Leeds is always busy. From big arena shows to small gigs, street festivals to family films, something is happening every day. This guide gives you a clear, friendly snapshot of what to see right now—plus where to look for tickets and weekly updates. If you love live music, theatre, film, food markets, or family days out, you’ll find it here.
Start here: the official “What’s On” hub
Begin with the city’s official listings. Visit Leeds maintains a rolling calendar of gigs, comedy, theatre, festivals, markets, workshops, and more, updated throughout the year. It’s the best first stop to see what’s happening this week and to plan for the leeds events.
Music & gigs: from arenas to intimate rooms
The First Direct Arena brings blockbuster nights, featuring major tours, comedy specials, sports shows, and one-off events. It’s where you’ll catch chart-toppers and big comedy names on the same stage, often with impressive lighting and huge crowds. Check the arena’s official events page for the latest dates and tickets.
O2 Academy Leeds delivers high-energy concerts, club nights, and special student events. It’s a classic mid-size venue with a lively calendar—ideal for catching rising bands before they hit arenas or for nostalgic throwback shows. Browse the “What’s On” feed for weekly lineups and ticket info.
Want a more intimate vibe? Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen mixes music, art, film, and food across multiple floors and a roof terrace. Expect indie nights, label takeovers, new artist showcases, and the popular Belgrave Feast pop-ups. Peek at their events page to see what’s on this week.
Pro tip: If a show looks close to selling out, check secondary local outlets like Crash Records for the occasional in-store gig ticket or last-minute drop.
Theatre, comedy, and live storytelling
Leeds Playhouse is a powerhouse for new writing, bold revivals, and community work. You’ll find main-stage productions, visiting tours, talks, and artist workshops. Their “What’s On” page lists current shows and special events; it’s also where you’ll spot visiting festivals and book tours passing through.
Leeds Heritage Theatres covers three beloved venues—Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, and Hyde Park Picture House—with a single “What’s On” filter. At the Grand, look for big musicals, opera, and touring drama; at City Varieties, expect comedy, variety, and family shows; at Hyde Park Picture House, find carefully curated films, classics, and community screenings.
Opera North lives here, too. Whether it’s a concert in the Howard Assembly Room or a full opera at the Grand, their schedule brings orchestral nights, film-with-live-score events, and special projects across the region.
Film & culture nights
For cinephiles, Hyde Park Picture House is a gem. Think restored classics, director seasons, family matinees, and special introductions—often on 35mm. Check the cinema’s listings to see what’s on today and what’s coming up over the weekend.
Cultural calendars in Leeds also flag talks, workshops, and pop-up screenings around the city. The official Visit Leeds listings gather these in one place so you don’t have to chase every venue site.
Festivals & city-wide moments
Leeds loves a festival. Across the year you’ll see light trails, city ideas festivals, food feasts, and big outdoor shows in Millennium Square. You’ll also find touring celebrations hosted at major venues—look for film-with-orchestra nights and themed weekends that turn the city centre into one big stage. Keep an eye on the Visit Leeds calendar for dates as they’re announced and updated.
Family-friendly & low-cost picks
Bringing the kids? Filter the Leeds Heritage Theatres page by “Family,” “Young People,” or accessibility tags like BSL, Captioned, and Relaxed Performances to find inclusive shows that fit your schedule. Hyde Park Picture House also runs family screenings, often “pay what you can,” which is great for weekend plans on a budget.
Citywide listings on Visit Leeds include trails, treasure hunts, museum days, workshops, and seasonal markets—perfect for school holidays or spontaneous afternoons. Many options are free or low cost.
Big nights & sport
Beyond concerts and comedy, First Direct Arena hosts special sports events, darts nights, and showcases that bring a stadium feel under one roof. If you like the buzz of a “one night only” show, keep the arena’s schedule bookmarked.
Where people actually look for tickets (fast)
- First Direct Arena → check the venue site first for accurate dates and availability.
- O2 Academy Leeds → the Academy Music Group site lists everything from club nights to tours.
- Leeds Playhouse → book direct for the best seat maps and show extras.
- Leeds Heritage Theatres (Grand, City Varieties, HPPH) → browse and filter across all three venues.
- Visit Leeds → catch citywide listings and quirky one-offs you might miss elsewhere.
If a top show is sold out, look for official partners (like Ticketmaster pages linked from venues) or local record shops that sometimes host special ticketed events.
Planning your week in Leeds (simple, stress-free)
Pick your anchor night. Choose one headline event—an arena gig, a major musical, or an Opera North concert—and build around it with free or low-cost daytime picks.
Layer in a cinema classic or indie gig. After work, Hyde Park Picture House screenings or a Belgrave showcase are easy add-ons that won’t run late.
Don’t forget the “what’s on now” refresh. Check the official listings again the day before. Leeds venues often add extra shows, late screenings, or one-night club events—especially during student season and holidays.
Accessibility & family notes
Leeds theatres and cinemas offer a growing range of accessible performances, including BSL-interpreted, captioned, audio-described, and relaxed shows. Use the filters on Leeds Heritage Theatres to find the right performance, and look for “pay what you can” family screenings at Hyde Park Picture House.
Quick neighbourhood map (mental, not literal)
- City Centre / Arena Quarter: First Direct Arena, O2 Academy, large clubs, and quick eats.
- Quarry Hill: Leeds Playhouse and nearby galleries—ideal for dinner + theatre nights.
- Hyde Park / Headingley edge: Hyde Park Picture House, student-friendly cafés, late screenings.
- Cross Belgrave Street: Belgrave Music Hall—music, rooftop, food stalls.
Final tips to catch the best of Leeds events
- Book early for weekends. Big theatre runs and arena tours go fast; weekday shows are your friend.
- Mix venues. Pair a major gig with an indie cinema night or a small-room show—you’ll see more of the city’s character.
- Refresh listings midweek. New events, added dates, or late-announced talks pop up often—especially around term time and festival seasons.
Final Thought
Leeds is a city that loves a good night out. With this guide and the links above, you can plan a week of music, theatre, film, and family fun without the guesswork. Keep the official listings close, check your favourite venues often, and say yes to that extra show—you’ll always find something worth seeing.
