From massive comic book conventions and anime markets to weekly Dungeons & Dragons nights, the rest of 2026 is packed with events for the region's pop culture community.
Whether you are a dedicated cosplayer, a tabletop gaming enthusiast, or a trading card collector, there are plenty of major fixtures and grassroots meetups happening across Leeds and West Yorkshire over the coming months.
The variety of events on offer highlights a thriving local scene, proving you don't need to travel to London or Manchester to find a community of like-minded fans.
Major tour stops are sharing the calendar with fiercely independent, grassroots gatherings, offering everything from high-stakes wargaming tournaments to inclusive, low-pressure social meetups at central independent cafés.
For collectors, the upcoming months provide a perfect opportunity to track down rare merchandise, trade vintage cards, or support local artists selling handmade goods.
Meanwhile, gamers can test their skills in competitive formats or learn the ropes of a new tabletop system entirely from scratch.
No matter where your specific passions lie within the pop culture landscape, there is a community hub waiting to welcome you before the year is out.
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7. THAT! Collector Show Leeds (September 12)
A major specialized collector's fair focusing on action figures, trading cards, retro memorabilia, and pop culture merchandise. 🧩 The Edge, Woodhouse. | Canva
8. The Card Expo: Halloween Special (October 17)
A short hop out of Leeds, this dedicated trading card show gets a spooky seasonal makeover, bringing together buyers, sellers, and traders of Pokémon, Magic, and sports cards. 🧩 WX, Wakefield. | Gerard Binks
9. Leeds Unleashed Comic Con (October 18)
The popular touring comic con returns to the docks with media guests, movie set replicas, geeks' market stalls, and a huge community of cosplayers. 🧩 New Dock Hall, Leeds Royal Armouries. | Steve Riding
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10. FIASCO 2026 (October 25)
Leeds' historic, long-running wargaming and tabletop show returns to the Armouries, bringing together traders, display games, and hobbyists from across the North. 🧩 Royal Armouries Hall, Leeds. | Canva
11. Thought Bubble Festival (November 9 - 15)
One of the UK’s premier comic art festivals returns for a week-long celebration of sequential art, featuring independent creators, panels, and workshops. 🧩 Across Yorkshire.
12. Thought Bubble Comic Convention (November 14 & 15)
The culmination of the festival, this massive, world-renowned two-day convention brings together hundreds of independent creators, artists, and major publishers. 🧩 Harrogate Convention Centre.