15 things to do in Leeds: October 2018

LIGHT NIGHT | Various | 4-5 October

Don your warmest clothes and head into the city centre to celebrate the annual celebration of all things art and light. For 2018, the theme is ‘Progress & Innovation’, with an illuminated parade that celebrates 100 years since women first got the vote. There are over 60 events to check out, all free and child-friendly: check out our highlights here.

Various venues citywide (6-11pm; free)

KYLIE MINOGUE| First Direct Arena | Thursday 4 October

30 years into her musical career, Queen of Pop Kylie will be gracing the First Direct Arena with her ‘Golden’ tour, set to be a glittery romp through her greatest hits and highlights from her most recent album of the same name. Time to start shimmying into our hot pants… 

First Direct Arena, LS2 8BY (8pm; tickets from £79 at ticketmaster.co.uk) 

NICE PEOPLE MAGAZINE LAUNCH | Hyde Park Book Club | Saturday 6 October

Championing the Leeds art and music scenes, Nice People take to Headingley to show what they’re all about with a showcase of live music and DJs. Chat to the team behind the mag, enjoy a drink and soak up some local, low-key atmosphere. 

Hyde Park Book Club, LS6 1BL (7pm; £3 entry on the door)

MATANGI, MAYA, M.I.A | Hyde Park Picture House | Tuesday 9 October

Drawn from a selection of 22 years’ worth of home video, get to know the Paper Planes star in this award-winning documentary. Chronicling her journey from refugee to trailblazing political pop star, the film will be screening at Vue Cinemas, but we prefer the cosy surrounds of the Hyde Park Picture House.

Hyde Park Picture House, LS6 1JD (6.30pm; tickets £7.80 at hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk)

OKTOBERFEST | South Bank Depot | 11-13 October

It’s stein time!  Get your fill of Bavarian culture at Oktoberfest, beloved by daytime drinkers and stag dos everywhere. Cynicism aside, there is plenty of entertainment to be had; from the classic oompah band to an endless supply of Bratwurst and, of course, more lederhosen than you’re ever seen outside of a Will Ferrell film. 

South Bank Depot, LS11 5QG (various times; tickets from £11.50 at oktoberfestleeds.eventgenius.co.uk)

PORTICO QUARTET | Belgrave Music Hall | Friday 12 October

Fancy some Friday night jazz? Known for its contemporary take on ‘experimental ambience’, Portico Quartet is the ideal date-night band, providing plenty to talk about but a similar amount to just enjoy with a drink in hand. Snap up your tickets from Dice, or in person at Crash and Jumbo records. 

Belgrave Music Hall, LS2 8JP (8pm; tickets £15.75 at dice.fm) 

CILLA THE MUSICAL | Leeds Grand Theatre | 16-20 October

Adapted from the hit ITV series, Cilla The Musical is a guaranteed heart-warmer for audiences of all ages. Described by Cilla’s very own son as ‘her final wish’, the show features many of her hit singles, taking us all back to Liverpool to find out how the icon was born. The run only lasts four days, so snap up your tickets fast.

Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NZ (various times; tickets from £28 at leedsgrandtheatre.com)

LEEDS LIBRARY SALON: ON CREATIVITY | Leeds Library | Friday 19 October

Looking for a proverbial kick-up-the-bum creativity-wise? Join the Leeds library talks for a special panel chat on all things motivation, self-expression and self-starting. Taking part will be journalist and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre, author of Don’t Stop The Carnival, and blogger and writer Shivanee Ramlochan, known for her poetry and study of queer literature.  

Leeds Library, LS1 6AL (6.30-8pm; tickets £5 at eventbrite.com) 

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER QUIZ | The Pit | Thursday 25 October

If you know your watchers from your Willow, get yourself in the Halloween spirit by entering The Pit’s ultimate Buffy quiz. With a £50 gift card and plenty of alcoholic prizes to be won, entry is free, but booking is recommended – one ticket per person is required for entry, no matter your team size.

The Pit, LS1 6PQ (quiz starts at 8pm; register at eventbrite.co.uk)

SALVO’S SEAFOOD DINNER | Salvos | Friday 26 October 

As if you needed any more excuse to get down to one of Leeds’ finest eateries, Salvos’ monthly seafood celebration returns for October. A feast of shellfish, oysters, scallops and lobster, expect rich pairings and lashings of wine, all prepared using authentic cooking techniques of Italy. Buon appetito! 

Salvo’s Restaurant and Salumeria, LS6 3PX (booking required, call 01132755017)

HOCUS POCUS OUTDOOR CINEMA | Kirkstall Abbey | 26-27 October

Autumn wouldn’t be autumn without an outdoor cinema experience, and it doesn’t come much more on brand for Halloween than Hocus Pocus without the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey. With various showings across the Friday and Saturday, choose between a family fun visit or a late-night date -  just don’t forget your thermos.

Kirkstall Abbey, LS5 3EH (various times tickets £15 from sneakyexperience.co.uk)

THE VINTAGE KILO SALE | Left Bank | Saturday 27 October

If retro clothing is more your bag, shop a whole new wardrobe for less at the Vintage Kilo Sale. Simply weigh your buys and pay per kilo, with both cash and card accepted. Simply show up on the day ready for some serious rummaging.

Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ, 10am-4pm (10am-4pm; tickets from £1.50 on the door)

NORTHERN MONK CRAFT FAIR | Northern Monk |Saturday 27 October

Treat yourself to some homeware goodies at the bi-annual Northern Craft Fair. Featuring a highly-curated roster of traders, entry is free and both dogs and children are welcome, with the usual array of craft beer and food on offer. If you fancy running your own stall, applications are now open.

Northern Monk, LS11 9YJ (11am-5pm; free)

LEEDS RUM FEST | Leeds Corn Exchange | Saturday 27 October

Drink your fill of the dark stuff at Leeds annual rum fair. Sample new brands, try out a touch of mixology and learn more about the liquor with a side of street food and DJs to keep the party spirit alive. Just remember to pace yourself – this event doesn’t close until 1am.

Leeds Corn Exchange, LS1 6DN (7pm-1am; tickets from £19.80 at eventbrite.com)

TEMPLE NEWSAM HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR | Temple Newsam Estate | Wednesday 31 October

Go all out for trick-or-treat season with the Temple Newsam Halloween Spectacular. A staple of the local calendar, admission grants your access to the spookily-lit stately home, as well as the ghoul-filled farm. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts sessions and storytime, while adults indulge in the Stables tearoom. Tickets are available via the courtyard shop or online, with a family ticket retailing at just £25.

Temple Newsam Estate, LS15 0AE, 5PM-8PM (5-8pm; tickets £10 at eventbrite.co.uk)