Things to do this May in Leeds

Now that the snowy days of April are behind us, we can fully embrace the joy of Springtime in Leeds plus there’s another bank holiday to make the most of and half-term on the horizon. We’ve got your arts and culture needs covered, something to support your wellbeing plus an array of delicious food offerings with Leeds Indie Food this month. There’s plenty to do in May. Read on to find out more.

Chowdown won ‘Best Use of Outdoor Space’ at the Oliver Awards 2022 – and rightly so! Our favourite outdoor indie food and drink spot is back and this year they’ve reimagined their home at Temple Arches with new spaces to enjoy and a summer makeover. There’s now a three-tier, roofed sun terrace to take advantage of while you try out the new summer cocktail menu or you can head over to the Tanqueray Terrace and enjoy the views from the rooftop bar. There’s a variety of food traders on rotation plus Mormor and Sarto taking up kitchen residencies for the season. Check out Palm Swings if you fancy a game of crazy golf or make a night of it and stay for the live music and DJs. The lineup for May is a lively one with The Cuban Brothers, Mr Wilsons Second Liners, New York Brass Band and New Freedom Gospel. Temple Arches, Globe Rd, LS11 5QG.

Tranquillity Season is a new revitalising programme of art, events and activities at the Thackray Museum of Science and Medicine that runs until July. Regarding Forests is an installation evokes an atmosphere of tranquillity and provides visitors with a space to rest and relax. Featuring the forest photography of Chrystel Lebas accompanied by a soundscape and the scent of petrichor, Lebas’ installation seeks to provide a restorative encounter that reminds us of our reliance on the natural world. For something family-friendly over the May school holidays why not tie up a leaf in the Wish Forest or have a go at making your own pomander in Pop-Up Potions . Thackray Museum of Medicine, Beckett Street, LS9 7LN.

If you’re after some culture outdoors, why not join one of the lunchtime walks with Balbir Singh Dance Company. On the Trail of Tranquillity is a series of themed walks in the Beckett Street Cemetery. See the cemetery in a new light as a place for peace and wellbeing.  Cemetery, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7BH

Leeds Indie Food Festival is one of the highlights of the year. 2022 will be the fifth in-person edition of this wonderful celebration of everything that makes the independent food and drink scene in Leeds great. Hundreds of bars, cafes and restaurants get involved every year – and they never fail to amaze us with their ingenuity from unique tasting menus to huge street food festivals. A couple of cool collaborations we know you won’t want to miss are Plantation Rum Brunch with Bastards Bistro at Gindhouse and Starward Whisky Supper Club at The Tetley. Brought to you by the folks behind the Leeds Rum and Whisky Festivals, Rolling Social Events are taking that festival magic to different venues in the city. Both events offer an expert-led interactive tasting, three course menu with drinks pairings plus a welcome cocktail. Vegetarian and vegan options are available so there is something for everyone. Can’t decide if you love rum or whisky more?  Do both! Grindhouse, 22 New Briggate, LS1 6NU. The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ. Tickets.

Founded in 1822 The Tetley is celebrating their 200 years with a range of events commemorating their Leeds heritage from brewery to gallery. On Sat 30 Apr & Sun 1 May the Makers’ Market is taking place across the Ground Floor and Second Floor along with workshops, after-hours tours, heritage beer tastings and curator chat. Melody Murals will be doing a live mural painting on Sunday and there are drop-in yoga sessions throughout the weekend. On Friday 6 May,  the Spring Social will celebrate the opening of a new exhibition by artist Bubu Ogisi and marking the final weekend of Justin Fitzpatrick’s exhibition Alpha Salad. They’ll also be serving a delicious BBQ menu and the bar will be open until 10 pm. Let’s celebrate spring! No booking required.  The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ.

Chicago is back at Leeds Grand Theatre in May for one week only. Sexy and sassy, Chicago is a must-see musical, created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. Its slick score is filled with one show-stopping song after another including Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango and All That Jazz. Starring classical singer Russell Watson as Billy Flynn, Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Three Degrees legend Sheila Ferguson Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and West End star Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, this production is not one to be missed! Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU.