Half Term Happenings & Halloween Highlights! 🎃✨

Right then, Harpenden! Half term is officially here, and blimey, have we got a week lined up for you! 🎉 Whether you're sorting the kids with fab holiday camps, getting your spook on at Halloween Haunt Fest, picking the perfect pumpkin under festoon lights, or treating yourself to comedy, wine tasting, and live music – this week's got something for absolutely everyone! 🎃🎊

THURSDAY 23rd OCTOBER

9:30am Rachel's Body Tone class at The EMC, followed by another session at 7pm at Katherine Warrington School – perfect if you've been overindulging in the autumnal treats! 💪

10am-10:30am and 11:30am-12pm – Got little ones? Baby Rhyme Time is happening at Harpenden Library – donations welcome, and your sanity will thank you for the entertainment! 🍼

5pm – After work drinks celebrating the Athena Harpenden group launch at the George! Come along and raise a glass to girl power! 🥂

5:30pm – Wedding bells on your mind? There's a Wedding Open Evening at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club – explore the venue, chat to the team, and start planning your perfect day! 💍

6:30pm-8:30pm – Now here's where it gets properly festive – Marshmallows & Pumpkins at The Pop Up Farm! Picture this: pumpkin picking under festoon lights, a torch-lit path (ooh, spooky!), a firepit for toasting marshmallows, ceramic pumpkin painting, and hot food in their Red Shed with vegan options. Free parking too – what more could you want? 🎃🔥

7:30pm – Fancy some four-part harmony? The Harpenden Barbershop Harmony Club has an Open Rehearsal Night at 9 Yeomans Avenue. Experience the joy of singing – no audition required, just enthusiasm! 🎵

7:30pm – Flower fans, don't miss the Harpenden Evening Floral Group at All Saints Church Hall, where Morag Bennett will demonstrate 'There are Fairies at the Bottom of my Garden'. All arrangements get raffled, and there'll be tea, coffee, and biscuits. Visitors £8 on the evening. For more info, email [email protected] 🌸🧚

7:30pm-9:30pm – For those with a creative streak, the Harpenden Art Club session at Salvation Army Halls features a talk and demonstration on AI by Marcus Borg. Yes, AI! We're not sure if the robots will take over art too, but let's find out together! 🎨🤖

7:30pm-9:30pm – The eco-conscious among you will want to head to The Plough and Harrow for the OPOF book club discussing "A Climate of Truth" by Mike Berners-Lee. It's a spin-off from Our Planet Our Future and promises lively, informed discussion on the latest eco-issues. 🌍📚

8pm – Because it's Thursday, that means Quiz Night at The Harpenden Arms! Battle of wits time – get your team of up to 6 together and prepare for some serious brain-teasing action! 🧠🏆

6pm-10:30pm – If you're feeling brave (very brave), Halloween Haunt Fest at Hertfordshire County Showground kicks off tonight and continues through the weekend. This new immersive scream park features iconic brands like Texas Chainsaw Massacre – definitely not one for the faint-hearted! 😱

FRIDAY 24th OCTOBER

9:30am – Rise and shine for Rachel's Body Tone at The Harpenden Trust (above the Co-Op in Southdown) – work off that Friday feeling before it's even begun! 💪

11am – Little dancers aged 2-3 can twirl away with Ballet with Zoe at The Harpenden Trust. Email [email protected] for a trial!

12:30pm-2:30pm – Something rather intriguing – Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy (behind Nonna's Cafe) is running CalmParents4CalmKids, helping parents co-regulate themselves and their kids. Could be a game-changer! £60pp, max 8 people. 🧘

2pm – Ballet with Zoe continues for 3-4 year olds at The Harpenden Trust!

