day of trading for Cafe 164 will be Friday 26 August, open at the usual times of 8am-3pm, but from then on, Munro House will be closed for good.
Luckily, this isn’t the end for the cult favourite sarnie stop, you’ll still be able to find Cafe 164 in Headingley on Otley Road with a new exciting menu and extended opening hours.
Monday 22 August 2022 | Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's a chance of winning a £50 cash prize if you assemble your team for the Green Room pub quiz. Kicking off at 6.30pm every Monday, you can either walk in or book your place online, but either way, you've got to be in it to win it- and really, what better place is there to spend your Monday evenings?
Plus, you'll be sat on the rooftop that has just been awarded a spot in the ‘Top 50 Rooftop Bars in Europe’ according to Big 7 Travel. It isn’t an easy spot to take, but Green Room’s spritz’s and intimate views across the city has made it only one of two UK rooftop bars to make it onto this list- and with good reason.
Wednesday 24 August 2022 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way
The international icon and Grammy-award-winner, Sean Paul, is coming to Leeds later this month on the second night of his Scorcha Tour. As one of only eight cities the pop-reggae artist is visiting, this is set to be an evening for fans to sing, dance and serenade with over 13,000 other like-minded individuals that have been waiting since April for the postponed tour stop to take place. Expect a blend of classic hits, chart-topping anthems and new tunes for a night of all-singing, all-dancing party like no other.
Standing tickets start at £44.25, and £49.75 for seats.
Get tickets for Sean Paul Live at the First Direct Arena on Wednesday 24 August 2022 here.
Leeds Festival
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August 2022 | Bramham Park
Image: Leeds Festival
Leeds Festival has returned for yet another year, and the team behind Leeds’ biggest festival is bringing global musical talent to the city like you’ve never seen before. Arctic Monkeys, Dave and Bring Me The Horizon are set to headline each day, with a further 70+ performers from around the world taking to the stage across the three-day festival.
Some of the most notable names include Bad Boy Chiller Crew, Willow (Smith), Beabadoobee, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, All Time Low, The Lathums and The DMA’s.
For those looking for the perfect way to celebrate the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Leeds city centre should look no further than Chow Down’s Summer Special Bingo Lingo event. We’re talking about bingo like you’ve never seen before. Think confetti-filled spaces with dance-offs, twerking aplenty and a hilarious combination of prizes available to those getting a full house (though with everything going on, it’ll be the last thing on your mind).
Tickets cost £14.00 per person, plus a booking fee.
Get tickets for Bingo Lingo at Chow Down on Friday 26 August 2022 here.
Kirkstalpalooza
Friday 26 August - Sunday 28 August 2022 | Kirkstall Brewery, Kirkstall
Image: Kirkstall Brewery
The Kirkstalpalooza is going to be just as exciting as the name suggests. Over the bank holiday weekend, head over to Kirkstall for performances from live bands and DJs on the Brewery Stage.
Plus, there will be some rather tempting street food to keep you busy all weekend long. Expect vegan Instagram-heaven burgers and loaded fries from Döner Summer, Kirkstall Bridge's own BBQ menu and a pizza menu from Kirkstall Tap Room, plus ice cream, coffee, cocktails, guest breweries and brewery-fresh beer Tickets £5 each but include your first beer.
Up until 2 September, Sarson’s will be dishing out 100 free chippy teas every Friday. The #SarsonsFryday campaign aims to help consumers amid the rising cost of living crisis, and chippies which are anticipating low customer numbers as a result of tightened household budgets.
To claim the freebie, all you’ll need to do is take a picture of your chippy order including a Sarson’s bottle or branded promotional signage in store, and then share it to Twitter or Instagram tagging @SarsonsUK and #SarsonsFryday. Don’t forget to make sure you’re following @SarsonsUK too, and keep hold of your proof of purchase, to make sure your entry is valid.
Saturday 27 August 2022, 12 – 3.30pm, Leeds city centre / Chapel Allerton
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Served on Saturday 27 August 2022, 12 – 3.30pm, Sukhothai is getting in on the bottomless trend and bringing unlimited cocktails, wine and juices to the table for a ninety minute brunch experience.
There’s two different options on the menu. Choose either a two course lunch with starter and main course or opt for a Thai tapas-style serving of three small plates per person.
These small plates come wiuth the likes of crispy duck bao buns with hoisin sauce and spring onions, or Sukhothai Dumplings with steamed taro and vegetable dumplings, served with sweet soy sauce and topped with crispy garlic.
Located in the gorgeous pastel-coloured setting of PASTEL cocktail bar on Kirkgate, this is a ninety minute free-flowing experience supersizing the best of Leeds booze for one unforgettable afternoon.
