What’s happening in Leeds this autumn

All year round, Leeds is a bustling entertainment hub, where there’s always plenty of new things to do, see and experience.

Autumn 2018 is going to be no different as – alongside the usual assortment of amazing bars, restaurants, attractions and entertainment that the city is well known for – there will also be an assortment of exciting events taking place over the next coming months.

While there’s far too many activities to choose from for this list to be definitive, we’ve gone ahead and put together a quick look at just five autumn events in Leeds to help you get started on marking up your calendars.

1. See a show at Leeds Arena

Although catching a performance at the dazzling Leeds Arena is, of course, always an option, the shows lined up throughout this season are definitely worth checking out.

Over the Autumn months, the stage will be welcoming the likes of Kylie Minogue, the Electric Lights Orchestra and Whoopi Goldberg, to name but a few.

If you don’t fancy paying for a ticket, then don’t worry: you can even enjoy free entertainment, courtesy of their yearly Light Show.

This takes place on the 4th and 5th of October, as part of the wonderful Light Night Leeds, which is also a great choice for Autumn events in the city.

2. Grab a beer at Oktoberfest

It wouldn’t be Autumn without Oktoberfest. The beer-fuelled Bavarian event is now celebrated throughout the world, from Europe to South America, and Leeds has made a name for itself by playing host to one of the most exciting iterations of the festival in the country.

Between the 11th and 13th of October, head down to the South Bank Depot to enjoy some traditional German fun with a wonderful assortment of quality German beers and traditional Bavarian cuisine – not forgetting the in-house oompah bands to complete the experience. Make sure you have your lederhosen at the ready!

3. Enjoy artisan food and craft stalls at the Autumn Festival Weekend

Mere days before Oktoberfest is the Autumn Glory: Food and Harvest, part of the Autumn Festival Weekend at Harewood House, which brings together all the joys of the harvest.

It includes a wonderful selection of seasonal food and drinks, alongside cookery demonstrations, biscuit decorating, arts and crafts and much, much more.

4. Get stuck into a world of spice with the World Curry Festival

A true extravaganza for the senses, the World Curry Festival will complete its journey in Leeds on the 29th September with the finale event – An Audience with Ken Hom.

This will see the legendary chef presented with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to Asian cooking.

With an event that is all about celebrating the fragrance and flavours of Asian cuisine, there’s few better places to appreciate Hom’s work and indeed the work of everyone who comes together to make the World Curry Festival such a fantastic celebration of food and culture.

5. Catch a classic at the Leeds International Film Festival

With events being held throughout the end of Autumn between the 1st and 15th of November, the annual Leeds International Film Festival doesn’t get anywhere near the recognition it deserves.

Many events are still to be announced, with a programme launch scheduled for the 10th October.

Based on previous years though, there’s likely to be plenty to keep film fanatics of all tastes glued to the screen.

So, keep your finger on the pulse in order to avoid missing out, or you can head over to the launch event for yourself, which will take place at the Vue Cinema in The Light at 5.45pm.