Events & Activities in Watford
This page gives information on events and activities in Watford. It is updated daily. If you would like to advertise on this website and the Facebook page, please do get in touch by using the email address opposite.
Thursday 29th May – Dawn Chorus
Join Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust for guided walk to listen to the glory of the dawn chorus at Cassiobury Park. Booking is required for this event. Walking boots are recommended but most paths are flat and surfaced. Do not forget to bring your binoculars if you have them. Adults and older children welcome. This event is weather dependent and may need to be cancelled at short notice. To book click here
Saturday 31st May – Dog Show
Get ready for the National Animal Welfare Trust Hertfordshire’s big event, a festival for dogs. Join them on Saturday 31st May from 11am – 3pm at Garston Park, WD25 9RL, in Watford for a day of fun including a dog show, agility, street food, stalls, plus much more. The event is free to event, but donations are gratefully accepted. If you would like your dog to participate in their dog show, it is £2 to enter per class.
On now until – Saturday 31st May – Shredathon Week
A Shredathon is when people and businesses bring in paperwork to be shredded for a donation to the chosen charity W3RT Community Fund. Shredathon week runs from Tuesday 27th – Saturday 31st May from 10am – 12.30pm. At Holywell Community Centre, Chaffinch Lane, Watford, WD18 9QD.
Sunday 1st June – The Dial Up
Join the Dial Up for a fantastic afternoon of performance and open mic. If you are looking for a friendly and welcoming space to share your music, poetry, prose, drama, comedy, magic or dance, or just want a couple of hours of entertainment, then The Dial Up is the place for you. All Welcome. Free entry (suggested donation of £5). Sunday 1st June from 2pm – 4pm. At Johnny’s Bar, Queen’s Road, Watford, WD17 2NX,
On now until – Sunday 1st June – Fun Fair
Come on down to the Watford Fun Fair in Cassiobury Park, on until Sunday 1st June. The award-winning green space is easy to get to, no matter how you travel. Please note that during busy periods, parking spaces may be limited. If possible, they recommend considering other modes of transport, such as public transport or Beryl Bikes.
Tuesday 3rd June – Watford and Bushey Art Society
Watford and Bushey Art Society next meeting will be on Tuesday 3rd June from 7.30pm, at Watford Grammar School for Girls, Ladys Close, Watford, WD18 0AE. They will have a new artist coming to demonstrate his art work.
Wednesday 4th June – Cyber and Fraud Aware
All day drop-in with cyber and fraud crime prevention experts to answer your questions. Wednesday 4th June at Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3EU.
Wednesday 4th June – Volunteer Drop-in Session
Whether you already volunteer with Good for Good or you are just curious about getting involved, come along to this Volunteer Week drop-in session on Wednesday 4th June from 11am – 2pm. Enjoy a cuppa, a slice of cake, and a warm welcome. At The Lord Lieutenant’s Charity Hub, Watford, WD25 7GS. Please RSVP by emailing naomi.bhundia@goodsforgood.org.uk
Saturday 7th June – Volunteers’ Fair
This Volunteers’ Fair is taking place on Saturday 7th June from 9am – 3pm, at atria Watford in the Atrium space (formerly Charter Place). To register click here
Saturday 7th June – Dog Fest
Dog show, pet stalls, bouncy castle, raffle and more on Saturday 7th June from 11am – 5pm. At Watford Rugby Club, Radlett Road, Watford, WD24 4LL.
Saturday 7th June – Lego Club for Children
LEGO fun for children 5+ (under 8s must be accompanied by a parent or carer). Every first Saturday of the month from 11am – 12 noon. At North Watford Library, St Albans Road, Watford, WD24 7RW.
Saturday 7th June – Carnival of the Animals
Relaxed family concert from the Watford Philharmonic Orchestra. They will be performing Sainr-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals, introducing you to some of the instruments in the orchestra and asking you to get up and sing and dance with them. Bring your animal toys to share the adventure. Saturday 7th June from 2.30pm – 3.30pm. At St Luke’s Church, Langley Way, Watford, WD17 3EG. To book click here
Saturday 7th June – Swing Out
Come and learn some fun and fancy swing out variations to spice up your social dancing for both leaders and followers. This workshop will be focused at Intermediate level dancers and above, where you will be working on some cool, fancy, as well as historic, variations that you can add to your Swing Outs instantly. Saturday 7th June from 5pm – 7pm. At Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JJ. For further information and to book click here
Saturday 14th June – The Great Big Green Day
At this event they will be stalls sharing tips, tricks and products all aimed towards Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose. The Great Big Green Day is on the Saturday 14th June from 11am – 3pm. At Random Café, 24a Garsmouth Way, Watford, WD25 9DR.
