Leeds Life: What’s On In Autumn 2025

Looking for something to do this Autumn? Don’t worry - there’s always something going on in Leeds! Leeds is a bustling city that loves to entertain, with a jam-packed event programme that spans through much-loved music venues, iconic clubs and prestigious theatres, outdoor spaces from Millennium Square and Leeds Dock to parks, museums and country houses. Whether it’s a concert, open mic, stand-up, film screening, sports, workshop, talk, festival, performance, food and drink… in Leeds there is guaranteed fun to be had every day (and night) of the week.

Music

• Busted Vs McFly – 27/09/2025 – 28/09/2025

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Busted vs McFly | Leeds

Pop rock legends Busted stormed the stage at McFly’s sold out 21st birthday headline show to announce they will be going head-to-head on tour together next year! Fans got to hear first-hand the exciting news of, no doubt, one of the most highly anticipated tours of 2025. The Busted vs McFly Tour will see the two groups visit some of the UK’s biggest and best venues including Leeds Arena. 

• Live at Leeds in the City – 15/11/2025

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 CITY | Live at Leeds in the City 

Live at Leeds is a staple of the city’s music scene, welcoming over 100 top bands to play at 20 venues each year, including Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall and more. With past events welcoming everyone from Ed Sheeran to The Cribs, and George Ezra to Stormzy, it's clear this festival has a history of unforgettable performances. This year continues the tradition with a lineup featuring Jalen Ngonda, Divorce, Flipturn, and Katy J Pearson. There's no doubt you're in for an almighty weekend.

• Hans Zimmer Live – 23/11/2025

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Hans Zimmer | Leeds

In what’s set to be one of the most anticipated events of 2025, Hans Zimmer will be coming to the First Direct arena. The highly celebrated composer and hugely talented musician is making his first ever live appearance in Leeds, and this mesmerising night will feature songs from Gladiator, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. 

Comedy

• John Bishop 25 Years of Stand Up – 11/10/2025

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John Bishop | Leeds

On 2 October 2000, John Bishop stepped onto the stage to perform his first ever comedy gig in front of just a handful of people. John was working by day in the pharmaceutical industry, but that night, as he picked up the mic and performed for the very first time, he changed his life forever. Now, a quarter of a century later, the comedy superstar is embarking on his tenth stand-up tour, John Bishop: 25, to celebrate his incredible 25-year career.

• Peter Kay Live – 07/11/2025

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Peter Kay | Leeds

One of the most popular British comedians of all time is returning to the stage for a never-ending 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!

Theatre

• War Horse – 19/08/2025 – 06/09/2025

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War Horse: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre

The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse returns in an all-new UK and Ireland tour. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, and directed by Tom Morris, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from rural Devon to the trenches of France in WWI. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

• To Kill A Mockingbird – 08/09/2025 – 04/10/2025

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To Kill A Mockingbird - Leeds Playhouse

Aaron Sorkin’s award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation. Now this thrilling courtroom drama opens at Leeds Playhouse ahead of a national tour. Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it. Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee’s own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists.

Sport

• Cricket – England Vs South Africa - 1st ODI – 02/07/2025

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Yorkshire County Cricket Club 

Based in Headingley, the home of Yorkshire County Cricket, comes a celebration that combines innovation, entertainment, and community spirit in perfect harmony. At this First One Day International there will be an atmosphere where memories are made and stories come alive!

• Martin House Dragon Boat Race 2025 – 07/09/2025

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Martin House Dragon Boat Race 2025

The Dragon Boat Race event is back and it’s bigger than ever! A fun-filled family day out at Roundhay Park, packed with racing, live entertainment, and fundraising in support of Martin House Children’s Hospice. Watch the action unfold as 48 teams go head-to-head on the lake in full fancy dress, all racing to raise money for local children with life-shortening conditions and their families. It’s competitive, chaotic, and absolutely brilliant to watch!

• Football – Leeds United – various dates

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Latest News - Leeds United

Founded in 1919, Leeds United has called Elland Road its home ever since, becoming a stage for memorable victories and promotions, as well as cup-winning sides. Recently promoted back to the Premier League, Leeds United will play host to some of the biggest clubs and biggest names in the world. 

• Rugby – Leeds Rhinos – various dates

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Leeds Rhinos

Leeds is not complete without catching Leeds Rhinos in action, one of the most exciting sides in rugby league. Calling AMT Headingley Stadium their home since 1890, the club has enjoyed many successes over the years, from Super League titles to notable victories over international opposition. The Rhinos pride themselves on being fun for the whole family.

• Ice Hockey – Leeds Knights – various dates

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Leeds Knights

One of the most exciting additions to the sports scene in Leeds in recent years is arguably Leeds Knights, the city’s professional ice hockey team. Leeds Knights call Planet Ice their home and played their first fixture back in 2020. 

Festivals

• Cinema on the Square 31/07/2025 – 03/08/2025

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Cinema on the Square 2025 - Millennium Square

Cinema on the Square returns this summer for four days of open-air film screenings, transforming Millennium Square into a giant outdoor cinema with concert-quality sound. Presented by Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF), this unmissable experience closes the Summer Series with a brilliant lineup of concert films, classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s, Japanese cult films, a Bollywood blockbuster, family favourites, fun singalongs, and more. 

• Leeds Fest – 21/08/2025 – 24/08/2025

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Rockstar Energy presents Leeds Festival | Bramham Park, Leeds » 21 – 24 August 2025

If you’re a music fan, you can’t miss out on Leeds Festival. Kicking off on August bank holiday as usual, the legendary Bramham Park festival is set to feature a whole host of iconic names, from Travis Scott and Chappell Roan to Bring Me The Horizon and Hozier. Lots are yet to be announced, so watch this space.

• Leeds West Indian Carnival – 25/08/2025

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Welcome To Leeds Carnival

One of the biggest events of 2025, the Leeds West Indian Carnival is set to bring some colour to the streets of Chapeltown once again!. Held annually on the last Monday in 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 International Beer Festival – 04/09/2025 – 07/09/2025

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leedsbeer.com

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.

• Light Night - October 2025

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Light Night

Light Night will take over the city once again in 2025, and this year marks its 20th anniversary! For the past two decades, some of Leeds’ most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces have been transformed by spectacular, glowing works of art, as well as captivating performances by local and international artists.

• Leeds Festival of Ideas – 14/10/2025 – 18/10/2025

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Leeds International Festival of Ideas. 14—18 Oct, 2025

The Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) is a platform for bold conversation, fresh thinking, and powerful ideas. Held annually at the heart of the city, LIFI brings together a diverse range of voices from across the worlds of culture, politics, science, health, technology, and the arts. The festival creates space for inspiring talks, challenging questions, and dynamic debates that open minds and spark new perspectives.

• Leeds International Film Festival – 01/11/2025 – 17/11/2025

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LIFF Next Edition Info | Leeds Film

Leeds International Film Festival is pretty much in the fabric of the city and will return again in November 2025 for its 37th 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 biggest festivals of its kind in the UK, attracting over 40,000 people to 300 events in past years.

For other dates, events or to be kept in the loop for any changes or last minute additions, take a look at Home - Visit Leeds.