With 6 weeks of the summer holidays to fill, we’re here to help! So here’s 42 different events and activities you could do this summer in and around Harpenden - one for every day! Of course, we’re are not for a moment suggesting you should be doing something every day, so take your pick...

In Harpenden

Here's what's happening in Harpenden over the summer...

1. On Wednesday 22nd July Harpenden Common will be take over by over 1000 classic cars and motorbikes for Classics on the Common.  Entry for the public is free, but donations are welcome which will go to a number of charities chosen by organisers, Harpenden Rotary Club.

2. Enjoy some outdoor and crafty bug-themed fun at the Luton Hoo Walled Garden Bug Hunt on Friday 24th July.  Charges apply, but there is no need to book.  Just drop in. 

3. For those with little ones missing their regular classes over the summer, Mini Mozart  has a Live music session for Babies & Toddlers at The Salvation Army on Friday 24th July.  Booking required.

4. On 30th July and 4th August there will be two longer workshops looking at the Fragrant (smelly) Garden and the Kitchen (tasty) Garden at Luton Hoo Walled Garden for children aged 4-11.  These must be booked in advance and parents/carers must stay for the duration.

5. Brand New for 2026 are Harpenden Town Council's Summer Sessions and the first is Children's Theatre in Rothamsted Park.  Imajica Theatre will be performing "Don't Worry...Bee Happy". This is a completely free event and there is no need to book.

6. Then on Wednesday 5th August we have the return of an annual favourite.  Grab your teddy and your picnic and head to Rothamsted Park for fun at the Teddy Bear's Picnic.

7. Primary-aged children can enjoy crafty fun at High Street Methodist Church at Games & Glue on Thursday 6th August.  There is also a pre-school play area to younger siblings entertained.  Charges apply (£3 for older children, £1 for preschoolers) but there no need to book.

8. And then the next day on Friday 7th August there's a Stay & Play session aimed at under 5s, with a lego and colouring area for older siblings.  Just drop in.

7. Suitable for everyone, the second Summer Session takes place on Harpenden Common on Friday 7th August.  Friday Sounds will feature live music, food, bars and glitter tattoos in this first free community music festival.

8. Train Fun Day is back at the High Street Methodist church, a bit earlier than on some previous years, on Saturday 15th August. Drop in for train-themed fun raising money for charity.

9. And while you are in town, look out for Street Performer Angie Mack who will be on Church Green entertaining everyone with her hula-hooping skills as part of the Summer Sessions series.

10. Then on Tuesday 18th August Rothamsted Park will be filled with the sounds of the farm. Get up close with lambs, goats, rabbits and more at the free Pop-up Farm.

11. Another annual favourite - Music in Lydekker Park - is back on Saturday 22nd August, with more free music from local bands. 

12. Calling all K-Pop fans!  Harpenden Library are hosting a special K-Pop themed Page One Book Hour on 27th August. Suitable for ages 7-11.  Book at the library enquiry desk.  Charges apply.

Not for the kids, but worth a mention for the grown-ups, the final Summer Sounds is Ha Ha Harpenden Comedy Night in Park Hall on 27th August. 

Outside Harpenden and FREE

Here's some other activities that we've found in and around Harpenden that are all FREE entry...

13. If your family were fans of Draw with Rob during lockdown, there's a free exhibition of his work in St Albans Museum + Gallery until 20th September. Entry to the whole museum is free so you can take a look at the other exhibits, as well as the old courthouse and cells while you are there.

14. And if you want to make a day of it in St Albans, running until 26th July there's an augmented reality football-themed trail through the city centre. Pick up your free Summer of Football: Champions Trail sheet from the Information Point in St Albans Museum.  All you need is your mobile phone.

15. Summer of Play is back at Dunstable Downs from 20th July to 31st August. Drop in to enjoy some sporting fun as the fields around Dunstable Downs are transforme into a natural, green Sports Village with football, hockey and tennis amongst the activities on offer.   There will also be some coach-led sessions on specific dates.  Follow the link for details. Everything is drop-in.

16. Stockwood Garden Party at Stockwood Discovery Centre has expanded to three days this summer (28th - 30th July) to celebrate it's 5th anniversary.  There will be live shows, storytelling and hands-on activities, and entry is free, no need to book.

17. Part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's Big Summer Event there will be an African Drumming Workshop at Mill Green Museum on Thursday 30th July. There are three free bookable sessions and a drop-in session.

18. Part of a series of make & take sessions at Stockwood Discovery Centre, this one on 30th July, where the children can make Friendship sticks is free and drop-in.

19. The Kites Connect Festival, which is always a spectacle to behold, is back at Dunstable Downs on 1st & 2nd August.  Take along your own kite and have a go.  Entry is free, but there is a charge for the car park and it is likely to get very busy.

20. From 8th - 23rd August, there will be a free Pop Up Beach in St Albans outside the Civic Centre (near the Alban Arena).

