Our list of the best events taking place across Leeds in 2026 is a must-read if you’re planning to have a fantastic year…
2025 has been a pretty spectacular year for our city, but 2026 is nearly upon us and it promises to be a corker. From huge West End spectaculars to colourful carnivals and a brand new musical festival, these are the biggest and best events coming to Leeds in 2026. Check them out and get them added to your diary.
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers: The Play
Credit: Hugo Glendinning
Kick your year off with a good chuckle, courtesy of John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers: The Play. Coming off the back of a record-breaking sold-out season on the West End, this laugh-out-loud production will be coming to Leeds Grand Theatre, bringing the classic comedy to life on stage. Follow Basil, Polly and the Mayor, alongside an 18-strong cast, for a calamitous, chaotic and cracking good time.
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers: The Play will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th January 2026.
Strictly Live Tour 2026
Credit: Ray Burmiston
If Strictly’s left a sequin-covered gap in your Saturday night telly routine, fear not, because the nation’s favourite show is waltzing its way into Leeds’ first direct bank arena this January. Expect show-stopping routines, stunning group numbers and breathtaking live music from the Strictly band and singers. With four couples announced so far and the legendary judges in attendance, it’s bound to be a night you won’t forget in a hurry.
Strictly Live Tour 2026 will be at first direct bank arena on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th January 2026.
Disney on Ice Presents Into the Magic
Create magical family memories together when Disney on Ice skates into first direct bank arena in March. Follow your favourite characters – from Elsa to Belle, Moana to Coco – as they journey across the ice and make their dreams come true. With each story celebrating love, courage and adventure – and with plenty of songs along the way – it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Disney on Ice Presents Into the Magic will be at first direct bank arena on Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March 2026.
Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack
Credit: Guy Farrow
Discover the incredible story of Yorkshire’s own Anne Lister through this captivating Northern Ballet production. Her exceptional life was only uncovered after her death, with her secret diaries revealing her heartbreaks, triumphs and rebellion against how 19th-century society dictated women should behave. Performed to new live music by Peter Salem, it’s a unique exploration of an inspirational individual.
Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th March 2026.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
Credit: Johan Persson
Don your finest 80s threads and get ready to boogie in your seat with TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. 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’.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17th March to Saturday 4th April 2026.
Gorillaz
Everyone’s favourite animated band will be electrifying the crowds at first direct bank arena as part of The Mountain Tour. Alongside their trademark sound and visuals, they’ll be playing brand new tracks as well as huge hits like ‘Feel Good Inc’, ‘DARE’ and ‘Clint Eastwood’. Their groundbreaking blend of alt-rock, electronic and hip hop is so good, it’ll feel like you’ve got sunshine in a bag.
Gorillaz will be at first direct bank arena on Wednesday 25th March 2026.
Europe’s Strongest Man 2026
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, 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.
Europe’s Strongest Man 2026 will be at first direct bank arena on Saturday 11th April 2026.
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. 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.
Louis Tomlinson will be at first direct bank arena on Tuesday 28th April 2026.
Here & Now: The Steps Musical
Credit: Pamela Raith
If you’re looking for a feel-good jukebox hit, book your tickets for Here & Now: The Steps Musical. The brand-new production will be toe-tapping its way into Leeds Grand Theatre, with an array of pop anthems like ‘One for Sorrow’, ‘Deeper Shade of Blue’ and ‘5, 6, 7, 8’. You’ll follow Caz and her crew as she discovers her summer love isn’t the happy ever after she thought it was – but will she take a chance on a happy ending or will it end up as a tragedy?
Here & Now: The Steps Musical will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 5th to Sunday 10th May 2026.
North Leeds Food Festival
Credit: Stephen Midgely/Breakpoint Media
Foodie? Roundhay Park’s North Leeds Food Festival is a must-visit. Hailed as the best non-music festival in the country, it promises a mammoth food and drink lineup, as well as artisan markets, international flavours and fresh entertainment. It’ll feature everything from cracking music acts to comedy improv, live food demonstrations and family-friendly shows. Be prepared to walk away with a belly full of good grub!
