The nights are getting longer, the days are getting colder- but autumn is full of things to do whatever the weather.
Whether you're looking for a Yorkshire roast to celebrate cosy nights, or wanting to get out and about in the city and take in the creative talents of those near and far, this month is jam-packed with things to do.
Keep reading to find out our top ten picks for this month in Leeds...
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
Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October 2022 | Quarry Theatre, Leeds Playhouse
Image: Leeds Playhouse
The exciting new production will follow Igglepiggle as he searches for his friends through his magical land and follows their funny sounds until he finds them all. You will see all of your favourite In the Night Garden characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music. And it doesn’t just stop there, get ready to be amazed as the world’s only real-life flying Pinky Ponk takes off and flies above you.
The Ilkley Literature Festival hosts an array of leading literary geniuses each year and this year’s exciting programme hints towards another show stopping celebration of the arts. The festival aims to celebrate all things reading and writing, with over 90 events exploring fiction, non-fiction and poetry, with authors from politicians to actors, academics to mountaineers, and journalists to chefs.
Thursday 13 October - Friday 14 October 2022 | Various locations
Image: Leeds City Council
This years theme is ‘Playful City’ which will invite visitors to engage and interact with the city in exciting, new and innovate ways. Iconic Leeds landmarks and locations will host jaw-dropping illuminations and installations, from The Queen’s Hotel to the Leeds Art Gallery.
Friday 14 October - Monday 31 October 2022 | Regency Hall, Bradford
Image: Van Gogh Alive
Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist – showcasing 3,000 images including iconic works like Starry Night, Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints. The exhibition is also home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting and a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers.
Friday 14 October 2022 | Grand Theatre, New Briggate
Opera North Orchestra Huddersfield
Orpheus will be a groundbreaking reimagining of one of the earliest surviving operas, Monteverdi’s 1607 work L’Orfeo. The production will open at the Leeds Grand Theatre this October before touring other northern theatres alongside Verdi’s La traviata, and concerts of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice.
Saturday 15 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. This year, expect to hear from Pale Waves, Sundara Karma, White Lies and some 150 more.
Tuesday 18 October 2022 | Vicar Lane, Vicar Lane, Victoria Quarter
Image: The Ivy Asia
The restaurant will be opening on Tuesday 18 October above their popular sister restaurant, The Ivy Victoria Quarter. The new glamorous restaurant will be open seven days a week offering show stopping cocktails, theatrical drinks and vibrant, innovative dishes from day to night.
Monday 24 October 2022 | Victoria Quarter, Leeds city centre
Image: The Cut and Craft
The Cut & Craft are known in York for their comfortable yet stylish bar and restaurant, but the popular eatery will be bringing their signature flat iron steaks that leave nothing but empty plates and glowing reviews to Leeds. Think long hallways, high ceilings with a luxury hotel feel. A dimly lit bar will set the ambience for any intimate affair, with grand chandelier-esque fixtures sitting above velvet booths- it's going to be a gorgeous culinary affair.
Saturday 29 October 2022, 12-10pm | Mans Market, Wellington Place
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For this Halloween-themed bottomless brunch, expect everything you'd usually imagine at the Sunday Times recommended eatery, plus some seasonal spooky additional. On arrival you will receive a glass of fizz or bottle of Asahi to get the party started. To start you can tuck into their legendary Mans Scare Box- plus much more. Now for the exciting part, alongside your brunch you’ll be served three spooky-inspired cocktails created especially for this event.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.