From unmissable shows to gigs and family-friendly events, make April 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 April, so grab your diary, call your mates and make plans for what will be a busy old month.
Credit: Johan Persson
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Don your finest 80s threads and get ready to boogie in your seat with The Tina Turner Musical, playing at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 4th April 2026. A love letter to the global superstar, it chronicles Tina’s inspiring story, from her humble beginnings in Tennessee all the way through to her multiple Grammy Award-winning career. With a superb soundtrack including ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, ‘What’s Love Got to Do With it?’ and ‘Private Dancer’, this show is ‘simply the best’.
Richard Ashcroft. Kick off the month with a proper anthem singalong as Richard Ashcroft brings his unmistakable voice to the first direct bank arena on Tuesday 2nd April 2026. Expect a set packed with solo hits and a few Verve classics thrown in for good measure. If you’re in the mood for hands-in-the-air nostalgia and a bit of indie soul-searching, this one’s got your name written all over it.
The BIG Indie Tribute Fest. Dust off your skinny jeans and get ready to step out of your cage for The BIG Indie Tribute Fest at The Warehouse on Saturday 4th April 2026. It’s four fabulous hours of live tribute acts, DJ sets and sensational performers celebrating the biggest names in indie rock – think banging tunes from the Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, The Killers and more. Cheap drinks, big choruses, and that “one more song” energy guaranteed.
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Farmer Copley’s Tulip Festival. Spring has officially sprung at Farmer Copley’s with their annual Tulip Festival, running from Saturday 4th April to Sunday 3rd May 2026. Expect fields bursting with colour, perfect photo ops, and a wholesome time that feels like a countryside reset button. Wander through the blooms, grab some farm shop treats to take home, and enjoy a truly fabulously floral day out.
Day Fever. If you want to go clubbing in Leeds but you don’t want to stumble out of the venue at 4am, Day Fever is the party for you. Taking place at Project House on Saturday 4th April 2026, you’ll get to pull out all your best moves to a curated playlist from Jon and Vicky McClure, Jonny Owen and the whole gang. But here’s the best bit, it wraps up at 8pm, so you could be tucked in bed well before midnight – bliss!
James. If you’re a fan of indie legends, James, you may need to ‘Sit Down’ for this one. Alongside special guests, Dove, they’ll be hitting the stage of first direct bank arena on Saturday 4th April 2026, bringing decades of hits and that unmistakable live energy. From ‘Laid’ to ‘Come Home’ and newer material, it’s the kind of gig that somehow feels both massive and personal. Whether you’ve loved them forever or just fancy a night of proper, heartfelt music, this one’s a solid shout.
Shrek: The Musical. Everybody’s favourite ogre stomps onto the stage as Shrek: The Musical runs at Leeds Grand from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th April 2026. Expect big laughs, bigger songs, and more fairytale chaos than you could shake a wand at. Whether you’re taking the kids or just reliving a childhood classic, it’s a feel-good show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Aardman: Morph Making Workshop. If your kids love Wallace & Gromit or Shaun the Sheep, this one’s not to be missed. Head to Hyde Park Picture House on Tuesday 7th April 2026 for a hands-on Aardman workshop where young creators can learn the magic behind stop-motion animation. Guided by expert model makers, families will get the chance to sculpt their own clay characters and discover how Aardman’s famous films are brought to life, frame by frame. It’s a fun, creative session that’s perfect for budding animators, crafty kids and anyone who’s ever wondered how those lovable clay characters make it onto the big screen.
Planet Omar. Running from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 25th April 2026 at Leeds Playhouse, Planet Omar is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud show based on the much-loved books. It follows Omar, an 8-year-old boy with a big heart, as he navigates school, friendships, and family life with plenty of imagination along the way. It’s a brilliant pick for families, but with enough charm and humour to win over the grown-ups too.
Credit: Fergus Wright
Bongo’s Bingo. Bongo’s Bingo is back at Project House and O2 Academy this month, including a special 90s vs 00s event on Friday 10th April 2026. This is turbo-charged bingo with a twist, so get ready for a unique show packed full of high-energy bangers and special prizes. Dust off your dancing shoes and warm up your pipes, as dance-offs and sing-offs are sure to get the competitive juices flowing. These events are always in demand, so we recommend booking your place to avoid disappointment.
