Events & Activities in Hemel Hempstead
This page gives information on events and activities in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area. 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 – Arts and Crafts Class
Join this arts and crafts class, Thursdays from 12.30pm – 2pm. Open to all 16+ at St Mary’s Church, London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9ST.
Thursday 19th June – Wine Tasting
Join The Fishery Wharf Café, Fishery Wharf, Fishery Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NA, for their next wine tasting event. They have partnered with the local and knowledgeable team at Rosewood Wine School to bring you an exclusive tasting of six carefully selected wines, This Months tasting will feature classic Summer Wines. Relax and enjoy as you explore the key grape varieties, wine styles, all paired with a selection of delicious cheese and nibbles. As an added bonus, you will have the opportunity to purchase the wines featured during the event at special trade prices. Thursday 19th June from 7.30pm – 10.30pm. To book click here
Thursday 19th June – Karaoke
Join The Copper Bar, 4 Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1ET, every Thursday for Karaoke from 8.30pm. Until at least August.
Friday 20th June – Story Time
Join Hemel Hempstead Library, The Forum, HP1 1DN, on Fridays 11.15am – 11.45am and Saturdays 11.15am – 11.45am for story time. Enjoy some stories with your little one and then join in with their fun colouring activities. Story time is free though donations are welcome, no booking required. Until the end of the year.
Friday 20th June – Street Food
Street Food at Frogmore Paper Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RY, with lots of tasty food and drink on offer. This event is for all the family Friday 20th June from 5.30pm – 10pm, which means you also do not have to cook after a long working week. They have Funky Elephant, Emilios, Dough with the Flow, Barsotti’s crepes, churros and waffles, Sunshine Tacos, Bollywood Bites, Coffee Heroes, Swig and Filly and Puddingstone Distillery with their Campfire Gin. There should be something for everyone, special diets catered for. The event takes place on their Outside Classroom beside the River Gade. Entry is via Fourdrinier Way, gate 200 metres down on the left. Please park in Durrants Hill Road car park if you are driving.
Saturday 21st June – Local Artisan Market
Discover local gems at this local Artisan Market. Alongside their stores there will be a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more. Saturday 21st June from 10am – 4pm, at Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT. Next Saturday 19th July, Saturday 16th August, Saturday 20th September and Saturday 20th December.
Saturday 21st June – Community Craft Workshop
Yarn Bomb Hemel Hempstead are organising a special event to showcase many different types of crafts. They will have some of their past box toppers on display and they would like to welcome people to join them in helping to make a tree scarf. At Warners End Community Centre, Northridge Way, Warners End, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3QG. Saturday 21st June from 11am – 4pm.
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June – St. George’s Church 70th Anniversary
St. George’s Church Anniversary is on Saturday 21st June from 10am – 4pm and Sunday 22nd June from 2pm – 5pm, come and help St. George’s Church celebrate its 70th Anniversary. Free entry and loads of parking. At St George’s United Reformed Church, Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2HX.
Sunday 22nd June – Family Fun Day
Join ICANE Foundation at The Box Moor Trust for an unforgettable ticketed family celebration of history, culture, and Caribbean spirit, all in honour of the Windrush legacy and Bob Marley’s 80th birthday. With Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Djembe Drumming, Music and Steel Pan, Talks, Displays and Windrush Quiz, Fun Workshops, Games and Dominoes, plus food, fun and positive vibes for everyone. To book click here or email icane-foundation@outlook.com Sunday 22nd June from 11am – 4pm at Box Moor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RE.
Monday 23rd June – Open Mic Night
Held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7pm, this bi-weekly open mic night for musicians is held in the cosy indoor Snug room of Fishery Wharf Cafe, Fishery Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NA. This open mic night is for music only, no backing tracks please. Bar and doors open 6pm. Until at least 21st July.
Thursday 26th June – Crime Author Panel
Join Hemel Hempstead Library, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN, for an evening of crime to celebrate National Crime Reading month with bestselling authors Roxie Key, Rob Parker, Gytha Lodge and Katy Watson. Thursday 26th June from 7pm – 8.30pm. To book click here
Friday 27th June – Life Drawing
Regular Life Drawing session at the stunning Boxmoor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RE. In the main building, upstairs to the right, from 10.30am – 1pm. Life model, friendly vibe, everyone welcome. Cost is £15, cash payment on the day. Please bring along your own materials, board and paper essential, any other materials are completely up to you. Easels very welcome. Last Friday of the month apart from December which is on the 19th.
Saturday 28th June – Model Railway Exhibition
Carey Baptist Church presents the small and friendly show raising money for church funds. There will be 7 layouts in a range of scales representing both British and overseas railways. Light refreshments will be available. Unfortunately there is no parking on site, but there are a number of car parks both free and Pay and display within a short walk of the church. Saturday 28th June from 10am – 4pm. At Carey Baptist Church, Marlows, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1LD.
