Summer is drawing to a close, and another new month is here.
After six long weeks of the summer holidays, children across Leeds are finally heading back to school for a new academic year from this week… but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still lots of exciting events in the social calendar to be getting up to now that ‘normality’ has resumed.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our 'what's on' guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
DogFest
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 September 2024 | Harewood House
Image: DogFest
Grab your furry friend, because ‘DogFest’ is taking over Harewood House this weekend.
A full two-day festival entirely dedicated to dogs is happening this weekend, and if you’re a dog lover you certainly won’t want to miss out. The UK’s ultimate dog-friendly festival, invites you to a weekend filled with fun and excitement, from thrilling dog displays and expert advice, to shopping opportunities and delicious food.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here via the DogFest website.
Leeds International Beer Festival
Thursday 5 - Sunday 8 September | Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Leeds International Beer Festival
The long-awaited annual four day festival is back, celebrating and promoting craft beer brewed in the UK and overseas.
And not only that, expect a delicious street food market, live music and all sorts of lovely beer related things.
It's your last few days to enjoy this pop-up bar in City Square and if you haven't visited yet then we highly recommend you do.
Expect refreshing cocktails, epic tunes and ultimate vibes - the perfect way to see off an incredible summer.
Stuzzi lunch deal
Wednesday 4 - Friday 6 September | Grand Arcade
Good news because you can now get your Stuzzi fix for less, as acclaimed restaurant announces new affordable lunchtime offering. The menu features two courses for £18.50 or three courses for £23.50, what a bargain.
Showcasing simple, authentic dishes with quality ingredients such as cacio e pepe made with homemade pasta and a perfectly cooked Onglet steak - this lunch will blow any meal deal out of the water.
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Clementine Hall -
2nd September 2024 
