Crafts, comedy and Christkindelmarkt’s legendary cheesy weiner...
BRUNSWICK COMEDY | The Brunswick | Every Monday from November
Who doesn’t need cheering up on a Monday? Head down to the cosy surrounds of The Brunswick to enjoy a half and a laugh with some of the city’s up-and-coming funny folk. According to their website, competence levels may vary but, in typical Brunswick fashion, it’s guaranteed to be a relaxed inclusive night out, with plenty of interaction between audience and performer. And did we mention how tasty The Brunswick’s burgers are? Now you know...
The Brunswick, LS2 7PN (from 8pm; free entry)
BONFIRE NIGHT | Roundhay Park | Tuesday 5th November
Now that the supermarkets have finally stopped selling fireworks (may neighbourhood pets rejoice), there’s no excuse not to hand things over to the professionals. One of the bigger of many Leeds’ displays, Roundhay Park’s tribute to Bonfire Night will include all the usual Yorkshire traditions of parkin, food stalls and yes, a ruddy massive fire. As always, get there early to secure the best vantage point.
Roundhay Park, LS8 2HH (bonfire from 7.30pm, fireworks from 8pm; free entry, more info at visitleeds.co.uk)
THE OLD RED PUB QUIZ: 90S NOSTALGIA | The Old Red Bus Station | Tuesday 5th November
Do you know your Ross & Rachel from your Keenan & Kel? How about your Buffy from your Bridget Jones? Embrace all things nineties with this bumper specialist quiz covering music, film, fashion and culture. The winning team will receive a £50 bar team, but we all know the moral victory is worth far, far more. Get down early for happy hour drinks and discounted vegan food.
The Old Red Bus Station, LS2 7NL (7.30-9pm; £1 entry per person)
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | Various Venues | 6th - 21st November
The 33rd edition of Leeds International Film Festival is possibly its most eclectic yet, with over 300 screenings and events across the 16 days. Dip in and out at your leisure, or clear your schedule and invest in a LIFF pass - £50 initial outlay then reduced £3 tickets to all events. Our top tips include Rocks (an ode to British sisterhood, created by a 75% female cast and crew) and The Lighthouse (Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson stuck on an island), but take your pick - everything from anime to horror is well represented here.
Various venues and timings (individual tickets from £9 or £3 with a LIFF Pass. More info at leedsfilm.com)
ILLUSTRATE DONATE| Outlaws Yacht Club | Thursday 7th November
Flex those crafty fingers for a good cause - in conjunction with Thought Bubble Comic Con, MAP Charity and local art collective Schwein & Bad Ornament, Outlaws Yacht Club present an evening of illustration, with a silent charity auction. Established creatives can donate work before the event, or pop down on the night to try your hand at some drawing, with plenty of prizes up for grabs. A hub of Leeds creative scene, this event offers a great opportunity to network for those much-coveted freelance gigs, or simply practice a little bit of self-care through creativity.
Outlaws Yacht Club, LS2 7DY (6-11pm; free entry. More info at thoughtbubblefestival.com/festival-events)
LIGHTS SWITCH ON| Victoria Gardens | Thursday 7th November
No we’re not sure where the year went either, but it is indeed time for the annual Leeds Light Switch On. The official opening event of the ‘Make It Leeds’ christmas campaign, this family-friendly event is set to involve plenty of on-stage merriment courtesy of Radio Aire, the return of Leeds wheel of light and a distinct possibility of a guest appearance from a local legend - or at very least, someone off Celebrity X Factor. Nip into Foley’s Tap House afterwards for a hot cider, and let the joy of Christmas cascade through your veins.
Victoria Gardens, LS2 3AD (6.45-8.30pm; free entry)
GOOD LIFE: PLEASURE PALACE | Beaver Works | Friday 8th November
Have you been naughty or nice this year? Whichever your answer, you’ll likely find your people at Pleasure Palace, ‘a dirty disco where debauchery meets decadence’, taking place across six rooms full of performers, visual productions and DJs playing everything from UK Garage to Underground House. A regular clubnight this ain’t.
