From unmissable shows to gigs and family-friendly events, make November one to remember with these amazing events.
It’s going to be another jam-packed month in and around Leeds. There are loads of events taking place across the city, from West End shows to arena spectaculars, family-friendly fun and unforgettable days out. But that only scratches the surface of what’s going on this November, so grab your diary, call your mates and make plans for what will be a busy old month.
Matilda. The wait is finally over– the magic of Matilda The Musical returns to the Alhambra Theatre from Thursday 30th October to Sunday 23rd November 2025. It’s been fifteen years since the Royal Shakespeare Company first opened the Roald Dahl-inspired show at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since then, it’s wowed audiences in 100 cities across 17 countries worldwide, won multiple awards (including best musical) and seen several sellout runs. Get your tickets now before it’s too late!
Dear England. Watch the game-changing, Olivier Award-winning smash hit, Dear England at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th November 2025. The play follows former England manager Gareth Southgate (played by David Sturzaker from Doctors) as he works to rally the team and bring football home at last. It’s an epic, heartwarming narrative guaranteed to grip football fans and non-football fans alike.
Bonfire Night at the Hare & Hounds. There are no fireworks on bonfire night at The Hare & Hounds in South Leeds. Instead, they’re taking a family-friendly approach with fire breathers, jugglers, dancers, stilt walkers and mini fire pits. There will be street food aplenty on the night and you can get into the spirit of it with sparklers and it’s all kicking off at 5pm on Wednesday 5th November 2025. For fireworks displays and other events marking bonfire night, check out our list of the best bonfire night events in Leeds.
Leeds International Film Festival. Cinephiles rejoice! The 39th annual Leeds International Film Festival is running from Thursday 30th October to Sunday 16th November 2025. It’s your chance to see a fantastic array of films from budding and acclaimed filmmakers alike. The programme includes seven UK premiers, sci-fi spectaculars and vintage classics like Roman Holiday. Catch all this and more at cinemas like The Vue and Hyde Park Picture House.
World Wars Weekend. Honour Remembrance Day with World Wars Weekend at the Royal Armouries Museum. From Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th November 2025 there’ll be demonstrations, live performances and gun firings focusing on the First and Second World Wars. It’s completely free to attend and will be an immersive, educational experience for the whole family. From the D-Day Landings to famous sword battles and first-person accounts from soldiers in the aftermath of war, there’s plenty to get stuck into.
BD: is LIT. Take a trip over to the City of Culture on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November 2025 to experience Bradford as you’ve never seen it before. Through large scale installations, immersive theatre and exciting cultural exhibitions, BD: is LIT is bringing a unique spark to some of Bradford’s most well known landmarks. The weekend guarantees great fun for the whole family and is a fantastic alternative to traditional bonfire celebrations.
Bongo’s Bingo. Want to have a wacky evening of wholesome fun? Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be. With rave intervals, dance-offs, sing-alongs and fantastic prizes to be won, this is far from your average game of bingo. Gather your mates and book yourself in for a game at the O2 Academy on Friday 7th and Wednesday 19th November 2025.
Peter Kay Live. Legendary funnyman Peter Kay is returning to the first direct bank arena with his incredible new live show on Friday 7th November 2025. Fans of the comic can expect his usual quick-witted silliness, plenty of audience participation and hilarious punchlines that will leave you in stitches. There’ll be plenty of nostalgia as he dusts off some of his old material and weaves it in with fresh quips.
Five. 90s pop icons, Five are back on the road with their Keep On Movin’ tour. It’s the first time the legendary boy band will share the stage together since 2000– the same year they won ‘Best British Pop Act’ at the Brit Awards. You can be front and centre for this reunion at the first direct bank arena on Saturday 8th November 2025. Expect them to play all the hits like Everybody Get Up, We Will Rock You and If Ya Gettin’ Down.
Steam Down. If experimental jazz is more your thing, don’t miss the chance to see Steam Down at the Belgrave Music Hall on Saturday 8th November 2025. The London afro-punk collective have been leading the way in the British alt-music scene for years now and their shows are known for being high-energy, unique and immersive experiences where you can leave your inhibitions on the dance floor and let the music move through you.
