It's time to dust off your shamrocks, whack on your best green clobber and grab a Guinness because St Patrick's Day is here.
St Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a joyous celebration of Irish Culture, taking place on the 17 March. Think Guinness, leprechauns and an abundance of green attire.
Falling on a Friday this year, it is the perfect excuse night to get out on the town and have some fun. So whether you’re Irish or not, raid your wardrobe for all things green and head out in search of some good fortune.
With help from us at the Hoot, and the luck of the Irish, here are the best places in and around Leeds to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year.
Bottomless Guinness Brunch
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March 2023 | Revolution Electric Press
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Have you got plans for St Patrick’s Day yet? Well if you haven’t, then you’ll want to head down to Revolution Electric Press for their ultimate St Paddy’s Day Bottomless Guiness Brunch.
This Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March, Revs are really feeling the craic and will be transporting you to the streets of Dublin with live Irish bands, dancers and obviously loads of Guinness. For just £35 per person you can enjoy their Bottomless Brunch which gives you two full hours of unlimited drinks and a delicious brunch dish of your choice.
So what are you waiting for? Get your mates together and book your table here.
Walkabout
Monday 13 - Sunday 19 March 2023 | Woodhouse Lane
Image: Walkabout
This Australian themed sports bar know how to host a proper party and this St Paddy’s day is no exception. Grab yourself a double Jameson, ginger and lime for just £6 or a Jameson’s barrel back shot for just £3.50 when you buy a pint of Guinness. There’ll be live music on all night so make sure to practice your Irish jig in anticipation!
It's no surprise that we absolutely love a bottomless brunch at Fléur. The huge selection of drinks alongside the delicious food and the Insta-worthy decor make it one of the best in the city.
And this St Patrick's Day weekend they're doing a bottomless brunch and dinner complete with a playlist full of Irish tunes for you to get the party started. And if Guinness isn't your thing then they're happy to serve you a Baby Guinness (or two) instead.
O'Neills Irish Bar
Monday 13 - Sunday 19 March 2023 | Boar Lane
Image: O'Neills
Of course it only feels right to celebrate St Patrick's Day at an Irish bar, right? And O'Neills on Boar Lane definitely know how to throw a good party. We're talking a whole host of exclusive drink offers, Irish music and loads of live sport.
Oh and if your name is Patrick or Patricia, you'll get a free pint of Guiness from Monday - Thursday. What a winner.
Friends of Ham
Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 March 2023 | New Station Street
We all love a Friends of Ham charcuterie board, it has to be said. So for this St Paddy's day they are hosting an Irish Beer and Cheese Celebration where diners will be able to indulge on the finest Irish produce all weekend.
We're talking a huge range of Irish beers and of course loads and loads of Irish cheese.
Bongo’s Bingo – St Patrick’s Day Special
Friday 17 March 2023 | Cookridge Street
Image: Bongo's Bingo
Looking for somewhere to drink and dance all whilst playing a game of bingo? Bongo’s Bingo is the perfect event for you. Offering an immersive, unforgettable experience full of raving, gaming and misbehaving. This St Paddy’s themed evening is always a sell out so make sure to grab your ticket in advance. With cash prizes up for grabs, you’ll definitely need the luck of the Irish on your side for this one!
This cosy pub in Meanwood are really bringing the craic this St Patrick's Day. On Thursday they are hosting an Irish Rock & Roll Bingo, on Friday a traditional Irish music performance and Saturday more live music from Irish band, Strangers in Trainers.
So whatever event takes you fancy, head to the Myrtle Tavern this weekend for a pint of Guinness or two. You can read their full event list here.
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.