Saturday 28th June – Armed Forces Day
Join Dacorum Borough Council at their free Armed Forces Day event on Saturday 28th June from 11am – 3.30pm in Market Square, Hemel Hempstead. Show your support for our Armed Forces and enjoy a range of free entertainment and activities, including military vehicles, films on the big screen, stilt walkers, balloon modelling, interactive entertainers, face painting, and community and food stalls, as we celebrate the men and women who make up the armed forces community, from current serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
Saturday 28th June – Wild Frogmore
Family event with the wildlife of Frogmore Paper Mill as its theme. This year Frogmore Paper Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RY, have timed the event with National Insect Week and everything has a bug/mini beast theme. They have a variety of other charities joining them including Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust, Chilterns National Landscape, Shendish Smallholding with their bees and bug hunter Lindsay McRae. Their Collections Officer will be with them talking about bugs in the archive, be sure to visit her.
Their staff and volunteers will be there with the activities, planting a balcony pots, decorate a (wooden) bee, decorate a bug hotel and of course, papermaking. There may be a small charge for some activities. The BBQ will be offering food along with Coffee Heroes for liquid refreshment. Saturday 28th June from 11am – 3pm.
Sunday 29th June – Gadespring Cressbeds: Open Day
Take a walk through this tranquil micro nature reserve, meet the volunteers who work hard to manage the site, learn about the history of the site as a working cressbed farm and take some time to observe the wildlife of the site in the bird hide. Free entry, though donations are appreciated. Sunday from 11am – 2pm. At Gadespring Cressbeds, Old Fishery Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2BN. Last Sunday of the month until the end of the year.
Wednesday 2nd July – Alzheimer’s Society Coffee Morning
Join Alzheimer’s Society for a monthly coffee mornings on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am – 12 noon. Come and chat to the team at The Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead (located opposite The Entertainer), for a catch-up, or talk about any queries or concerns.
Wednesday 2nd July – 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 Family Centre services friendly team will be on hand to offer you free support and advice, alongside stalls from local partners. Drop in, no booking required. Wednesday 2nd July from 12.30pm. At Highfield Community Centre, Fletcher Way, Bellgate, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5SB.
Friday 4th July – Coffee Morning
Join this coffee morning on the first Friday of every month from 11am – 1pm Sometimes they host a quiz, sometimes a coffee morning, always guaranteed to leave feeling happy and full from tea and biscuits or coffee. For more information please contact Malcolm on 07942735952. At Chaulden Community Centre, Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2HX.
Saturday 5th July – Coffee and Cake
Celebrating Yamaha’s 70th Anniversary, come along for a chat over coffee and cake and have a look at the beautiful bikes at Moores Motorcycles, London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9SX. Saturday 5th July from 9am – 12.30pm.
Saturday 5th July – Cafe and Craft
Join in some crafting or just enjoy a cuppa with a chat at St Barnabas Church, Queen Square, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HY. First Saturday of the month from 10am – 12 noon.
Saturday 5th July – St Mary’s Garden Party
Come and join St Mary’s Church, London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9ST, for their Church Garden Party. Enjoy games, stalls, cakes and more. Saturday 5th July from 2pm – 5pm.
Sunday 6th July – Hemel Old Town Market
This vibrant and popular market is held on the first Sunday of every month from 11am – 3pm. The market stalls will be located in St Marys Square, Under the Arches next to The Old Town Hall, in St Mary’s Church Hall and on the grassy area surrounding St Marys Church.
Dacorum Borough Council restrict the traffic on market day so the High Street is closed to traffic between 10am – 4pm. If you are a blue badge holder, please show this to the gate operatives and they will allow you access. Pedestrian access to the market is unrestricted. There are plenty of car parks within a 2 minute walk of the market grounds. The public toilets in the High Street and in St Mary’s Church Hall will be open on the day.
Sunday 6th July – Record Fair
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, you have the chance to have a good look through thousands of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes from a wealth of dealers all under one roof. From reggae to heavy metal, soul to glam rock there will be something for everyone on display. Pick up that rarity that’s been eluding you for years or catch a bargain. Free entry. Sunday 6th July from 10am – 3pm. At The Hemel Hempstead School, Heath Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1TX. Next 6th July, 5th October and 14th December.
Sunday 6th July – Classic Car Show
Bovingdon classic car show and summer fair, plus food and drink, all day music, children’s entertainment, fairground rides and games, stalls and more. At Bovingdon Green, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0LB. Sunday 6th July from 12 noon – 6pm.
Tuesday 8th July – Chess Night
Come join Fishery Wharf Cafe, Fishery Lock, Fishery Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NA, for an evening of Chess, bring a board or just bring yourself and join in on a game, All levels of play are welcome. Drop in for Chess or other games from their cafe games cupboard every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm -10pm. The bar will be open for hot drinks and cakes, beers wine etc.
