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 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
Sunday 22nd 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.
Saturday 28th June – Open Day
West Watford Community Centre, 15 Harwoods Road, Watford, WD18 7RB, are holding an open day on Saturday 28th June from 10am – 1pm. With a variety of events including guitar playing taster, face painting, toy dale and security marking.
Saturday 28th June – Summer Fair
Summer fair at Ascot Road Primary School, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AD, on Saturday 28th June from 12 noon – 3pm. Free entry. Stalls, fun games, raffle and more.
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 – Memory Walk with The Chase
Join Healthcare Homes for their 5km Memory Walk in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Staff, relatives and friends are warmly invited to walk alongside them as they raise awareness and funds for this important cause. Whether you are walking in memory of a loved one or simply want to show your support, they would love for you to be part of it. To find out more or to join in, call us on 01923 232 307. Sunday 29th June from 10.30am – 12.30pm at The Chase, 4 Printers Avenue, Watford, WD18 7QR.
Sunday 29th June – Charity Day
Watford Miniature Railway On Sunday 29th June will be raising funds for a very special cause, the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH). They will be donating all their fares on the day to GOSH, every penny they take will go to charity. GOSH is dedicated to children’s healthcare and to finding new and better ways to treat childhood illnesses. All funds raised by the charity help make treatment a little bit easier and a lot more fun for the thousands of children who are treated at GOSH every year. Fares for train rides are £3 per person, under 2s free. They will be running trains from 11am – 5pm with steam and diesel locomotives. (Please note to help raise as much as we can for charity, discounted ten ride tickets will not be for sale on Sunday 29th).
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,
Tuesday 8th July – Antiques Roadshow
Bring along your treasured antiques to Elton House Care Home, Elton Way, Watford WD25 8HA, for a special valuation event. Expert appraiser Richard from Bushey Auctions will be on hand to assess your items and share his insights. Tuesday 8th July from 10am – 4pm.
Friday 11th July – Watford Deaf Club
Come along and meet new friends at Watford Deaf Club, The Harebreaks Community Hub, The Harebreaks, Watford, WD17 6NJ. Cost: age 16 and older- £4, 10-15 years old- £2. Under 10s- Free.
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 from 10am – 8pm, 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 12th July – LanchestFest
Friends of Lanchester and Lanchester Primary School are pleased to announce LanchestFest to celebrate the school’s 10th anniversary. The event’s main stage will be hosted by the wonderful Tina Fuller from Vibe 107.6FM alongside events as part of Watford Fringe. Come along for an afternoon of brilliant music, performances, food, drink, games, circus skills and much more. Saturday 12th July from 12 noon – 6pm. At Lanchester Primary School, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3HD.
Saturday 12th July – Showbiz Showcase for Watford Phoenix Choir
Watford Phoenix Choir is delighted to be taking part in this year’s Watford Fringe Festival, the eclectic, creative festival featuring affordable theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic and family fun filled shows, on your doorstep. The performance will commence on Saturday 12th April from 6.30pm, at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Watford, WD18 0EG. It is expected to finish at approximately 8pm. The concert will be in support of West Herts Hospitals Charity.
Saturday 19th July – Watford Mela
Come along to King George V Playing Fields, Chaffinch Lane, behind Holywell Community Centre, Watford, WD189QD, for fun and entertainment for the whole family. With Food, market stalls, Live performances, kids rides and Henna. Saturday 19th July from 12 noon – 9pm.
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 – Classical and Light Music Performance Club
The Classical and Light Music Performance Club next meets on Saturday 26th July from 2pm – 5pm. At Friends Meeting House, Church Road, Watford, WD17 4QB.
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. Next 31st October and 15th November.
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.
Wednesday 30th July – Sunday 3rd August – Inflatable Family Fun
Huge inflatables, slides and obstacle courses, perfect for kids of all ages. Affordable day out for the whole family. Bring your mates, your camera, and your best bouncing energy. Five whole days of inflatable madness at Fullerians Rugby Football Club, New Field, Coningesby Drive, Watford, WD17 3BD. £10 on the gate, no booking required.
Friday 15th – Monday 25th August – Colourscape
Enter a new world of colour and light. Explore a unique labyrinth of 70 interlinked chambers of intense colours. Explore for a while and discover long views of intense colour and light. Move forwards and another view opens up, and another, and another. Musicians and dancers are found anywhere in this extraordinary space leading you on a journey of colour, music and space. Weekends will feature ensembles; dancers; new instruments, computer music. Weekdays will feature resident musician Michael Ormiston presenting family-friendly music where you can join in. Monday – Friday 11am – 4pm. Weekends and Bank Holiday Monday 11am – 5pm. In Cassiobury Park, Watford.
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
Friday 31st October – Halloween Market Lates
This year, the event will coincide with the Watford Town Centre ‘Trick or Treat Week’, a week-long family-focused celebration. Visitors can look forward to a trick-or-treat trail within the Market, where families can explore and collect treats while soaking up the spooky atmosphere. To add to the excitement, prizes will be awarded for the best Halloween costumes, encouraging both kids and adults to get creative and join in the fun. The evening will come alive with entertainment, including the Acoustic Hour, followed by performances from a live band to set the tone for the night. Guests can also enjoy a selection of street food, complemented by an array of beverages to create the perfect Halloween party atmosphere. At Watford Market, Watford House Lane, Watford, WD17 1BJ. Friday 31st October from 6pm – 10pm.
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
Saturday 15th November – Christmas Market Lates
Coinciding with WinterFest in the Town Centre, this unique collaboration enhances the festive atmosphere during one of the most magical times of the year. WinterFest, running from 2pm to 6pm, will attract families, shoppers, and visitors eager to celebrate the holiday season. Market Lates will seamlessly pick up the baton from 6pm to 10pm, extending the festivities into the evening and creating a full day of community-centred enjoyment. The Indoor Market will be decorated, while the Parade Market will feature a curated selection of festive offerings throughout the day, providing something special for everyone. From handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats, the Market will highlight the diverse talent and products of local traders, boosting their visibility and revenue during this crucial time of year. Saturday 15th November.
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
