This weekend in Leeds brings big-name comedy and live music, a cinema crawl across three Leeds venues, vintage treasures in Pudsey and plenty of theatre.
If you’re looking for things to do in Leeds this weekend, there’s plenty happening across the city – from big-name comedy and live music to independent cinema, vintage shopping and a candle-making workshop.
Jane McDonald brings her Living The Dream tour to first direct arena, while Mike Wozniak and Lenny Henry are both in town with new comedy shows. There’s also a three-venue cinema crawl, Caitlin Moran at The Glee Club and The Tubs at the Brudenell, so whether you’re planning a big night out or something a little more chilled, there’s plenty to choose from.
Looking for somewhere to eat? Check out our guide to the restaurant offers worth your time this month.
Friday 25th September 2026
Credit: Marc Brenner
Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities at Leeds Playhouse. One of Charles Dickens’ best-known stories comes to life in a new production at Leeds Playhouse. Set between Paris and London during the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities follows Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay as their lives become intertwined through their love for Lucie Manette. It’s an epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption, running in the Quarry theatre until Saturday 26th September.
Laura Smyth: Born Aggy at City Varieties. Laura Smyth brings her new stand-up show Born Aggy to City Varieties, following the sold-out success of her debut tour. As seen on QI, Would I Lie To You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Live at the Apollo, it’s sure to be an evening of warm, brutally honest comedy about the everyday chaos of modern life.
The Janzen Boys at Seven Leeds. Canadian folk-country trio The Janzen Boys bring their close three-part harmonies to Seven Leeds for an intimate evening of music. The father-and-son-led group combines heartfelt original songs with traditional tunes and country-driven rock, with influences ranging from Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Young to The Wailin’ Jennys.
FaH FilmFeast: Shoplifters at Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre. Fancy a bit of Japanese cinema? FaH FilmFeast heads to Headingley with Hirokazu Kore-eda’s acclaimed 2018 drama Shoplifters. The Palme d’Or-winning film follows a makeshift family living on the margins of Tokyo, whose lives begin to unravel after they take in a young girl. A thoughtful, beautifully made film and a good pick for anyone looking for something a little different this Friday.
Saturday 26th September 2026
Jane McDonald: Living The Dream at first direct arena. Jane McDonald returns to her home county for the Leeds date of her Living The Dream UK tour. The Yorkshire favourite will perform new material alongside classic hits, with her 11th studio album inspired by her love of country music. Recorded at Nashville’s famous Blackbird Studios, Living The Dream gives the tour a country twist – and Leeds is the final stop.
Mike Wozniak: The Bench at Leeds Grand Theatre. What does a bench have to do with stand-up comedy? That’s something Mike Wozniak intends to explore in his latest tour show, although he promises that you don’t need any previous experience of, or strong opinions about, benches to enjoy it. The Taskmaster and Man Down star brings his deliberately offbeat storytelling to Leeds Grand for an evening of absurdity and off-beat charm.
Caitlin Moran: How To Be Hopeful at The Glee Club Leeds. Caitlin Moran brings her new book How To Be Hopeful to The Glee Club for an in-conversation event about finding optimism in a world that can feel increasingly bleak. Rather than escaping to a remote farmhouse or walking 600 miles, Moran explores the small, practical things she tried to do to reconnect with the world around her. There’s also an opportunity to ask questions and buy a signed copy of the book.
Seasonal Candle Making Workshop at Harewood House. Spend a couple of hours making your own scented candles at Harewood House with Wicks & Spritz. The hands-on workshop covers everything you need to create your own candles, with seasonal scents, materials and equipment provided, plus refreshments and a sweet treat on arrival. You’ll take your finished creation home with you, and your ticket also includes access to Harewood’s house, grounds and gardens.
Sunday 27th September 2026
Leeds Cinema Crawl: The Beat Goes On. Three Leeds venues, three music-themed films and one full day of cinema. The Leeds Cinema Crawl starts at Cottage Road Cinema with A Hard Day’s Night at 11:30am, moves to Hyde Park Picture House for Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains at 2:30pm, then finishes at Howard Assembly Room with Good Vibrations at 5:30pm. A cross-venue day pass is available, or you can book individual screenings.
Sir Lenny Henry: Still at Large at Leeds Grand Theatre. Sir Lenny Henry brings more than five decades of comedy, acting and storytelling to the stage in Still at Large. Part stand-up, part storytelling and part conversation, the show looks back at the characters and experiences that have shaped his career, from The Lenny Henry Show and Chef! to his more recent dramatic roles. It’s going to be packed with stories, laughs and plenty of reflection on a career spanning television, film and theatre.
Leeds Vintage Home Show at Pudsey Civic Hall. If you’d rather spend your Sunday browsing vintage treasures than the shops, head to Pudsey Civic Hall for the Leeds Vintage Home Show. More than 40 specialist dealers will be selling furniture, ceramics, art, lighting, textiles, records and homewares spanning the 1930s to the 1990s. There’s also an on-site café, free parking and easy access from New Pudsey station.
The Tubs at Brudenell Social Club. Indie band The Tubs head to the Brudenell with their latest album Cotton Crown, bringing together jangly guitars, folk-rock influences and driving power-pop. The band’s sound balances often bleakly funny lyrics with big, infectious melodies, making this one for fans of guitar-led indie with a slightly leftfield edge.
Prices and timings were verified as correct at the time of publishing in September 2026. However, event details can change. We recommend checking with the individual venue before making a special journey. Cover image credit: Marc Brenner
