Things to do in and around Leeds: July 2022

The Summer is hotting up, and we’re sure you’ve BBQs and holidays aplenty ahead of you. But if you’re looking for things to get stuck into locally, there’s tonnes to go at. Whether you’re after a boozy brunch, some vintage cinema, or some orchestral magic, there’s something for you in our July roundup. 

Read on for a list of the best things to do and see in Leeds 2022.

The Big Summer Disco | Leftbank Leeds | Friday 1 July

Party People Project is a collective of dancers, DJs and art-makers with learning disabilities and autism who are on a mission to break down social barriers and create parties for everyone. At The Big Summer Disco you can expect to hear disco, soul, pop, funk, house, take in art installations, and enjoy pizza from Luigi's Street Food. And of course, there’s a fully stocked bar. Get your dancing shoes on for this summer-themed party and be sure to dress for the occasion. Tickets are just £5.98 including a small Eventbrite fee. The venue is fully accessible and carers go free. 

Sinfonia of Leeds: Bernstein, Mendelssohn, Sibelius | St Edmund’s Church Roundhay | Saturday 2 July

Sinfonia of Leeds is closing its 50th anniversary year with a stunning concert featuring violinist Lana Trotovsek. Lana is a unique talent and has toured the world with renowned orchestras performing her challenging works. The concert will open with Bernstein’s Candide overture, but the highlight of the evening will be Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. You don’t need to be a classical music buff, the repertoire presented is very accessible, and could be the perfect way to ignite an interest in orchestral performance. Tickets start from as little as £5 and the evening starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9.30pm.

In Motion - Dance for wheelchair users | Northern Ballet | Sunday 3 July

Join the experts at Northern Ballet and set your inner dancer free. These sessions are designed specifically for wheelchair users and are open to all abilities, whether your chair is manual or electric, and whether you remain in your chair for the full session or not. Carers may also attend, and this class is open to people aged 8 right up to adults. You’ll work on strength, flexibility, and expression through movement. Class price is from £6.50, and you could even get a free session if it’s your first In Motion class. 

Time To Read | Leeds Central Library | Monday afternoons 12pm-2pm

Did you know that just six minutes of reading each day has been proven to reduce stress? Why not head to Leeds Central Library on your Monday lunch break and take some time to slow down, disconnect, and engage with a good story. You can take your own book or choose one from the displays at the library. Get yourself comfy in room 800 and immerse yourself in a page-turner. 

Dreamgirls | Leeds Grand Theatre | 21 June - 9 July

The hit Westend musical graces the stage of Leeds Grand, with all the show-stopping tunes including And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen, I Am Changing, and One Night Only. This musical follows three friends as they navigate the complexities and biases of the music industry in the 1960s. Not to be missed, sequins are absolutely mandatory. Tickets start from £24, the show starts at 7.30pm (some matinees available) and runs for two and a half hours including the interval.

Black Ballad x Omolola Jewellery Workshop | Wolfox Leeds | Saturday 9 July

This jewellery workshop will be taught by Omolola co-founder, Ope, whose jewellery creations centre around the beauty of Africa. Black Ballad is an organisation created to make space for black women to connect over events, conversation, and content. Your ticket will include a free pastry and the event is open to everyone. So if you’re feeling crafty and want to meet like-minded people in your local area, this is a great place to learn a new skill and meet some good eggs. The event runs from 2pm-4pm and tickets start from just £10.    

Haim | Millennium Square | Wednesday 13 July

Ready your bass face, everyone's favourite siblings are coming to town. The talented trio grew up in a musical family playing shows at Jewish delis and local charity events. Officially formed the band in 2007, these multi-instrumentalists have gone from strength to strength, winning Brit, NME, and Rober awards. Ticket prices start from £41.25 and doors are at 6.30pm. 

Leeds Tequila Festival | The Tetley | Friday 22 July

If you’re in the mood for a fiesta then you need to check out the Tequila Festival, brought to you by the same team that hosted Leeds’ Rum, Gin, and Whiskey Festivals. The venue is the stunning Tetley, and tickets include all spirit samples so you’ll have a whole host of tequila, mezcal, and agave-based spirits to go at. Neon Cactus will be manning the taco stand to make sure you’ve got something tasty to soak up the spirits. The event runs from 5pm-10pm.

Ghostbusters Outdoor Cinema | Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield | Saturday 23 July

Hop on a train to Huddersfield for an outdoor cinema experience. This is part of the Comicon Get Your Geek On event which is taking place around Huddersfield across the whole weekend. Enjoy this 80s cinema classic in a unique location, and while you’re at it, why not take on some Jedi training or check out the Marvel character trail? Tickets start from £5 and the screening starts at 8pm.

Afrobeats n Brunch | Cargo | Sunday 24 July

If you’re looking for a high-energy brunch then look no further, Afrobeats n Brunch is heading to Leeds. Bottomless rum punch is included in your ticket price for one hour from 2pm-3pm. Dance the afternoon away with Afrobeats from across the decades with a sprinkling of hip-hop, RnB, and bashment. An African kitchen will be in full swing to fuel the dancing, as well as face painters, games, merch, and more. The event runs from 2pm-7pm, tickets are £15, and seating is limited and unreserved. July babies get free cake - party hard you Cancers and Leos.

Kirkstall Abbey Markets | Kirkstall Abbey | 30-31 July 

The last weekend of every month between March and November is your chance to take in the offering at Kirkstall Abbey Markets. Enjoy a street food lunch as you peruse the stalls from various talented crafty folk. You’ll also find stalls selling cheeses, chutneys, freshly baked goods, homeware, and beauty products.

Header Image: Tony O'Connell via https://northernballet.com/

Read next: Illuminated Christmas trail announced for Roundhay Park

Read again: An Insider’s Guide to eating, drinking and shopping in Slaithwaite

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