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.
Friday 9th May – Baby Group
Meet other families with young babies in a supportive, stimulating and friendly environment. During the 90 minute session there will be time for babies to play, discover more about their development and support your wellbeing as a new parent. £1.50 per family, pay on the day. Fridays from 9.30am – 11am, at St George’s URC, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2HX.
Saturday 10th May – ParkPlay
ParkPlay is for all abilities to play together and connect in a relaxed, safe and welcoming environment. Park Play is a two-hour long play session of fun and games for everyone. Sessions are run every Saturday from 10am, by local qualified sport coaches. At Yewtree Primary School, Fletcher Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5QR. To register click here
Sunday 11th May – Vegan Market
The Hemel Hempstead Vegan Market event takes over the Marlowes, just outside Primark and right in the centre of the town, on just one day each year. The event brings together live music alongside a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more. Sunday 11th May from 10.30am – 4pm.
Monday 12th May – 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.
Tuesday 13th May – Physical Fun
A fun, 90 minute active session suitable for children aged 18 months plus. Come and meet other local families and enjoy lots of fun games and play opportunities to support your child with their physical development. Older siblings welcome. Chargeable drop in, £2.50 per family, pay on the day. Tuesdays from 9.30am – 11am, at Highfield Community Centre, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5SB.
Tuesday 13th May – 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.
Wednesday 14th May – Redfly Pilates
Redfly Pilates is a movement practice that focuses on strengthening your core, improving flexibility and increasing overall body mobility. Breaking free from stiffness and limitations. Wednesdays at Chaulden Community Centre, Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2HX. Other locations are available during the week.
Thursday 15th May – IT Champion
IT Champions offer one-to-one support, problem-solving, and online safety advice for users of the library computers and WiFi. Thursdays from 11am – 1pm, at Hemel Hempstead Library, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN.
Thursday 15th May – 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 15th May – Karaoke
Join The Copper Bar, 4 Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1ET, every Thursday for Karaoke from 8.30pm. Until at least August.
Saturday 17th May – Buffet and Ghost Hunt
Come and join a fantastic night of food and spooky fun, at Harvester Mallard, London Road, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9BQ. The building started it’s life as a posting house, according to census records dating back to 1851. These would be houses or, in this case an inn, where horses were kept that could be rented out. They would be used as post offices are today, to distribute the mail. Tickets for this event will include a buffet supper and the price of that is included in the price. All you pay for on the night are drinks behind the bar.
Some of the current staff experienced strange goings on within the building, the most frequent one being the hand dryer in the ladies toilets turning itself on late at night when the restaurant was being locked up. There was also a recording of someone, in the carpark, walking about and then disappearing, on the cctv footage. The last investigation proved the building to be very active with lots of emf meters going off, Ouija board work and seeing someone’s hair being tugged. Saturday 17th May from 8pm. To book click here
Saturday 24th – Monday 26th May – Boxmoor Canal Weekend
Boxmoor’s canal weekend is held from Saturday 24th – Monday 26th May. Fishery Wharf Café will play host to a weekend of live music alongside the colourful Herts Roving Canal Traders three-day floating boat market, situated between Fishery Lock and Old Fishery Lane Bridge. Come along to listen to the music, sample the delicious café food and freshly made to order pizza, enjoy a drink from their licensed bar and stroll along the canal, soaking up the colour’ atmosphere, as you peruse and purchase some beautiful gifts and handmade items. For further information click here
Sunday 25th May – 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 28th May – Open Mic Night
Enjoy a variety of different acts or if you have a talent (or just want to try) for singing or playing an instrument then come down and take part. If interested in getting on the mic email [email protected] Doors open 7pm, music 7.30pm. Every fourth Wednesday of the month. At Boxmoor Social Club, 81 Horsecroft Road, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1PY.
Friday 30th May – 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 31st May – Emergency Services Day
Join Hemel Hempstead BID for Emergency Services Day. A fun-filled day for all ages, featuring fire engines, police cars, and ambulances you can explore. Enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, dress-up fun, and more. Come meet everyday heroes and get hands-on with the vehicles that keep us safe. Saturday 31st May from 11am – 3pm, in Hemel Hempstead Town Centre.
Sunday 1st June – 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.
Wednesday 4th June – 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.
Friday 6th June – 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.
Sunday 8th June – Open Farm Sunday
Visit Gaddesden Home Farm, Bridens Camp, Hemel Hemstead, HP2 6EZ, as part of Open Farm Sunday 8th June from 10am – 1pm. The day will include, tractor and trailer rides, static machinery, a host of family-friendly activities, displays such as sheep shearing and large machinery demonstrations, food on sale from local producers and a chance to chat all things farming in 2025. To book click here
Saturday 14th June – Hemel Hempstead Campus: Open Day
There is no better way to get an insight into life at college than at this Spring Open Day. Join them at Hemel Hempstead Campus, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1HD, on Saturday 14th June from 9.30am – 12.30pm. 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
Sunday 15th June – Bubble Rush
Start and end in a sea of bubbles. The course is family friendly, so you can walk, run, dance, jog, or toddle through the foam, and it is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs too. Plus there is no time limit so you can go at your own pace, come and join in a bubble fiesta and enjoy the party atmosphere. A 5k fun run (two 2.5km loops so you can stop after one or have double the bubble fun), 8 colourful bubble stations, with entertainment and music. Sunday 15th June from 10am, to book click here
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
