Leeds Lowdown: What’s on in February 2025

February might be the shortest month of the year, but in Leeds it’s anything but quiet. Once the back-to-work January fog lifts, the city bursts back into life with festivals, theatre, live music, family fun and big sporting moments. From jazz marathons and Valentine’s fairs to West End musicals, comedy heavyweights and half-term heroes, this is your excuse to shake off hibernation and get back out there.

Events and experiences

Leeds Book Bonanza is back and bigger than ever on Saturday, 7 February, at Archive on Kirkstall Road, running from 11 am to 3 pm. Showcasing indie and traditionally published authors alongside small businesses, expect browsing, book-buying, author meet-and-greets and plenty of literary chat with fellow bookworms. Tickets from £2.50.

The Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair returns to Leeds on Wednesday, 11 February, 1 pm til 7 pm at first direct bank arena. This free event connects young people with major employers and training providers, offering routes into careers across accounting and engineering, as well as hair, beauty and hospitality. Not sure what’s next? This is a great place to start.

Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Merrion Centre

Saddle up for the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre! Join three spectacular free events filled with traditional dance, music, vibrant performances and family-friendly activities (including free half-term workshops) between 14 and 21 February. Leave having tried (if not mastered!) lantern painting, calligraphy writing and origami tutorials.

Speaking of crafting, Armley Print Fest returns to Leeds Industrial Museum on 14 February. Now’s your chance to fill your walls with curated art by independent makers, or how about art you’ve created? You’ll get to try your hand at creating ink-credible work, guided by craft local printmakers and letterpress artists.

Music

Kaitenzushi Jazz Expo 

Basement jazz? Yes, please. The Kaitenzushi Jazzo Expo brings Independent Venue Week to a close at Sela Bar on 1 February. Tap your toes to the best 16 jazz acts in Leeds performing contemporary, nu-soul, neo-soul, and experimental jazz from 4 pm until midnight, with tickets priced at just £6 – and excellent pizza on tap (priced per the menu). 

Leeds Blues Rythm and Rock Festival 

This year’s Leeds Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival at the Brudenell Social Club on 22 February features Aynsley Lister, Blue Nation, Backbone Blues Band and many more! Rock up between 2 pm and 10 pm – but don’t forget to prebook. Tickets start from £36.25. As always, the Brudenell has a varied lineup throughout February, including definitive tribute bands Just Radiohead (6 Feb), A Band Called Malice (20 Feb)and The Bon Jovi Experience (21 Feb).

Jason Derulo 

Want to escape the Feb freeze? Let Jason Derulo fast-forward you to summer with his hit single “You DJ I’ll Drive” at first direct bank arena on 6 Feb, alongside anthems, including “Talk Dirty, Wiggle” and “Savage Love”. Jason’s not the only one bringing the heat. Also at the arena this month, be wowed by Ben Bowman as Michael Jackson on 20 February. Alternatively, CJ’s Man in the Mirror brings Michael Jackson’s music to life in showstopping style at City Varieties Music Hall on 11 and 12 February.

Theatre

Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty

Like a murder mystery? Join the cast of Blackeyed Theatre’s Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty at Leeds Playhouse between 10 and 12 February to help solve a thrilling case of devillery and deception. With a haunting soundscape, innovative design and plenty of twists and turns, it’s an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Tickets start from £16.50.

If you’re more into Shakespeare than Sherlock, don’t miss A Midsummer Night’s Dream – a Leeds Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong with Bristol Old Vic production – on between 14 and 28 February. Tickets start from £16.50.

Sunny Afternoon

Following a phenomenal two years in the West End and a smash-hit tour, Sunny Afternoon, the Olivier-award-winning musical charting the highs and lows of the iconic British band The Kinks, is on the road and heading to Leeds. Head to Leeds Grand Theatre between 24 and 28 February for an exhilarating celebration of the band that changed it all. Tickets start from £58.