LS6 Junk Yard Sale. If you love yourself a bargain, you’ll love the LS6 Junk Yard at Left Bank on Sunday 9th November 2025! This is your chance to browse over 40 stalls from local residents who’ve decluttered their homes, wardrobes and vintage stashes with an aim to recycle – think a car boot sale but better. After you’re done, why not grab a bite to eat at the cafe bar?
Talking: Candice Brathwaite. As part of Rooted festival, critically-acclaimed author, podcaster, advocate and presenter Candice Brathwaite is coming to Leeds Playhouse on Tuesday 11th November 2025. She’ll be in conversation with Out of Many People’s Susan Pitter, talking about perspectives on the Black British experience, taking questions from the audience and sharing gems on curating the life you deserve based on her latest Sunday Times Best Seller, Manifesto. After the talk she’ll be signing copies of the book so make sure to take yours along.
The Book of Mormon. Dubbed ‘the best musical of the century’ by the New York Times, The Book of Mormon is bringing its outrageously funny plot and infectiously catchy score to the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre. You can see the show between Tuesday 11th and Saturday 29th of November 2025. Whether it’s your first time seeing the four-time Olivier Winner or you’re going back for seconds, you won’t regret indulging in this satirical tale that follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries.
A Life of Its Own by Mia Symonds: Exhibition Launch. Leeds-bred interdisciplinary artist Mia Symonds is launching her latest project at Left Bank on Wednesday 12th November 2025. The exhibition combines her most recent works with some older works exploring her continuing research on care and collection. Through the pieces on display, she probes questions about what the objects and materials we hold on to signify about ourselves and the world around us.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has been bringing the stories of Palestine to the North of England since 2015, and this year’s event is more timely and necessary than ever. From Wednesday 12th November to Saturday 6th December 2025 the festival will be showing films made by Palestinians in Palestine and across the diaspora, as well as hosting workshops and talks giving you unique insight into Palestinian history and culture. Films including the award-winning docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab will show at venues like Hyde Park Picture House, Seven Arts and HEART where you can attend on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
10 Years of Headrow House: ALFOS (All Night Long). On Friday 14th November 2025, you’re invited to celebrate a decade of one of Leeds’ most iconic multi-use venues, Headrow House. The event marks the return of epic club night A Love From Outer Space. Led by legendary DJ Sean Johnston, the ALFOS ethos is to create “an oasis of slowness in a world of ever-increasing velocity”, with incredible tunes that never exceed 122 BPM. Prepare to dance the night away to an electrifying mix of euphoric, genre-bending house.
The Totally Improvised Musical. If you like theatre that keeps you on your feet, then this is just the ticket for you. The Totally Improvised musical is coming back to Seven Arts Club on Friday 14th November 2025. This stellar team of improvisers will have you laughing and tapping your feet to a show that’s as outrageous as it is brilliant. No two shows are ever the same with these guys as they make scenes, songs and stories up on the spot, all for your entertainment.
Andrew Newton: The Hypnotist Live. Put your consciousness to the test on Saturday 15th November 2025, as world famous hypnotist Andrew Newton is coming to Leeds. The Manchester-born hypnotherapist has appeared at The City Varieties Music Hall more times than any other performer in the history of the venue, and he’s coming back once more with a hilarious one-man show that proves just how porous the human mind can be. Prepare to be blown away at this one-of-a-kind event you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Credit: Samantha Corcoran
Live at Leeds in the City. On Saturday 15th November 2025, the city will come alive once more with a flurry of fantastic performances. Live at Leeds in the City will see over 150 artists play in 20 venues across Leeds including much-loved spots like Belgrave Music Hall, Brudenell Social Club, The Wardrobe and Sela Bar. Jalen Ngonda, Divorce, Panic Shack and The Clause front an incredibly diverse lineup of up-and-coming and established acts alike. Through a partnership with Launchpad, a Yorkshire-based talent development program, the festival will also give some of the region’s best budding musicians a platform to showcase their music in front of thousands of potential new fans. Sound like your cup of tea? Grab your tickets ASAP.