The North Leeds Food Festival will take place at Roundhay Park from Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th May 2026.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
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This annual Leeds marathon invites over 10,000 participants of all skill levels to take to the streets and be part of something truly special. Held in tribute to former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow – who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 and sadly passed away – the event is a fitting tribute to the city that launched his career and that he called home.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will start from AMT Headingley Stadium on Sunday 10th May 2026.
Peter Kay Live
One of the most popular British comedians of all time is returning to the stage for a massive tour of UK arenas. Peter Kay is back and he’s bringing all his iconic bits, alongside a generous helping of new material to remind audiences how he became a national icon. If you fancy a good old laugh, here’s your chance!
Peter Kay will be at first direct bank arena on Saturday 16th May 2026, with a special charity show on Friday 24th July 2026 in support of cancer charities.
The Shawshank Redemption
When Andy Dufresne is given a double life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover, he finds himself facing bullying and exploitation in the notorious Shawshank prison. Thankfully, he forms an unlikely friendship with Red, and together, they hatch a plan to escape. Based on the novella by Stephen King and the multiple Academy Award winning 1994 film, it’s a thrilling production and a must-see for 2026.
The Shawshank Redemption will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd May 2026.
Slam Dunk
Credit: Slam Dunk
Want to kick off your summer with one of the country’s biggest punk and metal festivals? Better get on down to Slam Dunk Festival at Temple Newsam! This year is set to be a rocking blend of talent, as Good Charlotte headline the 20th anniversary instalment, with Knocked Loose, Sublime, Taking Back Sunday and many more joining this huge lineup.
Slam Dunk will take place at Temple Newsam on Sunday 24th May 2026.
MAMMA MIA!
Credit: Brinkhoff Mögenburg
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Here we go again – the smash-hit musical will be coming to Leeds for two weeks only in June 2026. A tale of love, friendship and self-discovery, the hilarious production is set on a Greek island and follows Sophie, as she attempts to meet her father on the eve of an unforgettable wedding. Backed by a timeless soundtrack of ABBA anthems, it’ll whisk you away to a sun-drenched paradise full of laughs and sing-a-long tunes.
MAMMA MIA! will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 27th June 2026.
Lily Allen
Following the sensational hit of her tell-all fifth studio album, West End Girl, Lily Allen is embarking on the biggest live chapter of her musical career. The pop sensation will be paying a visit to first direct bank arena for one night only in the summer of 2026, marking a key Yorkshire stop on her largest ever headline tour. It will be a truly special show that’s sure to make fans smile.
Lily Allen will be at first direct bank arena on Sunday 21st June 2026.
American Express Presents Roundhay Festival
2026 will see the debut of a brand spanking new music festival in Leeds. American Express presents Roundhay Festival will take place at the iconic Roundhay Park, assembling global music icons for a multiple-day event in 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 Saturday.
American Express Presents Roundhay Festival will take place at Roundhay Park on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2026.
Leeds Pride
Yorkshire’s biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is back with Leeds Pride 2026! The 20th anniversary event will feature the iconic annual parade, along with market stalls, a family area and all the features and festivities that have come to define the event over the past two decades. While the lineup is yet to be announced, you can expect a day full of music, dancing and downright partying.
Leeds Pride will take place in the city centre on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2026.
Sounds of the City
We can’t get enough of Sounds of the City, and we’re thrilled it’s returning for 2026! The open air celebration of music has established itself as part of the Leeds calendar, and 2026 promises to be a good one. Get ready for Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League, The Cribs and many more that are yet to be announced!
Sounds of the City will take place at Leeds’ Millennium Square in June and July 2026.
