Catch a headline show, discover interactive art or get a head start on Christmas shopping as Leeds welcomes another packed weekend of events.
Courteeners and The Lathums bring a night of indie anthems to first direct bank arena, while Leeds International Film Festival continues its 40th edition across the city. There’s also a chance to see words take shape at Leeds Art Gallery as Compass Festival presents Moi Tran’s ‘The Text is Restless’.
Families can get creative at the World Pianist Weekender, while shoppers can browse independent stalls at Lotherton or embrace the festive season at Harewood’s Christmas Market. Further afield, runners will love Bolton Abbey’s scenic trails, before Flo & Joan round off the weekend with musical comedy at City Varieties.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to what’s on in Leeds this November.
Friday 6th November 2026
Bonfire Night displays in Leeds. The council might not be organising events, but there’s plenty to get involved with around the Leeds suburbs. Wrap up warm and head out for an evening of fireworks, seasonal treats and autumn skies lit up with colour. Our guide to bonfire events in Leeds has the dates, locations and booking details to help you find a display.
Courteeners & The Lathums at first direct bank arena. Start your weekend with a night of indie anthems as Courteeners take over first direct bank arena. Liam Fray and co. will be joined by fellow North West favourites The Lathums, with opening act The Guestlist giving you a reason to arrive early. Doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7pm.
Leeds International Film Festival. Swap your usual Friday night streaming session for a trip to the cinema. Leeds International Film Festival is celebrating its 40th edition, bringing international films, documentaries and shorts to screens across Leeds and West Yorkshire. Browse the programme, take a chance on something you wouldn’t usually watch and enjoy a different kind of movie night.
SIX at Leeds Grand. International smash-hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Leeds following four sell-out visits. Prepare for a show-stopping tale of female empowerment as the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their stories, turning five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. It’s exhilarating, uplifting and entertaining from start to finish. Catch it on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November 2026.
Saturday 7th November 2026
Credit: Compass Festival
World Pianist Weekender. You don’t need to know your scales to enjoy this weekend of music at Leeds City Museum. Get creative with piano-themed crafts, join a family singing session or catch pop-up performances from local musicians. Feeling brave? There’s a piano open mic too. Museum activities run from 11am to 4:30pm, with visitors invited to give what they can.
The Text is Restless at Leeds Art Gallery. Slow down and discover ‘The Text is Restless’, a large-scale text sculpture by artist Moi Tran, presented as part of Compass Festival. Taking over the gallery’s Central Court, the installation changes as performers decipher clues from the artist and rearrange its pieces to reveal new meanings. Entry is free.
Lotherton Hall Market. Fancy a browse somewhere a little greener? Lotherton’s monthly market brings independent traders to the estate, with art, jewellery, candles, cakes and plenty of tempting things to eat. Pick up a coffee, explore the stalls and make time for an autumn stroll through the gardens and woodland while you’re there.
LSRPG. Love Dungeons & Dragons? LSRPG is a brand new storytelling game made by Leeds, for Leeds. Developed through public workshops and testing sessions with Leeds residents, the story is set in a fictional version of Leeds. You can watch a live play session of the game at The Nests from 7pm on Saturday 7th November 2026, and the game is also downloadable for free to play at home.
Sunday 8th November 2026
Credit: Estate Escapes
Run Bolton Abbey. Give your Sunday morning run a change of scenery at Run Bolton Abbey, raising money for Sue Ryder’s Manorlands Hospice. Choose from a half marathon, 10-mile route, 10K or fun run, with routes starting and finishing at the Cavendish Pavilion. Along the way, runners get access to parts of the estate usually closed to the public, and a tree will be planted for every participant.
Flo & Joan at City Varieties. Round off your weekend with sharp lyrics, deadpan delivery and musical comedy as Flo & Joan bring ‘With Feeling’ to City Varieties. The duo, whose appearances include Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance, are back with a new show exploring music, bands and comedy in their own distinctive style. The evening performance starts at 7:30pm, with tickets priced at £32.
Christmas Markets at Harewood. Ready for your first festive outing? Harewood’s Christmas Market returns this weekend, with independent traders selling gifts and street food from 10am to 4pm. You can also book a timed house visit for ‘Magic at the Mansion’, where Studio McGuire’s new installations transform the State Floor with playful characters and unexpected surprises. Be sure to leave time to explore the Snow Globe Trail in the grounds.
You Don’t Have to Cover Your Eyes. Do you love horror but hate being scared? Ema Boswood is too. Here’s the solution – meet her in a café for a cake and a cuppa, tell her what scares you then listen as she regales the plot of a horror film she’s never seen, but read on Wikipedia. Misremembered details, questionable interpretations and zero jumpscares. Join the fun at The Barn Café at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November 2026 – booking required.
Cover image credit: Sally Molineaux
