There's so much going on in Leeds this month, we're absolutely spoilt for choice.
From food and drink festivals to film screenings under the stars and the much-anticipated Leeds International Festival of Ideas, there's plenty to keep you occupied throughout September.
Keep reading to discover our top ten picks for things to do in the city this month.
Leeds International Festival of Ideas
Promising a series of compelling talks on themes like morality, the future of food, the planet, inequality and the power of the media, Leeds International Festival of Ideas kicks off this month - bringing with it some impressive guests speakers Look forward to appearances from the likes of Katherine Ryan, upskirting campaigner Gina Martin, MOBO-founder Kanya King CBE and ought-after Scandi TedX speaker Emilia Van Hauen.
Promising four days of "outdoor cinema, street food, live comedy, short films, craft beers, prosecco, gin, and cocktails" the Film and Food festival lands at Roundhay Park with screenings of favourites like Grease, The Joker and The Greatest Showman, live comedy from Eshaan Akbar and a host of tasty street food traders curated by Street Food Warehouse.
The Leeds piano trail takes place over two weeks, popping up at sites including Kirkgate Market, Cookridge Street, Leeds Playhouse, Tiered Gardens and Leeds Train Station / Image: The Leeds piano trail
Leeds piano trail
Promising to bring music to "every street corner" this September, the Leeds piano trail features sculptures made entirely from upcycled pianos created by critically-acclaimed artists’ collective Pianodrome. These will appear alongside ten instruments that have been transformed by community groups.
4–19 September. Find out more and view the full programme of events here.
North Leeds food and drink festival
Returning for two dates in September, the North Leeds food and drink festival returns to Roundhay park for 2021 bigger and better than ever. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, expect a host of international street food traders alongside independent bars, live music and art.
The annual family-friendly, 1980s-oriented music festival returns to Leeds this month, bringing with it a host of retro rock artists like Adam Ant, OMD, ABC, Kim Wilde, Sister Sledge, Howard Jones and Tony Hadley amongst others. if you're a lover of all things 80s, you won't want to miss this.
Harewood House will be screening some all-time favourites this month in collaboration with the Luna open-air cinema / Image: Luna open-air cinema
Luna open-air cinema
Watch cinema favourites under the stars at the Luna open-air cinema this month. Returning to Harewood House from Thursday 16, look forward to screenings of Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman and Downtown Abbey over the course of four days.
This festival celebrating local music from around the world takes place in Leeds this month, coming to the city on the last weekend of September. From 1920's swing to energetic Kaminari taiko drummers, folk songs about rebellion and so much more, there are some brilliant acts to be discovered here across the weekend.
This rescheduled show was originally meant to take place in March 2020. It finally lands in Leeds this month, bringing comedians Jon Richardson, Lost Voice Guy, Micky P Kerr, Barbara Nice and more to the 02 Academy for an afternoon of laughs. If you've previously bought tickets, these are still valid.
Draculaa: the Untold Story comes to Leeds playhouse this month and it sounds brilliant. Taking you back to New Year’s Eve, 1965, this co-production tells the story of a young woman who enters Marylebone police station to confess to a brutal murder. She also claims to be Mina Harker, the last living survivor of the intrepid group that witnessed Count Dracula’s destruction 70 years before - but Ms. Harker hasn't been seen since 1901 and would be 90 now.
Ben Randm comes to the Brudenell this month with his show Original Randm Material. Promising "high adrenaline wit matched with intelligence, [and[ beautifully layered storytelling" it sounds pretty decent to us.
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
Headlining the main stage will be Strictly Come Dancing Icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, Charlie XCX tribute performer Rachel Fuller and International Eurodance act Livin Joy.
Image: Supplied
Joining them will be The Harry Styles Show and UK dance act Sweet Female Attitude. More acts and performers are due to be revealed in the coming months.
The announcement was made at the official Leeds Pride pre-festival campaign launch, held at Crowdedhouse and attended by Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches, sports star Keegan Hirst, council leaders and supporters of the annual event.
Leeds Pride will also feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Five of the best new openings to come out of Leeds so far this year
Clementine Hall
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd September 2021 