The Streets at Kirkstall Abbey
To add to an already packed calendar of musical events, Leeds will also play host to a very special performance by British alt-indie dance project, The Streets. The ever-talented Mike Skinner will be performing their seminal ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ album in full for the first time ever – and what’s more, it will be held at the stunning Kirkstall Abbey. The event has already sold out so if you’ve not managed to get hold of tickets, we guess you’ll just have to dry your eyes, mate.
The Streets will be at Kirkstall Abbey on Friday 24th July 2026.
Leeds West Indian Carnival
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One of the most vibrant events of 2026, the Leeds West Indian Carnival is set to bring some colour to the streets of Chapeltown once again!. Held annually in late August, this festival is one of Leeds’ brightest days, with jaw-dropping costumes, tropical rhythms and mouth-watering food, as well as Caribbean music, entertainment and dancing for everyone to enjoy.
Leeds West Indian Carnival will take over Chapeltown on Monday 24th August 2026.
Leeds Festival
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If you’re a music fan, you can’t miss out on Leeds Festival. Kicking off ahead of the late August bank holiday as usual, the legendary Bramham Park festival is set to feature a whole host of iconic names, from Charlie XCX and Chase & Status to Dave, Fontaines D.C. and Florence + the Machine. Lots are yet to be announced, so watch this space.
Leeds Festival will take place at Bramham Park from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August 2026.
Leeds International Beer Festival
For all things ale, a trip to Leeds International Beer Festival is in order. The annual four-day festival is set to yet again take place amongst the stunning ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, promoting craft beer brewed in Leeds, the UK and even overseas. There’ll also be a tasty street food market, live music and fun games to take part in.
Leeds International Beer Festival will take place at Kirkstall Abbey in September 2026, date TBC.
The World of Hans Zimmer
Get your tickets for this evening of movie music magic at first direct bank arena, celebrating one of the most talented composers of all time. This enchanting show has been curated by the master himself and will be presented live on stage by world-leading orchestrator, conductor and arranger – and long-standing partner and collaborator of Zimmer – Mat Dunkley. It’ll be a real highlight for fans of cinematic sound.
The World of Hans Zimmer will be at first direct bank arena on Thursday 8th October 2026.
Leeds Light Night
Credit: Light Night
Light Night will take over the city once again in 2026. The annual celebration of creativity and captivating visuals sees some of Leeds’ most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces transformed by spectacular, glowing works of art. There’s also set to be captivating performances by local and international artists – it’s definitely one you’ll want to check out.
Leeds Light Night will take place across Leeds in October 2026, date TBC.
Leeds International Film Festival
Credit: Sally Molineaux
Leeds International Film Festival is pretty much in the fabric of the city and will return again in November 2026 for its 40th year. This year’s celebrations will see a fortnight of big name movies, independent releases and the best cult films across all genres. This alone has made it one of the UK’s largest annual film events, as well as the longest running, showcasing more than 250 features and shorts, with over 5,000 annual submissions from more than 120 different countries.
Leeds International Film Festival will take place across Leeds from Thursday 5th to Sunday 22nd November 2026.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Credit: Manuel Harlan
When out-of-work actor Daniel goes through a messy divorce and loses custody of his beloved kids, he takes the desperate measure of creating an alter ego to try and stay in their lives – Mrs. Doubtfire. The Scottish nanny takes on a life of her own, teaching Daniel about love, sacrifice and fathership. This West End hit comedy musical will have you laughing out loud and shuffling in your seat to some fabulous new ditties. We’ll see you there, poppets.
Mrs. Doubtfire will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 10th to Sunday 29th November 2026.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Is it even the festive season without a trip to Leeds Christmas Markets? Every year, City Square and Millennium Square are taken over with charming chalet-style stalls, seasonal delights and inviting scents and flavours. With unique gift ideas to discover, an ice rink, fairground rides and bars slinging out warming tipples, it’s a must-visit for all who want to draw the year to a close in style.
Leeds Christmas Markets will take place across City Square and Millennium Square in November and December 2026, dates TBC.