Sunday 15th June – Sunday 21st September – Big Bandstand
Every weekend from June – September from 3pm – 5pm, Cassiobury Park plays host to a jam-packed programme of free live shows.
Wednesday 18th June – Photographic Nature Walk
Take a guided walk through Cassiobury Peace Garden to the Nature Reserve led by Andrew Lalchan (a local photographer). He will explore the park in early summer with dragonflies and damselflies. This walk offers opportunities to take nature photos, and Andrew will be on hand to provide and advise. With the recent sunny and warm weather, summer is ahead of schedule, so there should be plenty of wildlife and growth. They will meet at the Cassiobury Park Cafe In The Park near the tennis courts. Suitable for beginners, advanced photographers, and hobbyists alike. Wednesday 18th June from 11am – 1pm. To book click here
Thursday 19th June – Understanding dementia in the LGBTQ+ Community
Alzheimer’s Society, in partnership with Dementia Friendly Watford, Herts Pride, Proud Watford and Watford FC CSE Trust, warmly invite you to a free local event exploring the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia. This welcoming and informative event will also highlight the local services and initiatives available to support you, your loved ones, or those you care for. Choose from two sessions: 2pm – 4.30pm: For health and social care professionals and 6pm – 8.30pm: For LGBTQ+ community members, family and friends. To book click here At Watford Football Club, Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0ER.
Friday 20th June – Memories Group
Come along for an afternoon of warm conversation, tea, coffee, biscuits, and shared memories. Meeting on the penultimate Friday of each month from 2pm – 4pm, led by a dedicated volunteer. Cost: £2.50 per session. At West Watford Community Centre, 15 Harwoods Road, Watford, WD18 7RB.
Saturday 21st June – Watford Campus: Open Day
There is no better way to get an insight into life at West Herts College than at their Spring Open Day. Join them at West Herts College, Watford campus, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3EZ, on Saturday 21st June from 9.30am – 1pm. This is your chance to tour and explore the campus and facilities, speak to the expert tutors and support staff and discover the course that matches your ambitions. To book click here
Saturday 21st June – Watford Pride Picnic
Watford Pride Picnic, is hosted by Impactful Lives an LGBTQ+ charity, on Saturday 21st June from 12 noon. The event is in its second year and expects to attract 150 people during the day and 80+ for the after-party. It is a free event to attend, just bring a picnic and they will provide the entertainment. Music on the lawn, poetry reading, drinks from the pub nearby, just follow the Yellow Brick road to the Load of Hay or Royal Oak. At Watford Heath, off Pinner Road, Watford, WD19 4EU. To register click here
Saturday 28th June – Watford Fringe Party: Cultural Party
An Extravaganza celebrating Watford Community, Culture, and a taste of the Watford Fringe Festival. With Music, Dance, Entertainment, Culture, Cuisine and Community. Watford Fringe Festival Presents: Cultural Party will take place outdoors on The Parade event space, by the pond, Saturday 28th June from 3pm – 10pm. There will be a grand stage hosting a variety of live entertainment throughout the day, creating a buzzing atmosphere and showcasing the best of Watford’s community and culture. The Watford Pump House Theatre have partnered with Watford Town Centre BID, Watford Borough Council and Warner Bros. Studios to organise this extravaganza.
Sunday 29th June – Butterfly Walk
Enjoy a guided walk with members from the Butterfly Conservation to search for summer butterflies including, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admirals. Meet in Cassiobury park at Langley Way entrance at 2pm and registering is required. For further information and to book click here
Tuesday 1st – Thursday 31st July – Watford Fringe
An extraordinary month long festival of great theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic and family fun filled shows. At various locations across Watford. Tuesday 1st – Thursday 31st July. More details to follow.
Friday 4th July – An Evening With Ryan Giggs
An unforgettable night with football royalty, Ryan Giggs. Hear the legendary Manchester United winger share raw, candid stories from his incredible career at the club and beyond, covering both the professional highs and personal reflections that shaped him. Saturday 4th July 2025 at Watford Woodside Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH. Friday 4th July from 5.30pm. For further information and to book click here
Saturday 5th July – Summer Fayre
An afternoon of fun with stalls, games, activities, BBQ and refreshing treats. Saturday 5th July from 12 noon – 3pm. At Coates Way School, Coates Way, Watford, WD25 9NW.
