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.
Wednesday 22nd 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 22nd 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 12th February.
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.
Thursday 23rd 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.
Thursday 23rd January – Karaoke
Join The Copper Bar, 4 Waterhouse Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1ET, every Thursday for Karaoke from 8.30pm. Until at least August.
Friday 24th January – 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 25th 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 25th 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
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.
Monday 27th January – 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.
Monday 27th January – 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 28th January – 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.
Friday 31st January – 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. 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.
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.
Sunday 2nd February – 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 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.
Friday 7th February – 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 9th February – Trackplay
A fun and exciting experience for train-loving kids. With over 500 feet of track and more than 100 Thomas and Friends trains to choose from, the kids will be entertained for hours. They will be talking about this experience for a long time. Choose your preferred time slot and, on the day, relax with a hot drink while the kids have a blast letting their imaginations run wild playing with the trains. They also offer a special SEN (Special Educational Needs) session from 12.50pm – 1.50pm, ensuring a relaxed and inclusive environment for all. At Nash Mills Primary School, Belswains Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9XB. To book click here
Tuesday 11th February – 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 16th February – 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.
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 1st 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. To book click here
Thursday 6th March – Wine Tasting Evening
Wine tasting event at Fishery Wharf Cafè, Fishery Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NA, in partnership with Rosewood Wine School @rosewood_wines. Bringing together our passion for fine wine, great flavours and warm hospitality to offer you an exclusive experience featuring six handpicked Spanish wines. this delightful journey will be paired with a selection of gourmet cheeses and tasty bites to complement the wines.
As a special bonus, you will have the chance to purchase the wines showcased during the event at exclusive trade prices (trade price offer valid only for orders placed and paid for during the event. Tickets are limited, priced at only £35 per person, including a two-hour, expert-led session. Thursday 6th March from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. To book click here
Friday 14th March – DENS Quiz Night
Get your team together and test your knowledge with a night of challenging trivia questions whilst supporting your local homeless charity. Friday 14th March, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, everyone is invited to bring their own food. To register your team click here At John F Kennedy Catholic School, Hollybush Lane, Hemel Hempstead.
Sunday 16th March – National Brick Event
Dedicated LEGO event, from rare retired sets for sale to awesome builds on display there is something for everyone at this National Brick event. Dive into massive brick pits overflowing with LEGO bricks, be amazed by incredible life-size LEGO builds and more. Sunday 16th March from 10am – 4pm. At Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JS. To book click here
Sunday 23rd March – Comic Con
A super fun family friendly event full of all things film, tv, comic con and toys, including loads of people in costume and much much more. They also have Retro gaming, face painting, board and card gaming areas, movie cars on display and lots of exhibitors selling everything from Star Wars to Stranger Things. Sunday 23rd March from 10am – 4pm. At Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JS. To book click here
Saturday 5th April – Easter Fete
Easter fete with Easter Egg Hunt, Hook A Duck, Tin Alley, Raffle, Tombola, Bath and Body Items, Lucky Dip, Bouncy Castle, Hand Made Gifts, Pre Loved Clothing and more. Saturday 5th April from 1pm – 5pm. At Nash Mills Village Hall, Lower Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RT.
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 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 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
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.
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 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
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