Beaverworks, LS10 1AD. (11pm-5am; tickets from £12 at residentadvisor.net)
CHRISTKINDELMARKT| Millennium Square | Friday 8th November - Saturday 21st December
Yuletidephile’s rejoice - she’s back, and with all the classic features you’ve come to know and love. For those who aren’t initiated, your ticklist is thus - secure a Bavarian cheese-stuffed wiener sausage in a massive roll, wash it down with a commemorative mug of mulled wine, and proceed to skip joyfully around stalls of traditional festive fodder complete with live performances, fairground rides and adorable wooden chalets. You can’t fight the festive when it takes over your soul, but if you’d like to avoid the busiest crowds, opt for an mid-week evening visit.
Millennium Square, LS1 1UR ( 10.30am-9.30pm, 7.30pm on Sundays; free entry)
WWE LIVE | First Direct Arena | Saturday 9th November
Should all this festive spirit not be quite your vibe, a good old-fashioned smackdown might just do the trick. Upgraded to a RAW event, you can expect to see Seth Rollins take on Bray Wyatt, while Becky Lynch puts Sasha Banks through her paces for the women's championship, amongst numerous other faves. The perfect blend of sport and entertainment, trust us when we say that even the uninitiated will find themselves screaming for the chair.
First Direct Arena, LS2 8BY (6.30-11pm; tickets from £29.45 at firstdirectarena.com)
JAMILA WOODS| Belgrave Music Hall | Saturday 9th November
From the musical motherland of Chicago, Jamila Woods is known for exploring black culture through poetry and melodic rap, creating live shows that educate and challenge as well as making you dance. With recent debut record LEGACY! LEGACY! causing quite the excitement amongst critics, expect to see her commanding much more than a £12.50 ticket price come 2020.
Belgrave Music Hall, LS2 8JP (8-11pm; tickets from £12.50 at dice.fm)
WE WILL ROCK YOU | Leeds Grand Theatre | 11th - 23rd November
The whole world fell in love with Freddie Mercury all over again thanks to 2018’s Hollywood hit Bohemian Rhapsody, so there’s never been a better time to see the Queen story played out onstage. A staple of the West End, We Will Rock You uses 24 of Queen’s biggest hits to tell the story of the Bohemians, a rebel group looking to restore free thought and rock music to a world where everybody thinks the same. Sounds a little like Jeremy Corbyn at Question Time…
Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NZ (various times; tickets from £35.50 at leedsgrandtheatre.com)
PEAKING BLINDER RACEDAY| Wetherby Racecourse | Saturday 16th November
Don your smartest suit and flat cap for a special day out at Wetherby Racecourse, temporarily transformed into the The Garrison and The Eden Club from the hit TV show, complete with live music. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed lady and gentleman, so dig deep- what would Tommy Shelby do?
Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, LS22 5EJ (10am-3.50pm; tickets from £18 at wetherbyracing.com)
NORTH BREWING CO TURNS FOUR | North Brewing Co | Saturday 16th November
After yet another successful year of brewing, North are celebrating their birthday in style with the return of their clubnight #Hopulence. Enjoy specially-brewed birthday beer (a boysenberry gose), cheesy parmos and some solid tunes, running late into the night.
North Brewing Co, LS7 1AH (12pm-1am; free entry)
LEEDS WINTER MARKET| New Dock Hall | Sunday 24th November
Brought to you by the team behind Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair and The Vintage Clothing Kilo Sale, Leeds Winter Market curates the most unique and well-made artisan creatives from across the North and beyond. Taking the stress out of Christmas shopping, you can peruse street food and cocktails, arts and crafts, homewares, fashion, cosmetics and plenty more besides. Tickets are available on the day, but get a group together and book in advance to take advance of a decent discount.
New Dock Hall, LS10 1LT (10.30am-5.30pm; entry from £2.50 at tickettailor.com)
SILVER RING WORKSHOP | Inkwell Arts | Saturday 30th November
Fancy something a little different for that winter wedding? Or perhaps you’re in the market for a pre-Christmas treat yo’self? Either way, Inkwell’s silver ring masterclass with Noctua jewellery will guide you through all the techniques to make your very own stacking rings with semi-precious gemstones, or one chunky textured ring. All materials are included, beginners are welcome and you’ll be able to take away your handiwork there and then - no follow-up necessary. We’re rather partial to a rose quartz...
Inkwell Arts, LS7 3LW (11am-1.30pm; Tickets from £60 at noctua.co.uk/workshops)
