Leeds Life: What's On In Spring 2026? 

While 2026 is still warming up, there’s already plenty in the diary to get excited about. 2026 is officially a big birthday year. Leeds will mark 400 years since the granting of its city charter, and celebrations are already shaping up across the calendar. Expect history, heritage and plenty of playful twists on what makes Leeds, Leeds – with city-wide moments that shine a light on the past while firmly facing forwards. So, this year is shaping up to be a big one for Yorkshire. From festivals and concerts to exhibitions and theatre shows, these are the events you won’t want to miss.

Music

• Jason Derulo - 06/02/2026

14+

JASON DERULO TICKETS | LEEDS

Jason Derulo’s latest single “You DJ I’ll Drive” is poised to be the song of the summer- a nostalgic, feel-good pop anthem that captures the magic of carefree nights and spontaneous road trips. It marks a fresh chapter in the career of one of pop’s most dynamic hitmakers. Recognizable worldwide as a multiplatinum singer and songwriter, Jason Derulo has quietly and consistently grinded to emerge as one of his generation’s most prolific artists. With over 250 million singles sold and tens of billions of streams, his catalogue includes platinum and multiplatinum generational anthems.

• Strictly Come Dancing – Live Tour – 29^th & 30^th January 

Family Friendly (U14 must be accompanied by an adult)

Strictly Live Tour Tickets | Leeds

The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is waltzing its way into First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds this January. Get set for a glittering celebration of everything you love about the nation’s favourite TV show, complete with show-stopping routines, stunning group numbers, and breathtaking live music from the iconic Strictly band and singers. Expect the signature charm of judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, with the fabulous Janette Manrara returning to host, bringing wit, warmth and just the right amount of excitement to keep everyone on their toes.

• Gorillaz – 25/03/2026

14+

Gorillaz Tickets | Leeds

Gorillaz are set to bring their groundbreaking sound and visuals to Leeds as part of The Mountain Tour, hitting the First Direct Bank Arena on 25 March 2026. Following a string of sold-out shows and the critically acclaimed House of Kong exhibition, the band proves they’re as electrifying as ever. With support from Trueno on selected dates, expect an unforgettable night from one of the most innovative acts of our time.

Comedy

• Chris Ramsey – Here, Man! - 22/02/2026

14+

Chris Ramsey: Here Man: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Following overwhelming demand, Chris Ramsey will be back on the road in 2026 with a brand-new stand-up show. Here Man is the hotly anticipated follow-up to Chris’ last sell-out stand-up tour 2020 which saw him perform to over 100,000 people nationwide (albeit thanks to Covid, not in the year intended and with a slightly regrettable tour title!). 

• Greg Davies – Full Fat Legend – 22/03/2026

18+

Greg Davies Tickets | Leeds

Greg Davies is heading back to First Direct Bank Arena in 2026 on his Full Fat Legend tour. Star of shows such as Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, The Cleaner, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Man Down and Cuckoo, this is Greg’s biggest live tour yet.

• Al Murray: All You Need is Guv – 12/04/2026

14+

Al Murray: All You Need is Guv: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138-date tour, The Guv will be back, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026. There’s no denying the world’s a mess, but there is a glimmer of hope as the globe’s favourite Pub Landlord returns with his like-nobody-else common sense hot-takes for the masses, offering a much-needed truth tonic (pint for the fella/glass of white wine for the lady) for these troubled times. With a fresh and frothing pint to hand, a barrel of laughs to pour from, and a flower in his heart, Guv is all you need.

Theatre

• John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play – 9^th & 10^th January 2026

14+

John Cleese's Fawlty Towers: The Play: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre: Leeds Heritage Theatres

The ‘Greatest British Sitcom of all time’ is back – this time on stage! Nearly 50 years since it first graced our TV screens, Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger. Fresh from a sold-out West End season, this laugh-out-loud production was universally acclaimed by every London and national critic, selling out every performance during its record-breaking West End run. Join Basil (Danny Bayne), the delightfully bumbling Major, and Polly (Joanne Clifton), with an 18-strong cast as they bring to life all your favourite moments from the show’s unforgettable 12 episodes. With sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn, this is the comedy event of the year!

• Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack – 07/03/2026 – 14/03/2026

12+

Northern Ballet's Gentleman Jack: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Masters of storytelling Northern Ballet bring to the stage the extraordinary story of Anne Lister – better known as Gentleman Jack. A powerful Yorkshire woman, it was only after her death when her secret diaries were decoded that a truly exceptional life was uncovered. Anne lived, dressed and loved as she desired, not as 19th century society expected her to. With her words dancing across the page, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs. Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, this thrilling production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is performed to new live music by Peter Salem.

