12. September – 13. September 2026

Unmissable Events in Leeds This Weekend (12–13 Sept 2026)

Leeds is buzzing this weekend, with waterfront walks, dog-friendly festivals, open studios and lively nights out on the canals. Whether you’re here for culture, food, family fun or a bit of adventure, you’ll find plenty to fill a 2–3 day city break. From creative workshops to pirate pub crawls, here are the standout events to plan around.

At a glance

There are 14 events happening in Leeds this weekend, curated specifically for travellers looking for a memorable city break. We found 4 free activities and 10 ticketed events.

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Upcoming Events

Discover the best of Leeds

Paws in the Park

Aire Park, South Bank (LS10 1JQ)Sat 12 Sept · 11:00 - 16:00
Free

Dog-friendly community day with agility taster sessions, games, stalls and activities for owners and their pets in a new waterfront park setting. A relaxed, social event ideal for families and dog lovers exploring south Leeds.

Let’s Walk! Leeds (River Aire & Leeds Dock)

David Oluwale Bridge to Royal Armouries Museum, City Centre / Leeds DockSat 12 Sept · 10:30 - 12:30
Free

A free guided 2.5-mile walk along the River Aire and around Leeds Dock, taking in local heritage, waterside views and modern architecture. Perfect for getting fresh air, light exercise and seeing a different side of the city.

Leeds Open Studios

Various artist studios across Leeds (including Headingley, Chapel Allerton, City Centre)Sat 12 Sept · 11:00 - 17:00 (times vary by studio)
Typically Free Entry or Small Studio Donation

City-wide open studios weekend where artists and makers open their workspaces for visitors to browse, buy and chat about works in progress. A great way to discover Leeds’ creative neighbourhoods and pick up original art.

Open Day at Swarthmore

Swarthmore Education Centre, WoodhouseSat 12 Sept · 10:00 - 15:00
Free

Open day at this long-running adult education centre with taster workshops, tours and information about arts, crafts and wellbeing courses. A friendly, community-led way to dip into Leeds’ creative scene.

THAT! Collector Show Leeds

The Edge, University of Leeds campus, Woodhouse (Willow Terrace Road, LS2 9JT)Sat 12 Sept · 10:00 - 16:00
Approx. £5 - £10 (check ticket site)

Trading cards and collectibles fair featuring stalls selling sports cards, Pokémon, TCGs and memorabilia, plus chances to trade and meet other collectors. Ideal for pop-culture fans and anyone into gaming or nostalgia.

Pirate Boat and Pub Crawl – Leeds (Saturday)

The Hop, Granary Wharf, City Centre (Dark Neville Street, LS1 4BR)Sat 12 Sept · 12:00 - Late Afternoon
Approx. £20 - £35

A pirate-themed boat trip and pub crawl setting off from Granary Wharf, mixing canal-side cruising with stops at local pubs. A playful, social way for visitors to experience Leeds’ waterfront nightlife.

Pirate Boat and Pub Crawl – Leeds (Sunday)

The Hop, Granary Wharf, City Centre (Dark Neville Street, LS1 4BR)Sun 13 Sept · 12:00 - Late Afternoon
Approx. £20 - £35

Second-day outing of the pirate-themed boat and pub crawl, ideal if you arrive in Leeds on Saturday and want a fun Sunday activity. Expect fancy dress, drinks and a lively group exploring Leeds’ canals and bars.

DogFest at Harewood House

Harewood House, Harewood (country estate north of Leeds)Sat 12 Sept · All day (from around 10:00)
Approx. £20 adults / £15 children

A relaxed, dog-focused festival weekend just outside Leeds featuring dog shows, breed meet-ups, training advice, a big dog walk and food traders. Great for families with pets looking for a day trip in the countryside.

The Great Yorkshire Abseil for Leeds Mind

Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley Moor (day trip from Leeds)Sat 12 Sept · 09:00 - 17:00 (time slots through the day)
Fundraising minimum / registration fee (around £40+)

Charity abseil off the crags above Ilkley Moor, offering dramatic views and an adrenaline rush while raising money for Leeds Mind. Suits adventurous visitors happy to travel out of the city for an outdoor challenge.

Sabor y Salsa – Workshops and Evening Dancing

Central Leeds Latin dance venue (typically city-centre bar/club)Sat 12 Sept · Workshops from 18:30, social dancing till late
Approx. £12 - £20

Evening of salsa dance workshops followed by social dancing, often paired with Latin music, drinks and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. A lively way to experience Leeds’ Latin dance scene as a visitor.

Piecing Together the Past – Family Mosaic Workshop

Leeds museum or heritage venue, City CentreSat 12 Sept · 13:00 - 15:00
Approx. £8 - £15 per person

Hands-on family mosaic-making session where you can learn basic techniques and create your own piece, suitable for kids and adults. A creative indoor option ideal if the weather is mixed.

JazzLeeds – Emma Coates

JazzLeeds at Seven Arts, Chapel AllertonSun 13 Sept · 14:00 - 16:00
Approx. £10 - £15

Sunday jazz concert from Emma Coates and band, offering soulful vocals and classic jazz in an intimate setting. A mellow way to round off a weekend in Leeds with live music.

The Eucharist at Leeds Minster

Leeds Minster, Kirkgate, City CentreSun 13 Sept · 11:30 - 12:30
Free

Sunday morning Eucharist service in Leeds’ historic Minster, with traditional liturgy, choir and atmospheric architecture. A calm, cultural start to the day for visitors interested in history and sacred spaces.

Blank Canvas Reset: Reduce Anxiety, Build Confidence and Empower Women

Crystal Wellness Studio, Headingley (81 Otley Road, LS6 3PS)Sat 12 Sept · 10:00 - 16:00
Approx. £30 - £60

Women’s wellbeing workshop focused on reducing anxiety, building confidence and resetting mindset in a supportive small-group environment. A peaceful alternative activity if you’re looking for relaxation during your city break.

Direct Flights to Leeds

Weekend flight routes, timetables & ticket prices from major departure cities:

Flight Dublin to Leeds
DUBLBA
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Ryanair UK
from40
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Flight Alicante to Leeds
ALCLBA
Ryanair, Jet2.com
from50
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Flight Palma to Leeds
PMILBA
easyJet Europe, easyJet, Lauda Air
from56
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Flight Paris to Leeds
CDGLBA
Jet2.com, easyJet, easyJet Europe
from154
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Flight Antalya to Leeds
AYTLBA
Jet2.com
from321
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Flight Barcelona to Leeds
BCNLBA
easyJet, Jet2.com
from381
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Flight Rome to Leeds
FCOLBA
Jet2.com
from398
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Flight Bucharest to Leeds
OTPLBA
Wizz Air, Ryanair
from466
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Flight Amsterdam to Leeds
AMSLBA
KLM Cityhopper, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air Hamburg (AHO)
Direct flight
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Flight Belfast to Leeds
BHDLBA
Aer Lingus
Direct flight
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Flight Birmingham to Leeds
BHXLBA
Eurocypria Airlines, Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Budapest to Leeds
BUDLBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Catania to Leeds
CTALBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Glasgow to Leeds
GLALBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Liverpool to Leeds
LPLLBA
Wizz Air, Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Manchester to Leeds
MANLBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Nice to Leeds
NCELBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Prague to Leeds
PRGLBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Riga to Leeds
RIXLBA
Ryanair, Ryanair UK
Direct flight
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Flight Thessaloniki to Leeds
SKGLBA
Jet2.com
Direct flight
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Flight Warsaw to Leeds
WAWLBA
Wizz Air, Ryanair
Direct flight
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