The second May bank holiday is just around the corner – how will you spend your big weekend in Leeds?
Whether you’re after a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the oldest venues in the city, a jazz festival or a game of bingo, we’ve put together a list of the events that are worth your time this bank holiday weekend. From Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May 2026, here’s your definitive guide to what’s on in Leeds.
Planning for half term? Check out our guide to the best half term activities in and around Leeds.
Friday 22nd May 2026
Credit: Tom Pearson
Leeds Rhinos vs Huddersfield Giants. There’s always a big-match atmosphere when Leeds Rhinos take to the field at AMT Headingley Stadium, and this Friday night clash against Huddersfield Giants is set up perfectly for a bank holiday weekend. The crowd will be well up this fixture so it’s sure to be a fun and noisy night out.
The Shawshank Redemption at Leeds Grand Theatre. The Shawshank Redemption often tops best films of all time charts and now the acclaimed stage adaptation arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre, bringing a story of friendship and resilience to the stage. Tense, emotional and sharply acted, it’s the kind of production that appeals equally to long-time fans of the story and film, plus people who are new to the story.
City Varieties Music Hall Tour. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at City Varieties Music Hall? Now you can find out on this guided tour exploring one of the most historic venues in Leeds. From famous performers to hidden architectural details, it’s a fascinating way to experience the theatre beyond the seats and get a sneak peak where the general public never gets to go – especially if you’ve walked past it for years without stepping inside.
Leeds Jazz Festival. Spanning venues across the city from Thursday 21st to Tuesday 26th May 2026, Leeds Jazz Festival brings together emerging artists and established names for music that will appeal to Jazz aficionados and newcomers alike. With performances everywhere from Belgrave Music Hall to Howard Assembly Room, it’s an easy excuse to spend an evening discovering somewhere – or someone – new.
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Credit: Kat Weatherill
Create a Planting Plan for Summer. Hosted at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, this beginner-friendly workshop is ideal if you’ve been staring at your garden and wondering where to start. Using inspiration from the beautiful Harlow Carr gardens themselves, you’ll learn how to build a planting plan with structure, colour and seasonal interest in mind.
World Goth Day at Leeds City Museum. Leeds City Museum embraces the darker side of culture this weekend as the Leeds Festival of Gothica takes over the space with live performances and alternative atmosphere throughout the day. There will be music, an alternative market and gothic recitals curated by Leeds Piano Competition.
R&B Mania. Outdoor day festival R&B Mania lands at Project House with an afternoon dedicated to classic 90s and 00s R&B anthems and summer party energy. If your ideal bank holiday involves throwback tracks and drinks with friends rather than a late finish, this is exactly what you’re looking for.
Paint a Pic: Curves in Colour at The Alchemist. Looking for something a little different to do with your bank holiday Sunday drinks? This guided sip-and-paint session at The Alchemist on Greek Street combines cocktails, music and creativity in a relaxed two-hour workshop. No experience is needed and class sizes are kept small, so it’s ideal whether you’re coming with friends or trying something new solo.
Sunday 24th May 2026
Credit: Eddy Maynard
Slam Dunk Festival. Slam Dunk Festival returns to Temple Newsam with a great line-up full of pop-punk and alternative heavyweights including Good Charlotte and Taking Back Sunday. Loud, nostalgic and chaotic in a fun way, it’s one of the biggest dates in the UK alternative music calendar.
White Cloth Hall Summer Series. The terrace at White Cloth Hall turns into an all-day bank holiday hangout this weekend, with DJs and live music. This weekend’s guest kitchen is Singhs Indian Street Food who’ll be doing live tandoor cooking and thali plates. It’s a day to enjoy drinks in the sun (hopefully!) and a laid-back city-centre atmosphere.
UNEARTHING(S). This major new installation at Leeds Art Gallery combines sculpture, sound and light to explore themes of identity, grief and regeneration. Created by Yorkshire artist Hannah Catherine Jones, it’s immersive, thoughtful and well worth seeking out if you’re after something thought provoking over the bank holiday weekend.
Paint a Pic: Curves in Colour at The Alchemist. Looking for something a little different to do with your bank holiday Sunday drinks? This guided sip-and-paint session at The Alchemist on Greek Street combines cocktails, music and creativity in a relaxed two-hour workshop. No experience is needed and class sizes are kept small, so it’s ideal whether you’re coming with friends or trying something new solo.
Monday 25th May 2026
Credit: Stephanie Thornton
Great British Food Festival. Set within the grounds of Harewood House, this bank holiday food festival combines street food, chef demos, artisan stalls and live music with access to the estate itself. It’s an easy full-day option – take a look at the activities happening at the hall itself, especially if you’re visiting in a family group.
BOOMCHIKKABOOM at Belgrave Music Hall. The bank holiday weekend marks the start of half term and parents looking for an activity that’s genuinely fun for adults too should make a note of BOOMCHIKKABOOM at Belgrave. It’s a high-energy family rave complete with dance routines, bubbles, parachutes, pom poms and a snow machine, all set to a soundtrack designed to keep kids and grown-ups equally entertained.
Buzz Bingo Bank Holiday Special. At Buzz Bingo you’ll get bingo games, a burger and chips, a soft drink and the chance to win cash prizes during Big Money Live – all for the price of just £6. It’s an easy, low-cost group activity with a bit of nostalgic charm.
Bank Holiday Market at Left Bank Leeds. If your ideal bank holiday involves browsing independent stalls with a coffee in hand, head to Left Bank Leeds for this creative market celebrating books, illustration and paper goods. Explore the stalls to find everything from zines and prints to notebooks, cards and original artwork, alongside food and drinks from the venue’s café bar.
Prices and timings were verified as correct at the time of publishing in May 2026. However, event details, particularly for outdoor festivals and touring shows, can change. We recommend checking with the individual venue before making a special journey. Cover image credit: Great British Food Festival
