July is really in full swing across Leeds now, and there’s absolutely no shortage of exciting things happening.
If the region’s events calendar wasn’t already exciting enough as it is all year round, summer brings with it everything from outdoor music gigs, highly anticipated venue openings, cultural art festivals and so much more for everyone to be getting involved with.
As usual we have cherry-picked a few of the best bits taking place in the city this weekend.
Keep reading to find out what you could be getting up to…
Leeds Bear Hunt
Begins Saturday 1 July 2023 | Various locations around Leeds
Leeds Bear Hunt is an exciting new trail popping up around Leeds city centre all summer long. Raising money for Leeds Hospital Charity, there will be 35 different giant beat sculptures to find hidden in plain sight, and taking inspiration from the Michael Rosen classic children’s book, you can go on a bear hunt to find them all.
To find out the locations and collect rewards for your bear hunt efforts, you need to download the app on your phone.
Find out more here.
Leeds International African Arts Festival
Monday 10 July – Saturday 15 July 2023 | Various locations
The debut week-long festival celebrates dance, artwork, poetry, film and above all, rich heritage and culture, brought to life through art. Featuring a Jollof Cook Off and Cinema Africa at Hyde Park Picture House, there’s something to get involved in every night of the week.
Events are held at Leeds Trinity University, Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds City College, Reginald Centre Library, and Leeds Beckett University throughout the week
Sounds of the City: Morrissey
Wednesday 12 July | Millenium Square, Leeds
Image: Supplied
British singer-songwriter Morrissey will be playing a major outdoor show at Leeds Millennium Square this week. Supporting Morrissey at this huge outdoor gig will be The Slow Readers Club and The Lottery Winners.
Tickets are available via See Tickets here.
Sounds of the City: Bastille
Thursday 13 July | Millenium Square, Leeds
Project House opening
Friday 15 July 2023 | Armley Road, Leeds
Brudenell, Belgrave Music Hall and Welcome, Project House have joined forces to bring the city a brand new gig spot. The 1,000 person capacity venue is set to bring together far more than just a new space to jam out on a Friday night.
Named Project House, expect a multi-purpose venue that combines music, markets, parties, even adding in a new restaurant concept and exhibition and conference space.
British indie-rock group Bombay Bicycle Club have already been confirmed to play at the new un-named venue, as well as fast rising jazz virtuoso saxophonist Nubya Garcia, and award-winning Canadian jazz outfit BADBADNOTGOOD.
Streat North
Friday 14 July – Sunday 16 July | Springwell
Streat North is the ever-changing street food weekender that takes place every Friday – Sunday over at North Brewing Co’s taproom and brewery. Every week you can taste test a new indie food truck and watch the sunset with pints of North Brewing Co‘s signature to wash it all down with.
Read more: The summer-long street food festival inside a brewery in Leeds
Tamatanga Bottomless Brunch
Saturday 15 July | The Headrow
New Leeds restaurant Tamatanga has already proved a huge hit amongst foodies, and now they are hosting a bottomless brunch not to be missed. Every Saturday until 2pm, Tamatanga are bringing the party with their ‘Bangin Bottomless Brunch’.
Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks alongside a delicious brunch dish of your choice, and trust us when we say that the menu is simply mouthwatering.
Read all about it here.
Featured images – The Hoot Leeds / Leeds Bear Hunt / The Hoot Leeds