Since moving to Leeds for university a scary five years ago, I’ve watched the scene evolve from great to even greater. Leeds has tonnes of stuff to do, from the indie food scene and grungy bars to cultural events and fancy champagne bars.
Most of my friends will tell you it’s my mission to get them all to move here, but for those already blessed and staying in this fab lil city, here’s some things to do in October.
The Cocktail Experience
I went to the press preview of this last week and sampled all the delicious cocktails from several bars in Leeds, including The Alchemist, Oracle, Brotherhood and Sandinista. Each has concocted a fabulous cocktail which you can come and try, all in one space; the beautiful building, Aspire.
You can buy tickets here, and I’d 100% recommend either Manahatta’s From Dusk, a tequila take on the espresso martini, and the elderflower and cointreu based White Cosmo from The Alchemist.
Speed Dating
Probably not on your usual must-do lists, Leeds has quite a big alt indie speed dating scene at some of the ~cooler~ bars, such as The Liquorist and Crowd of Favours. I’ve never tried speed dating, and am currently in the process of convincing someone to come with me, because it sounds like so much fun! Bit of a laugh and an excuse to grill people in five minutes (all after a few drinks at one of my top places to drink in Leeds ofc). Tickets can be found here.
Whale song by LCI productions; 2015
Leeds Night Light
This is an annual festival that is on in Leeds every October, and sees the city covered with light installations, street entertainment and various performances. Each year differs as what to expect, from there’s be some pretty cool must sees; giant glowing dandelions in Merrion Gardens, a lantarn parafde and 100ft digital waterfall are all part of the two day event. Find out more info here.
See The Lion King at Hyde Park Picture House
Hyde Park Picture House has been serving films up since 1914, meaning it’s survived wars, thousands of students and the ever evolving Leeds scene. It’s the cosiest cinema in the world (probs) and for a long weekend, it’s showing Disney’s biggest best film, The Lion King. More info here.
Highlights
Highlights is an art exhibition held in The Corn Exchange for a few weeks in October. It’s a showcase of work from members of Arts & Mind, so the artists tend to be those who use mental health services or have an interest in mental health issues. With mental health issues affecting 1 in 4 people, it’s a different way to explore the subject of mental health in a positive environment. Find out more here.
Obviously, this isn’t the definitive list of things to do in Leeds this October, but these are all events that won’t be around forever so should be high on your priority list.
Let me know if you do decide to attend any, and if you’ve got anything else worth visiting this month!
