What's On in Leeds
Thursday 05 November 2026 · This weekend · City guide
Leeds has a habit of making Thursday feel like the best night of the week, and November the fifth is no exception — expect sparks of creativity flying long before the fireworks start. From intimate theatre and sharp comedy to deep bass and indie anthems, the city is pulling out all the stops tonight. Bundle up, head out, and let Leeds do what it does best.
Highlights

Hannah East: Express Yourself — The Glee Club Leeds hosts Hannah East for what promises to be a gloriously expressive evening of performance at 7:30pm — a warm, inviting venue that feels perfectly sized for an artist with something personal and powerful to say. Whether you know Hannah's work or are stepping in fresh, this is the kind of show that leaves you feeling more alive than when you walked in. Check the website for ticket prices and availability.

The Rachel Parris Songbook — City Varieties Music Hall is one of Leeds's most beloved and storied venues, and Rachel Parris — comedian, musician, and one of the sharpest wits working today — is exactly the kind of act built for its gorgeous Victorian stage. Expect clever songs, knowing laughs, and the sort of wit that lingers in your head for days, all from 8:00pm. Check the website for tickets, and do not sleep on this one.

The Stand-up Experience — At just £10, this is one of the best-value nights out you will find in Leeds on a Thursday — a proper stand-up comedy bill at the Wavio Room, kicking off at 8:00pm in the heart of LS1. It has the feel of a grassroots night done right: intimate, energetic, and full of the kind of raw, unpolished brilliance that keeps comedy exciting. Grab your friends and grab a pint.

After Dark Thursdays presents LOCAL DUB B2B JWAVE @ Mint XL — For just £3–£7, Mint XL opens its doors from 11:00pm for a deep, heavy dub collision between LOCAL DUB and JWAVE — two artists who know exactly how to fill a room with low-end pressure and late-night energy. After Dark Thursdays has built a reputation for serious sound and a crowd that genuinely cares about the music, making this one of the most exciting underground options in the city tonight. If you love bass culture, this is your Thursday.

Indie Thursdays — O2 Academy Leeds is one of those rooms that just sounds right, and Indie Thursdays has earned its place as a weekly institution — guitars, anthems, and a dancefloor that does not stop until the very last chord. Doors roll into the night from 11:30pm, making it the perfect late-night destination after dinner or a show. Check the website for tickets and prepare to sing your heart out.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| Indie Thursdays | O2 Academy Leeds | 11:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Nightlife | |||||
| After Dark Thursdays presents LOCAL DUB B2B JWAVE @ Mint XL | Mint Xl | 11:00pm | £3–£7 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| The Stand-up Experience | Wavio Room Leeds LS1 6NU | 8:00pm | £10 | Tickets | |
| Arts & Theatre | |||||
| Hannah East: Express Yourself | The Glee Club Leeds | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| The Rachel Parris Songbook | City Varieties Music Hall | 8:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |