📆 What’s on in Leeds June 2024

If catching a few rays in May got you in the mood for some serious al fresco fun, there’s plenty to look forward to in Leeds this June. With activities for city workers, adults and families, the city and its surroundings will be abuzz with life this summer. Let’s dive in because, right from the off, Leeds starts June as it means to go on!

In Early June

1st June: Leeds Wool Festival

Back once again for the yarn brigade masters, Leeds Industrial Museum hosts the Leeds Wool Festival. Join other knitting and crochet enthusiasts for craft markets, talks, demos and fun family activities, with a tea room on tap for refreshments. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore Grade II listed Armley Mills. 

1st June: Peter Kay

One of the nation’s best-loved comedians, Peter Kay, returns to stand-up comedy with Peter Kay Live after a twelve-year hiatus. Chances are, you’ll struggle to get a ticket reading about it now. You could also try Romesh Ranganathan’s Hustle Tour at the First Direct Arena on June 7th for laughs or Leeds Comedy Pick N Mix at the Carriageworks Theatre, a bi-monthly night of improvised comedy courtesy of award-winning sketch group, The Discount Comedy Checkout.

1st & 2nd June: You Choose

Also at the Carriageworks, You Choose is a family-friendly (age guidance 2-7) interactive musical show where you decide what happens! Based on the Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt picture book of the same name, Nonsense Room Productions presents a unique series of games, challenges, and characters every time. The Next Generation School of Rock The Musical is a great alternative for older kids later in the month (Wednesday, June 12th to Saturday, June 15th).

2nd June: Ella and Ellington

For laid-back Sunday vibes, Ella and Ellington, presented by Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, brings the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington to life at City Varieties Music Hall. With vocalist Alice Grace to guide you, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the classic sounds of the big band era.

4th to 9th of June: Northern Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast

For Northern Ballet fans, the troupe brings its signature sparkle to a timeless love story with its interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. Opulent sets, kaleidoscopic costumes and a handpicked score played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia transform this tried-and-tested classic into a modern treat for all ages.

5th June: Leeds Illustrators Meetup

Handy with a pen? The Leeds Illustrators Meetup, organised by Brew, meets at Water Lane Boathouse on the first Wednesday of every month from 6 pm onwards. It’s free, but you’ll need to sign up. Boozy Brushes, Modern Pop Bangers, Sip and Paint Party on the 8th of June from 2 pm till 4 pm at Be at One, Greek Street (and regularly throughout each month) is another chance to get your Van Gogh on.

6th to 16th June: Victoria Leeds Fashion Show 

Victoria Leeds keeps up appearances this June by launching an entire fashion week in the city! A spectacular fashion show showcasing the runway trends of SS24 – from 90s minimalism through sports luxe to ‘Western Rebel’ – kicks things off in the iconic Victoria Quarter on the 6th. There’ll also be exclusive afterparties and VIP experiences at venues like Harvey Nichols’ 4th Floor Brasserie and The Ivy Brasserie, with all profits from the show donated to the charity Smart Works. 

7th to 8th June: Authors at the Armouries

Authors at the Armouries (AATA) brings hundreds of international authors and readers together for one of the North’s largest book fairs. Get up close with your favourite authors, have your books signed, watch Q&A panels, and even enjoy an evening ball. It’s all going on at AATTA. Still, if you’re not planning on heading into the city, street food by pop-up Tiro Sicilian at Terminus Tap in Meanwood (7th of June) is a tempting, low-key alternative.

8th to 9th June: Press Start Retro Gaming Weekend

Another pop-up event not to miss for retro games fans is Press Start Gaming Zone at Abbey House Museum. A family-friendly weekender of classic games and fun challenges with up to 25 legendary game systems, including the Sega Megadrive, Super Nintendo, PlayStation 2, Dreamcast and N64. Entry is just £5 for adults and £3 for under-16s.

Other events starting in June you’ll get more than one shot at attending: 

LeedsBID’s Summer Roadshow brings alternative lunchtime relaxation to Wellington Place, Sovereign Square, and Central Square office workers throughout June and July. Look out for Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Badminton, Coconut Shies, and more—oh, and FREE ice cream and deck chairs for those who’d rather laze around and watch their colleagues cavorting around instead.

Rory’s Saturday Club is a craft club for kids that meets every Saturday between 11 am and 12:15 pm (next on 1st of June). Tiny Tigers is the under-5 version, meeting on Thursdays between 10 am and 11:45 am (next on 7th June). Keep Crafting is an adults-only maker session on the first Wednesday of each month (next on 5th June)—all at Leeds City Museum.

