Events and Activities in Harpenden
This page gives information on events and activities in Harpenden. If you would like to advertise on this website and the Facebook page, please do get in touch by using the email address opposite.
Monday 11th May – Memory Lane Cafe
The Harpenden Memory Lane Café is open every Monday from 2pm – 3.30pm (with the exception of Bank Holidays) at The Salvation Army on Leyton Green in Harpenden.
Thursday 14th May – Open Mic Night
Open Mic evening on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 8pm. At the Plough and Harrow, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PR.
Friday 15th May – Remarkable Women Talk
Fancy learning about the histories of many of the great women who have influenced Hertfordshire history? Come along to the Remarkable Women talk on Friday 15th May from 6.30pm – 8pm. At Harpenden library, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU. You will be sure to find out some incredible facts from this talk given by staff from Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Book at the library.
Saturday 16th May – Record Fair
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, you have the chance to have a good look through thousands of vinyl records, CDs and collectibles from a wealth of dealers all under one roof. From reggae to heavy metal, soul to glam rock there will be something for everyone on sale. Pick up that rarity that’s been eluding you for years or catch a bargain. Sellers are there to buy, sell or trade. Plus it is free to get in with free parking too. At St George’s School, Sun Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4TD. Saturday 16th May from 10am – 3pm.
Sunday 17th May – The Kids’ Table
The Kids’ Table is a weekly supervised pop-up kids’ corner service for pubs and restaurants. Its team of creative DBS checked playworkers will keep an eye on the nippers enjoying crafts, games and table-top fun; meaning parents can enjoy a long leisurely lunch, and finish a sentence. The fun is free to dining customers of the Harpenden Arms, St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 2TR. Just book a table with the pub and ask to use The Kids’ Table. Minimum age 3yrs old. Every Sunday 12 noon – 4pm. Until at least the end of January 2027.
On now until – Sunday 17th May – The Preloved Boutique Pop-Up
A carefully curated edit of preloved womenswear, homeware and gifting. Spring/summer clothes and accessories for women size 8-20, High street to designer labels and barely worn to new with tags. Monday 11th – Saturday 16th May from 9.30am – 5.30pm and Sunday 17th May from 10am – 2pm. At Harpenden Pop-Up Shop, 8 Leyton Road, AL5 2TL (opposite Waitrose).
Thursday 28th May – Page One: Minecraft
Is your kid a real Minecraft aficionado? Then join Harpenden Library, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU, for Page One; Minecraft edition. An hour of activities and crafts all inspired by Minecraft. Thursday 28th May from 2pm – 3pm. Suitable for children aged 7-11. £4.40 per child. Book at the enquiry desk to secure your place.
Thursday 28th May – An Evening with Harry Redknapp
Football and broadcasting legend Harry Redknapp will regale you with stories from his football and TV career. One of the funniest, most entertaining talk shows on the circuit. At Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR. Thursday 28th May from 7.30pm. To book click here
Friday 5th June – Charity Golf Day
A fantastic opportunity for great golf, delicious food and real community impact. Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to take part, have fun and make a difference. Enjoy some friendly competition on the course, followed by a delicious dinner of steak and ale pie with a choice of pudding or cheese. (Vegetarian option available). Invite your friends, grab your clubs, and swing into action for a brilliant cause. This is a volunteer-led event supporting Harpenden Mencap’s vital work with local people with learning disabilities. Friday 5th June from 2pm – 11pm. At Harpenden Common Golf Club, Cravells Road, AL5 1BL. To book click here
Saturday 6th June – Nature Day
A fun filled Nature Discovery Day, celebrating Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 5AQ. With guided tours, river dipping, bug hunting, trails and hands on activities, this event brings together local organisations to showcase wildlife and our local green spaces. Perfect for families, nature lovers and curious explorers. Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve boasts a mosaic of habitats including a rare chalk lined stream, reed fen, wet woodland, meadows, hedgerows and the River Lea. Come along to find out about its world-wide importance and the incredible creatures that live there. There will also be live music by Abbie Gathard, Reverbs and Hanging Bandits. Saturday 6th June from 11am – 4pm.
Saturday 27th June – Harpenden Trust Summer Event
Bring your own picnic, party food and drinks and enjoy the sounds of the 60’s and onwards, live at the Harpenden Trust Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PU. Saturday 27th June from 7pm. Tickets can be obtained emailing partyaintover5@gmail.com
Sunday 5th July – Batford Community Festival
Get ready for a fantastic day at the Batford Community Festival, a vibrant celebration of talent, creativity and togetherness. With live performances from schools and community groups, family entertainment, fun activities and more. This exciting event will take place at Porters Hill Park in Batford. Sunday 5th July from 12 noon – 4pm.
Sunday 12th July – Highland Gathering
The Highland Gathering is a hugely popular day which includes all the traditional Scottish Highland games events, marching pipe bands, dancing, stage performances, arena displays and children’s activities. Prepare to be transported to the 1640s, a tumultuous era of Cavaliers and Roundheads, as they explore Parliament’s historic struggle against the King during the English Civil War. You will witness a demonstration of the skill and bravery of Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats, an elite Royalist regiment once commanded by the King’s own nephew. Watch as Musketeers and Pikemen take to the field, supported by the steady cadence of the Drummers. Beyond the battlefield, visit the camp to meet the civilians and other members of the regiment. The Living History display offers a meaningful glimpse into the daily lives, tools, and clothing of those who lived through this conflict. Sunday 12th July from 10.30am – 5pm, at Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2LX. To book click here
Wednesday 22nd July – Classics on the Common
Harpenden Common, AL5 2JF, will come alive for a day with up to 1000 classics cars, motor cycles and scooters. Every decade of the 20th century is represented, with the likes of a 1904 Crestmobile and a 1913 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud sharing space with a 1984 Lincoln Continental and a 1996 Aston Martin DB7. This is one of Britain’s biggest mid-week classic car shows, ranking among the top events of the classics calendar. Wednesday 22nd July from 11.30am – 7pm.
Wednesday 5th August – Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Harpenden’s children and their bears are cordially invited to join Harpenden Town Council at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Rothamsted Park on Wednesday 5th August from 11am – 2pm. This exciting free to attend event is always popular with pre-schoolers and their families and carers, and is organised to coincide with National Play Day, a national celebration of children’s right to play and a campaign to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. This year, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic will include a variety of activities and entertainment. Bring along a picnic blanket, refreshments, bags of energy and of course your favourite bear.
Sunday 22nd November – Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival
Harpenden’s Christmas Carnival will take place on Sunday 22nd November from 12 noon – 6pm. Residents and visitors are all welcome to enjoy the Christmas Carnival and all that Harpenden has to offer in its vibrant Town Centre. An exciting, magical celebration for all this Christmas, it is free to attend and everyone is welcome.
Saturday 5th – Wednesday 30th December – Rapunzel
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Eric Morecambe Centre proudly present Rapunzel. Pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR, is always the highlight of the festive calendar and Rapunzel is the perfect Christmas outing for the whole family. As always, there will be modern songs to sing along to, huge amounts of laughter, plenty of audience participation, incredible special effects and a talking Chameleon. Saturday 5th – Wednesday 30th December at various times. To book click here
