It’s been one hell of a year – and 2026 is set to be even bigger.
We’ve got a really good feeling about 2026. There’s a huge host of massive events, exciting developments and great projects in the pipeline. After all, Leeds is a city than never stands still. We’ve rounded up 10 things that will make 2026 one to remember – which are you most excited for?
A slew of superb new openings
Credit: Ben Pickles
There’s a huge array of new opening in Leeds in 2026 already announced – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With everything from the tequila-fuelled bar and pool hall that is Salon Madre, to the huge Uniqlo store on Briggate and a super intimate new restaurant from Michael O’Hare, there’s an absolute treasure trove to get you feeling hyped for the new year.
Of course, we’ll have our fingers on the pulse of the city, so keep your eyes peeled for new openings and venues coming soon to Leeds in 2026.
Some cracking live music events
Credit: George Harrison
Leeds has a burning passion for good music – and 2026 will be a massive celebration of that. The year will see an array of events and festivals playing host to big names, from The Streets at Kirkstall Abbey to Charlie XCX headlining Leeds Fest, alongside Chase & Status, Dave, Florence & the Machine, Fontaines DC and Raye.
And that’s not even mentioning Slam Dunk, Goodlife Festival at Harewood, or the summer gigs at Millennium Square, with Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League and The Cribs all confirmed to play the outdoor venue in July. Whatever your jam is, you’ll be able to boogie in the city.
…including a brand new music festival
As if all that wasn’t enough, 2026 will see the debut of a brand spanking new music festival. American Express presents Roundhay Festival will take place at the iconic Roundhay Park, assembling global music icons for a multiple-day event in early July.
The full line-up has yet to be announced but so far, we know ‘Mr. Worldwide’ Pitbull will be playing on Friday, with special guest Kesha, while Lewis Capaldi will be taking to the stage on the Saturday. Get your tickets and keep your eyes peeled for more announcements, as you won’t want to miss the dawn of this new summer staple.
The completion of the Leeds Railway Station renovation (finally!)
Credit: Leeds City Council
We know, we know, we said this last year. Following setbacks, work on the £46.1 million redesign of Leeds Railway Station has been delayed, and it’s now set to be finished by spring 2026.
There has been progress – with the concrete steps to the main entrance having been recently installed. We can’t wait until we can say goodbye to all that construction and chaos and hello to a whole heap of environmental and passenger improvements.
A chock-a-block calendar at first direct bank arena
Credit: Ant Longstaff Photography
There’s always something exciting happening at first direct bank arena – but the calendar for 2026 feels extra special. Comedy fans will be well catered for, with the likes of Greg Davies, Peter Kay and Bill Bailey all playing through the year.
Meanwhile, your musical itches will be scratched courtesy of big shows from Gorillaz, The Prodigy, Louis Tomlinson, Lily Allen and many more. Plus, with special shows like the Strictly Live Tour 2026, Disney on Ice, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, you’ll be making unforgettable memories with the whole family.
The return of UKREiiF to Royal Armouries and New Dock
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
The UK’s leading platform in the regeneration, development and property sectors, will be returning to Leeds between Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st May 2026. It’s the must-attend event for investment and regeneration, providing a fantastic opportunity to unlock conversations, opportunities, new ideas and long-term partnerships.
In 2026, you can expect a massive 16,000 event attendees, with over 1,250 speakers across more than 60 stages, in what will be a huge boost for the city’s economy. It’s expected to raise £300+ billion of opportunities, with last year’s attendees and supporters including everyone from Amazon to Evri, McDonald’s to HSBC.
Some serious sporting events across the city
There’s never a shortage of sporting action when it comes to Leeds. Of course, there’s Leeds FC’s continuing battle in the Premier League, along with Leeds Rhino’s potential dominance of the 2026 Betfred Super League. But that’s far from all.
Elsewhere, the global ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup tournament will be held at Headingley Stadium in June, while first direct bank arena will host showings from the likes of the Harlem Globetrotters, Europe’s Strongest Man 2026 and the BetMGM Premier League Darts 2026. Plus, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off in June, we’re hoping to witness it all from the big screens in Millennium Square – this could be the year football comes home!
A sensational lineup of performances at Leeds’ theatres
Credit: Clive Barda
This is your cue to book yourself tickets to the theatre next year. Across Leeds’ many fantastic theatres, there’s an absolutely stacked programme of plays, musicals and live performances that are worthy of a standing ovation.
Whether you fancy being captivated by Opera North’s The Marriage of Figaro, keeping the kids happy at Rude Science, or shimmying in your seat to musicals like Sunny Afternoon, Mamma Mia! or TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, 2026 has it all.
A delicious smorgasboard of food and drink festivals
Credit: Helena Dolby
Feeling peckish? Want to sup down some delicious tipples? Well, 2026 has you covered, with a veritable feast of food and drink festivals in Leeds. For starters, there’s the gut-busting North Leeds Food Festival in Roundhay Park in May, which you can follow up with the delectable Temple Newsam Food Festival in August.
Need something to wash all that down? How about the annual Leeds International Beer Festival at Kirkstall Abbey? Prefer spirits? Get your fill of your favourite liquors with creative cocktails and special samplings at the Gin & Rum Festival at the Royal Armouries on Saturday 11th July 2026.
A brand new food and entertainment destination at Kirkgate Market
Plans for STACK have been in the works for some time now, but they took a huge leap forward, with the lease finally being signed in 2025. That means that construction on this two-storey, container-style leisure hub is set to start in early 2026, with completion anticipated for later in the year.
Part of the outdoor market at Kirkgate Market will be transformed into this vibrant offering, which will boast 10 street food venues, six bars, a coffee shop, and live music performances on a central stage. Thanks to a covered plaza, you can go to grab a bite to eat or have a boogey to a band no matter what the weather. We can’t wait!
Cover image credit: @tinyraindropphotography
