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.


Saturday 21st December – Christmas Car Fair

Grab a photo of your car parked on a circuit, pick up some last minute Christmas gifts and even go for a passenger hot lap in one of the supercars or drift cars. At Drift Limits, Upper Bourne End Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RR. They have some amazing vendors coming along from home baked goods and artisan coffees to Santa’s grotto and even a live dyno offering power runs so make sure to mark your calendars and bring the whole family along. Saturday 21st December from 9am – 3pm. To book click here


Sunday 22nd December – A Blue Christmas

Christmas always seems to be accompanied by jolly songs, ringing tills, and the expectation that you will have a good time. But that’s not how it feels for many people. Maybe your year has been hard, for whatever reason (bereavement, illness, estrangement, worry), and Christmas seems to highlight the difficulties. Or maybe in an over-busy life, you just want space to reflect, recall, regroup.

Whatever the reason, whatever the need, you are welcome to come and join in a Blue Christmas at St Barnabas Church, Queen Square, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HY. Where you will find the space and hope that the Christmas story offers through a quieter more reflective carol service of readings, carols, and prayers. Sunday 22nd December from 6.30pm.


Monday 23rd December – Warm Space

Free warm room space for the local community every week day from 6pm – 9pm and weekends from 11am – 3pm. At Trefoil House, Red Lion Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TE.


Tuesday 24th December – Christingle Service

Join St George’s United Reformed Church, 106 Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2HX, for their Christingle Service. The service will start at 3.30pm, this service is ideal for families with Children.


On now until – Tuesday 24th December – Scruff’s Christmas Adventure

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE, is proud to present a captivating new co-production with iconic North London puppetry theatre, Little Angel. An original show for children made especially for ages 3 and up. On now until – Tuesday 24th December at various times. To book click here


Wednesday 25th December – Christmas Day Lunch

The Apsley Foodbank team will once again be hosting Christmas Day lunch at St Mary’s Church, London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9ST. Free of charge and anyone is welcome, but you must put your name down, either by speaking to Miriam at St Mary’s Foodbank or by phone/message on 07961 991 108. Wednesday 25th December from 12 noon – 3pm.


Saturday 28th December – Gadebridge Parkrun

The event takes place at Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AQ. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event, every Saturday from 9am. For further information click here


Saturday 28th December – 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 29th December – Gadespring Cressbeds Open Day

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 29th December from 12 noon. At Gadespring Cressbeds, Old Fishery Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2BN.


Thursday 2nd January – 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.


Friday 3rd January – 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 4th January – Gadebridge Parkrun

The event takes place at Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AQ. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event, every Saturday from 9am. For further information click here


Saturday 4th January – 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 5th January – 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 8th January – Chatter and Natter

Chatter and Natter tables are where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers, often a volunteer normally hosts. At Old Town Artichoke, 55 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AF, Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 4pm. Pop along between these times to attend a chatty table session.


Wednesday 8th January – Board Games

Come and join in with some board games every other Wednesday night from 7pm, at Adeyfield Community Centre, The Queen’s Square, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4EW. Feel free to bring your own game/s or just bring yourself and play other people’s. They generally have a wide variety of games available and people ready to teach. There are lighter games for new or casual players and more advanced, heavy cardboard for those who want to get their teeth stuck into something. They charge £2 per head to cover venue costs and you have to bring your own refreshments. Next 22nd January.


Monday 13th January – Open Mic Night

Held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each Month, 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 14th January – 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.


Sunday 19th January – Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club

Open to all those who served, or who are still serving in HM Armed Forces. They meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 9.30am – 11.30am, at the The Full House, 128 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1EZ.


Wednesday 22nd January – 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.


Monday 27th January – Cybercrime Awareness

Speak to a crime prevention expert to stay safe and secure. Get advice on keeping your devices and accounts safe through passwords. Monday 27th January from 10.45am – 3.30pm. For details of scheduled talks on the day, please contact the library nearer the time. At Hemel Hempstead Library, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN.


Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February – Name That Tune

The Leverstock Green Players January cabaret show. Many familiar songs from a cast that just enjoy entertaining and supported by a brilliant band. Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February curtain up at 7.45pm. At Leverstock Green Village Hall, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8QG. Also on 7th and 8th February. To book click here


Saturday 1st February – Sunnyside Arts Fair

With some wonderful stalls offering art, crafts, homemade bakes, photography, live music, massage, reflexology, massage, palm reading, tarot, free singing and poetry workshops and so much more. Hosted at Sunnyside, Central Nursery, Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9BY, with their friendly Cafe and farm shop, this indoor arts fair has a real festival vibe. Saturday 1st February from 11am – 4pm.


Wednesday 5th February – 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.


Saturday 1st March – 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 8th March 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.


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.


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