Weekend in Leeds
This weekend in Leeds is dominated by the massive Leeds Festival, offering a world-class music experience at Bramham Park, with day tickets available for those who want to dip in. Beyond the festival, the city offers a diverse range of cultural highlights, including a new musical at Leeds Playhouse, a popular R&B outdoor festival, a vibrant courtyard party, and an insightful local history exhibition. It's a blend of high-energy events and relaxed cultural immersion, perfect for locals looking for fresh experiences.
Friday Evening - Arts & Music Kick-off
Friday, August 22New Musical Premiere
Catch the premiere of 'Reception: A New Musical' at Leeds Playhouse.
This brand new production features songs by the legendary Leeds band The Wedding Present and promises a compelling story of love and friendship, exploring life's significant moments.
This is a key opening night for a new musical with local ties, offering a fresh theatrical experience. Expect a lively atmosphere and a strong local audience. The show runs from August 22nd to September 6th, 2025. Duration is typically around 2 hours, including an interval. Book in advance due to its premiere status.
The Leeds Playhouse is a short walk from Leeds City Centre and Leeds Train Station. Numerous bus routes also serve the Quarry Hill area.
Live Indie Gig
Head to the iconic Brudenell Social Club for a live performance by Hannah Frances, supported by Robin Kester and Zoe Cure.
Enjoy an evening of indie and folk sounds in one of Leeds' most beloved grassroots music venues.
The Brudenell Social Club is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and championing of emerging and established artists. This free-entry gig is a fantastic opportunity to experience Leeds' vibrant live music scene without breaking the bank. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
From Leeds city centre, take a bus towards Headingley or Hyde Park (e.g., X84, 1, 6) and alight near Hyde Park Corner. The venue is about a 15-20 minute bus ride or a longer walk.
Saturday - Festival Vibes & Cultural Immersion
Saturday, August 23Leeds Festival Day
Immerse yourself in the full Saturday experience of Leeds Festival 2025.
As one of the UK's biggest music festivals, today features headliners like Hozier, Chappell Roan, The Kooks, and AJ Tracey across multiple stages, offering a diverse range of genres.
This is a major highlight of the weekend for music lovers. A Saturday day ticket allows you to explore the vast festival grounds, discover new artists, and catch world-renowned acts. Expect a large crowd, vibrant atmosphere, and various food/drink vendors.
Utilise the official shuttle bus service from Leeds city centre directly to Bramham Park for convenient access. Allow ample travel time.
Carnival Royalty Show
Experience the glamour and artistry of the Leeds West Indian Carnival at 'The Carnival Royalty Show' at Leeds Playhouse.
This special event celebrates the 58th year of the carnival, showcasing the elaborate costumes and vibrant performances that precede the main parade.
A fantastic cultural event providing insight into the rich traditions of the Leeds West Indian Carnival. Expect stunning costumes, music, and dance. This is an official pre-carnival event held in a theatre setting.
Located just a short walk from Leeds City Centre. Regular bus services connect Quarry Hill to various parts of the city.
Outdoor R&B Festival
Join the 'RNB MANIA | Leeds Outdoor Bank Holiday R&B Summer Festival' at Project House.
This 18+ event promises the biggest R&B summer party with 90s & 00s R&B, live performers, hosts, impressive venue decor, and glitter stations.
A lively outdoor event perfect for dancing and enjoying classic R&B hits. The festival runs from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM, making a 4:00 PM arrival ideal to soak in the atmosphere.
Project House is accessible by bus from Leeds city centre (e.g., routes 4, 4F, 16, 16A from Leeds Bus Station). A taxi or ride-share would also be a convenient option.
Festival Evening Headliners
Continue your Leeds Festival experience into the evening, catching the main stage headliners and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of the festival site.
With a lineup featuring top international artists, Saturday night promises unforgettable performances.
The evening is the peak time for major acts at Leeds Festival. Explore different stages, enjoy the festival atmosphere, and make the most of your day ticket. Ensure you plan your transport back to Leeds city centre in advance if not camping.
Regular shuttle bus services operate from Bramham Park back to Leeds city centre until late. Check the festival's official transport information.
Sunday - Culture, Party, & Festival Finale
Sunday, August 24Local Stories Exhibition
Start your Sunday with a visit to Leeds City Museum to explore the 'Pride In Place' exhibition.
This exhibition showcases the diverse voices and compelling stories from the communities of South Leeds, a culmination of the Creative Communities project.
A fascinating and free exhibition offering a deep dive into local heritage and contemporary narratives. It's a perfect relaxed morning activity before the city's Sunday buzz picks up. The exhibition runs until August 31, 2025.
Leeds City Museum is centrally located in Millennium Square, easily accessible by a short walk from Leeds Train Station and all major city centre bus stops.
Secret Courtyard Party
Immerse yourself in the 'Secret Courtyard Party' at Hirsts Yard, a multi-venue collaboration promising an ultimate bank holiday Sunday day-time party.
Expect a unique experience with all new production across ULTRA, SPACE, and THE END venues.
This 18+ event is a popular choice for locals on Bank Holiday Sunday. It runs from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM, providing ample time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and music.
Hirsts Yard is located in Leeds City Centre, a short walk from Briggate and the Call Lane area, easily accessible from all central transport hubs.
Leeds Festival Finale
Conclude your weekend with the final day of Leeds Festival 2025.
Experience the closing acts and soak in the last moments of this major music event, featuring headliners like Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, and Becky Hill.
This is your last chance to catch some of the festival's biggest names and enjoy the full scale of the event. It’s a powerful way to end the weekend for music enthusiasts. Plan your departure to ensure you catch your preferred artists and have a smooth journey home.
Utilise the official shuttle bus service from Bramham Park back to Leeds city centre. Be aware of potential queues for transport as the festival winds down.
This weekend itinerary for Leeds can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.