Day Fever UK. Following several sold out events, Day Fever returns to Project House on Saturday 15th November 2025. The day party is the perfect event to burn off some steam and enjoy a nightclub atmosphere – and still get home in time for a good night’s rest. The event is strictly for those aged 30 and up, and the vibes and music are specially curated for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss.
The Brudenell Record Fair. It’s time for Brudenell’s Record Fair once again! On Sunday 16th November 2025, the free event will see traders from around the country descend upon the award-winning music venue to flog records of every genre, be it pop, jazz, soul or hip hop. There’ll also be tunes in both rooms from local DJs Open Decks FC.
Kneecap. Over the past year, Irish rap group Kneecap has risen from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most talked about musical acts in the world. They’re bringing their revolutionary spirit to the O2 Academy on Thursday 20th November 2025, with a show of exhilarating tunes that further emphasise their message of community, collective action and the joy of solidarity. They’ve inspired hundreds of thousands across the world, now you can experience their enthralling energy firsthand.
JLS. One of the nation’s most beloved boybands, JLS are back on the road with their ‘The Club is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour’, and they’re making a stop at the first direct bank arena on Thursday 20th November 2025. You’ll hear all their biggest bangers and maybe swoon as they bust their signature moves, delivering an arena pop experience like no one else can. Get ready to sing and dance along at this nostalgic feverdream of a gig.
Lorra Lorra Laughs: The SuePertrouper Variety Show. Glamour Pussy’s SuePertrouper will be at The Old Woollen on Friday 21st November 2025 delivering a deliciously dynamic drag show that’ll leave you in stitches. She’ll be joined by three other drag icons who will be serving their absolute best material in a range of comedic mediums. Expect spectacular standup, lipsyncing performances, roast battles and more. It’s gonna be fiercely funny!
Leeds Christmas Markets. Get into the festive spirit and get ahead of your Christmas shopping at Leeds Christmas Markets. They’ll be opening in not one but two locations in the city centre from Friday 21st November 2025. Millennium Square and City Square will be transformed into Yorkshire Yuletide hotspots with food, drink and shopping stalls, fairground rides and the much-loved Ice Cube skating rink.
Sleeping Beauty. Escape into the enchanting world of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas at the Carriageworks Theatre. The popular Pantomime is back for another year from Friday 21st November 2025, so you can enjoy Princess Aurora’s plight to beat the curse placed on her by the wicked fairy Carabosse. The show promises dazzling sets, captivating costumes, toe-tapping tunes and audience participation aplenty. It’s a festive family outing you won’t want to miss.
Northern Lights Leeds. Watch Temple Newsam twinkle with Northern Lights, Leeds’ most illuminating festive attraction. From Friday 21st November 2025, you can follow a one-mile trail at the historic grand estate where you’ll encounter up to 14 distinct light installations and magnificent musical compositions amongst the well-groomed gardens and wondrous woodlands. At the end of the trail you can unwind at the Christmas Village where there’ll be a variety of stalls selling festive fare and drinks to warm you up.
Credit: The Motorist
Mercedes vs Jaguar. If you’re a fan or owner of two of the world’s most prestigious sports car manufacturers, get yourself down to the Motorist on Saturday 22nd November 2025. It’s their first ever Mercedes vs Jaguar meet, where they’ll be measuring the merits and pitfalls of the brands, so you can decide for yourself which one does it best. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other motor enthusiasts and get stuck into some friendly debate.
Obongjayar. Nigerian singer Obongjayar has taken the British R&B scene by storm, having collaborated with heavyweights like Sampha, Fred Again, Pa Salieu and Little Simz. He’s bringing his endless talent to the stage at Project House on Sunday 23rd November 2025 where you can enjoy his otherworldly voice for yourself. It’s probably your last opportunity to see him in such an intimate venue so don’t miss out.
A Proper Merry Christmess. It’s not Christmas without a spot of chaos, and A Proper Merry Christmess at The Warehouse in Holbeck will give you the festive theatrical mayhem you need. Think a reluctant Santa, anxious elf, and a toxically-positive tree trying to band together to sleigh a Christmas competition at West Yorkshire’s (almost) favourite garden centre. You can catch this hilarious merry mess on Friday 28th November 2025.
Cover image credit: George Harrison