Sunday 6th July – The Dial Up
Join the Dial Up for a fantastic afternoon of performance and open mic. If you are looking for a friendly and welcoming space to share your music, poetry, prose, drama, comedy, magic or dance, or just want a couple of hours of entertainment, then The Dial Up is the place for you. This July the theme is Disney, but as ever feel free to interpret or ignore it as you choose. All Welcome. Free entry (suggested donation of £5). Sunday 6th July from 2pm – 4pm. At Johnny’s Bar, Queen’s Road, Watford, WD17 2NX,
Saturday 12th July – Taste of the Caribbean Festival
Food and drink festival dedicated to Caribbean food. Street food, live music, food demonstrations and funfair rides. Saturday 12th July at Cassiobury Park. For further information and to book click here This will be an unforgettable outdoor experience where you can purchase delicious cuisines from different islands of the Caribbean. Bring your blankets and foldable chairs, spend the day with us, dance to reggae, the music of Motown, R&B classics, 80s, 90s and drink lots of rum punch.
Saturday 19th July – Country and Western Day
This event by Country and Western Events and Canvas Watford will have a mixture of live performances from Zak and his band and all the country classics. Saturday 19th July from 2pm – 7pm, at Canvas Bar and Nightclub, 83 The Parade, High Street, Watford, WD17 1LN. To book click here
Sunday 20th July – Jumble Trail
Residents in Watford Fields, Watford, WD18 0AZ, will set up stalls in their gardens with bric-a-brac, for you to buy and have a natter. Sunday 20th July from 10am – 2pm.
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July – British Firefighter Challenge
The British Firefighter Challenge is a competition organised by Firefighters, for Firefighters. This annual sporting event which pushes firefighters to their limits, provides a day of entertainment for spectators, and raises important funds for charities that support emergency services. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July in Watford High Street.
As well as the firefighter challenges there is lots for spectators to do on the weekend of the event too. From the live music keeping competitors and crowd alike uplifted, to the fire engines on display. They also have community safety activities and even a Junior Firefighter Challenge for the kids to try.
Saturday 26th July – Summer Market Lates
The event will coincide with the British Firefighter Challenge taking place on 26th – 27th July in the town centre. This year marks an exciting milestone as the first-ever Saturday Market Lates takes centre stage. It will feature the ‘Acoustic Hour’, followed by live performances. It will also include food and drink vendors, themed décor, and activities for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for both locals and visitors. Saturday 26th July from 6pm – 10pm. At Watford Market, Watford House Lane, Watford, WD17 1BJ.
Sunday 27th July – Cassiobury Farm and Fishery: Open Day
Cassiobury Farm and Fishery open day will take place on Sunday 27th July. At Rousebarn Lane, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, WD3 3GG. To book click here
Sunday 27th July – JiveSwing Festival
JiveSwing.com and Watford Borough Council presents the 12th JiveSwing Festival, one of the biggest free JiveSwing, Jazz music and dance Festivals ever, to be held in the UK for both dancers and musicians to jam together in Cassiobury Park. The festival will have a much bigger stage and larger area to allow picnics and dancing this year, featuring a major line up, with some of the latest and biggest international names for Swing Dance and Jazz bands, DJ’s etc from around the UK, plus swing dance classes and dance shows for all the family.
This year they hace also included a dedicated children’s area, with rides, making it a bigger family event. Nr The Band Stand Area, Cassiobury Park, Watford, WD18 7HY (Enter via Shepherds Road entrance, near the Cha Cha Cafe). Sunday 27th July from 12 noon – 6pm.
Friday 15th – Sunday 31st August – Big Beach
The beach is completely free, and is the perfect chance for people of all ages to lap up the summer sun, with deck chairs and tables provided to help you relax. There are a variety of beach toys and buckets and spades which you will be able to get from the beach hut. The hut is open 10am to 4pm each day. At Watford Town Centre. Friday 15th – Sunday 31st August.
Saturday 16th August – Community Family Funday
Bringing the Family, businesses and community together for an exciting special action, fun packed day. With entertainers, stallholders, organisations and charities. Free entry and car park. Saturday 16th August from 11am, at King George V Playing Fields Playground, Watford, WD18 9QD.