21. At Wardown House, Museum & Gallery on 10th August, there will be Storytelling, where Martin Hanson of Osagyefo will recount tales of Africa in a way that is "bold, immersive, and unforgettable", and there will be a variety of games and crafts for families to enjoy too.

22. If you enjoy a bit of magic, trickery and sleight of have, JezO's Magic Show will be Wardown House, Museum & Gallery on Monday 24th August.  The event is free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

How about something different...

Perhaps you want to experience something different.  Here's some ideas...

23. Take a gentle ride on a canal barge and enjoy some storytelling with Summer Storyboats leaving Frogmore Paper Mill Wharf every Friday from 24th July to 28th August, three times a day.  Booking is required.

24. For any science-mad kids, the Science Boffins will be at Standalone Farm 20th - 24th July.  You ticket includes entry to the Farm.

25. Colourscape will be at Stockwood Discovery Centre 7th - 9th August.  All ages can enjoy walking through the giant labyrinth of light, colour and sound. Times slots are every 10 minutes and booking is required.

26. Family Music Day  at St Albans Cathedral will feature hands‑on activities, live demonstrations and a special performance of Peter and the Wolf. Events run throughout the day and can be enjoyed individually. Follow the link above for the timetable. There is a mix of free and ticketed events.

27. Train & Track Play will be at the Hatfield Galleria with their giant play track from Tuesday 28th July to Sunday 2nd August.  There are several sessions each day, including a SEND session at 12.20 - 1.20pm. Booking is required.

28. Get hands-on and learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground by analysing genuine finds at Verulamium Museum with Archaeology for Families every Wednesday from 29th July to 28th August. No need to book.  There is an entry fee to the museum and these sessions (at 10.30am and 11.30am) are included in the price. Enjoy the rest of this fascinating museum while you are there.

29. If you haven't visited before, Flamstead Scarecrow Festival taking place 21st - 23rd August is worth a visit.  The whole village comes together to decorate their gardens with some very imaginative, creative and funny scarecrows and whole tableaus in some cases.  Wander round, decide you favourite and vote for them. You may recognise a few characters along the way!  Entry is by suggested donation with proceeds going to local causes and you must book ahead.

Outdoor Theatre & Cinema

One of the lovely things about summer is making the most of the nice weather and enjoying all sorts of activities outdoors.  There are quite a few outdoor theatre and cinema events happening locally for all ages and tastes. All require booking in advance.

30. The Big Bad Wolf - Musical, Knebworth House & Gardens, 26th July

31. The Jungle Book by Immersion Theatre, Hatfield Park, 31st July

32. Othello - Garden Theatre, Knebworth House & Gardens, 2nd August

33. Romeo & Juliet by Immersion Theatre, Hatfield Park, 7th August

34. Matilda the Musical - Outdoor Cinema, Highfield Park St Albans, 14th August

35. Jumanji - Outdoor Cinema - Highfield Park St Albans, 15th August

36. Outdoor Theatre: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Shaw's Corner, 19th August

You can find even more performances taking place at our local theatres this summer on our What's On page.

Big Ticket Days (and Nights) Out

And finally, for this article anyway, if you are looking for a whole family day out, here's some options...

37. Join the Zoo Crew and find out what it's like to be a zookeeper at Whipsnade Zoo with activity stations throughout the zoo featuring fun roleplay and costume dress-up, basic and more advanced challenges giving an insight into feeding the animals to caring for their health and even helping to protect them in the wild. Included with admission. 18th July - 2nd September.

38. With the A-maize-ing Maze, Foam Fun, Puddle Play Park, Adventure Golf Course, Indoor Beach and much more the Summer Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm offers an action-packed day for the family. 18th July - 2nd September.

39. Great British Summer at Wrest Park is inspired by timeless holiday traditions and will include fairground activities, circus skills station and puppet antics. 18th July - 6th September.

40. Big Wild Sleepout at RSPB Rye Meads offers a unique opportunity to spend a night in the wild as a family and take part in activities on the reserve. It's is taking place on 24th July and again on 31st July.  Booking is required and you will need your own tents and camping equipment.

41. If you love planes, and particularly old planes then the Summer Air Show at Shuttleworth takes place on 25th July.

42. Celtic Harmony Camp have two whole-day experiences for families on offer this summer.  Summer Celtic Warrior Experience on 24th July and 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th & 21st August offers "an action-packed day of ancient skills and outdoor adventure" and The Games, running 27th - 31st July offers "an immersive day filled with new experiences from archery to axe throwing, explore the woods on a Boudicca Warrior Quest and test your strength and skills of coordination in The Grass Arena". All require booking in advance/

Believe it or not, that's just the tip of the iceberg!  With over 150 events activities on our What's On page at the last count, and more still being added, you can find lots more arts & craft, hand-on exploration, trail, theatre, music, outdoor fun and big days out to suit all ages and interests this summer.  And of course you can find lots more attractions to visit, outdoor spaces to enjoy and leisure activities to try listed in our Things To Do section.

Have fun!