📆 What’s on in Leeds in September 2024

It’s been a big summer for Leeds, and for most of us, September represents a reset, a time to get stuck back into work and school after the vacation season. But don’t get ready to hang up your party shoes just yet. There’s plenty to entertain in the city this September–from festivals to theatre–if you know where to look.

For last-minute family fun

Squeeze a last bit of family fun out of the school holidays with various events on Sunday, September 1st. Browse the Temple Newsam Craft Market between 11 am and 3 pm in the House Courtyard and Great Hall to pick up unique gifts from local artists. Or go to Lotherton Hall Gardens. It’s your last chance to take part in A Lotherton Summer Holiday, with family activities such as a sand pit, rides and a circus tent inspired by the seaside. And if you stay until 4:30 pm, you’ll see a playful SISATA Theatre Company retelling of the timeless J.M. Barrie tale, Peter Pan. 

Alternatively, it’s the last day of Playscape at Harewood House, a pop-up loose-parts play installation in collaboration with Wild Rumpus. Expect rope mazes, mini rovers, lawn games, and summer scavenger hunts.

For festival fans

Leeds International Beer Festival (LIBF) will return to Kirkstall Abbey between 5th and 8th September for its 12th year. Craft beer–brewed in the UK and overseas by everyone from Amity Brew Co to Zapato – will flow as thick and fast as ever, as will street food from Little Bao Boy, Parm Star, Little Red Food Truck, and Mormor Eats. There’ll be plenty of great live music on offer, too. Why not start the weekend early with a Thursday evening Bundobust X LIBF event in the 10YR Tipi while listening to a Barry’s Here DJ set? 

September 8th is Family Day at LIBF, a celebration of the end of the summer. Bring your kids along, but leave the dog at home (except guide dogs).

Alternatively, go along to the tenth anniversary of DogFest, where dogs are not just welcome; they’re VIPs. Set against the backdrop of seven of the UK’s most gorgeous stately homes and gardens, the DogFest Leeds event will take place at Harewood House on September 7th and 8th. Take a walkies down memory lane with the DogFest team as you enjoy the Big Dog Walk, breed meet-ups, have-a-go activities and live-action displays––or simply shop till you drop at various canine-themed stalls. Some of the UK’s top trainers and behaviourists will be on hand with advice. 

Later in the week, don’t miss your chance to catch the Ocean Film Festival, landing at the Carriageworks Theatre on Thursday, September 12th. The festival, touring nationwide across the UK and Ireland, features the world’s best short films about life above and below the waves in a cinematic celebration of the oceans. Hear from surfers, paddlers, divers and scientists with rare insight into the largely unexplored depths of our planet.

Then, why not sail down to the other end of town for a first-hand taste of the spirit of the high seas at the Leeds Rum Festival on Saturday, September 14th, at Fearns, Leeds Dock? Drink like a sailor with a choice of over 100 rums from all over the world. As always, Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant will operate the festival bottle shop, so you can leave with a hearty haul of whatever rum floats your boat.

Another big one on the Leeds calendar is the Leeds Digital Festival, organised by Leeds Digital. Now in its ninth year, #LDF24 will offer an exciting programme of over 200 events celebrating all things tech and digital. Events will take place between September 16th and 27th, hosted by leading digital innovators across the city. The lineup’s not yet live, but judging by previous years, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. 

Rounding out the festivals, Oktoberfest is back in Leeds—this time, at Project House between September 26th and 28th. For a £5 entry fee, you can access bratwurst, an oompah band, DJs, games, and lots and lots of steins.

For entertainment enthusiasts

Theatre: In the city, Corrie favourite and Strictly champion Ellie Leach plays Miss Scarlet in the hit new whodunit show Cluedo 2 at Leeds Playhouse between the 3rd and 7th of September. The show also stars West End and TV star Jason Durr. Written by BAFTA winners Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran and directed by Mark Bell – director of the original Cluedo and The Play That Goes Wrong, Cluedo 2 will keep you guessing right until the final twist. Fancy a sneak peak? Be our guest.  

Comedy: Quick-witted Liverpudlian Paul Smith is back and better than ever with his latest tour, Pablo, at the First Direct Arena on Friday, September 27th. Pablo features Smith’s trademark mix of hilarious everyday stories and audience interaction. It’s sure to have you rolling in the aisles––get ready for belly laughs and jaw aches.

Music: The Last Dinner Party, the nation’s best-loved baroque-pop five-piece, will perform at the O2 Academy on Tuesday, September 24th, supporting their critically acclaimed debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy. Catch them in action, fresh off the back of another successful Glastonbury performance this summer.

Culture: We mentioned it last month, but it’s good enough to issue a reminder. You Choose is an exciting new exhibition at the Thackray Museum of Medicine that explores personalised medicine and how personal choices, preferences, and needs can influence health and well-being. It’s on until the 5th of January––get the lowdown here.In terms of entertainment, this is just a snippet: Visit the Welcome to Leeds articles section for detailed insights into the city’s best theatre, comedy and music this September.

For competition chasers

Get the rare opportunity to witness a new generation of pianists set to shape the world of classical music right here in Leeds between September 13th and 21st. The Leeds International Piano Competition, taking place every three years, will welcome 65 competitors from 18 countries. In 2024, blind judging, unconscious bias training and a new Alexandra Dariescu Award for an outstanding performance of a work by a female composer will tackle the long-standing issue of male dominance in the industry. Note: This year’s final will take place in St George’s Hall in Bradford due to refurbishment work at Leeds Town Hall. 

For a world-leading competition of a different kind, Headingley Stadium will host a one-day international between England men and Australia on Saturday, September 21st, continuing a cracking summer of sport…

For fun-loving freshers…

If you’re starting uni in Leeds this September–Welcome to Leeds! It’s likely Freshers Week activities are high on your agenda, and Voodoo Leeds is a good place to start for more information and university-affiliated wristbands for activities between September 15th and 28th. But if partying is not your thing, there’s no need to give in to fresher pressure during your first weeks at university. There’s lots to suit everyone in the city. So, check back in for regular updates on what’s on and what’s new.