Serving up a range of the cocktail’s signature bar, Pastel has joined forces with one of Leeds most-sought-after pizza makers, Homeboy Pizza Co. Also on the menu, the best of Pastel’s happy hour specials like the Garabaldi bitter and OJ make an appearance alongside the Guava-Colada with Barcardi Coconut, lime, coconut cream and guava juice.
After the success of the first bottomless, Pastel is offering two different brunch options over the bank holiday weekend: you’ll be able to try a whole new range of cocktails and grab yourself a pizza on two different sittings:
Early Bird Brunch is 12pm - 1pm and costs £25pp, including 1x pizza and unlimited drinks for 60 minutes or 'Regular Brunch', 2pm - 6pm, £35pp which also includes 1x pizza but with unlimited drinks for 90 minutes.
Sunday 28 August 2022 | The Key Club, Merrion Street
A nostalgic night of 00s emo anthems and Chop Suey, Nu Metal anthems are pitching up at The Key Club over the bank holiday to bring back the best of old school emo music. Expect the likes of My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, The Used, All American Rejects, Jimmy Eat World, Enter Shikari, You Me At Six, A Day To Remember, Pierce The Veil and plenty more until the early hours with like-minded punk-metal and alt music fans, the only person missing will be Gerard Way.
Tickets cost just £6.00 each plus a booking fee.
Get tickets for Black Parade at The Key Club on Sunday 28 August 2022 here.
Casa Loco 26th Birthday
Sunday 28 August 2022 | The Warehouse, Somers Street
Longtime bassline lovers might remember when Casa Loco first arrived on the scene, but regardless of whether you’ve been pulling all-nighters with Casa Loco since the 90s, or you’re just discovering the breadth of events with Casa Loco classics and bassline anthems, this birthday special is not to be missed. There’s a huge yet-to-be-revealed guest playing alongside all your favourite DJs for the biggest Casa Loco line-up yet.
Tickets cost £15.00 each plus a booking fee.
Get tickets for Casa Loco 26th Birthday at The Warehouse on Sunday 28 August 2022 here.
Leeds Jurassic Trail
Monday 1 August – Wednesday 31 August 2022 | Various locations
Image: The Hoot Leeds
You might have already spotted a few of these as you walk about Leeds, but there’s a total of twelve speciality built, life-size beasts dotted around the city for children to seek out and explore.
Spanning across 4km (or 2,000 dino steps), there’s a trail to track each dinosaur from the dedicated programme across Leeds or use the digital map, which can be found here on the Leeds Jurassic Trail website.
Global superstar Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show and we're giving you the rundown about this reigning reggaeton artist.
Born in Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio, now more widely recognised by artist moniker Bad Bunny, is a Spanish-speaking act who has transported modern-day reggaeton from Latin America to all new heights.
The Puerto Rican powerhouse has only ever visited the UK once, performing at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, seven years ago back in 2018, as part of his first ever world tour titled La Nueva Religión.
Since then, El Benito has dropped seven full-length studio albums and nine musical projects overall, which have all helped establish him as a major force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Alongside his musical career, Bad Bunny has seen himself at the forefront of various pop culture moments thanks to his innovative fashion sense and notable charm.
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show on 8 February / Credit: Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)
What iconic moments is Bad Bunny known for?
With his first album X 100Pre (Forever) dropping back in 2018, Bad Bunny has spent almost a hefty eight years in the limelight, so it will come as no surprise that there's plenty of iconic moments you might remember.
Bad Bunny as a Drag Queen - To coincide with the release of his single 'Yo Perreo Sola' (I Twerk Alone), Benito stepped into unchartered territory, debuting three different Drag personas to combat toxic masculinity in the reggaeton music scene.
WWE - Benito is a huge fan of wrestling. He first appeared for a performance at the Royal Rumble in 2021, before returning later that year and teaming up with Damian Priest to take down The Miz and John Morrison.
VMA Performance - The Latin multi-hyphenate made headlines in 2022 after kissing a male dancer on-stage. Both fans and media outlets stated the performance harked back to Madonna's similar showcase two decades prior - Watch Bad Bunny's kiss HERE (skip to 2:50).
Met Gala - Well-recognised for its glamourous and glitzy outfits, the Met Gala brings together A-Listers for a showcase of all things fashion. Bad Bunny was styled by fashion house Jacquemus and wore a backless suit with a 26 foot train.
The Super Bowl is a huge accomplishment for all artists, now Bad Bunny joins the headlining roster / Credit: Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
SNL - The LATAM star has appeared on American comedy sketch-show SNL numerous times, both as an artist and as a part-time comedian. In 2023, Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal became an overprotective aunty and mum duo and had crowds laughing uncontrollably.
