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 12th July – Family Baking Around the World
This session is completely free to attend, with donations to Space Herts warmly welcomed. A special Family Baking Around the World session, all in aid of Space Herts. Join a morning of baking, fun and connection as you explore flavours from around the world and create something delicious together. Sunday 12th July from 9.30am – 12.30pm. At Discovery Den, High Beeches Primary School, Harpenden.
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 24th July – Chuckl Comedy Club
Chuckl, brings another fantastic night of live comedy to the Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR. Headlining the show is Milton Jones, with credits including Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week. He will be joined by Terry Alderton, whose credits include Live at the Apollo, alongside Michelle Shaughnessy, with credits including Netflix and Amazon Prime. Keeping the night moving is MC Sarah Johnson, winner of Best Midlands Comedy Breakthrough Act 2017. Line-up subject to change. Friday 24th July from7.30pm. To book click here
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 – 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 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.
Thursday 13th August – 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 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.
Saturday 5th September – Harpenden Festival
Harpenden Festival promises to be an incredible, vibrant celebration. Entrance is free, there will be plenty to do, see, eat and enjoy, and everyone is welcome. The Festival will stretch across the High Street, Church Green and on to Harpenden Common and will incorporate all the best parts of the Town’s events over the years, bringing together the community and welcoming everyone young and old. You can expect an action packed day with fantastic live entertainment, a main music stage featuring live bands, a stage showcasing talented local acts, their family zone packed with activities, street entertainment and walkabout performers. Ferret racing, a climbing wall and circus skills plus much more will be on offer to entertain. Bar areas and refreshment zones, a wide variety of stalls and traders and delicious hot food will all help to complete the day. Saturday 5th September from 12 noon – 6pm.
Monday 14th September – How to Make Sustainability Irresistible
Grab a friend and join Our Planet Our Future for an inspiring evening, with guest speaker Virginia Cinquemani author of The Good Communicator, How to Make Sustainability Irresistible. This talk is part of Our Planet Our Future, Sustainable St Albans’ landmark series of talks and events. The programme includes a variety of free events for those who want to discover more about moving towards a more sustainable life, including walks, open mic nights and a book club. Monday 14th September from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. To book click here At The Harpenden Arms, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2TR.
Saturday 31st October – Thank ABBA For The Music
For one night only dust off your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA ruled the airwaves! Thank ABBA For The Music is an epic two-hour ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most phenomenal bands. Featuring a dynamic cast of outstanding singers, dazzling choreography and interactive video projection. Disclaimer: Thank ABBA For The Music is a tribute show and is not affiliated or endorsed by the original artist or management company. Saturday 31st October from 7.30pm, at Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2FR. To book click here
Monday 9th November – Environmental Board Games Evening
An evening of environmental board games. They will have a range of environmental board games for you to play, you are also welcome to bring along games. Monday 9th November from 7.30pm – 9.30pm, at The Harpenden Arms, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2TR. To book click here
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
