July is off to a flying start with a week jam packed with foodie openings, headline summer gigs and themed bottomless brunches.

Summer is officially here and Leeds is overflowing with exciting things to do.

The highly anticipated Sounds of The City at Millenium Square begins this week as well as the Leeds Bear Hunt which will be sticking around the city centre all summer long.

Foodies are in for a treat as Six By Nico officially opens it’s doors and Neighbourhood are bringing back their iconic Mamma Mia themed brunch at the weekend.

Keep reading to find out what you can get 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.

George Ezra

Monday 3 and Thursday 6 July | The Piece Hall, Halifax

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Chart-topper George Ezra will be playing two summer headline shows at iconic venue The Piece Hall in Halifax. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Six By Nico opening

Monday 3 July 2023 | 9 East Parade, Leeds city centre

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If you’re unfamiliar with Six By Nico, it’s already a popular fixture in nearby Manchester – serving up a different themed tasting menu to diners every six weeks. The brainchild of Scottish chef Nico Simone, the eponymous restaurant chain has proven a hit with locals and tourists across the country for its affordable themed tasting menus.

Previous hit menus at Six by Nico include its Chippy Tea, which offered a unique take on the traditional fish and chip shop dinner, its Fairytale menu, and its Alice In Wonderland-inspired supper with a hot mushroom consomme ‘tea’ and edible sugar paper menus.

Find out more here.

Sounds of the City

Thursday 6 July – Sunday 15 July 2023 | Millenium Square

One of Leeds’ biggest gig series will be taking over Millennium Square again in the summer of 2023. Already announced are McFly (6 July), Kasabian (7 July) Blossoms with Miles Kane (8 July), Morrissey (12 July) Bastille (13 July), The Wombats (14 July) and Shed Seven (15 July).

Find out more here.

The Big Harewood Garden Party

Saturday 8 July 2023 | Harewood House

There’s a giant garden party going on at Harewood House – and everybody’s invited. With a special collaborative meal designed by internationally-renowned artists Lucy & Jorge Orta to embrace, as well as street food and live entertainment, the day explores the way that “food crosses divides” as part of LEEDS2023 Year of Culture celebrations.

Find out more here.

Leeds International African Arts Festival

Saturday 8 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.

Find out more here.

Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch

Sunday 9 July 2023 | Neighbourhood, Greek Street, Leeds city centre

Neighbourhood’s sell-out Mamma Mia bottomless brunch event is back and we couldn’t be more excited.

Prepare to live out your Greek island dreams and sing along to all your favourite ABBA tracks, all whilst enjoying 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and mouthwatering food. We can’t think of a better way to end the week, can you?

There’ll be Mamma Mia performances from live dancers, lip sync battles, dance-offs, and sing-alongs, all soundtracked by your favourite ABBA classics. Drinks wise you are truly spoilt for choice, Neighbourhood offers one of the biggest booze selections in the city when it comes to a bottomless brunch.

Find out more here.

Featured images – The Hoot Leeds | Leeds Bear Hunt