Carpool Karaoke - James Corden's nighttime show segment was welcomed into the reggaeton world courtesy of Bad Bunny. However, it's his cover of 'Break Free' by Ariana Grande where he discusses it's the first English-spoken song he ever learnt that had people falling in love with him.
Coachella - This desert-based music festival is known for its large-scale productions and in the early summer of 2023, Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-singing artist to headline this mega music celebration.
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí - Translating to 'I don't want to leave here', this was the title of his Puerto Rico residency. As well as creating lifelong memories for fans, this 31 date experience also boosted the economy of his home country.
What songs will Bad Bunny perform at his Super Bowl halftime show?
With 28 songs over one billion streams, Bad Bunny is going to have a tricky time deciphering which of his hits to include in his upcoming halftime show performance.
His most recognisable album is the beach-inspired Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You) which features six tracks with over one billion streams, so it's safe to say this LP is guaranteed some love.
The latest addition to El Benito's discography DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should've Taken More Photos) might also steal the spotlight due to its focus on exploring traditional Puerto Rican sounds.
And, after reconciling late last year, Bad Bunny might take his friendship with J Balvin to Super Bowl status, performing songs from their collaborative album OASIS as well as their Cardi B link-up 'I Like It'.
The Hoot's Bad Bunny Super Bowl setlist predicition:
NUEVAYoL
Tití Me Preguntó/ Me Porto Bonito/ Moscow Mule (Medley)
Dákiti
I Like It (With Cardi B and J Balvin)
La Canción (With J Balvin)
Callaíta (With Tainy)
Un x100to (With Grupo Frontera)
Baile Inolvidable
Super Bowl halftime show performances normally contain around 10 songs and the setlist is very tight-lipped, however, it's always fun to throw out a predicition or two before the event on Sunday 8 February.
Which special guests will join Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show line-up?
Bad Bunny has worked with a multitude of artists from reggaeton sidekicks to pop supremes like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa and Drake.
Although it's highly unlikely these big names will all be free at the same time, when it comes to the Super Bowl anything is possible.
The 'Tití Me Preguntó' songwriter is heading to the UK for the second time ever in his career, for his Debí Tirar Más FotosWorld Tour and he's chosen Tottenham Hotspur as the location for this huge cultural moment.
If you're wondering where to get tickets, you have two chances to watch this superstar in his element as he's performing on June 27 - Tickets HERE and June 28 - Tickets HERE.
Hopefully now you've discovered more about who this Latin American artist is so you're not left clueless when the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots take a quick 15 minutebreak mid-game.
Featured Images - Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)/ Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
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10 of the biggest live gigs coming to Leeds next year | 2026
Thomas Melia
Leeds has some fantastic live music lined up next year, so we've rounded up 10 of the biggest concerts coming in 2026.
If there's two things that go hand-in-hand, it's Leeds and live music, so it'll come as no surprise that 2026 is shaping up to be another cracking year of gigs and concerts for the city.
No matter whether your ideal concert experience is a little boogie or some hardcore head-banging, this list has got you covered with a wide range of acts and artists.
It's been a brilliant year of live music this past year, but there's plenty more big names making their way to Leeds next year, so without further ado, here's 10 of the biggest gigs coming in 2026.
10 of the biggest live gigs coming to Leeds next year | 2026
Cast - The Wardrobe (Thursday 29 January)
Cast are gearing up to play a headline show at Leeds music venue The Wardrobe in January / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
After opening for Oasis earlier this summer one their Oasis Live '25 reunion tour dates, the Liverpool indie rockers are putting on a headline gig right here in Leeds.
Cast have chosen The Wardrobe as their latest live music spot, and they're ready for you to 'Live The Dream' with them when they play out in January.
If their support slot for Oasis is anything to go by, there's a lot of love for these rock legends. This gig will be one to remember, and you can find tickets HERE.
Whether you know him from his stint in The Rascals, alongside Alex Turner as co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets, or simply from his solo work, Kane's career is nothing short of remarkable.
His latest discography addition Sunlight In The Shadows dropped in October and features huge numbers like 'Love Is Cruel' and 'Without You'.
Fans will also be hoping he plays tracks from his 2011 album Colour of the Trap, with its hits including 'Rearrange' and 'Come Closer' when he visits in February. Get tickets HERE.
Bob Vylan - O2 Academy Leeds (Saturday 7 February)
The Bobs, better known as Bob Vylan, are expected to raise the roof at O2 Academy Leeds next year / Credit: Ki Price (via supplied)
London punk rap duo Bob Vylan released their first project Dread in 2019 with a full-length album We Live Here releasing one year later.
