Everything you need to know about Leeds Valentine's Fair, including attractions and costs

The event is officially one of the UK’s best-known Valentine’s attractions, and for good reason.

It’s been a staple of the city's calendar for decades, evolving from a stadium-side fair into a massive city-centre takeover. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of half-term chaos with the kids or a high-adrenaline date night under the neon lights.

Launched back in 1992 by Roger Tuby and Stewart Robinson of International Fun Fairs, the pair teamed up with Leeds City Council to bring something brand new to the city - and since the first event over 30 years ago, it has run almost every single year, with 2021 being the only notable exception due to the pandemic.

While it’s now a city-centre staple, it’s also famous for its time spent as a ‘stadium-side’ attraction.

For many years, it was held in the car parks of Elland Road, making it a landmark for anyone driving into the city, but it since moved back to Millennium Square in 2022 was seen as a homecoming, returning the rides to the very streets where the event first began.

The fair is a massive draw, typically attracting tens of thousands of visitors over its ten-day run. While it’s a heartbeat for the local Leeds community, its reputation as one of the largest and best-known seasonal fairs in Europe means it pulls in crowds from across West Yorkshire and beyond.

It’s common, then, to see visitors travelling in from Manchester, Sheffield, and even further afield, especially during the half-term break when it becomes one of the biggest family-friendly destinations in the North.

When is the Leeds Valentine's Fair 2026?

The fair runs for a ten-day stint from February 13 to February 22, perfectly covering both the Valentine’s period and the school half-term break.

Doors open daily from 12pm until 9:30pm, with slightly later finishes at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays for those looking to soak up the atmosphere after dark.

If you're planning to be there for the very start, take note that the fair officially kicks off at 4:00 PM on the opening Friday.

Where is the Leeds Valentine's Fair being held?

For 2026, the event effectively creates a funfair corridor right through the heart of the city centre.

The attractions will be spread across three major civic spaces, with the main hubs located at Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street.

This central layout makes it easy to explore all the rides and stalls while moving between the city's main shopping and transport links.

What attractions will be available at Leeds Valentine's Fair 2026?

Thrill-seekers have plenty to look forward to this year with high-intensity attractions like the 360-degree spinning Superstar, the swinging pendulum of Devil Rock, and the towering 40m Booster Ride, which offers some of the most dramatic views of the city.

For those who prefer the staples of the British fairground, the Leeds Wheel of Light returns alongside the ever-popular Dodgems and the Waltzer.

It’s also set up perfectly for families, featuring a huge selection of dedicated children's rides, prize games, and the classic fairground food stalls serving up everything from hot dogs and churros to doughnuts, candy floss, and warming cups of hot chocolate.

Where can I get tickets to attend Leeds Valentine's Fair 2026?

That’s one of the best things about the Leeds Valentine’s Fair - you don’t need to worry about booking a ticket or paying an entry fee just to get in.

Admission to the site at Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street is completely free, allowing you to walk around and soak up the atmosphere without an upfront cost. Instead, the fair operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, with individual fees for each ride and attraction payable at the kiosks on the day.

For those looking to save a bit of money, a Midweek Special is offering £1 off rides between 12pm and 5pm from Monday to Thursday.

Additionally, if you have a Breeze Pass or a Leeds Card, you can get 50p off any ride (excluding games) after 5pm on weekdays and all day throughout the weekend.

Looking to spend Valentine’s Day 2026 with someone but unsure where to start? Check out some of the singles events taking place in Leeds in the run-up - and shortly after - Valentine’s Day weekend.