From Badly Drawn Boy and An Idiot’s Guide to Wine to Johnny Cash and June Carter, here’s what’s happening in Leeds from 18th to 20th September.
If you’re looking for things to do in Leeds this weekend, there’s plenty to choose from – and it’s not all about a Saturday night out. Friday brings live music from Badly Drawn Boy, An Idiot’s Guide to Wine and a 30th birthday celebration for Leeds institution MOJO, while The Ballad of Johnny and June is at Leeds Grand. On Saturday, there’s theatre, music hall, clubbing and even an Oktoberfest-themed running event, before Sunday brings a Smiths tribute, yoga and a roast, a rare film screening and a city-centre art trail.
Looking for somewhere to eat? Check out our guide to the restaurant offers worth your time this month.
Friday 18th September 2026
Credit: Pamela Raith
The Ballad of Johnny and June at Leeds Grand Theatre. Johnny Cash and June Carter’s complicated love story comes to the stage in this new musical, following the couple through professional triumphs, personal struggles, heartbreak and redemption. With Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco in the lead roles, a live band and songs including I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire and Jackson, it’s a great choice for country music fans and musical theatre lovers alike.
Badly Drawn Boy: Live & In Conversation at The Old Woollen. Spend an intimate evening with Badly Drawn Boy as he performs acoustically and chats to BBC 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins. You’ll hear the stories behind songs including The Shining and Once Around the Block, as well as live versions of his best-loved music. A good pick if you prefer your live music a little more stripped-back and personal.
MOJO’s 30th Birthday Party. MOJO Leeds is celebrating 30 years on Merrion Street with a birthday week inspired by the 1990s, including selected 1996 priced cocktails for £3.90 from 5pm to 11pm. The main party lands on Friday with a Western theme, throwback cocktails and the sort of late-night celebrations MOJO does best. A fun excuse to revisit a Leeds nightlife institution.
An Idiot’s Guide to Wine at Project House. Pair your wine tasting with a bit of stand-up comedy at An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, which combines a 70-minute comedy show with tastings of six different wines. Written by Australian comedian Merrick Watts – the only comedian in the world to hold a WSET Level 3 qualification – it’s designed to work whether you know your wine or simply enjoy drinking it. The experience is for over-18s only.
Saturday 19th September 2026
Credit: Bread and Butter PR
August Wilson’s Fences at Leeds Playhouse. August Wilson’s landmark 1950s drama comes to Leeds Playhouse in a new production directed by Daniel Bailey. Set in Pittsburgh, Fences follows Troy Maxson, his wife Rose and their son Cory as family tensions build around ambition, opportunity and the changing world. It’s a powerful, character-led drama exploring the hopes and frustrations passed between generations. The production runs at Leeds Playhouse until 26th September.
The Magnificent Music Hall at City Varieties. Step back into the golden age of music hall and variety with this nostalgic matinee inspired by BBC favourite, The Good Old Days. Hosted by chairman Richard Gauntlett and produced and directed by Jan Hunt, the show brings together song, dance, comedy and magic, with performers including Philip Day, Nicola Keen and Paul Smith, plus special guests and aerialist Delia du Sol.
Ben Hemsley at The Warehouse. Electronic music producer and DJ Ben Hemsley heads to The Warehouse for a late-night Leeds set. The event runs from 10pm until 5am, with last entry at 12.15am, so this is firmly one for those planning to stay out into the small hours. Tickets are priced from £16.50 to £25.30.
Oktoberfest in Rodley. Fancy swapping the pub crawl for a pair of running shoes? Oktoberfest brings six distances to Rodley, from 5K and 10K through to a half marathon, marathon and ultra. Starting at Rodley Cricket Club, the races follow the Leeds & Liverpool Canal on a flat, chip-timed route, making this one for everyone from casual runners to those chasing a longer-distance challenge.
Sunday 20th September 2026
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The Smyths at Brudenell Social Club. The Smyths return to Leeds for their The Queen Is Dead 40th anniversary tour, recreating the music and atmosphere of The Smiths live. The tribute band has been performing for more than two decades and has played more than 1,000 shows around the world. This Sunday is the matinee performance, making it a good option if you fancy some live music without committing to a late night.
Yoga & Roast at The Banksia. Start your Sunday with a 45-minute slow-flow yoga and breathwork session before sitting down to a proper roast at The Banksia. The two-hour experience includes a welcome wellness drink, yoga, mats and roast lunch, with all levels welcome. It runs from 12.30 to 2.30pm and costs £30 plus fees – a lovely way to combine a bit of self-care with the best part of Sunday lunch.
Millennium Mambo at Belgrave Music Hall. Lei-Lei Cinema brings Hou Hsiao-hsien’s hypnotic 2001 film Millennium Mambo to Belgrave Music Hall as part of Scalarama Leeds. Starring Shu Qi, the film follows Vicky as she drifts through Taipei’s neon-lit club scene, caught between relationships and searching for a sense of direction. It’s a rare big-screen outing for the film and its first-ever screening in Leeds.
Meaning in the Void. Leeds Arts Centre is hosting a night of brand new theatre in collaboration with Planetarium GO – the pop-up planetarium that’s taking over Millennium Square this September. The programme brings together five original pieces exploring humanity, identity, hope and the search for meaning. Each show costs £2, or you can pick up a Night Pass to catch them all.
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: Pamela Raith