Friday evenings – Top Hat Stage School runs at Roundwood Park School for ages 4-17. Free trial, no experience needed – future West End stars, this is your moment! ⭐

7:30pm – Comedy lovers, you're in for a treat at The EMC! Nurse Georgie Carroll is back with her brand-new show "Infectious" – she's a nurse turned comedian who's brilliantly funny and unstoppable. £26, ages 14+. Prepare to laugh until it hurts! 😂

6pm-11pm – Halloween Haunt Fest continues if you missed it yesterday and fancy being terrified! 👻

SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER

10am – Vinyl enthusiasts, rejoice! The Harpenden Record Fair is at St George's School. Thousands of records and CDs to browse, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out. Free entry AND free parking – now that's music to our ears! 🎵💿

11am – Something rather special – the Opening of The Field of Remembrance and launch of the Poppy Appeal at the War Memorial, Church Green. A poignant and important moment. 🌺

All day – The Pop Up Farm's Pumpkin Festival continues! Explore their 12-acre patch, shop pre-picked pumpkins from The Red Shed, conquer the Big Bales Stack (a mountain of huge straw bales with glorious views), and let the little ones enjoy the tractor tyre sandpit. Hot dogs and ice cream at The Pit Stop Café too! 🎃🚜

1pm – Get your steps in with the Harpenden Health Walk – everyone's welcome! Meeting outside the Village Surgery on Amenbury Lane for a 45-60 min stroll, with refreshments available after at Bennets. Perfect for a Saturday constitutional! 🚶‍♀️

3pm-6pm – Celebrating Diwali in Harpenden? Head to The EMC for the story of Diwali, Indian sweets and savouries, children's arts and crafts, and interactive games. A beautiful festival of lights! 🪔✨

7pm – In memory of Graham 'Crackers' Cracker, there's a Macmillan Charity Darts Night at Bennet's. £10 per ticket available at the bar – darts for a good cause! 🎯

7pm for 7:30pm start – Fancy something sophisticated? The Friends of Cosne Wine Tasting Soirée at Park Hall. Jamie Ellis from Hedley Wright Wine Merchants will entertain you through sparkling wine, whites, rosé, reds, and a dessert wine. There's even a raffle! £22 per person. 🍷

7:30pm – Britain's Got Talent sensation Tom Ball brings his Spotlight tour to The EMC! Simon Cowell called him "simply sensational" – with 85 million views and comparisons to Michael Ball and Michael Bublé, this is one not to miss. £28.50 🎤

9:30pm-midnight – Dance the night away with The Soul Enforcement Bureau at The Plough & Harrow – this 8-piece band covers all your Soul & Motown favourites! 🕺💃

6pm-11pm – Halloween Haunt Fest continues for your scream-filled pleasure!

SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER

9:05am – Early risers and runners, the 905 Run Club meets at The park Harpenden (near Brad and Dills) for a FREE 5km run. Choose 5K or 3K, then enjoy a social chat and coffee at Brad and Dills afterwards. What a way to start Sunday! ☕🏃

10am-2pm – The Harpenden Farmers' Market brings you local produce, artisan food, and lovely stalls. Support local and fill your basket with goodies! 🥕🧀

Sunday mornings – Budding performers aged 3-18 can join Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools at Katherine Warrington School. Two-week trial available! 🎭

MONDAY 27th OCTOBER - HALF TERM WEEK BEGINS!

Right, parents – this is your week! Multiple camp options to keep the little ones entertained while you maybe, just maybe, get a cup of tea while it's still hot! ☕

8am-4pm – The Apex Multi-Activity Holiday Camps at Roundwood Primary (£35), offering sports games, team building, inflatables, battlezone and more for 5-12 year olds! 🏃‍♂️

9:30am-3:30pm – Artshed Half Term Camp at Roundwood Primary School for 6-12 year olds (5 at their discretion). 2-day camps £80, or Friday only for £40. Wrap-around care available 8:30am-4:30pm with sibling discounts! 🎨

9:30am-3:30pm – Titans FA Half Term Camp at St George's School, suitable for 5-14 year olds. Academy standard football coaching for all levels – £35-40 per session. ⚽

Also offering half-term activities: FizzBug, Baking Buddies, and Little Gym

10:30am-12pm – For the grown-ups, Harpenden Library Coffee Morning – come for a natter and a brew!

