Finally, we can safely say that spring is here- and there's a lot to enjoy this month.
Looking outside, it might not quite feel like the weather is getting warmer, but we're hopeful that we're leaving all the stormy skies and wet weather in February.
Regardless of the weather, there's so much to get involved in this March in Leeds. Given this will be the first non-lockdown March since 2019, there's a whole host of celebrations that are finally taking place in-person, we kicked the month off with Pancake Day and International Women's Day but there's still plenty of celebrations to come, including Mother's Day, St Patrick's Day, Holi Festival and more.
Keep reading to find out what our top things to do this March in Leeds are.
Alice in Wonderland Immersive Cocktail Experience
Image: Alice Cocktail Experience Global
An incredible Lewis Carroll-inspired drinking experience has opened in Leeds, giving Alice in Wonderland fans the chance to fall down their very own rabbit hole.
Lovers of the book series (or Tim Burton’s 2010 reimagining) will be able to meet the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter themselves as part of this fantastical 90-minute experience.
Thursday 3 March - Sunday 27 March 2022.
St Patrick's Day Parade
Image: Tom Blackwell, Flickr
St Patrick's Day isn't until the 18th, but the annual parade is due to take place on Sunday 13 March this year from 10am.
The parade will bring together floats, bands, walking displays, and representatives from Irish organisations, schools, clubs and societies from across Leeds- making it a great family day out. You can join in with the parade and head through Leeds city centre before reaching the party on Millennium Square where there will be a full afternoon of music and dance from Leeds musicians, dancers and invited guests. Guinness isn't mandatory but widely encouraged.
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of midweek madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Wednesday 16 March and Wednesday 23 March . Find out more here.
Stormzy at First Direct Arena
Image: WikiCommons
For those that missed the memo, international singer Stormzy is going to be in Leeds for one night only this month.
There's still tickets left for his highly-anticipated tour, the rapper has been trying to get to Leeds three times since the pandemic hit (previously September 2020 and April 2021) so this will be the first successful gig to take place at the First Direct Arena since 2020. Expect favourites from Stormzy's acclaimed debut ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and second album ‘Heavy Is The Head’ alike at the First Direct Arena.
Water Lane Boathouse is a bar that needs no introduction. The popular spot on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal has one of the best pub quizzes, beer gardens, lunch deals (so really any kind of themed day or night) around and their weekly art nights are sure to be added to this list.
There's specially guided workshops run by Beccy from Cut and Curve that will take your usual Wednesday evening and transform it into a fun and relaxing evening to learn a new skill and take home your very own hangers for your fave houseplant. Practical and creative- sounds like an ideal combination for anyone looking for a mid-week evening out that avoids a next-day hangover.
Here in Leeds, the celebrations of Holi will involve the traditional dry powder paints, as well as the serving of street food, live DJs and performances right in the heart of the city.
There will be four live DJs including Bollynights team, performances from talent near and far, as well as street food from local takeaway and catering service Punjabi Heaven. The festival last took place in 2019, and the long-awaited return has been highly anticipated. Tier one tickets have already sold out for the seven hour event, but remaining tier two tickets are still available for purchase.
Planet Earth II Live was due to tour across the UK and Ireland back in 2020, but pandemic-related restrictions have put off the performance until March 2022, when the show is finally scheduled to go ahead.
Rubbing shoulders with acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar is hinted to be a part of the experience, as well as racing alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, facing stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feeling the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes.
Revs de Cuba's Casa del Alma- Mother's Day Special
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Every month, Latin-inspired fiesta bar Revs de Cuba hosts a bottomless brunch experience set to the tune of a gospel choir- and this month, you can treat your mama to a live performance at their Mother's Day special event.
Running from 2pm - 6pm, the two-hour bottomless sitting provides a feel-good experience for all ages. Expect soulful performances whilst sipping on an endless list of boozy options. Expect unlimited cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Strawberry Daquiris and Bloody Marys, as well as pints of Mahou and glasses of Prosecco.
Inside the hidden Alice in Wonderland inspired bar is a decked out scenery complete with floating tea pots, fairy lights and kitsch tea party decor that creates a fantastical atmosphere for karaoke.
Across multiple events, guests can expect different themed karaoke nights from their favourite artists, including the legendary Spice Girls. Expect a night of all-singing, all-dancing feel-good music, complete with complimentary cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Now go and smash it!
Featured Images — Run For All (supplied)
Feature
All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.
So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.
From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).
So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.
RAW Coffee
10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.
And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.
It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.
Federal
Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.
MADE
165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.
Tsujiri
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.
It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.
Cup + Lid
29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.
You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.
The Savvy Baker
27 Albion Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?
Pole Pole
60 North Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Sonder
27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.
But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.
Hii Grind
King Edward St, LS1 6BR
Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.
We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.
Sophie Smith -
28th February 2022 
