The summer months are truly on the horizon, and Leeds is hotting up with exciting events, gigs, beer festivals and so much more.
Let’s kick off Summer the right way then, shall we?
Leeds not only looks bloomin’ beautiful in the sunshine, but it’s also buzzing with fantastic things to do.
This week we’ve got lots of exciting things to get involved in including new pop-up bars, fantastic gigs, beer festivals and lots of other bits and bobs.
Thor’s Tipi Outdoor Bar
All week | City Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Thor’s Tipi, a popular name in Yorkshire already, has opened a huge pop-up bar in Leeds just in time for the summer. With a big screen, outdoor seating, and (of course) a tipi, the huge space is set to open in City Square in just a few weeks’ time.
Thor’s Tipi will be serving up a selection of cocktails and street food, and punters can get stuck in to giant outdoor games, easels, and loads of events including performances from local bands.
Fancy watching the boys bring it home at one of the city's best rooftop bars? Silly question, of course you do.
Green Room are serving up great drinks, an unbeatable atmosphere as well as hosting a huge screen so wherever you're sat you can guarantee you won't miss out on any of the action.
Whitelock's Beer Festival
Thursday 20 - Sunday 23 June | Whitelock's, Turk's Head Yard
Image: Whitelock's
There’s nothing quite like a nice fresh pint, and we all know Whitelock's know how to pour a good one. And luckily for us, they’ll be hosting their incredible beer festival later this month on Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 June from 11am each day. This year’s theme is ‘Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!’, meaning they’ll be shining a light on local breweries over the course of the weekend so we can all celebrate just how class our beer scene really is.
Cocktail pop-up at Opposite Cafe
Saturday 22 June | Opposite, Chapel Allerton
Image: Supplied
From Saturday 1 June, each Friday and Saturday night throughout June and July, visitors can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at Opposite in the heart of Chapel Allerton.
Blank Canvas Drinks, which are handmade right here in Leeds, is teaming up with Opposite to offer a monthly menu of fourteen hand-mixed cocktails this summer including crowd-favourite Espresso Martinis, made with Opposite’s very own coffee.
Euro 2024 Fanzone
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Millennium Square
Image: Millennium Square
Millennium Square will play host to the Euro 2024 Fanzone with all England’s group stage matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, as well as the knock-out stages, broadcast live on the Leeds Big Screen.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and you can grab yours here.
Kings Of Leon
Thursday 20 June | First Direct Arena
Image: Publicity Picture
Following the announcement of their brand new album and a headline performance at BST Hyde Park this summer, Kings of Leon will be touching down in Leeds on their Can We Please Have Fun world tour.
Better yet, they’ll be joined by The Vaccines and you can grab your tickets here.
Leeds Tattoo Expo 2024
Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 June | First Direct Arena
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
The ninth edition of Leeds Tattoo Expo, showcasing over 220 tattooists alongside a market of traders and live music! Head to the First Direct Arena to get tattooed by some of the best artists from the UK and abroad, browse the markets for unique clothing, homeware, curios and more!
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Clementine Hall -
17th June 2024 
