Best Live Music Venues in Leeds

Leeds boasts a rich musical history, whether it’s nurturing famous bands from the area such as Kaiser Chiefs, Soft Cell, and Alt-J, or welcoming acts from across the world wanting to come and perform in the city. If you're looking for a local live music venue in Leeds or researching up-and-coming bands, you’ll be sure to discover the best live music in Leeds with CrossCountry. 

Brudenell Social Club

A venue that is beloved by the locals, ​Brudenell Social Club, has gained a name for itself as an integral part of the Leeds music scene for decades. It has hosted some of the biggest names in music throughout its history. Local favourites The Cribs and Kaiser Chiefs have played a number of times in this intimate venue, including secret gigs for their biggest fans. The wide range of artists that have performed at the club highlights how beloved a venue it is for musicians too, with Tom Jones famously performing there in 2021.  

Having been in the heart of Leeds since 1913, the locals are keen to have it be in the centre of the community for another century. The club is only a twenty-minute bus journey from Leeds train station, so you’re never too far away from a memorable night of live music. 

First Direct Arena

One of the most famous venues to head to if you want to catch a live concert is the huge ​First Direct Arena. It holds an impressive 13,500 fans and has attracted huge names to grace its stage, including Prince, Drake, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and even ‘The Boss’ himself: Bruce Springsteen. This is an impressive list considering it only opened in 2013 and swiftly won the Stadium Business Award for Best New Venue in the World a year later.  

Part of the reason First Direct Arena has been such a success since it opened is its proximity to a wide range of bars and restaurants as well as the train station, allowing people to get from the station to the venue with just a fifteen-minute walk. 

O2 Academy Leeds

Famous all across the country, O2 Academy venues are well known for their iconic shows, and the ​O2 Academy Leeds is no exception. Originally opened in 1885, this historic building has hosted a wide variety of events as it accommodated circus shows, political meetings, as well as a television studio in the mid-20th century. The interior of the concert hall showcases this fantastic history, with a gorgeous beamed ceiling adding unmissable ambience to any gig. 

Since turning into the O2 Academy in 2007, it has hosted whole list of iconic bands of that era including Ellie Goulding, Marina & The Diamonds, and Crystal Castles. Years later, it is still seen as a hub for gigs in Leeds and has cemented its place in the Leeds music scene. With less than a fifteen-minute walk between the train station and the venue, you’ll be able to see your favourite act in no time.

 Belgrave Music Hall

The ​​Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen has been a firm favourite of Leeds locals, and for good reason. This unique setting for gigs boasts three floors with two bars and two kitchens serving a variety of drinks and canteen style food such as the Dough Boys famous pizzas.  

Beyond the tasty refreshments on offer within the venue, Belgrave Music Hall has hosted some unforgettable gigs and makes it their duty to champion more underground artists to give them a platform to perform to eager crowds. It’s hard to find a venue that offers such a wide range of artists spanning across all genres such as rock, hip hop or folk, so it is a great spot to find some new and exciting artists. At just a fifteen-minute walk to the venue from the train station, you have all the ingredients you need for a memorable night out in Leeds. 

Wharf Chambers

One of the most popular independent music venues in Leeds is undoubtedly ​Wharf Chambers. This volunteer-run, cooperative venue is a haven for lesser-known artists to perform to adoring crowds in an intimate space. Wharf Chambers has been able to identify itself as the go-to venue for championing independent artists since its opening in 2010.  

Since opening the venue to combat a lack of ethically run, affordable, and inclusive cultural spaces in the City Centre, Wharf Chambers has gone from strength to strength. They also have a ‘Lending Library’ within the venue, providing patrons with access to important literature on race, gender, sexuality and more. The venue is also central and easily accessible from the train station as it is less than a fifteen-minute walk away. 

If you’re planning to visit any of these music venues in Leeds, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.