Europe’s Strongest Man. Flex those muscles and feel the strain as the competition heats up with Europe’s Strongest Man 2026. The 45th edition of the contest will be held at first direct bank arena on Saturday 11th April 2026, seeing 12 of the continent’s most powerful men face off in challenging feats of strength. Whether it’s car walks or castle stones, it’ll be a high-octane show, with only one man walking away with the coveted title.
NORTH Wrestling: Let the Cannons Fly 7. Fancy spending your weekend with some hard-hitting grappling, high-flying spots and larger-than-life characters? Get yourself over to Project House on Saturday 11th April 2026 to watch a raucous live wrestling show from North Wrestling. Featuring a talented roster of single and tag-team stars, it’s sure to be a high-octane evening you won’t soon forget.
Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Exciting Science. Things get explosive (in a controlled, family-friendly way, of course) at Exciting Science on Sunday 12th April 2026 at City Varieties. This interactive show is packed with experiments, demonstrations, and plenty of “ooh” and “ahh” moments. Ideal for curious kids and adults who still secretly love a bit of science fun, it’s learning… but make it loud.
The Constant Wife. Sharp, stylish, and full of wit, The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Constant Wife will be coming to Leeds Grand from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th April 2026. This classic comedy dives into love, marriage, and independence with a surprisingly modern edge. Expect clever dialogue, strong performances, and plenty of moments that’ll have you raising an eyebrow – all laid down to an original music score composed by Jamie Cullum.
Gabby’s Dollhouse. Little ones are in for a treat as Gabby’s Dollhouse comes to the first direct bank arena on Tuesday 14th April 2026. Expect colourful sets, catchy songs, and all their favourite characters brought to life on stage. It’s bright, energetic, and designed to keep young audiences completely enchanted (giving you a solid hour or two of peace… sort of).
Yungblud. Yungblud storms into the first direct bank arena on Friday 17th April 2026 with his signature mix of punk energy and emotional punch. His shows are known for being loud, inclusive, and completely unfiltered – in the best way. Performing his most passionate and personal project to date, the evening will unfold a bold new chapter for the English musician, with the tour being hailed as a “modern rock opera”. It’s not one to miss.
Bollywood Time Machine. Embark on an enchanting musical trip through the decades with Bollywood Time Machine at City Varieties on Friday 17th April 2026. This electric show celebrates iconic songs and dances from across Bollywood history, with dazzling costumes and plenty of sparkle. It’s vibrant, joyful, and basically impossible to sit still through.
The Great Musicals Disco. If you love your dancefloor dancing with a side of show tunes, then be sure to book your ticket for The Great Musicals Disco at O2 Academy on Saturday 18th April 2026. Movie soundtracks from the likes of Grease, Dirty Dancing, Hamilton and many more will bring you back-to-back bangers that invite you to get lost in your very own Broadway adventure for the night. Warm up your vocal cords, get ready to move and we’ll see you on the dancefloor.
Credit: Peter Neill
Rick Astley. Yes, that Rick Astley – and yes, you might get rickrolled (willingly) on Saturday 18th April 2026 at the first direct bank arena. Expect a mix of classic hits and newer material, all delivered with that unmistakable voice and a knowing wink. It’s nostalgic, a bit cheeky, and guaranteed to have the whole crowd singing along.
LS6 Junk Yard Sale. If you love nothing more than hunting for bargains on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll have a whale of a time at the LS6 Junk Yard Sale. Taking place at Left Bank on Sunday 19th April 2026, it’s the perfect chance to shop ethically, picking up pre-loved items from people who have decluttered their homes, wardrobes, sheds and more. Afterwards, why not stop by the cafe for a hot drink and a bite to eat?
Leeds Briggate Monthly Artisan Market. Another market to add to your diary, Briggate gets a glow-up on Sunday 19th April 2026 with the Monthly Artisan Market. Drop by and enjoy a leisurely browse of stalls packed with handmade goods, local produce, and plenty of tasty treats. It’s the perfect excuse for a mooch, a snack (or three), and maybe picking up something you definitely didn’t plan to buy but now can’t live without.
