It’s going to be a hot week, Leeds.

Making the most of the soaring temperatures, there’s plenty to get involved in within the city centre including those that involve rooftop views, drinking, live performances and free entry to all your favourite spots.

Alas, this weather won’t last forever though, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Leeds this week come rain, shine or record-breaking heatwave.

Free entry to Chow Down

Monday 18 July – Tuesday 19 July 2022 | Chow Down, Temple Arches

Chow Down is embracing the heatwave by opening earlier this week- and for good reason. The popular watering hole will offer free entry, 2 for £12 on cocktails and some of Leeds’ best authentic gelato.

If that’s not enough, drink away into the evening with nibbles from Little Bao Boy, Asado Kitchen, slushies and live music. All you need to do is book your table in advance as usual, but for these dates (along with the new Sunday sessions), you won’t be charged a penny.

Find out more here.

Free cinema tickets for gingers

Monday 18 July – Tuesday 19 July 2022 | Gelderd Road, Birstall, Batley

Image: Unsplash / Showcase Cinemas

One of the UK’s biggest cinema chains is offering free screenings for redheaded people so that they can escape the heatwave- and you can take full advantage of this offering at the nearest Showcase Cinema in Batley.

Showcase Cinema has recognised the struggle all the people with red hair – who are more vulnerable to UV and have an increased risk of sunburn – will face and are letting them inside for free.

The cinema chain said: “Experts say the UK is soon to witness its hottest EVER days on record and since redheads are often more vulnerable than most to the sun’s rays, we’re giving them shelter from the sun inside our fully air conditioned cinema screens to catch the latest blockbusters for no cost at all!

Find out more here.

Visit Leeds Market’s Roberto Gelato

Monday 18 July – Sunday 24 July 2022 | Leeds Kirkgate Market and Chow Down

Freshly churned and offering an abundance of flavours, there you can grab gelato by the scoop, fresh cannoli, coffees and other sweet treats from the Kirkgate Market stall, in Driffield, York or at a local pop up.

In addition to your usual, but nonetheless exciting, pistachio cream, salted caramel and hazelnut, you’ll find unique combos like passionfruit cheesecake and Guinness stout. If that’s not enough, there’s even a “Bownana” made specially for your four-legged friend to cool off during the summer heatwave.

Find them inside Leeds Kirkgate Market LS2 7HJ. 

Hoist House Bottomless Brunch

Monday 18 July – Saturday 23 July 2022 | Hoist House, Wellington Place

Revolutionising bottomless brunches with an offering of unlimited food and drink, Hoist House is serving up a huge selection of pizzas with a whopping FIFTEEN different drinks- adding up to 180 different combos to test out.

Everything about this bottomless is supersized, and no one is complaining. It’s a rare opportunity to each and drink as much as you can squeeze in without compromising on quality- the pizzas here are packed with flavour, as are the cocktails.

Lasting ninety minutes with sittings available Monday – Saturday, this is a bottomless experience that will leave you stuffed.

Find out more here.

Leeds Tequila Festival

Friday 22 July 2022 | The Tetley, Hunslet Road

One of Leeds’ favourite cultural arts spaces will be transformed into a tequila-infused haven to mark Leeds’ first dedicated Tequila Festival, with an appearance from Tequila Ocho, the world’s first Single Estate tequila, amongst other exciting household names.

Fans of the Leeds Whisky Festival or Rum Fest from Rolling Social Events will be delighted to see another boozy day of takeovers across the city.The one-evening-only event will showcase over 50 agave products, including tequila, mezcal and other exciting Mexican spirits whilst The Tetley’s fully-stocked bar will allow those looking to up their cocktail game with a splash of tequila to find their new favourite mix.

Find out more here.

House of Fu Rooftop Terrace

Friday 22 July – Sunday 24 July 2022 | House of Fu, The Headrow

If you’re looking for a spot to while away the weekend with some refreshing drinks, House of Fu’s new terrace is the perfect hidden location right in the heart of the city centre.

