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.
Sunday 15th November – Christmas Sustainability Market
A range of eco providers and sustainable food stalls, interiors, fashion, repair and reuse and more. Come along to talk to vendors, traders and community organisations for a range of products, food and pantry staples, ideas and activities to inspire you. Markets are held on Harpenden Common on the tree lined area of Harpenden Common in front of Park Hall. Sunday 15th November from 10am – 3pm. The Harpenden Sustainability Markets are a partnership between Harpenden Town Council and Sustainable St Albans.
Sunday 15th November – Kids Table
Every Sunday from 12 noon – 4pm, The Kids’ Table team is at the Harpenden Arms, 188 St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 2TR, to entertain the little ones. So you can enjoy some much needed ‘me’ time while enjoying a long, leisurely lunch. Book a table and select the ‘The Kids’ Table’ offer. Places are limited so booking is advised.
Sunday 15th November – Russell Watson
Russell Watson takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of an extraordinary life, from chart-topping success to surviving not one, but two life-threatening illnesses. With warmth, humour, and a voice that soars, he will share the personal stories behind the spotlight. Expect powerful renditions of beloved classics, spine-tingling vocals, and behind-the-scenes tales from a man who’s truly lived it all. This is more than a concert, it is a rare chance to spend an evening up close with The Voice himself. Sunday 15th November from 7.30pm, at Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR. To book click here
Monday 16th November – Memory 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. The Café is organised through a partnership between Harpenden Town Council, The Salvation Army and The Harpenden Trust’s Wellbeing Hub and is an opportunity for anyone living with dementia, and their loved ones, to enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake with a range of activities to participate in, should they wish to.
Saturday 21st November – Gingerbread Christmas Tree Decorating
Join Baking Buddies for a special afternoon of gingerbread baking and decorating. Little bakers will get to make their own gingerbread, bake it in the oven and decorate their biscuits to create beautiful Christmas tree decorations. A lovely way to get creative, enjoy some festive fun and make something special to take home. At High Beeches Primary School, Harpenden, AL5 5SD, Saturday 21st November from 2pm – 5.30pm. Suitable for ages 6–11+ To book click here
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. The Christmas Carnival is always a magical event and we are very proud to provide free entertainment and activities as part of this occasion. The much-loved procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year’s Harpenden Panto, Rapunzel. This year’s theme, ‘Harpenden Sparkles at Christmas’ means we can look forward to a procession filled with seasonal sparkle, festive creativity and plenty of Christmas magic.
Sunday 22nd November – Christmas Emergency Services Open Day
Fire engines, blood bikes, St Johns Ambulance, children activities, displays, crime prevention advice, at this Christmas Emergency Services Open Day. At Harpenden Fire Station, 30 Leyton Road, Harpenden, AL5 2JB. Sunday 22nd November from 1pm – 5pm.
Sunday 22nd November – Santa Band
Join Harpenden Arms, 188 St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 2TR, on Sunday 22nd November from 5pm for a magical evening of Christmas cheer, festive music and plenty of seasonal treats. Santa Band from 5pm. Festive drinks galore. Warm up with a delicious glass of mulled wine, indulge in a cosy hot chocolate (with Baileys or without), and enjoy a fantastic selection of other festive drinks to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Thursday 26th November – Christmas Light Switch On
Annual Christmas Light Switch On in Batford on Thursday 26th November from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. This exciting community event includes carol singing by the Sauncey Wood school choir, free crafts and free refreshments. They are delighted to bring this fantastic community event to Batford once again. Join them on the Green in Batford.
Friday 27th November – Southdown Lights and Lanterns Extravaganza
The Southdown Lights and Lanterns extravaganza will take place on Friday 27th November from 5.30pm. This exciting Christmas Lights switch on event brings a variety of entertainment including carol singing with the Grove School Choir, fairground rides, stalls and the annual Grove School lantern parade. Enjoy free entry to meet and greet Santa plus craft activities and refreshments. Local businesses will also be involved with special Christmas-themed offerings.
Wednesday 2nd December – Community Companions Cafe
Afternoon tea with friendly company. They support vulnerable people and want to foster community connections so that everyone feels less alone. At Field House Care Home, 8 Townsend Road, Harpenden, AL5 4BQ. First Wednesday of the month from 2pm, until at least the end of the year.
Wednesday 2nd December – Brush Party
Join Brush Party, the UK’s ‘Paint and Sip’ experts at The Harpenden Arms, 188 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2TR on Wednesday 2nd December from 7pm – 10pm, to create their fabulous theme Moonlight Flight. To book click here
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
Thursday 10th December – 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.
Sunday 3rd January – Kids Table
Every Sunday from 12 noon – 4pm, The Kids’ Table team is at the Harpenden Arms, 188 St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 2TR, to entertain the little ones. So you can enjoy some much needed ‘me’ time while enjoying a long, leisurely lunch. Book a table and select the ‘The Kids’ Table’ offer. Places are limited so booking is advised. Until at least the end of April 2027.
Monday 4th January – Coffee Morning
Drop in for a chat. Make new friends over tea, biscuits and various activities. All welcome. Free with donations welcome. At Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU. Mondays from 10.30am – 12 noon.
Monday 4th January – Memory 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. The Café is organised through a partnership between Harpenden Town Council, The Salvation Army and The Harpenden Trust’s Wellbeing Hub and is an opportunity for anyone living with dementia, and their loved ones, to enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake with a range of activities to participate in, should they wish to.
Monday 4th January – LEGO Club
Come along for fun challenges that build problem solving skills, spatial awareness, and creative thinking. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years old. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 will not be able to attend this session. Places are limited. At Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU. Mondays from 3.45pm – 4.45pm.
Tuesday 5th January – Storytime
These interactive story sessions are perfect for pre-school children to enjoy with their parent/carer. Join in with a mix of picture book stories and rhymes. Discover lots of new stories as well as old favourites. Tuesdays from 2.15pm – 2.45pm. At Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU.
Thursday 7th January – Baby Rhyme Time
These fun, half hour sessions of songs and rhymes are perfect for helping your child to learn language skills and are a great opportunity for you to meet other families too. Baby Rhyme Time is free although donations are welcome. No booking required. For the comfort and safety of families they may have to limit numbers so entry to a session cannot be guaranteed. At Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU. Thursdays from 11.30am – 12 noon.
Thursday 14th January – 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.
Saturday 30th January – Buddy Holly and The Cricketers
Five outstanding actor-musicians recreate the sound, spirit and energy of the 1950s in a night bursting with nostalgia, joy and unforgettable live music. Now revamped for 2027, it features all Buddy Holly’s greatest hits plus classics from Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers and many more. Saturday 30th January from 7.30pm, at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR. To book click here
