Leeds weekend gig guide: Lily Allen, Taylor More Swiftly, Garage Republic Festival and more

With exactly a fortnight to go until the massive debut of the Roundhay Festival, the Leeds live music scene isn't taking a breather.

The buzz around the city is fixed on the inaugural event running July 3 - 5, with excitement building earlier this week after the announcement that audio-visual wizard and hip-hop turntablist legend DJ Yoda is the latest stellar guest confirmed for the three-day July spectacular.

He joins an already jaw-dropping, incredibly diverse bill that transforms the park's natural amphitheatre into a world-class festival ground from July 3–5. If you haven't secured your spots yet, here is a reminder of the massive names heading our way in just two weeks: Pitbull (July 3), Lewis Capaldi (July 4) and All Things Orchestral (July 5).

But before then, we still have two weekends to go, both of which are brimming with must-see shows - from Lily Allen’s blockbuster arena return and a massive open-air UK Garage celebration in Armley to a delightfully chaotic pop-metal (we think?) takeover in the Grand Arcade

We have vetted the listings to bring you the four absolute headlining events - and a full day-by-day roadmap - to maximise your weekend.

This weekend’s music highlights in Leeds

Lily Allen (First Direct Bank Arena - Sunday)

Easily the heaviest-hitting ticket of the weekend. Pop icon Lily Allen takes over the arena for a massive Sunday night set. Having spent years away from the touring circuit, her return to the arena stage is a massive coup for the city.

Expect a packed bowl, massive collective sing-alongs to era-defining anthems like Smile and The Fear, and the ultimate high-energy finale to clear your weekend palette.

Garage Republic Festival 2026 (PROJECT HOUSE - Saturday)

Armley's premier cultural space is transforming into a massive haven for pure 2-Step and UK Garage energy. This nine-hour open-air and indoor day party features a royalty-tier line-up of old-school pioneers, including live sets and PAs from Artful Dodger, Oxide & Neutrino, So Solid Crew (featuring Lisa Maffia & Romeo), Heartless Crew, and Sweet Female Attitude.

If you want to capture that authentic, early-2000s summer festival energy right on the edge of the city centre, this is where you need to camp out.

Taylor More Swiftly (Santiago’s - Friday)

Easily the most beautifully chaotic counter-programming of the month. Tucked away in the Grand Arcade, Santiago’s is legendary as Leeds’ premier, grit-and-glory heavy metal dive bar. Hijacking that exact dark-and-heavy space for a full-throttle Taylor Swift rock and metal tribute night is an absolute stroke of genius.

Whether you are a hardcore Swiftie looking for a heavier edge or a regular rocker ready to belt out Blank Space over a bourbon, this night promises absolute scenes.

Morley Live Unsigned (Morley Live CIC - Saturday)

A massive win for the outer-borough music scene. The team at Morley Live CIC are running their dedicated 'Live Unsigned' showcase night, proving that the heart of the Leeds music scene doesn't stop at the city centre loop or the student belt.

This vital, community-driven platform gives raw, independent Yorkshire talent the spotlight and a proper stage to cut their teeth on. Go down, show some love, and support the grassroots infrastructure keeping local music alive.

Leeds weekend gig guide - June 19 - 21

Friday

• Taylor More Swiftly - Santiago's Bar
• Elliot Holt, Ellis Weeks, Lucia and Ted Coyle - Headrow House (Rooftop)
• Billy Fuller - Brudenell Social Club
• OMF Regtown Warmup Event - Hyde Park Book Club
• Mother Said and Fool - Hyde Park Book Club
• THIRD KULTURE, Sleuth Gang and Rupcha Farms - The Key Club
• Mango In Euphoria, A Void and Hitlist - Wharf Chambers
• Juni Habel - The Cardigan Arms
• Romano Viazzani Ensemble - The Wardrobe
• Azu Tiwaline - Eiger Studios

Saturday

• Garage Republic Festival 2026 - Project House
• Morley Live Unsigned Night - Morley CIC
• Contrail, Dermot Henry, Jonique, Neve Cariad, Pict, Pollyfromthedirt, pushbike, Speedway Star, Tooth, and two blinks, i love you - Hyde Park Book Club
• Mik Artistik's Ego Trip - The Black Horse, Otley
• G33 - Headrow House
• The Session - Brudenell Social Club
• The Pretend Beatles - Leeds Irish Centre
• Summertime 2026 featuring The Dunwells - The Vesper Gate, Kirkstall
• Gav Easby, Alex O'rion and SOBAH - Bar Fibre

Sunday

• Lily Allen - First Direct Arena
• K-Pop Live Leeds - Project House
• The Wild Moon Collective - The Attic, Headingley
• The Metatrons - Wharf Chambers
• Summertime 2026 - The Vesper Gate, Kirkstall

All information provided is correct as of the time of publication.

For any 11th-hour changes or cancellations, please refer to the media channels of the respective venues or promoters involved for more information.