Right now I’m sat in bed with a mug of tea and my book, enjoying a relaxed bank holiday Monday. It’s been a quiet but beneficial bank holiday, spending time with friends in the sun and catching up on some much needed sleep, and though I’m not looking forward to going back to work I at least feel equipped to deal with it.

So what’s on the cards for June? Well, I’m trying to organise myself a little solo getaway for summer, even if it’s just a few days off for a city break, and I’ve got an exciting but terrifying work project to tackle at work. In my free time I’ve got some great events to distract my brain with – here’s where I plan to be this month…

10th: The One With the Girl Gang

Feminism and Friends? Count me in! The Girl Gang Leeds are hosting a night of homage to everyone’s favourite sitcom, featuring workshops, games, episode screenings, and talks both praising and critiquing the series. (I’m ready for a few harsh truths to be dished out during this part but as long as nobody argues in support of Ross I think I can handle it). Friends-themed dress up is encouraged, so I’ll probably be channelling 90s Rachel Green.

15th: Search Leeds

Ok so this is a bit of a niche one, but it’s a big date on the calendar for the digital marketing nerds of Leeds. Hosted by Branded3, this is a great day of seminars and networking for SEO and PPC people – I went to the event last year and saw some fantastic talks. This year they’re sizing up from Leeds Dock to the First Direct arena, and all the talk themes are nicely grouped so you can easily catch most of the stuff you’re most interested in.

19th: Open Letters Zine Launch

Open Letters get my vote for the most charming event, podcast and zine concept ever. Their open mic nights at Hyde Park Book Club are always really varied and interesting, and their podcast has the host sitting down with writers, readers and those working in the literary arts to read letters by themselves, famous people or strangers and talk about their context. In June they’re launching a zine, and I want it if only for the lovely envelope design.

19th-22nd: Humans of Leeds Exhibition

I’ve long been a fan of Humans of New York, and when Humans of Leeds popped up I couldn’t help giving it a follow. I love reading about everyone’s big and small struggles in life, and the observations they make about themselves and others. Left Bank is such a gorgeous venue for exhibitions, and on the opening the photographer is doing a talk about the collection. Some other local photographers are also being featured, which is a great opportunity to find some new Instagram accounts to follow!

24th-25th: Leeds Waterfront Festival

Leeds Waterfront Festival is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Held down at Leeds Dock, this festival is a lovely place to spend a sunny weekend with street food, live music and the famous dragon boat race. This year the festival is holding events all along the canal from Armley Mills past the Dock to Thwaite Mills, and is hosting a dog show and the British Street Food Awards regional heat.

What else is going on this month? Let me know what I’m missing…