October half term is nearly here, Halloween is just around the corner and fireworks season is not far behind! We’ve rounded up some of the family-friendly events happening in and around Harpenden over the holidays and beyond, so you can start filling up the diary.

This guide is proudly sponsored by Monkey Music Harpenden & St Albans.

OCTOBER HALF TERM

1. On Monday 26th October, Red Robin’s Winter Song comes to the Hat Factory Arts Centre in Luton, with performances at 11.30am and 2pm. Follow Red Robin as she discovers what happens when the woodland animals prepare for winter in this gentle and engaging family show.

2. Get creative at Make Your Clay Creature at Stockwood Discovery Centre during half term. Children aged 4–11 can squish, shape and sculpt their own creepy clay creature to take home.

3. The Amazing Bubbleman comes to the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden on Monday 26th October at 2pm. Expect incredible bubble tricks, illusions and plenty of bubbly science in this spectacular family show.

4. Get creative this half term with Spiders & Webs! A fun, spooky activity for little ones to get stuck into during the Halloween season.

5. Dance in the Dark comes to the Hat Factory Arts Centre in Luton on Tuesday 27th October, with performances at 11.30am and 2pm. This interactive family dance and music show is designed to get children involved and moving along with the performers. [EVENT PAGE TO CREATE]

6. On Wednesday 28th October, head to the Hat Factory for WiFi Wars: Halloween Special — an interactive gaming and quiz show packed with challenges and audience participation.

7. The Harpenden Arms is hosting a Kids Quiz on Wednesday 28th October, aimed particularly at children aged 7–13. A fun option if you're looking for something local to do during half term.

8. Get crafty at Halloween Creative Make & Take at Wardown on Wednesday 28th October. Children can make their own spooky creations at Wardown House, Museum & Gallery in Luton.

9. Explore the Walled Garden at Autumn Open Day & Tool Amnesty at Luton Hoo on Wednesday 28th October. The event runs from 10.30am–1pm and offers a chance to explore the garden during its autumn season.

10. On Thursday 29th October, Flotsam comes to the Hat Factory Arts Centre, with performances at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. This imaginative opera for young children is based on the picture book by David Wiesner.

11. On Friday 30th October, Family Film Club: Monster Family comes to the Hat Factory Arts Centre, offering a family-friendly cinema morning at 10.30am.

12. Finish half term with some Halloween crafting at Halloween Creative Make & Take at Hat Factory on Friday 30th October. There are three sessions throughout the day, making this an easy creative activity to fit around your plans.

13. Take to the water with Halloween Storyboats at Frogmore Paper Mill on Friday 30th October for a Halloween-themed family experience.

14. For an after-dark pumpkin experience, Pumpkin Family Night at The Pop Up Farm takes place on Thursday 29th October from 6.30–9.30pm, with pumpkin picking, live music, firepits and marshmallows. 

15. Step into a magical world this half term at Witches & Wizards Week at Hatfield Park, with plenty of spooky fun for little witches and wizards. Don’t miss the Witches & Wizards hat-decorating workshop, where children can get creative and design their very own magical hat to take home!

HALLOWEEN

16. If pumpkin picking is on your Halloween wish list, Pumpkin & Squash Festival at The Pop Up Farm runs right through to Saturday 31st October. Grab a wheelbarrow and head into the pumpkin patch before enjoying the farm's autumnal activities, food and drink.

17. For a full day of spooky farm fun, Spook-Fest at Aldenham Country Park runs until 31st October. There are Halloween-themed activities, pumpkin picking and carving on selected dates, interactive scarecrow activities and the Horrid Hay Tractor Ride.

18. Celebrate the Celtic New Year at Samhain Celebrations at Celtic Harmony Camp, running until Halloween. The final day includes the week's activities followed by a special fire procession.

19. On Saturday 31st October, get creative at Halloween Creative Make & Take at Stockwood Discovery Centre for some spooky half-term crafting. 

FIREWORKS

20. On Sunday 1st November, Wheathampstead Fireworks 2026 returns to Beech Hyde Primary School. There'll be food, hot drinks, sweet treats and family entertainment, followed by the fireworks. There's also a quieter space with direct views of the display for younger children or anyone who finds fireworks overwhelming.

21. Stay local for Fireworks Night 2026 at Katherine Warington School on Friday 6th November. Doors open at 6pm, with the fireworks starting at 7pm. It's a Low Bang display, with music, BBQ, hot drinks, games and more. 

22. Head to Verulamium Park on Saturday 7th November for the St Albans Fireworks Spectacular, with food and entertainment before the main fireworks display at 7.30pm.

23. Also on Saturday 7th November, Crabtree School Fireworks Spectacular offers another local option, with gates opening at 5.30pm and fireworks starting at around 6.30pm.

With so much happening over half term, Halloween and fireworks season, there's plenty to keep the family entertained! Keep an eye on our What's On page for more events as they're added, and if you know of an event we've missed, let us know.