October always brings colder nights and the return of rainy season (although this year you could argue it never quite went away), but that certainly doesn't mean we're shy on things to do.
From pumpkin picking and Light Night trails around the city to food pop-ups and a gig every single night of the month, we've got everything you need to plan out your October around the city...
Horsforth Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Saturday 1 October – Monday 31 October 2022
Image: Kemps Farm
There’s far more than just grabbing your pumpkin for spooky season here. There’s 18 different varieties to choose from so grab your favourite white, blue, orange, green, warty big or small one and take a tractor ride through the picking fields. If that’s not enough, there’s plenty of photo ops here, an onsite cafe and even facepainters to bring your spookiest ideas to life
Sunday 1 October - Friday 20 October 2023 | Various locations
Image: National Trust
The National Trust is giving families the chance to visit its dozens of sites across England for free of charge this autumn.
When booking, you’ll need to select the free member’s ticket option and use the code ESCAPEINTOAUTUMN2023 when asked for your membership number, but it’s worth nothing that some National Trust places are exempt from this offer, so it’s advised that you check before planning your visit.
Saturday 7 October / Saturday 28 October 2023 | Meet at the Parkinson Building
With two dates available this month, the Black History Walks last two hours each and explore 'local narratives with African connections'. The interactive walks are available to the public but booking is recommended.
One of Yorkshire's biggest pop-up vintage stores is returning to Leeds, this time at new event space Project House. For second-hand fits and preloved garms, this place will become a true treasure trove for all savvy thrifters.
Thursday 12 October - Friday 13 October 2023 | Around Leeds
Image: Light Night Leeds
Light Night is back for another year, and there's just two weeks until the streets of Leeds will be transformed into an incredible illuminated playground. Now in it’s nineteenth year, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival returns with the theme ‘Future Dreaming’ and will span across two nights.
There's more than 50 breathtaking light installations, dynamic projections and spectacular interactive artworks are set to wow thousands of visitors to the highly anticipated, annual cultural event - and it always feels like the whole city has come out to visit in anticipation.
Extending Light Night into a three-night adventure, Chapeltown will be hosting a walk down the ginnels across the suburb. The idea is the night brings locals together for a mile-long walk and then it's over to Mandela Centre for a film night - it's perfect for the whole family.
Earlier this week, The Tetley announced that its current lease has come to an end, and as a result will be closing its doors later this month. The exhibition space, Tiny Tetley play area and T Bar and Cafe will both close from Sunday 22 October, so make sure to get in beforehand for one last visit.
If you’ve been down to The Cheesy Living Co. before, you’ll know just how well these guys know their cheeses. Initially launching at Trinity Kitchen, the feedback across Leeds has been overwhelmingly positive, leading the chip shop to continue with an additional pop-up in the city centre.
Catch the last day of residency on Monday and you’ll be able to find all kinds of gooey, cheesy goodness over at Northern Monk Refectory at Marshalls Mill.
Bundobust Oktoberfest Specials
Sunday 1 October - Sunday 15 October 2023 | Bundobust, Mill Hill, Leeds City Centre
It’s time to dust off your Lederhosen and head to Mill Hill because Bundobust are raising a stein to Oktoberfest.
From Friday 15 October, they’ll be shaking a spice rack over some iconic German dishes for hungry punters to enjoy alongside a cold craft beer. A real match made in heaven.
Making a triumphant return is the Bundo Pretzel, in collaboration with Bolton-based Bavarian bakery Pretzel & Spelt, the German baked good is spiced with garam massala and turmeric, flecked with ajwain seeds, black salt and mango powder.
Ivy Asia ‘Sake Sensations’
Sunday 1 October 2023 - Tuesday 31 October 2023 | The Ivy Asia, Vicar Lane
‘Sake Sensations’ is a brand new, unique collaborative menu between Akashi-Tai and The Ivy Asia.If you’re a fan of the Japanese rice wine Sake, then this elegant and refined pairing menu is the one for you.
An exciting new collaboration between The Ivy Asia and Akashi Tai, the UK’s leading sake brand, the menu will showcase the best flavours from the continent paired perfectly with a range of sakes.
This menu is available until Sunday 5 November 2023. The experience costs £85 per persona and you can book your table here.
