What a week we’ve got ahead.

Christmas starts to creep into the cityscape with the return of the infamous THORs Tipi tents on Friday; Leeds International Film Festival will keep our evenings packed with exciting indie flicks and there’s a host of new food and interior openings in the city.

Here’s twelve ideas to get you started on your week in Leeds…

Leeds International Film Festival

Monday 13 November – Sunday 19 November 2023 | Various locations

The longest ever LIFF is taking place this month and after three years of missing out, Hyde Park Picture House is returning as a key venue for 2023. There’s a huge selection of indie movies to check out this year, with around 200 different films being shown across the seventeen-day festival.

Find out more here.

Pizza Pilgrims opening

From Monday 13 November 2023 | Boars Lane, Leeds City Centre

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The London-born pizzeria is expanding, and Leeds is lucky enough to be its next stop. Think fluffy ‘bready’ bases, slightly charred for that authentic Neapolitan taste, dusted off with fresh tomato marinara sauce and mozzarella – each paired with a different combination of toppings.

Whilst there’s no opening date announced just yet, Pizza Pilgrims has confirmed it will be opening on Boar Lane in Leeds City Centre, with signs going up earlier this week inside the former Beer Hawk site, advertising free pizzas ‘and other goodies’.

Find out more here.

Art Roundhay Park

Monday 13 November – Wednesday 31 January | Roundhay Park

Nothing says Christmas than getting wrapped up and strolling leisurely round a market.

And it’s not just the city centre that will be filled with stalls and visitors this year, as Roundhay Park is getting in on the action with a brand new Christmas Market and art exhibition. Art Roundhay Park will showcase new original artwork inspired by the astonishing beauty of Yorkshire’s landscapes, coastlines and wildlife.

The exciting new opening will also feature a Christmas Market where visitors can shop gifts perfect for the big day. It’s the perfect opportunity to get something extra special which you won’t find anywhere else.

McFly Live

Monday 13 November 2023 | O2 Academy, Cookridge Street

One of the most significant British pop bands of the twenty-first century, McFly, will be taking to the O2 Academy this week. With seven UK number-one singles, six top-ten albums, seven arena tours and ten million records sold worldwide, McFly show no signs of slowing down and are set to bring a huge performance to the city next summer alongside their brand new studio album.

Since hitting the big time as the youngest band ever to have a debut album go straight to number one — even beating The Beatles’ long-standing record — Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry have become one of our most beloved bands.

Find out more here.

Sonder opening

Opening Tuesday 14 November 2023 | Grand Arcade, Leeds City Centre

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Japanese and retro interior meets coffee store, there’s a new interior concept from Olivia Fayne is set to open in the coming weeks, stocking interior items, one-off pieces and even Olivia’s own paintings.

Find out more here.

Steak Night at The Ox Club

Wednesday 15 November – Thursday 16 November 2023 | The Headrow

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Much loved Leeds restaurant The Ox Club has a new deal in town for those looknig for a midweek meal out. Grab yourself a steak, chips, house butter and watercress for £15.95 every Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm.

Find out more here.

Enola Gay Live

Friday 17 November 2023 | The Key Club, Merrion Centre

 Belfast-based Irish noise-punk band Enola Gay will be coming to Leeds on their upcoming tour, and naturally The Key Club is an obvious choice on where to find them.

The 4-piece formed back in 2019 and has a keen following across the UK and Europe, and during this upcoming tour, the band have promised free crates of beer and ‘rock, paper scissors matches’ to those that let them sleep on their sofa – it’s all very rock and roll.

Find out more here.

Thor’s Tipi opening

From Friday 17 November 2023 | Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery

Where: Victoria Gardens, Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD

When: From Friday 17 November – Sunday 31 December 2023,  open 12pm-11pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm-8pm Sundays, with last orders called 30 minutes before

Thor’s Tipi is something that’s become a real Christmas staple in Leeds. Serving up 170,000 pints, 125,000 cups of mulled wine and 55,000 hot chocolates each season, Thor’s is seasoned in the festive drinks game, so take a seat by the fire and cosy up with your favourite festive tipple.

Find out more here.

The Prodigy Live

Saturday 19 November 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way

One of the ‘most successful electronic groups of all time’ will be heading to Leeds’ own First Direct Arena this week, and there’s still chance to bag some last minute tickets.

Selling an estimated 25 million records worldwide including over 4.7 million albums in the UK, you’ll recognise The Prodigy tunes, but if not, it’s worth heading down for Soft Play (formerly Slaves) and Jack Saunders, who will both be supporting the show.

Find out more here.

Herencia Sunday Roast

Sunday 18 November 2023 | Stonegate Road, Meanwood

Inspired by his family and Filipino heritage, Nicko’s Sunday roast is far from your average roasties and Yorkshire combo.

Expect exciting new flavours, tender meats and a flaky pastry veggie option with seasonal sides that’ll have you gobbling up your five a day.

Glass Onion Vintage Pop-up

Sunday 19 November 2023 | Project House, Armley Road

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One of Yorkshire’s biggest pop-up vintage stores is returning to Leeds, this time at new event space Project House. For second-hand fits and preloved garms, this place will become a true treasure trove for all savvy thrifters.

Find out more here.

Featured Image – The Prodigy /THORs Tipi