As the leaves turn and the autumn chill sets in, October is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the year across Leeds.
Be it blockbuster arena tours or intimate independent venue shows, opera seasons, and Halloween celebrations, there is no shortage of reasons to head out across the city this month.
The calendar also features major autumn cultural tentpoles, including the Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI 2026) at Leeds Playhouse and the 40th anniversary edition of the Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) commencing from October 29 - with more to come on those events in the very near future.
Whether you are looking to secure tickets for major venue tours or plan weekend outings, here is your definitive, week-by-week guide to what’s on in Leeds throughout October 2026.
25. Don Broco (October 13)
UK rock heavyweights bring their massive touring production and energetic fanbase to South Bank’s cavernous industrial venue. 🎟️ TESTBED
26. The Bluetones (October 14 & 15)
Britpop legends perform a two-night residency at the Brudenell due to exceptional ticket demand. 🎟️ Brudenell Social Club
27. The Beat feat. Dave Wakeling + The Selecter (October 14)
An essential 2-Tone ska co-headline tour bringing together two of the movement's most defining acts, with DJ Rhoda Dakar. 🎟️ O2 Academy Leeds | National World
28. And So I Watch You From Afar & Caspian (October 15)
A colossal post-rock double bill taking over both rooms in Hyde Park, supported by Otay:onii. 🎟️ Brudenell Social Club
29. Arab Strap (October 15)
Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton bring their dark, atmospheric Scottish storytelling to the Grand Theatre’s acoustic space. 🎟️ Howard Assembly Room | John Devlin
30. The Odyssey (October 15 - 17)
A daring, visually inventive, and humorous new stage adaptation of Homer's epic voyage on the Quarry Stage. | Jonathan Gawthorpe