Thursday 10th July – Brush Party
Join Brush Party, the UK’s ‘Paint and Sip’ experts at The Steamcoach, St John’s Road, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NP, on Thursday 10th July from 7pm – 10pm, to create their fabulous theme Gonkety Gonk. For further information and to book click here
Friday 11th July – Meet the Heritage Carpenter
A chance to see the Frogmore Paper Mill restoration and hear how it was achieved by heritage carpenter, Louis Curtis. Craftsman Louis, owner of Breakspear Conservation with a passion for old buildings and mills, will discuss his work, his approach to the project and walk and talk in situ. Tickets are £10 which includes a glass of Prosecco and nibbles. At Frogmore Paper Mill, Durrants Hill Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TG. Please come to the gate opposite Durrant’s Hill Road car park, not Fourdrinier Way. Friday 11th July from 7pm – 9pm. To book click here
Saturday 19th July – Local Artisan Market
Discover local gems at this local Artisan Market. Alongside their stores there will be a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more. Saturday 19th July from 10am – 4pm, at Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT. Next Saturday 16th August, Saturday 20th September and Saturday 20th December.
Thursday 24th July – Summer Craft Workshops
Join Riverside Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT, every Thursday from 11am–4pm (some with intervals) for exciting activities and workshops the whole family will love. Free events for the kids. No booking needed, just turn up and enjoy the fun. 24th July – In the Garden’ Craft Workshop. 31st July – Ready, Set, Riverside. 7th August – Lego ‘Make and Take’ Workshop. 14th August – Punch and Judy (with British Sign Language interpreter). 21st August – ‘Breezy’ Craft Workshop. 28th August – Sandy Masterpieces.
Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August – Camp iRock
Camp iRock is a five-day music camp for children aged 5–12, running at Chambersbury Primary School, Hill Common, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8JH. The camp is designed to help children build confidence, creativity, and social skills through a week of fun, music-filled activities led by professional musicians. Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August from 8.30am – 4.30pm. For further information and to book click here
Friday 8th – Sunday 10th August – Hemel Fest
Hemel Fest is back in Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN, for the biggest party in Hemel Hempstead on Friday 8th August – Dance Anthems. Saturday 9th August – Legendary Tributes and Covers. Sunday 10th August – All new Food Fest. There will, as always, be glorious street food on offer from locally based street food vendors. For further information and to book click here
Saturday 16th August – Local Artisan Market
Discover local gems at this local Artisan Market. Alongside their stores there will be a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more. Saturday 16th August from 10am – 4pm, at Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT. Next Saturday 20th September and Saturday 20th December.
Saturday 23rd August – Family Fun Day
In aid of The Childhood Tumour Trust, this family fun day is on Saturday 23rd August from 12 noon – 4pm, at The Red Lion, Nash Mills, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD.
Saturday 20th September – Local Artisan Market
Discover local gems at this local Artisan Market. Alongside their stores there will be a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more. Saturday 20th September from 10am – 4pm, at Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT. Next Saturday 20th December.
Sunday 21st September – DENS Hillbuster
Gear up for one of the South East’s biggest cycling events, with your choice of a challenging 60k, 100k, 120k or NEW Elite 150k route. Your ride will take in areas of natural beauty over rolling Chiltern Hills and the stunning countryside. Ideal for club cyclists, teams and individuals, the ride includes chip timing, GPX files and well-signed routes on the day. Everyone is welcome to snacks at their feed stations, and a token to commemorate the day.
Every penny raised at the Hillbuster will help rebuild the lives of local individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Sunday 21st September At Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1DN. For further information and to book click here
Saturday 4th October – Oktoberfest
Experience a traditional Oktoberfest as Hemel Hempstead is being transformed for one weekend into a traditional Bavarian bash with their authentic Oktoberfest steins. Top up your stein and step inside the huge Bier tent and prepare to be entertained Bavarian style. From traditional folk to ‘Oompop’ expect foot stomping, dancing and hearty singing galore. Grab some traditional German grub from the outdoor food court as you raise your steins at Oktoberfest Hemel Hempstead. At Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN. To book click here
Sunday 19th October – WiFi Wars
WiFi Wars is the live comedy game show where you all play along, log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes. Sunday 19th October from 3pm. At The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE. To book click here
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November – A Christmas Carol
The Old Town Hall’s resident company, the award-winning Dyad Productions, bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story. Taking inspiration from Dickens’ original performances of his own work and utilising the brilliant narrator of the novel to bring the story to life. At The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE. Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November from 8pm. To book click here
Saturday 20th December – Local Artisan Market
Discover local gems at this local Artisan Market. Alongside their stores there will be a selection of individually hand-picked local stallholders and small businesses, selling a range of Artisan products including candles, homeware, sweet treats and more. Saturday 20th December from 10am – 4pm, at Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BT.