Since then, Bobbie and Bobby have released an array of singles including 'Makes Me Violent', 'Dream Bigger', and 'Sick Sad World'.
The alternative rappers garnered widespread attention after their Glastonbury performance this year with their songs addressing a number of social and political issues, such as racism and economic hardship. You can get tickets HERE.
The Beaches - Stylus, Leeds University Union (Saturday 14 February)
Canadian four-piece The Beaches are coming to Leeds and ready to rock out at Stylus / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
The 'Last Girls At The Party' are heading to Stylus to play tracks from their latest project No Hard Feelings, as well as a couple other hits.
Comprised of sisters Kylie and Jordan Miller alongside fellow bandmates Eliza and Leandra, The Beaches have been dropping bangers for quite a few years now.
The Canadian four-piece always put on a good show, and if you haven't joined The Beaches hype train yet, then we recommend the songs 'Blame Brett' and 'Edge of the Earth' to get you started. Find tickets HERE.
Chesney Hawkes - Brudenell Social Club (Thursday 12 March)
English singer Chesney Hawkes has chosen 'The One and Only' Brudenell Social Club to host his upcoming Leeds gig.
Hawkes became a recent frequent face on our screens after his appearance as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother, and now he's about to become a frequent UK music venue player too with his new Smash It To Pieces Tour.
His most recent release, Living Arrows, dropped back in April and you can expect this 90s icon to command the Leeds crowd with all his usual charm. Get tickets HERE.
After supporting pop icon Lionel Richie on his Say Hello to the Hits tour, Combe is headlining her own show and she's bringing it to one of Leeds' staple music institutions, The Wardrobe.
She's touring up and down the country, including in Wigan, Preston, and Blackpool to name a few, and has kindly decided to bless Leeds with her bouncy and upbeat tracks too.
Get ready to be 'Dancing At The Edge Of The World' when the soul singer-songwriter plays out her cathartic tunes to this packed out Leeds city centre gig hotspot. You can grab tickets HERE.
Jessie J - O2 Academy Leeds (Saturday 11 April)
Expect incredible vocals and stage presence when Jessie J visits O2 Academy Leeds / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
Stomp, stomp she's arrived. UK pop heavyweight Jessie J is making her way to Leeds on the back of her self-released LP Don't Tease Me With a Good Time.
The 'Price Tag' songwriter has soundtracked the 2010s with radio hits spanning from 'Do It Like A Dude' and 'Domino', to 'Who's Laughing Now' and 'Bang Bang' - a triple-billed hit alongside Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Earlier this year, Jessie J announced her recent breast cancer diagnosis saying it has inspired her to live life to the fullest. Now, the Brit vocalist is heading out on the road again and ready to thrill UK crowds.
Rick Astley - First Direct Arena (Saturday 18 April)
80s pop sensation Rick Astley is returning to Leeds for a stellar First Direct Arena show / Credit: Peter Neill (via supplied)
First Direct Arena is about to 'Keep Singing' because 80s chart-topper Rick Astley is heading to this major venue in April.
This arena has welcomed the 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer countless times, most recently in February when he surprised fans with some covers of modern-day tracks like 'As It Was' by Harry Styles.
The Newton-le-Willows star and First Direct Arena are destined to be 'Together Forever', and you can witness him live on The Reflections Tour by getting tickets HERE.
Lily Allen - First Direct Arena (Sunday 21 June)
Lily Allen is coming to Leeds next Summer playing at First Direct Arena / Credit: Charlie Denis (via supplied)
Get ready for an electric night when Lily Allen performs West End Girl as part of her biggest headline tour of her career.
Allen is getting ready to turn First Direct Arena into her pop-up 'P*ssy Palace' for one night only next summer.
The London star announced her arena tour after selling out a string of theatre dates one week prior. We expect this Leeds show to be just as exceptional, the only thing we don't know is "Who's Madeline?". Tickets are HERE.
Jane McDonald - First Direct Arena (Saturday 26 September)
Jane McDonald is gracing the Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena in September 2026 / Credit: Matt Crockett (via supplied)
Wakefield's finest Jane McDonald is also embarking on one of the biggest tours of her career too with the release of her new album Living The Dream.
The national treasure has amassed four UK top 10 albums, with her self-titled debut album spending three weeks at the top spot.
Expect to be out of your seat and singing along to quite a few hits when McDonald returns to First Direct Arena next autumn, and you can grab your seat HERE.
Sophie Smith -
22nd August 2022 
