Looking for what’s on in Leeds this October? These are the events worth planning your month around.
Whether you’re booking ahead for a big night out or just looking for something different to do, there’s plenty happening across the city this October. From Light Night and LIFI to gigs, beer festivals and spooky cinema screenings, we’ve handpicked the best events so you don’t have to scroll endlessly in search of the good stuff.
If you’re building out your plans, it’s also worth checking out our guides to pumpkin picking in Leeds, and the best restaurant offers in Leeds for even more ideas.
Leeds International Festival of Ideas. LIFI is back at Leeds Playhouse with more thought-provoking seminars, panel discussions and fireside chats. This year’s trending topics include suicide awareness, apprenticeships and birth rates, with big names like Louis Theroux and Roman Kemp taking their place on the lineup.
Light Night. Leeds is set to be illuminated for two nights this October as Light Night returns once again. Expect installations, interactive art and family entertainment at this year’s festival, which takes place city-wide during half-term. Visiting with the kids? Wellington Place is the perfect spot to base yourself.
The Big Leeds Vintage Flea Market. Looking to kit out your home with trendy midcentury furniture? Head to this flea market at Testbed to browse a host of pre-loved goods. From lamps and armchairs to all retro fashion, you’ll find plenty of shelves to rummage, along with artisan crafts, coffee and more.
Credit: Adventure Cinema
Adventure Cinema. This October, Adventure Cinema is back at Harewood House for a trio of spooky screenings, just in time for Halloween. Get nostalgic with The Lost Boys, embrace your inner witch with Hocus Pocus or hide behind your popcorn with a special outdoor screening of Scream.
Suede & Manic Street Preachers. Two of the nineties’ biggest bands are taking to the stage at first direct bank arena this October in one of the biggest gigs for indie music fans in Leeds. Get ready to sing along with hits including Trash, Beautiful Ones and Motorcycle Emptiness.
Leeds Steampunk Festival. In the mood for something completely left-field? Head to Leeds Industrial Museum on Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th October for the Leeds Steampunk Festival. There’ll be plenty of curiosities to discover, including an artisan market, bird of prey display and coffee jousting.
Credit: Jamie Lau / Studio Lau
Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie Showcase. Ever wondered what it takes to train as a pastry chef? Le Cordon Bleu London is coming to Leeds for a live demonstration with Master Chef Conor Cockram. Watch him put classical French techniques to work, sample a small tasting portion and ask the chef and alumni about studying at the prestigious school.
The World of Hans Zimmer. Captivating, cinematic and at times overwhelming, The World of Hans Zimmer is a must for all fans of the German composer. World-leading conductor Matt Dunkley will lead an orchestra through Zimmer’s film music, with soaring arrangements, solo performances and striking projections bringing it to life.
Professor Brian Cox. For an out of this world experience, head to first direct bank arena for a night of interstellar exploration with Professor Brian Cox. The scientist’s new Emergence show promises jaw-dropping gaze into the wondrous journey through space and time. Expect to leave with your mind well and truly blown.
© Copyright Darren Casey
Pumpkin picking. It’s pumpkin season, so wrap up warm and head outdoors to pick your own treats. Whether you’re looking to carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, turn them into cosy winter-warmers or even just snap the perfect October selfie, you’ll find pumpkin picking all over the region.
Oktoberfest. After months of working behind the scenes, Testbed Leeds is reopening with a doubled floorspace. You can be one of the first to check it out when it hosts Oktoberfest on Saturday 10th October 2026. Expect huge singalongs, ice-cold German beer and live entertainment, with two sessions to choose from.
Authors at the Armouries. Bookworms, assemble. The last-ever Authors at the Armouries takes place this Halloween, presenting the chance to meet over 100 authors from a wide range of genres. You can chat to writers, pick up signed books and fill the autograph book that’s included with your ticket. The signing runs until 5:30pm, but there’s an adults-only 80s disco afterwards for those who want to make a night of it.
Cover image credit: Bevan Cockerill
