Weekend gig guide: Roundhay Festival, Tom Odell, Joan Jett and this weekend's concert highlights

It’s perhaps one of the biggest weekends in music in the city - the launch of a new festival, a continued celebrated series in the city centre and a Hall of Famer taking over the O2 Academy, and everything in-between.

We’re officially also on the road to the festival summer season, too - if the heat hasn’t given it away yet.

This weekend, some of the biggest names in music head to Roundhay Park for three days of magic, while in some of the local haunts, there is plenty on offer to cater to (almost) every musical whim.

So what’s on offer this weekend in Leeds in terms of concerts? Take a look at our highlights and picks for the next few days ahead.

This weekend’s gig highlights in Leeds

Roundhay Festival (Friday, Saturday and Sunday - Roundhay Park)

The highly anticipated debut of the brand-new American Express presents Roundhay Festival is an absolute game-changer for the city's music scene, taking over the iconic parkland.

The inaugural weekend kicks off on Friday with global pop powerhouse Pitbull headlining a massive carnival-style opening night alongside an incredibly popular billing of special guests, including Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah, and Lil Jon.

On Saturday, the energy pivots to soaring indie-pop anthems as a returning Lewis Capaldi tops the bill for his highly publicised festival appearance, supported by the likes of Conan Gray and Jacob Alon.

Wrapping things up in magnificent style on Sunday, the park transitions into a spectacular open-air classical experience titled All Things Orchestral. Hosted by Myleene Klass and featuring a performance by the prestigious Hallé Orchestra, the majestic afternoon is bolstered by a headline appearance from tenor Alfie Boe before DJ Yoda takes over for the official afterparty set.

Sounds of the City: Tom Odell (Saturday - Millennium Square)

Millennium Square’s highly anticipated summer outdoor concert series delivers a true powerhouse performance on Saturday night as part of the renowned Sounds Of The City line-up.

Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter Tom Odell takes over the open-air stage for what promises to be one of the most emotional, communal sing-alongs of the season.

Renowned for his soaring vocals and intensely passionate piano anthems, Odell’s expansive catalogue - stretching from his massive breakout hits to his latest introspective material - is perfectly calibrated for a grand, open-air crowd.

Lending a beautiful depth to the evening's billing is exceptional indie-pop artist Matt Maltese on support duties, making this outdoor standing show an unmissable ticket for summer music purists.

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts (Sunday - O2 Academy Leeds)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame royalty arrives downtown on Sunday night as the legendary Joan Jett brings her ferocious, timeless attitude to the O2 Academy.

Marking her first UK headline tour in 16 years, this highly anticipated return is a massive coup for local rock purists.

Backed by the Blackhearts and supported by the breakout, high-octane punk-duo star power of The Meffs, expect a night of pure, raw energy and unfiltered anthems. From the opening chords of ‘Bad Reputation’ to the massive, venue-wide choruses of ‘I Love Rock 'n' Roll,’ it is the ultimate way to close out your weekend with loud, heavy riffs.

Leeds gig guide - June 3 - 5 2026

Friday

• Roundhay Festival: Day 1 - Roundhay Park
• The March Violets - The Warehouse
• Pakkin’ Rat: The Squeakquel - Wharf Chambers (membership required)
• Showaddywaddy - City Varieties

Saturday

• Roundhay Festival: Day 2 (Lewis Capaldi) - Roundhay Park
• The Lathums - Electric Studios
• Sounds of the City: Tom Odell - Millennium Square
• Live Inside A Dream Festival - Hyde Park Book Club
• Cookin’ On 3 Burners - Brudenell Social Club
• The Bad Plus - Howard Assembly Room
• VAZUM - Boom
• Milagro - Santiago

Sunday

• Roundhay Festival: Day 3 (All Things Orchestral) - Roundhay Park
• Joan Jett and The Blackhearts - O2 Academy Leeds
• Sumo Cyco - The Key Club
• Air Drawn Dagger - Wharf Chambers (membership required)

All information is correct as of the time of writing.

Please check with the venues in the event of any last-minute cancellations or postponements ahead of time to avoid any unexpected issues.