K-Pop All Stars. The K-Pop wave is still going strong, and this immersive performance is an all-out celebration of the genre. Shimmering its way onto the Leeds Grand stage on Monday 20th April 2026, K-Pop All Stars delivers big with slick choreography, dazzling visuals, and all the fan-favourite songs, from BTS to BlackPink and many more. Whether you’re a dedicated stan or just K-pop curious, it’s a seriously fun night out.
The Prodigy. Things are about to get loud as The Prodigy take over the first direct bank arena on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Known for their explosive live shows, this is one for anyone who likes their gigs with plenty of chaos and the volume cranked right up. There’ll also be a two-hour set from special guest Carl Cox from doors, who will be pounding out beats with his iconic three-deck vinyl set up. It’s gonna be a big one.
Nubiyan Twist. Genre-blending brilliance arrives at Project House on Thursday 23rd April 2026, as Leeds’ own Nubiyan Twist bring their fusion of jazz, soul, Afrobeat and more. The nine-piece collective are known for their effortlessly cool performances, with their powerful, uplifting and utterly infectious rhythms that make it practically impossible to stand still. Get ready to let loose and feel absolutely joyous.
Credit: Rod Penn
Black is the Color of My Voice. If you’re a fan of Nina Simone, you won’t want to miss this performance at Leeds Playhouse from Friday 24th to Saturday 25th April 2026. The acclaimed show by playwright Apphia Campbell takes inspiration from the iconic singer’s life as it follows a young performer and civil rights activist as she reflects on her life after her father’s untimely death. Featuring many of Simone’s most beloved songs, it’s sure to hit you with emotion and rouse you to your feet by the final curtain.
Pete McKee Pop-Up Art Show & Everly Pregnant Brothers. It’s events like this that make you proud to be from Yorkshire. A proper good double bill, this event at the Brudenell on Saturday 25th April 2026 will showcase Pete McKee’s unmistakable characters and prints, with a pop-up art show, followed by a performance from his band, Everly Pregnant Brothers. Best of all, it’s all free to attend, open to all ages, and no booking is required. Flat caps are encouraged.
Judi Love: All About Love. How can you not fall for the infectious charm and witticism of Judi Love? She’s bringing the laughs to Leeds Grand Theatre on Sunday 26th April 2026 with her show All About Love. Known for her humorous honesty, she’ll be dishing out sharp observations, big personality, and plenty of relatable chaos as she dives into work, relationships and the struggles of modern life. If you’re in need of a good giggle, make sure to secure your ticket.
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Leeds Legends. LUFC fan? This is your chance to get down from the stands and get up close and personal with some of the legends of Elland Road. Former whites midfielder Andy Couzens will be hosting the event at Leeds Grand on Tuesday 28th April 2026, which invites Eddie Gray, Ian Harte, Michael Bridges, Dominic Matteo and Nigel Martyn to share their first-hand experiences through a live interview and audience Q&A. On top of that, there’ll be a memorabilia auction, with VIP packages stepping things up a notch with a meet & greet, professional photo and free prize draw.
Louis Tomlinson. Chart-topping singer-songwriter and former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson will be gracing the stage of first direct bank arena for one night only on Tuesday 28th April 2026. With his heartfelt song lyrics and powerful vocal performance, Louis will be playing tracks such as ‘Lemonade’, ‘Just Hold On’ and ‘Written All Over Your Face’ in a concert that’s set to be one of the most anticipated of 2026.
Alex Warren. Rounding off the month in style, chart-topping singer-songwriter Alex Warren will be bringing his ‘Finding Family on the Road’ tour to first direct bank arena on Wednesday 29th April 2026. With heartfelt lyrics and a rapidly growing fanbase, he’ll be bringing bucketloads of emotion, and a viral hit or two, to the Leeds crowd. Claire Rosinkranz – the breakout artist behind ‘Backyard Boy’ – will also be joining Alex as a special guest. This is a night that’ll be anything but ‘Ordinary’.
