The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 14 – 20 August 2023

11th August 2023

The sun has finally got his hat on so it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy what our vibrant city has to offer.

August has already been a jam-packed month, but Leeds is certainly not showing any signs of slowing down.

As we edge closer to the highly anticipated Bank Holiday Weekend, we’ve got some great exhibitions popping up in the city, a music festival by the sea and some epic foodie deals to be taken advantage of.

As usual, we’ve handpicked some of the best things that you can get up to in and around Leeds.

So what your diary out, and get reading…

Projecting Grief Exhibition

Friday 18 – Sunday 27 August | Victoria Gate

Projecting Grief is the profound work of photographer Jo Ritchie and writer Laura McDonagh. Collaborating with Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023, they are presenting an inspiring exhibition focusing on the complexities of loss and how art can be a useful medium for grieving.

Viewers can fully immerse themselves in real-life stories of grief and will also have the opportunity to take part in creative workshops covering textile art, writing and paper flower making.

Trinity Leeds ‘Pick Your Mix’

Monday 14 – Sunday 20 August | Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre

Fizzy cola bottles, strawberry bon bons, flying saucers…there really is nothing better than a delicious bag of pick ‘n’ mix. And now to our delight, Trinity Leeds shopping centre will be dishing out free sweets as part of their ‘Pick Your Mix’ installation on the top floor.

Every day of the week, ‘Pick Your Mix’ will feature super-size DJ decks being installed underneath the main atrium, where guests can listen to top summer tunes and fill up free goody bags with sweet treats to take home.

This Feeling By The Sea Festival

Friday 18 – Saturday 19 August 2023 | Bridlington Spa, South Marine Dr

Some huge names will be playing by the sea this weekend and it’s going to be a great one. Liverpool rockers Red Rum Club will get the ground shaking and Manchester band the Lottery Winners are sure to give a performance to remember.

Tickets are just £50 and you can get yours via Skiddle here.

Negroni Month at Friends of Ham

Monday 14 – Sunday 20 August | New Station St, Leeds and Brook Street, Ilkley

Yes, you read that correctly. For the entire month of August, Friends of Ham will be serving £5 negronis in both their Ilkley and Leeds locations.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get together with mates, sink a few negronis and indulge on the delicious cheese and charcuterie that Friends of Ham have to offer. You’d be a fool not to get involved in this absolute bargain.

Gusto Bottomless Brunch

Friday 18 – Saturday 19 August | Greek Street

Now we all love a bottomless brunch don’t we? And this Italian-themed extravaganza is not one to miss. All Gusto diners will be treated to two delicious Italian courses alongside 90 minutes of non-stop cocktails and Prosecco – mega.⁠

We’re talking decadent pasta dishes, juicy burgers, and enough Italian aperitifs to sink a ship. So get your mates together get involved in this unmissable bottomless brunch, you won’t regret it.

City Beach Summer Sessions

All of August | The Light Leeds, Cookridge Street

Following its huge success in 2021 and 2022, The City Beach invites anyone and everyone to take part in fun beach activities throughout the summer.

The Light will be transformed into a huge sandpit to make you feel like you’re on holiday. The City Beach this year will also host a series of exciting events named ‘Summer Sessions’ for families and cocktail lovers alike, throughout the month of August.

From live music nights to evenings dedicated to Aperol Spritz, there’s a fun event for everyone to get involved in at The Light this summer.