Sunday 17th August – Canal Boat Trip
Join Random cafe for a relaxing trip down the Grand Union Canal on Sunday 17th August from 10am – 2pm. To book email randomcafeuk@gmail.com
Saturday 30th August – Herts Pride
Herts Pride is a vibrant and inclusive celebration that unites people to make a meaningful impact in their community. Everyone is welcome to attend this inclusive event supporting the local LGBTQ+ community, which includes stalls, funfair, a diverse line up of live entertainment and the Herts Pride Dog Show. For further information click here
Saturday 4th October – Return of The Legends
Performing Latin, ballroom, tango, rumba and so much more, Brendan, James, Pasha, Vincent and Ian, are all re-uniting again in the Return of The Legends. Saturday 4th October from 7pm. At Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. To book click here
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th October – Oktoberfest
Come and join Oktoberfest from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th October as they transform Cassiobury Park, Central Avenue, Watford, WD18 7LG, into a Bavarian wonderland. Enjoy Live Oompah bands, German Bier, Oktoberfest Games, Axe throwing, fancy dress, gourmet food XL Steins and much more. Friday: 5.30pm – 10.30 Saturday Day: 11am – 4pm Saturday evening: 5pm – 10.30pm Sunday: 11am 5.30pm To book click here
Thursday 16th October – Lost In Music: One Night At The Disco
Embark on an electrifying journey through the sensational 70s. Our world class band and dazzling vocals are set to transport you straight to the heart of disco fever. Get ready to re-live timeless hits from icons like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind and Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. Thursday 16th October from 7pm, at Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN. To book click here
Saturday 18th October – Level 42
Level 42 will bring their ‘World Machine’ 40th Anniversary Tour to Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN, on Saturday 18th October. Doors open from 7pm. To book click here
Saturday 1st November – Cassiobury Fireworks
Join Cassiobury Park on Saturday 1st November for this free fireworks display organised by Watford Borough Council. Vibe 107.6FM will be keeping the crowds entertained on stage from 6pm with live music. The spectacular fireworks display will start at 7.30pm. There will be a variety of food and drink outlets, kiddies funfair rides, bungee trampolines and a bouncy slide to keep everyone well fed and entertained before the main display. Watford Lions Club and other collectors will be shaking their buckets raising money for charity so do please give generously.
Monday 3rd November – Russell Watson: The Evolution Tour
Russell Watson brings The Evolution Tour, celebrating 25 years of his debut album ‘The Voice’ to Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17, on Monday 3rd November. To book click here
Saturday 8th November – Watford Brick Festival
The Brick Festival celebrates all things LEGO. With amazing creations to see, activities and competitions to take part in and traders selling rare, retired and new sets, loose bricks and minifigures, it is a fun day out for fans of all ages. At Woodside Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH. Saturday 8th November from 10am – 4pm. For further information and to book click here
Tuesday 11th November – Adam Ant
The iconic Adam Ant will grace the stage at Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17, on Tuesday 11th November from 7.30pm. Performing his classic chart-topping hits and personal favourites. To book click here
Thursday 13th November – Fire Walk
Get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime as you conquer a path of blazing embers, all while raising funds for Rennie Grove Peace. Firewalking is walking on hot coals. When the fire has burned to red-hot embers it is raked level and prepared for the walk. Expert trainers will guide you through every step of the process, teaching you how to focus your mind, harness your energy, and walk safely across the flames.
You will be amazed at what you can achieve, and how empowered and inspired you will feel afterwards. By joining the Firewalk, they ask you to commit to raising £162 per person, which could pay for a healthcare assistant for a day, in their Inpatient Unit or in a patient’s home, helping them with personal care. Thursday 13th November at Peace Hospice, Peace Drive, Watford, WD17 3PH. To book click here
Tuesday 18th November – Sounds Of The 60s
An evening of 60s classics performed by the Sounds Of The 60s All Star Band and Singers, hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ, Tony Blackburn OBE. Tuesday 18th November from 7.30pm. At Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17. To book click here
Monday 1st – Wednesday 31st December – Jack and the Beanstalk
Full of songs you know and love, a growbag packed with plant-based humour and the best cow this side of the gap, it is panto time again at Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. Monday 1st – Wednesday 31st December at various times. To book click here
Saturday 6th December – Swing Into Christmas
Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as they head to the Watford Colosseum with their much-loved annual show, Swing Into Christmas. Down for the Count’s 30-piece big band with strings is one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK. Saturday 6th December from 7.30pm. To book click here
Monday 22nd December – Step Into Christmas
This Christmas feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs you will know and love. Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year. Monday 22nd December door open from 6.30pm. At Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17. To book click here
