15 things to do in Leeds: July 2019

BRASSERIE FANTOME TAKEOVER | Friends of Ham | Thursday 4 July

Can’t get abroad this summer? Allow Friends of Ham to bring Belgium to you with a full tap takeover, bottle and food pairing. Known for their Saisons (a fruity, spicy pale ale) Fantome know their stuff and will be able to answer questions and inspire any wannabe home brewers. 

Friends of Ham, LS1 5DL (6-11pm; tickets from £20 at friendsofham.co.uk) 

RAMPAGE URBAN CYCLING | Victoria Gate | Thursday 4 July

Now in its second year (and bolstered by sponsorship from Red Bull), the Rampage Urban Cycling event is back with 120 riders and five levels in Leeds’ shiniest car park. Nail your sprint race times or simply spectate, with a resident DJ and food stalls providing the ambience. 

Victoria Gate Car Park, LS2 7AU (from 5pm; tickets from £15 at therampageleeds.co.uk)

LEEDS TATTOO EXPO | First Direct Arena | 6-7 July

Whether you’ve been coveting a booked piece with a specific artist or just fancy admiring the art form, Leeds Tattoo expo returns with some of the best and brightest from the tattooing industry. Shop prints, walk-in appointments and street food, or get a good seat at the annual competition judging.

First Direct Arena, LS2 8BY (11am-8pm; tickets from £14.85 at leedstattooexpo.com) 

MAGIC ROCK VEGAN FOOD FESTIVAL | Huddersfield | Sunday 7 July

Take the twenty-minute train to jolly Huddersfield to experience the much-enthused Magic Rock festival. Eat your way through hoards of tasty vegan food suppliers (both healthy and ‘dirty’), and wash it all down with a pint of your preferred brew. With a sizeable courtyard space and pets welcome, it’s the perfect low-key day trip. 

Magic Rock Brewery, HD1 5EB (12-6pm; free entry)

BREWCON | Northern Monk Refectory | 12-13 July

Not had quite enough jars? It is summer after all. Still, a trip to Brewcon counts as something of an educational outing, with various speakers, workshops and the opportunity to enter your own homebrew for judging by an esteemed panel. Time to break out those beakers…

Northern Monk Refectory, LS11 9YJ (4-10pm; tickets from £15 at brew-con.co.uk)

GUS DAPPERTON | Headrow House | Saturday 13 July

Be a part of the ‘saw them first’ crowd when Gus Dapperton comes to Leeds on his UK tour. Labelled by Pitchfork as an ‘it-boy bedroom pop auteur’, his catchy melodies are likely to be everywhere this summer. Make a night of it and book in at Ox Club before heading upstairs – a strong date night if we ever heard one.

Headrow House, LS1 6PU (7pm-10pm; tickets from £17 at ticketweb.uk)

DACHSHUND POP UP CAFÉ | Duke Studios | Saturday 13 July

Could this be heaven? Ditch the dubious ethics of your usual pet cafes and head to Duke Studios for their sausage dog meet up. Allowing owners and enthusiasts alike to learn more about the breed, rescue opportunities and, of course, take in the Instagrammable excellence that is the ‘best dressed pup’ competition. Find us at the front with a pocketful of treats.

Duke Studios, LS10 1HD (10am-4pm; tickets from £7 at fatsoma.com)

TOM ROSENTHAL: MANHOOD | The Wardrobe | Wednesday 17 July

Fans of Friday Night Dinner rejoice - comedian Tom Rosenthal is coming to Leeds with his tales of Jewish upbringing and millennial masculinity. His debut stand-up tour, this small show acts as a preview for the Edinburgh Fringe, so be sure to make your enthusiasm known.

The Wardrobe, LS8 8AG (7-8.30pm; tickets from £8 at lunatickets.com)

LEEDS JAZZ FESTIVAL | Leeds College of Music | 18-21 July

Forget all of the negative stereotypes you’ve heard about jazz - it is easily one of the fastest growing genres in the UK, with many emerging talents from our very own city. Discover names old and new with over 30 performers across the weekend; including Sarah Tandy, the Electric Lady Jazz Band and a special tribute celebration of the Windrush. 

Leeds College of Music, LS2 7PD (times vary; tickets from £15 at jumborecords.co.uk) 

CABARET EXTRAVAGANZA AND FIERCE FATALES | Belgrave Music Hall | Saturday 20 July

Channel your inner Dita at Leeds Cabaret’s exclusively 18+ showcase, celebrating the liberation and fun of burlesque dance. This show isn’t just about voyeurism - come prepared to show off your own moves in inclusive workshops that’ll leave you feeling strong and sexy.

Belgrave Music Hall, LS2 8JP (8-11pm; tickets from £16.50 at jumborecords.co.uk) 

SUNSET YARDEN PARTY | Sheaf Street | Friday 19 July

Herald the start of summer with the return of Sheaf Street’s monthly Yarden party. July’s opener features DJ’s Bebetta and Bab&Ganoush; providing the perfect backdrop for games of ping-pong, street food and lots of dancing. 

Sheaf Street, LS10 1HD (5pm-2am; register for free tickets from sheaf-st-yarden.eventgenius.co.uk)

YOGA AND WELLNESS FESTIVAL | Yoga Hero | Saturday 20 July

Went too hard at the Yarden party?  Relax and detox at the annual yoga and wellness festival, learning more about how to improve both mental and physical health. Welcoming to both established yogis and curious beginners, expect workshops on mindfulness, nutrition and, of course, yoga itself.

Yoga Hero, LS10 1PZ (10.30am-7.30pm; tickets from £35 at eventbrite.com) 

BUILD YOUR OWN PLANTER | Sunny Bank Mills | Sunday 21 July

Ever admired the ceramics across some of Leeds hippest restaurants? Learn how to craft your own with Poppy from CLOD ceramics in this creative workshop. Learn how to use slip, cut out shapes and send off your piece for professional glazing, with the finished product ready to collect in just a few short weeks.

Sunnybank Mills, LS28 5UJ (10.30am-12.30pm; tickets from £32 at eventbrite.com) 

FEMALE MAGIK | Our Place | Saturday 27 July

Find your tribe at Female Magik, the first all-female led event celebrating women of colour in Leeds. With a line-up of female DJ’s, creative workshops and a panel discussion, you can explore race, community and activism in a relaxed supportive environment, with plenty of entertainment for children and adults alike.

Our Place Unit 3, LS7 2HG (1-5.30pm; free entry tickets at eventbrite.co.uk)

ROCK OF AGES | Leeds Grand Theatre | July 29 - 3 August 

Heralded at the ultimate rock musical, Rock of Ages sees Strictly’s Kevin Clifton ditch the ballroom to become the legendary Stacee Jaxx. Featuring classic tracks from the likes of Journey, Bon Jovi and Pat Benetar, it’s an original story that provides plenty of familiarity along the way thanks to that formidable soundtrack.

Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NU (times vary; tickets from £19.50 at leedsgrandtheatre.com)