From beer festivals to creating your own Van Gogh masterpiece, find out what’s on in Leeds this weekend.
Whether you’re after a comedy night with a British legend, a spooky show at the theatre or a historical reenactment at Kirkstall Abbey, we’ve put together a list of the events that are worth your time this weekend. From Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026, here’s your definitive guide to what’s on in Leeds.
Planning for the rest of the month? Check out our guide to what’s on in Leeds this May.
Friday 15th May 2026
Credit: Helen Murray
Hop City 2026 at Northern Monk Refectory. Taking over Northern Monk Refectory for two days, Hop City brings together breweries from across the UK, Europe and North America, alongside street food, cocktails and live music. With around 250 beers available – many poured exclusively for the festival – it’s firmly one for people who plan their weekends around good food and drink.
The Clone Roses at O2 Academy Leeds If your ideal Friday night involves I Wanna Be Adored at full volume, O2 Academy Leeds has The Clone Roses bringing a full set of Stone Roses classics to the city. They’re widely regarded as one of the UK’s best tribute acts and support comes from Definitely Mightbe, The Gerry Cinna-Man Experience and Kazabian.
2:22: A Ghost Story at Leeds Grand Theatre. Fresh from a hugely successful West End run, 2:22: A Ghost Story arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre with its mix of psychological thriller, comedy and supernatural suspense. Written by Uncanny creator Danny Robins, it’s tense, clever and exactly the kind of theatre people end up talking about afterwards.
Paint A Pic: Van Gogh Fireflies at The Wardrobe. For a slower-paced Friday evening, this guided painting session at The Wardrobe combines art, music and drinks in a relaxed social setting. No experience is needed, and you’ll leave with your own Van Gogh-inspired canvas – ideal if you want something a bit more creative than the usual night out.
Saturday 16th May 2026
Credit: Rustan Soderling
Phantasmagoria: Folkloric Sculpture for the Digital Age at the Henry Moore Institute. This new exhibition at the Henry Moore Institute explores the overlap between folklore, mythology and digital culture through sculpture, gaming, film and installation. It’s thoughtful and visually ambitious, revealing how fiction, enchantment and collective belief continue to shape our world today.
Peter Kay Live at first direct bank area. After huge demand for his comeback tour, Peter Kay arrives in Leeds for another arena-sized night of stand-up. You know the drill, there’ll be sharp observations, familiar stories and a crowd fully ready to laugh along – the kind of big night event that Saturdays are made for.
The Leodis Cup at Kirkstall Abbey. Set against the backdrop of Kirkstall Abbey, this medieval combat tournament brings together armoured fighters, Viking reenactors and street food for a weekend that feels genuinely different from the usual festival circuit. With full-contact battles, plenty of atmosphere and a bought-in crowd, it’s sure to be a spectacle.
Soul Bingo at Revolución de Cuba Leeds. Taking over Revolución de Cuba Leeds, Soul Bingo mixes classic bingo with a soundtrack packed full of soul, Motown and 70s and 80s favourites. You’ll be in for plenty of singalong moments, a lively crowd and the kind of Saturday night energy that’s more about dancing and good music than taking the game too seriously.
Sunday 17th May 2026
© Copyright Leeds-List 2026
Food and Craft Festival at Left Bank Leeds. Part market, part street food festival, this free event at Left Bank Leeds combines independent craft stalls, live music and a strong food line-up inside the venue’s impressive former church setting. With indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s an easy-going Sunday option whether you stay for an hour or the whole afternoon.
Threads Textile Festival 2026 at Sunny Bank Mills. Taking over Sunny Bank Mills for the weekend, Threads brings together over 50 textile stalls alongside workshops, talks and exhibitions celebrating contemporary craft. There will be everything from handmade homeware to haberdashery and textile art – the kind of event where it’s very easy to leave carrying more than planned.
The Fab 50s and Swinging 60s at City Varieties Music Hall. A dose of feel-good nostalgia arrives at City Varieties Music Hall for an afternoon celebrating the biggest hits of the 50s and 60s. Fronted by Alan Mosca of Freddie & The Dreamers fame, you’ll enjoy Beatles classics, rock ’n’ roll favourites and a crowd fully embracing the singalong atmosphere.
Afrobeats N Brunch: Joy is Coming at The Warehouse. Landing in Leeds for the first time, this Afrobeats brunch party at The Warehouse Leeds mixes DJs, dancing and African street food with a lively social atmosphere. There will be Amapiano, Highlife and Afrobeats soundtracking the afternoon – less traditional brunch, more day party with very good energy.
Prices and timings were verified as correct at the time of publishing in May 2026. However, event details, particularly for outdoor festivals and touring shows, can change. We recommend checking with the individual venue before making a special journey. Cover image credit: @paintedinframes
