From food festivals to candle-making workshops, find out what’s on in Leeds this weekend.
Whether you’re after a culture fix at the theatre, a family day out in Roundhay Park, or the best spots to cheer on marathon runners, we’ve rounded up the city’s top events. From Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May 2026, here’s your definitive guide to what’s on..
Looking further ahead? Check out our guide to what’s on in Leeds this May.
Friday 8th May 2026
Leeds Playhouse
Ballet Black at Leeds Playhouse. Marking its 25th anniversary, Ballet Black brings a powerful double bill to the Quarry Theatre at 7:30pm. The Olivier Award-winning Ingoma, inspired by South Africa’s 1946 miners’ strike, sits alongside a new work from Hope Boykin. It’s a visually striking, culturally rich alternative to the usual theatre offering, with tickets starting from £16.50.
Looking Good in the Garden Workshop at RHS Harlow Carr If you’re prepping your flowerbeds for summer, head to RHS Garden Harlow Carr for a practical half-day workshop from 10am to 12pm. Led by RHS experts, the session covers planting for seasonal interest and essential May maintenance tasks for a £35 fee. It’s a perfect reset for those looking to sharpen their horticultural skills in a stunning setting.
Rooftop and Cellar Experience at Temple Newsam. This behind-the-scenes tour offers exclusive access to areas usually closed to the public at one of the city’s most storied estates. With tours running at 11am and 4pm, you can explore everything from panoramic rooftop views to the atmospheric cellars for £25. Booking is essential as these small-group tours fill up fast.
Treasure Hunt Leeds: Arcades and Alleyways. Starting outside Leeds Art Gallery, this smartphone-based treasure hunt guides you through the city’s historic arcades and hidden corners. While you’ll pass landmarks like the Corn Exchange, the focus is on discovering “hidden in plain sight” details that even locals often miss.
Saturday 9th May 2026
Cowboy Junkies at Howard Assembly Room. Marking four decades of music, Cowboy Junkies take over the Howard Assembly Room with a career-spanning set including hits from The Trinity Session. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:45pm start, offering a quiet, atmospheric live experience in one of the city’s best-sounding venues. Tickets are £44 and are expected to sell out.
Tom Rosenthal at City Varieties Music Hall . Best known for Friday Night Dinner, Tom Rosenthal returns to the historic City Varieties stage at 7:30pm with his new stand-up show, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am. Expect cleverly constructed routines delivered with his signature eccentric energy for a ticket price of £24.
North Leeds Food Festival at Roundhay Park. The North Leeds Food Festival returns to Roundhay Park for its 10th anniversary, running from 10am to 8pm. It’s a massive celebration of local street food, artisan producers, and live chef demos. Entry is £11.95 for adults and £6.95 for under 16s – our tip is to arrive before 1pm to beat the peak lunch queues for the most popular vendors.
Guiseley Sounds Festival at Nethermoor Park. For a grassroots festival feel, head to Nethermoor Park where Toploader and Dodgy headline the Guiseley Sounds Festival. Gates open at 2pm, offering a relaxed community atmosphere with local craft beer and emerging talent across two stages. Tickets are £29 for adults and £17 for under 16s.
Sunday 10th May 2026
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon at Headingley Stadium. The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium from 9am. While entry is £68 for runners, it is entirely free to spectate, and the atmosphere along the 26.2-mile route is consistently electric. Be aware that significant road closures will be in place across North Leeds throughout the day, so plan your travel accordingly.
Art in Your Eyes 2026 at Holy Trinity Boar Lane. Holy Trinity Church hosts this vibrant, free exhibition from 10am to 4pm, featuring work from over 50 artists. Spanning painting, ceramics, and photography, it’s a fantastic opportunity to browse and buy original pieces from Northern creatives in a stunning, central setting.
Candle Making Workshop at Leeds Golf Centre. For a slower-paced Sunday, head to Leeds Golf Centre in Shadwell at 2pm for a creative candle-making session. This £45 beginner-friendly workshop provides all materials for you to design and paint your own bespoke candles in a social, relaxed environment.
Here & Now: The Steps Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre. Close out the weekend with a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia at Leeds Grand Theatre. Built around the hits of Steps, this feel-good jukebox musical starts at 4pm with tickets from £28. Expect high-energy choreography and a crowd that’s ready to sing along to every word of 5,6,7,8.