Here’s what our writer Clementine Hall had to say about the new terrace: “From Friday – Sunday, take a pew at one of their wonderfully multicoloured tables and sip on one of their frozen cocktails to cool you off in the tropical sun. Choose from a Yuzu Margarita or a Pina Colada slushie, or opt for one of their other delicious cocktails such as a Whiskey Highball or a Gin Yuzu Spritz.”

Find out more here.

80s Classical Live

Friday 22 July 2022 | Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre

If you love to head down to the club on 80s night but would rather party outdoors than in a packed out nightclub, the 80s Classical is the summer festival you don’t want to miss. Kim Wilde, Belinda Carlisle, Johnny Hates Jazz, Hue and Cry, Denise Pearson, and The Orchestra of Opera North will all be taking to the stage on Friday 22 July 2022 in Millenium Square.

Tickets start from £35.20 and can be booked via Millenium Square Leeds. For more information, including how to book your ticket, visit their website.

Find out more here.

Troy Hawke- Sigmund Troy’d Show

Saturday 23 July 2022 | Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press

Performing his hilarious character Troy Hawke, Milo McCabe is following his sold out 2021 performance at the Carriageworks with another exciting performance in the Main Theatre Room.

What to expect: “Fresh from finding and proving decisive links between IKEA, the CIA and the Nazi’s, 1930’s throwback home-schooled investigator Troy Hawke battles a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere…the bastard saboteur that lurks in our own minds.”

Find out more here.

Sunday Roast from Whitelock’s Ale House

Sunday 24 July 2022 | Turks Head Yard, Leeds City Centre

Often hailed as Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelock’s also serves up a cracking Sunday roast dinner. Whether you’re after a roast beef topside, leg of lamb or pork loin, trust you will find them all here served with a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy.

Whitelocks has one of the most loved Sunday roasts in Leeds- there’s no doubt about that. So the fact that their nut roast is vegan friendly and they’re willing to cater to those with a plant-based diet is just another reason to love the cosy pub.

Cauliflower cheese can be added on as an extra, and as for veggies and vegans there’s a lovely nut roast option – also served with all the trimmings.

Find out more here.

Visit the newly-opened Kulture Coffee

Monday 18 July – Sunday 24 July 2022 | Kirkstall Road, Burley

Newly opened Kulture Coffee has been having a big impact on Kirkstall and beyond since its debut just a few weeks ago. Serving up your regular fresh iced lattes and Instagrammable pink vanilla bean offerings with whipped cream, this is sure to satisfy your daily caffeine needs.

Home of the Volcano Cookie and one of Leeds’ only brunch spots inspired by Sydney’s renowned coffee culture, the pairing of cookies and coffee effortlessly fuse inside the small cafe. Take a seat between boho-alternative decor and plenty of indie art pieces from right here in Leeds and while away the afternoon, iced coffee in hand.

Read More: An Australian-inspired coffee shop is opening in Leeds

Further afield… Tramlines Festival

Friday 22 July – Sunday 24 July 2022 | Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

Okay so this isn’t in Leeds but given Tramlines is one of Yorkshire’s biggest music festivals, we couldn’t leave it off the list. This year, tramline-goers will have the opportunity to watch some of the UK’s best musical talent, as well as rising up-and-coming acts before they hit the mainstream.

The likes of Bad Boy Chiller Crew, Alfie Templeman, Kelis and Scouting for Girls will be joining the jam-packed lineup including James, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines, Sigrid, Self Esteem, Inhaler, The Wombats, Becky Hill, Reverend and the Makers and The Coral. Whilst these are just some of the big names taking to the stage, with smaller acts like Swim School, Coach Party, April and The Goa Express entertaining daytime crowds.

Find out more here.

Read More: Everything you need to know about Tramlines Festival 2022

Feature Image- Chow Down / 80s Classical / House of Fu