Trinity Kitchen
Sunday 1 October 2023 - Tuesday 31 October 2023 | Trinity Shopping Centre
In came the downpours, the nights suddenly got a lot longer and to make the new season, Trinity Kitchen’s new food trucks arrived with plenty of winter warmers. Choose from Tikks Thai Kitchen, Little Red Eats, Fish&, Cheese Yard and Spuds & Bros throughout the month.
Sunday 1 October 2023: Damien Lewis at Brudenell Social Club (tickets here)
Monday 2 October 2023: Holly Humberstone at The Wardrobe (tickets here)
Tuesday 3 October 2023: Scene Queen at Leeds University Union (tickets here)
Wednesday 4 October 2023: Dolores Forever at Oporto (tickets here)
Thursday 5 October 2023: Honeyblood at Hyde Park Book Club (tickets here)
Friday 6 October 2023: This Will Destroy You + The Ocean at Project House (tickets here)
Saturday 7 October 2023: New Order at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Sunday 8 October 2023: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at The Key Club (tickets here)
Monday 9 October 2023: Funeral For A Friend at O2 Academy (tickets here)
Tuesday 10 October 2023: Cate at The Wardrobe (tickets here)
Wednesday 11 October 2023: Adam Rowe at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
Thursday 12 October 2023: The Northern Boys at The Hi-Fi Club (tickets here)
Friday 13 October 2023: Whitney Queen of the Night at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Saturday 14 October 2023: Live at Leeds Festival (tickets here)
Sunday 15 October 2023: Neck Deep at The Key Club (tickets here)
Monday 16 October: The Damn Truth at Brudenell Social Club (tickets here)
Tuesday 17 October 2023: Squid at O2 Academy (tickets here)
Wednesday 18 October 2023: Birds In Row at The Lending Room (tickets here)
Thursday 19 October 2023: Newton Faulkner at Brudenell Social Club (tickets here)
Friday 20 October 2023: S Club at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Saturday 21 October 2023: The Royston Club at The Wardrobe (tickets here)
Sunday 22 October 2023: Jurrasic Park In Concert at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Monday 23 October 2023: Nature TV at Hyde Park Book Club (tickets here)
Tuesday 24 October 2023: English Teacher at Brudenell Social Club (tickets here)
Wednesday 25 October 2023: James Acaster at Leeds Playhouse (tickets here)
Thursday 26 October 2023: Venbee at Belgrave Music Hall (tickets here)
Friday 27 October 2023: Fall Out Boy at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Saturday 28 October 2023: Punk Rock Factory at Leeds University Stylus (tickets here)
Sunday 29 October 2023: Elvis - The Best Of at First Direct Arena (tickets here)
Monday 30 October 2023: Alfie Blue at Oporto (tickets here)
Tuesday 31 October 2023: Queercore: Night of the Living at The Wardrobe (tickets here)
Live at Leeds Festival
Saturday 14 October 2022 | Various locations, Leeds
Image: Live at Leeds
150+ Artists. 14 Venues. 16 Stages. 1 Day. 1 Wristband. The festival has previously seen the likes of Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, The 1975, Lizzo, Sam Fender, Royal Blood, Sam Smith, Tom Grennan and many more take to the stage before going to become global successes, so those looking to find up-and-coming talent will be sure to find some independent names destined for cities far bigger than Leeds in the future.
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson is heading out on a UK tour, visiting First Direct Arena for his biggest Leeds solo show to date.
Ten years since launching his solo career with debut single 'Just Hold On', Tomlinson is hitting the road again for his tour, which shares its title with the name of his latest LP - How Did I Get Here?
Tomlinson's last visit to Leeds saw him play an intimate show at The Wardrobe back in 2020 and is set to perform to 13,500 - he has definitely made sure to 'Jump the Gun' in terms of crowd size.
Now, the Doncaster-born musician is visiting one of Leeds biggest indoor live music venues First Direct Arena and it's sure to be a jam-packed night of live music.
Gig guide | Louis Tomlinson at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all you need to know
Are there tickets left for Louis Tomlinson at First Direct Arena?