• 2:22: A Ghost Story – 11/05/2026 – 16/05/2026

14+

2:22: A Ghost Story: What's On: Leeds Grand Theatre: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Following seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour and 30 productions across the globe, the stage phenomenon 2:22: A Ghost Story now comes to Leeds. Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22: It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear… what do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

Sport

• Harlem Globetrotters – 100-year Tour – 28/02/2026

Family Friendly (U14 must be accompanied by an adult)

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TICKETS | LEEDS

The world-famous basketball icons hit Leeds for their centenary tour. It’s a massive, family-friendly event that brings a unique "all-star" energy to the city centre, filled with their signature dazzling ball-handling skills and comedy-infused sports entertainment.

• Europe’s Strongest Man – 45^th Anniversary – 11/04/2026

Family Friendly

Europe's Strongest Man 2026 Tickets | Leeds

The "Mecca of Muscle" returns for a massive national event, where the continent’s strongest men compete in a gruelling one-day power spectacle. Twelve athletes will battle across five incredible tests of strength to see who will be crowned the 45th champion in this legendary competition. 

• BetMGM Premier League Darts 2026 – 07/05/2026

18+

Premier League Darts Tickets | Leeds

The BetMGM Premier League heads back to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds for another night of top-class darting action on Thursday May 7, 2026. 2025's sold-out night in Leeds was won by Luke Humphries, as the world number one edged out Luke Littler to triumph in a last-leg shoot-out. Humphries and Littler are set to headline next year’s showpiece, with the eight-player field to be confirmed in early January 2026 following the completion of the World Darts Championship.

Festivals

• Dark Skies Festival – 13/02/2026 – 01/03/2026

Family Friendly

Dark Skies Festival: Dark Skies Festival

Something a little different and slightly further out, Yorkshire is a stargazer’s paradise, so what better way to appreciate this stunning side to the region than through the Dark Skies Festival? Join the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks and explore the two International Dark Skies Reserves in the peak of stargazing season.

• Disney on Ice – Into the Magic – 8^th & 9^th March

Family friendly (U14 must be accompanied by an adult)

Disney on Ice Tickets | Leeds

Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel from Cocoas as he follows the music in his heart. Be inspired by Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa on her journey to the North Mountain to stop the eternal winter and watch Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to make her dream come true. Celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure at Disney On Ice. 

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – Glow N Fire – 28^th & 29^th March 2026

Family Friendly

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Tickets | Leeds

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ is thrilled to continue the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite — the dynamite Rhino themed truck. Get ready for more heat and action as Hot Wheels brings the ultimate monster truck show to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds! Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire brings fans’ favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™,Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Skelesaurus™, and also includes FMX riders performing high-flying stunts and a fire-breathing, car crushing robot dinosaur. 

Art & Exhibitions

• Ones to Watch 2026 – 10/01/2026 – 29/03/2026

Family Friendly

Ones to Watch 2026 - Sunny Bank Mills | Art Gallery & Business Space in Leeds

Ones to Watch returns to the Gallery for its thirteenth year in 2026, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging talent Yorkshire has to offer. The exhibition brings together work by artists from across disciplines, from painting to sculpture, film, photography, ceramics, design and more.

• Charlotte Verity: The Season Following – 23/01/2026 – 07/06/2026

Family Friendly

Charlotte Verity: The Season Following - Harewood House

Experience the fleeting nature of the seasons through the work of Charlotte Verity, a British artist known for her meticulously observed paintings of plants and flowers. Often painted over many years, Verity’s work captures the quiet rhythms of the natural world with exquisite clarity and luminosity. Set within the historic interiors of Harewood House and surrounded by its world-renowned landscape and gardens, this exhibition offers a meditative journey through the seasons, and invites you to linger, look closely, and celebrate the subtle fluctuating beauty of nature.

• Botanically Beautiful: Art & Design Inspired By Nature – 01/03/2026 – 18/10/2026

Family Friendly

Botanically Beautiful: Art and design inspired by nature | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

From garden to gallery, explore why artists, designers and makers have been inspired by nature to create a wealth of decoration for our homes and bodies. Lotherton’s new exhibition features beautiful and remarkable objects all inspired by flowers, fruit, leaves and trees. You’ll see original William Morris wallpapers from the Sanderson Archive alongside glorious ceramics and silver, intricate Spitalfields silks and innovative furniture by Voysey and Pugin.

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.