During mid-June

Leeds doesn’t slow down mid-month, picking up the pace on culture moving into the middle of the month… 

15th to 23rd June: Leeds Lit Fest

The biggest festival to hit Leeds this month is Leeds Lit Fest, returning for its sixth year. Leeds Lit Fest brings together writers, poets and performers from the UK and beyond across a diverse range of the city’s spectacular spaces, such as the Leeds Library and Minster. Headliners include LYR, John Agard, Stuart Maconie, Selena Godden, Helen Lederer and DL Paulette. Lit lovers; there’s plenty to get involved in at this year’s event…

Music fans of all genres are spoilt for choice in June. On the 15th and 16th of June Girls Aloud take to the stage at the First Direct Arena (which also welcomes James, Razorlight, Kings of Leon and The Vaccines this month). Meanwhile, at Lotherton Hall, award-winning vocalist Miss Marina Mae will take guests back in time at a 1940s weekend. Elsewhere in the city, on the 21st of June, Mexican acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela serve up unique instrumental duets influenced by genres like nuevo, flamenco, rock, and heavy metal at Project House on Armley Road from 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. 

20th June: Dinner in the Dark: Blindfolded Dinner Experience

Here’s an immersive experience you may not have stumbled across yet––Dinner in the Dark: Blindfolded Dinner Experience at The Lost and Found Club. The one-of-a-kind three-course set menu lets your taste buds take centre stage and challenges what you think you know about your senses with meat, veggie, seafood, and vegan options. 

22nd June: Gin & Rum Festival

The best distillers pour into the Royal Armouries for the UK’s largest touring gin and rum festival. Attendees will be spoilt for choice with over 120 of the best gins and rums on the global and British markets. Think you know your gins by now? Think again. There’s still much to be discovered. Tickets include merch and an exclusive guide.

Sunday 23rd June: Leeds 10K

See you at 9 am at the Parkinson Steps, University of Leeds, with your trainers on, yeah? The Leeds 10K, which started as Jane Tomlinson’s vision, has grown over the last 15 years into one of the highlights of the city’s calendar. Crowds line the streets on a route that takes in some of the city’s most iconic and historic landmarks. For PBs, fundraising or just because it’s close to your heart, this is a feel-good one to get involved in.

22nd – 23rd June: Leeds Tattoo Expo

The 9th edition of this festival which now takes place over 2 days at first direct Arena. Expect to see over 200 artists both internationally and local renowned and a mix of entertainment, competitions and a selected market of boutique traders.

Towards the end of June

A gentle end to June might be welcome after the excitement of the previous few weeks…

Friday 28th to Sunday 30th June: Bluey’s Big Play

Bluey’s Big Play at the First Direct Arena is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series. With showings at 10 am and 1 pm, it will be the best money you’ve spent yet on children’s entertainment because, for once, you’ll get as much out of the experience as your kids. Who doesn’t love The Heelers?

29th June: Summer Picnic 

For a more outdoorsy family activity, why not head down to Temple Newsam’s Summer Picnic between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.? The £5 admission fee includes entry to the house and farm. There’ll also be crafts and entertainment for all the family. And don’t worry—if it rains, everything moves inside! 

29th June: All Out Together 

Out Together, the charity which supports older LGBTQ+ people across West Yorkshire, is holding its fundraising ‘All Out Together Ball’ on Saturday 29 June 2024 from 7pm at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. This year’s event will be hosted by presenter and star of Married at First Sight UK, Matt Jameson, and broadcaster Christine Talbot. The event features
performances from international award-winning drag artist Chichi Monroe, and Nikk Mager who first found fame as a finalist of Popstars the Rivals and as a member of the band Phixx.Tickets for the All Out Together Ball are £50 – which includes a drink on arrival and a three course meal – and can be purchased at on their website.

29th to 30th June: Kirkstall Abbey Markets

Shop local between 11 am and 3 pm, browsing Yorkshire-made produce, including chutneys, cheeses, and sweet and savoury bakes, against the magnificent backdrop of the Kirkstall Abbey ruins. At Kirkstall Abbey Markets (June and August), you’ll also find street food and art and craft stalls with accessories and homewares. This best-of-Yorkshire-owned businesses market is free of charge; no booking is required. Just turn up and enjoy!