Louis Tomlinson is bringing the How Did I Get Here? tour to Leeds on 28 April / Credit: Flickr via Javie Rosh / Wikimedia Commons via Kurt Kulac (Supplied)
Well if you've made it this far through, it's safe to say the fact you're after Louis Tomlinson tickets is 'Written All Over Your Face'.
If you're wanting to 'Face The Music' or 'Jump the Gun' you can do so as there's tickets to his Leeds show at First Direct Arena HERE.
Standing tickets are still available priced at £55.85, while seated tickets remaining are priced between £55.85 and £83.35 each.
Louis Tomlinson setlist for 2026 tour
The How Did I Get Here? Tour officially kicked off in Europe and it prioritises songs from his latest LP.
Here is the set list:
Lemonade
On Fire
Written All Over Your Face
Out Of My System
Bigger Than Me
Saturdays
Angels Fly
Dark to Light
Broken Bones
Defenceless
Just Hold On
Lazy
Sunflowers
Lucid
Jump the Gun
Imposter
Sanity
Kill My Mind
Face the Music
Silver Tounges
The Observer
The Answer
Miss You
Palaces
Wristbands and queue system
To manage crowds and ensure a 'fair and comfortable' experience for fans, a randomly allocated wristband system will be in place for standing ticket holders.
This is how it works:
Arrive at the arena between 11am and 2pm on the day of the show, Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Wristbands will be given out in batches at random to standing ticket holders, while availability lasts
Once you have your wristband, you will be asked to leave the area surrounding the venue and return between 4.30pm and 5.30pm
Upon your return to the arena, you will be asked to join a dedicated queue related to the number or colour on your wristband as guided by the dedicated venue team.
Doors open to the show at 6pm for general admission.
Stage times for Louis Tomlinson at First Direct Arena, Leeds
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm meaning you can get home before having to watch the sky turn from 'Dark to Light'.
Anyone attending this show is in luck as the North has been well and truly represented in the form of Manc-based rock group Pale Waves and Doncaster talent ADMT.
Alex Spencer, another Northern act from Manchester is also joining the bill, but he's only playing at select Europe dates of the tour.
These are the expected stage times for Louis Tomlinson in Leeds tonight, based on his other shows so far:
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Featured Images - Press shot / Flickr via Javie Rosh / Wikimedia Commons via Kurt Kulac (Supplied)
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Alex Warren at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter and social media star Alex Warren is visiting First Direct Arena, Leeds, for two nights of out of the 'Ordinary' live music.
One of the founding members of the TikTok group, Hype House, which also included fellow pop performer Addison Rae, Warren has gone on to receive global recognition for his contributions to music.
Born in California, it's no surprise his music has managed to catapult into the mainstream as he's been mastering content creation since he was 10 on YouTube.
His music journey began back in 2021, when he released music as an independent artist in 2021 before signing a record deal one year later, dropping the chart-topping 'Ordinary' in 2025.
Now, Alex Warren prepares for his biggest UK tour to date, and he's playing two shows right here in Leeds at the 13,500 seater First Direct Arena in April and May.
Gig guide | Alex Warren at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all the info
Alex Warren is visiting Leeds at First Direct Arena on 29 April / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
Alex Warren UK tour dates
Fri 24 April - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sun 26 April - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Mon 27 April - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Wed 29 April - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 30 April - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
Sat 2 May - Belfast, UK - SSE Arena
Mon 4 May - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Wed 6 May - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Thu 7 May - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Are there tickets left for Alex Warren at First Direct Arena?
If you're looking for somebody to 'Save You a Seat', look no further as you can get tickets to Alex Warren's 29 April at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
Stage times for Alex Warren at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Warren has built a cult following thanks to chart-topping hits like 'Ordinary'/ Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you can get home without having to start ‘Chasing Shadows’.
Supporting Alex Warren on the night will be Claire Rosinkranz, a singer-songwriter from California with tracks like 'Frankenstein' and 'Backyard Boy'.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approximately a 15min walk from the arena, it's also wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network, providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have its own car park; however, there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct, click HERE.
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street, click HERE.
None of the above car parks is operated by the arena, so for questions, queries or comments, we'd recommend contacting the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes: you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock them, and then 16p per minute to use. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio: for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio - based at Buslinthorpe Green - is a great option. You can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer, you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
2nd October 2023 
