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.
Wednesday 3rd June – Brush Party
Join Brush Party, the UK’s ‘Paint and Sip’ experts at The Harpenden Arms, High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2TR on Wednesday 3rd June from 7pm – 10pm to create their fabulous theme Amalfi Amore. To book click here
Thursday 4th June – Quiet Book Club
If you are in need of a little bit of calm during a busy week, come on by and get lost in a good book. There is no set text. Just bring along what you are reading or browse their collection. There will be half an hours chat with your fellow book clubbers followed by an hours peaceful uninterrupted reading. The event is free of charge with tea and coffee available. Donations welcome. Thursday 4th June from 5.30pm – 7pm. At Harpenden Library, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU.
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.
Sunday 7th June – 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.
Monday 8th June – 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 11th June – 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.
Monday 15th June – Allotment Club Open Day
As part of Learning Disability Week, Harpenden Mencap’s Allotment Club is hosting an Open Day!. Join them on Monday 15th June from 12 noon – 3pm at the allotments behind the Co-op in Southdown (AL5 1PU). Explore the allotment, enjoy the welcoming space and meet their friendly Allotment Club members. Complimentary cake and refreshments will be available.
Sunday 21st June – Patronal Festival
Celebrate the birth of our Patronal Saint – John the Baptist. Sunday 21st June from 11am with a Parish Eucharist with guest preacher Dean Bliss Spillar, Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Lima. This will be followed by a BBQ in the Vicarage Garden. At St John’s Harpenden, St John’s Road, AL5 1DJ.
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.
Friday 31st July – Children’s Theatre
Imajica Theatre specalise in creating interactive and engaging theatre experiences for the family friendly audience, written with the younger audience in mind. Their shows are written for audiences 3-10 years but captivate audiences of all ages. SEN and Neurodivergent inclusive shows filled with singing, dancing, BSL signs and lots of opportunity to join in as their stories unfold. Friday 31st July from 11am – 12 noon, 1pm – 2pm and 3pm – 4pm. At Rothamsted Park, Harpenden.
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.
Friday 7th August – Friday Sounds
A community music event with a laid-back festival vibe with a variety of music on stage. Family and friends can enjoy street food, pop up bars, glitter tattoos and more on Harpenden Common, Harpenden, AL5 1QY. Friday 7th August from 4pm – 8pm.
Saturday 15th August – Street Performance
In celebraton of Harpenden’s vibrant Town Centre, Angie Mack is set to dazzle with hoops, hoops and more hoops. Her hooptastic, interactive comedy performance will captivate an audience on Church Green, Harpenden. Three performances planned during the day, with the final show including an opportunity to have a go. Saturday 15th August, show times, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.
Tuesday 18th August – Pop-up Farm
If you love animals, come along to this exciting pop-up farm in Harpenden where you can meet lambs, goats, chickens, rabbits and ponies. Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups who want to find out about life on a farm. At Rothamsted Park, Harpenden. Tuesday 18th August from 10am – 4pm.
Saturday 22nd August – Music in Lydekker
This exciting event is returning to Lydekker Park, and promises an afternoon of fantastic live music. Bring your friends, family and picnics to this chilled event where you can sit back and relax or get up and dance to some favourites. At Lydekker Park, Harpenden, Saturday 22nd August from 12 noon – 4pm.
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
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
