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.
Wednesday 22nd January – Baby and Toddler Play Time
Little ones can play and learn while adults connect in a safe, welcoming space. Enjoy toys, books, and complimentary tea and coffee. Baby and Toddler Group on Wednesdays (term time) from 9.30am – 11am. At West Watford Community Centre, 15 Harwoods Road, Watford, WD18 7RB.
Wednesday 22nd January – St Peter’s Tots
Toddler group with play, crafts, snack and bible story and song at St Peter’s Church, Bushey Mill Lane, Watford, WD24 7PE, Wednesdays from 9.30am – 11am during term time.
Wednesday 22nd January – Resident Drop-in Surgery
Resident drop-in surgery with representatives from Watford Community Housing, Watford Citizens Advice, and Herts Police to discuss local services and support available. No appointment needed, just turn up. Wednesday 22nd January from 3pm – 4.30pm, at Cherry Tree Primary School, Berry Avenue, Watford, WD24 6ST.
Thursday 23rd 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. No booking required. For the comfort and safety of families they may have to limit numbers so entry to a session cannot be guaranteed. Thursdays from 10.30am – 11am. At Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3EU.
Thursday 23rd January – Welcome Space
Hot food, drinks and board games, every Thursday from 12 noon – 2.30pm, at The Barn, 1 Watford House Lane, Watford, WD17 1BJ.
Thursday 23rd January – One Voice Watford Community Choir
If you enjoy singing or making new friends, then come and join this friendly community choir. At The Clarendon Muse Building, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JA. Thursdays from 7.30pm – 9pm during school term.
Saturday 25th January – Bike Marking
Did you know that a bike that is marked is 83% less likely to be stolen? The National Bike Register is a great resource, used by police across the UK, and means hundreds of stolen bikes can be reunited with their owners. Come and get your bike marked at Watford Cycle Hub, The Pavilion, Chaffinch Lane, Watford, WD18 9QD. Saturday 25th January from 10.30am – 12 noon.
Saturday 25th January – Artworks Exhibition
Enjoy the wonderful art that’s been created for the ‘A Place without Prejudice: Artworks’ exhibition. Paintings, photographs, collages and assemblages that are portable and represent what ‘a place without prejudice’ means to you are very welcome. Saturday 25th January from 11.20am – 4.30pm, at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Watford, WD18 0EG.
Saturday 25th January – Barn Dance
Stanborough Park Church and Stanborough Primary School are teaming up to bring you an evening full of fun, laughter, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a first-time twirler, they have got a place for you. Saturday 25th January from 6pm – 9pm, they will be dancing the night away with delicious food (main and dessert included) and plenty of smiles. At Stanborough Park, 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL. To book click here
Sunday 26th January – Charity Event
The Polish Community once again will unite to raise money for children in need. This year they will collect money for children oncology and haematology. With Polish rap and hip hop performers, School of break dance, face painting, games for kids, Children tattoos, hot food, CPR lessons, fire truck and more. Sunday 26th January from 11am – 8.15pm. At Holywell Community Centre, Chaffinch Lane, Watford, WD18 9QD. Free entry.
Sunday 26th January – Arts and Craft
All are welcome to join Mad Squirrel Watford, 3 King Street, Watford, WD17 2EN, at their arts and crafts afternoon. Sunday 26th January from 2pm.
Wednesday 29th January – Cassiobury Explorers
Outdoor exploration and nature play for 2-5 year olds. Book in advance is required to avoid disappointment. Email [email protected] to book and for further information. The cost is £3.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult, younger siblings under 2yrs welcome to join free. Wednesday 29th January from 10am – 11.30am.
Saturday 1st February – Winter Tree Identification Workshop
Learn how to identify trees in their winter state. Spend the morning in the classroom, learning to identify trees using bud and twig characteristics. They will work through the various keys available and practice on a collection of cuttings. In the afternoon, you will walk around Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve to put into practise the morning’s learning and identify the trees. Saturday 1st February from 10am – 3pm. To book click here
Saturday 1st February – 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 1st February – The Dial Up Open Mic: LGBT History Month Special
Watford’s Pump House Theatre is proud to host The Dial Up Open Mic LGBT History Month Special. They are throwing the doors of the Colne River Room wide open for this free event in celebration of the town’s wonderful diversity. There is a suggested donation of £5 at the door for those who feel able to pay.
Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, curious, undecided, an ally or something else entirely they welcome you to come along and join them for this much loved highlight of the Watford LGBT calendar. Share you music, your poetry, your passion, your stories. The stage is yours. At The Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Lower Watford High Street, WD17 2JP. Saturday 1st February doors 7pm/ Show 7.30pm.
Sunday 2nd February – 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. Each month has a theme but feel free to interpret or ignore it as you choose. All Welcome. Free entry (suggested donation of £5). First Sunday of each month from 2pm – 4pm. At Johnny’s Bar, 96 Queen’s Road, Watford, WD17 2NX.
Saturday 8th February – Abseil Challenge
Join One YMCA Abseil Challenge and help support those in need within the community. You will be making a controlled descent down a vertical drop! But do not worry, you will receive all the training you need from experts on the day before you take on this amazing feat. Saturday 8th February, One YMCA, Charter House, Watford. To book click here
Friday 14th February – Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea
A delicious Afternoon Tea to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Greenbanks Care Home, Greenbank Road, Watford, WD17 4JR. Friday 14th February from 2pm – 4pm. To book call 07881 326 879.
Thursday 20th February – Compassionate Cafe
This warm and welcoming space is open to anyone who has experienced the pain of bereavement or any other type of loss. It provides a safe environment for individuals to come together, have a friendly chat, and connect with others who may share similar experiences. They invite you to join them on the third Thursday of every month from 10am to 11.30am. At Random Café, 24a Garsmouth Way, Watford, WD25 9DR.
Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd February – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Rickmansworth Players Youth and Junior Theatre are excited to present the junior stage musical version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Road, Watford, WD17 2JP, Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd February. They have two casts – Team Cups and Team Saucers. Team Cups will be performing on Thursday Night, Friday Night and Saturday Matinee. Team Saucers will be performing on Friday Matinee and Saturday Night.
Saturday 22nd February – Ministry Of Science
Dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way. An anarchic approach to science communication, whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in whilst proving that each and everyone of you have the ability to change our world for the better. Expect 20ft LIQUID NITROGEN clouds, exploding OXYGEN and HYDROGEN balloons, FIRE TORNADOS, HYDROGEN bottle rockets, ignited METHANE and even a self-built Hovercraft. Age suitability: 6+. Saturday 22nd February at 12.30pm and 3.30pm. At Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ. To book click here
Saturday 8th March – 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 8th March 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 8th March – Baby Fair
A free fun event for expectant parents or parents of a child under one year. Meet other local families, enjoy refreshments, find out what’s on and enjoy choosing preloved maternity and baby clothes. The friendly team will be on hand to offer you free support and advice, alongside stalls from local partners. Saturday 8th March from 2pm – 4pm, at Meriden Community Centre, Garsmouth Way, Watford, WD25 9ET.
Saturday 22nd March – TrackPlay
A fun and exciting experience for train-loving kids. With over 500 feet of track and more than 100 Thomas and Friends trains to choose from, the kids will be entertained for hours. Choose your preferred time slot and, on the day, relax with a hot drink while the kids have a blast letting their imaginations run wild playing with the trains. Saturday 22nd March at Woodside Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH. To book click here
Saturday 5th April – Watford Comic-Con
Held at Watford Woodside Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH, this will be a great day for families, sci-fi collectors, fans, and every other kind of Comic Con Fan. There is lots to see and do, including out of this world displays and props, traders selling out of this world collections, meet celebrities from Tv and the movies. For those that like cosplay, there will be a wide array of cosplayers on arrival, fans attending are invited to dress up as your favourite tv, Film or other fictional character and be ready to compete in our cosplay competitions. Saturday 5th April from 10am – 5pm. To book click here
Saturday 3rd May – TrackPlay
A fun and exciting experience for train-loving kids. With over 500 feet of track and more than 100 Thomas and Friends trains to choose from, the kids will be entertained for hours. Choose your preferred time slot and, on the day, relax with a hot drink while the kids have a blast letting their imaginations run wild playing with the trains. Saturday 3rd May at Woodside Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH. To book click here
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
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.
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
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
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