Comedy 

Sarah Pascoe: I am a strange gloop

Taskmaster favourite, Sarah Pascoe, brings her show I Am a Strange Gloop to Leeds Playhouse on 4 Feb, fresh from the soft play area. Join Sarah for a show that ‘doesn’t make much sense, and is a bit weird on reflection’. At City Varieties, fellow Taskmaster,  Ania Magliano, brings Peach Fuzz to the city between 14 and 21 February with new material featuring jokes, confessions, and occasionally unhinged observations at venues nationwide

All Killa No Filla: Live at Valentine’s Day

Power podcasting couple Kiri Pritchard-McLean (Have I Got News for You) and Rachel Fairburn (Live at the Apollo) will serve up a very bloody Valentine’s edition of their smash-hit true crime comedy show All Killa No Filla with a brand new case! True love is out, true crime is in at City Varieties Music Hall on 10 Feb. Tickets from £32.50.

Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress

Performing on actual Valentine’s Day (14 Feb) at City Varieties Music Hall is Mark Simmons with Jest to Impress, a brand-new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions. Mark’s evening and matinee shows start from £24. 

Dance

Snow White

balletLORENT’s family-friendly retelling of Snow White follows seven courageous miners as they strive to create a world of opulence for the Queen. Ten extraordinary performers star in Carol Ann Duffy’s retelling of this classic tale in the Courtyard at Leeds Playhouse between 20 and 21 Feb. Tickets start from £15.50.

Arts and culture

The Banff Mountain Film Festival

Plot a route to the Carriageworks Theatre for The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a new collection of short films filled with extreme journeys, untamed characters and captivating cinematography! Follow the world’s top adventure filmmakers and thrill-seekers as they climb, ski, paddle and ride into the wildest corners of the planet, without moving from your theatre seat, between 4 and 6 February. 

Sport 

Leeds Winter Warmer Run

Already done your first few runs of the year? Why not set yourself a new target with the Leeds 5k, 10k and Half Marathon Winter Warmer Run? Taking place at Temple Newsam on 21 February, the run supports the charity Shelter and is open to runners of all abilities. Runners can expect full race chip timing, a super cool medal, snacks, drinks, some surprise goodies and a load of fun, smiles and support along the way. What are you waiting for? Time to lace up those running shoes…

Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas

Leeds Rhinos will take on Hull KR on 28 February, but it won’t be here in Leeds. The two Super League teams will face off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas! You may not fancy travelling all the way to Sin City, but you’re likely to be able to catch the match live on Sky Sports in Leeds city centre at Box, O’Neill’s or Pinnacle Sports and Games from 9:30 pm UK time.

Harlem Globetrotters 100th anniversary tour 

For an authentic taste of US sporting action on Leeds turf, try the Harlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary World Tour at First Direct Bank Arena on Saturday, 28th February 2026. Celebrate with the world-famous team at an action-packed show featuring dazzling basketball skills, family fun, and unforgettable moments.

Family and kids

Superheroes

Superheroes will assemble once more at the Royal Armouries during half term (14 to 22 February). It’s going to be a week of super fun for all the family: check out the super-experiment, storytelling sessions, creative activities and, of course, the chance to learn superhero skills.

The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show

Adapted from the number one best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show is a fun adventure for the whole family! Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs, and of course, a whole lot of poo, the live musical adventure lands on Sunday 15 February at the Carriageworks Theatre. Tickets from £18.50.

LHT Unwrapped

Over half term, why not get the kids involved in LHT Unwrapped, featuring a Shoebox Projector Workshop on 16 and 17 February at Hyde Park Picture House (8-11) for just £6, The Grand Mystery (a detective skills workshop) at Leeds Grand Theatre on 18 and 19 February (6-11) for £20 and Mystery in the Making (a play in a day) on 20 February for £20. All three workshops are designed for children to attend independently, leaving you with some time to yourself.

Fabulous February Half Term Fun

Head down to Leeds Kirkgate Market between 17 and 21 February for some Fabulous February half-term fun. There’s loads going on, including crafting, Legoing, bath bomb making, a giant inflatable, circus school, face painting and balloon modelling  – and best of all, it’s free! For quieter times, try 11 am to 12 pm.

Don’t forget to check out Leeds Museums and Galleries for lots of other free and cost-effective half-term activities.