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

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

Find out more here.

In The Night Garden Live

Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October 2022 | Quarry Theatre, 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.

Find out more here.

Ilkley Literature Festival

Friday 7 October – Sunday 23 October 2022

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. 

Find out more here.

Light Night

Thursday 13 October – Friday 14 October 2022 | Various locations

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.

Find out more here.

Van Gogh Alive

Friday 14 October – Monday 31 October 2022 | Regency Hall, Bradford

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.

Find out more here.

Orpheus Live

Friday 14 October 2022 | Grand Theatre, New Briggate

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.

Find out more here.

Live at Leeds Festival

Saturday 15 October 2022 | Various locations, 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.

Find out more here.

The Ivy Asia Opening

Tuesday 18 October 2022 | Vicar Lane, Vicar Lane, Victoria Quarter

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.

Find out more here.

The Cut and Craft Opening

Monday 24 October 2022 | Victoria Quarter, Leeds city centre

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.

Find out more here.

Day Of The Day Brunch

Saturday 29 October 2022, 12-10pm | Mans Market, Wellington Place

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.

Find out more here.

Feature Image- The Ivy Asia / Live At Leeds Festival