1pm-3:30pm – Mencap Harpenden Allotment Club meets – a practical, outdoor social club where you'll learn about planting, harvesting, watering, and weeding! 🌱

3:45pm-4:45pm – LEGO Club at Harpenden Library – fun challenges building problem-solving, spatial awareness, and creative thinking. £4.40 per session, children under 8 need an adult. Book ahead as places are limited! 🧱

TUESDAY 28th OCTOBER

2:15pm-2:45pm – StoryTime at Harpenden Library – all welcome, donations appreciated! 📚

3pm-4:30pm – Fancy a crafty afternoon? Craftea at Harpenden Library. Bring your own project and join the friendly group for a chat. Everyone welcome, no booking needed! 🧶

8pm-9pm – History buffs, the Harpenden & District Local History Society lecture – Dr Alexander Thomas presents "Grain, Trade and Pilgrims: Harpenden from Prehistory to Medieval". Free to members and students, £5 donation for visitors. Just turn up! 🏛️

9pm – Quiz fans, it's Weekly Quiz at The Engineer! Max 6 per team, £1 entry, cash prizes. Get your thinking caps on! 🧠

WEDNESDAY 29th OCTOBER

10:30am-1pm – Autumn Open Day at The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate – crafty fun with an autumn theme! £5 per child, £3 per adult, under 2s free. No pre-booking required! 🍂

11:30am-1:30pm – The Harpenden Trust Well Bean Community Café runs every Wednesday above the Co-Op on Southdown Road. Pop in for a cuppa! ☕

5pm-7pm – Belief Dynamics Hypnotherapy runs their "Wise & Wonderful: for seniors wishing to flourish" workshop. £45pp, max 8 people. Behind Nonna's Cafe!

6pm-10:30pm – Halloween Haunt Fest returns – another chance to get spooked! 👻

ONGOING COMPETITIONS & ACTIVITIES

Two brilliant opportunities for young artists! Whittaker & Co's Christmas Window Design Competition is back for children up to 16 years old – submit your festive drawing by November 3rd, and if chosen, it'll be in their window all December! Winner revealed at Harpenden Lights Up on November 23rd! 🎄

The Mayor of Harpenden's Christmas Card Design Competition is open to budding artists aged 4-11. Your design could become the official Christmas Card and then YOU get to turn on the Christmas lights with the Mayor! Send your A4 design by November 7th! ✨

11am-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – The Harpenden Museum at the Eric Morecambe Centre is open. Don't miss the George Hogg exhibition (extended to end of November) or "Everyday Life in Edwardian Harpenden" (running until January 2026)! They're looking for volunteers too – marketing secretary and website editor roles available!

Fancy creating a Trail of Discovery? You could research an historic building, garden, museum, or village and create an engaging trail for people of all ages. No experience necessary, just interest and enthusiasm! Email [email protected] 📍

COMING UP SOON

10:30am and 2:30pm on Thurs 30th & Fri 31st Oct – Mini Professors Spooky Science (£15 per child, ages 3-9, booking essential) at 1st Harpenden Scout Hut! 🔬👻

4pm on Sun 2nd Nov – Harpenden Rugby Club Fireworks – one of Harpenden's favourite family nights with spectacular fireworks, food, drink, and buzzing atmosphere! On-site parking £10 or shuttle bus from Harpenden £3 return! 🎆

6:30pm-8:30pm on Thu 6th Nov – Greek Meze evening at the Silver Palate for Stand Up to Cancer – delicious food for a great cause!

2:30pm every Sunday from November – Brad and Dills are doing Roast Dinners at The park. Book in store or DM on Insta! 🍖

Phew! That's your week sorted! Get out there and enjoy everything Harpenden has to offer! 🎉✨