October in Leeds is amazing, crowded, loud, but varied. There are haunted cellars, mindful craft sessions, opera, live music, films and two evenings where the city centre will be lit up. Whether you want something quiet and creative, properly spooky or loud enough to distract you from the dark evenings, here are 20 events still happening from 18th October onwards.
Things to Do in Leeds in October 2026
See Opera North’s Rigoletto at Leeds Grand Theatre: Performances continue on selected dates until 31st October.
Try mindful stitching at Abbey House Museum: Create a fabric picture during a relaxed beginner-friendly session on 20th October
Combine poetry, nature and walking at Kirkstall Abbey: A silent walk and poetry session on 21st October
Make a Halloween garland at Abbey House Museum: An adult craft session on 22nd October
Visit the launch of Wavio Comedy Club: An evening of stand-up comedy on 22nd October
Listen to Voices of Valjean at Leeds Minster: Two performances on Friday, 23rd October
Join the Leeds 400 International Cultural Celebration: Music, performances and community celebrations on 24th October
Pick a pumpkin at Lotherton: The final date of its 2026 pumpkin patch is 25th October.
Follow the Spellbound Halloween trail at Lotherton: A family-friendly daytime adventure from 24th October to 1st November
Experience Once Upon a Nightmare at Lotherton: An after-dark Halloween experience running from 24th–31st October
Explore the Halloween Hauntings at Temple Newsam: Spooky activities inside the historic house from 24th October to 1st November
Brave the Cellar Scares at Temple Newsam: Venture beneath the house and discover its darker stories from 24th October to 30th October
Follow the Nocturnal Creatures Trail at Kirkstall Abbey: Discover the animals that emerge after dark from 24th October to 1st November
See Leeds transformed for Light Night: Illuminated artwork and performances take over the city centre on 28th and 29th October
Create a scientific herbarium sheet: Poisonous Plant and Rant takes place at Leeds Discovery Centre on 28th October
Meet the Night Creatures at Leeds Discovery Centre: Take a collection-store tour and make a spooky craft on 29th October
Watch something different at Leeds International Film Festival: The festival’s 40th edition begins on 29th October and continues into November
Take a Halloween tour of Leeds Industrial Museum: Explore the darker history of Armley Mills on 30th or 31st October
Leeds Industrial Museum Scarecrow Trail: Find all the scarecrows hidden around the museum between Saturday 24th October and Sunday, 1st November
Spooky Streets at Abbey House Museum: Wander down the spooky streets at Abbey House between Saturday, 24th October and Sunday, 1st November
October might be nearly over, but Leeds clearly has no intention of winding down quietly. You do not need to squeeze all 20 activities into the remaining days. Choose the one that suits your energy, whether that is a quiet craft session, a glowing city-centre wander or voluntarily entering a haunted cellar.
I will probably spend longer choosing than I do at the actual event.
If you try one, or think I have missed something lovely, let me know in the comments.
Last updated: 18th October 2026. Please check dates and booking information before travelling
