Harpenden's Autumn Spectacular! 🍂✨

Autumn is well and truly in full swing, Harpenden, and our gorgeous town is absolutely bursting with seasonal celebrations and activities! This week we've got everything from the fabulous Apple Fest and Pumpkin Festival to moon lantern-making at the library, plus all your regular favourites like quiz nights, fitness classes, coffee mornings, and the spectacular opening of Guys and Dolls at The Eric Morecambe Centre! Whether you're after hayrides and pumpkin picking, cultural talks and theatre, or simply a cosy cuppa with friends, there's something for absolutely everyone. So grab your scarves, embrace those crisp autumn days, and get ready to make the most of everything our wonderful community has to offer! 🎃✨

Thursday 2nd October

9:00am – 11:30am: Aldwickbury School Open Morning 🏫 This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to wander through and experience real, genuine day-to-day school life – not some staged perfection! You'll get to see what actually happens in the classrooms, meet the teachers, and ask all those burning questions. Book your spot here.

9:30am: Classes with Rachel - Body Tone at The EMC 💪 Start your Thursday the right way with Rachel's Body Tone class! Whether you're looking to tone up or just get your endorphins flowing, this is the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up. Rachel's classes are welcoming to all fitness levels!

10am – 10:30am: Baby Rhyme Time at Harpenden Library 👶 Bring your tiny tots along for this delightful session of rhymes, songs, and giggles! It's a wonderful way for babies to explore sounds and rhythms, plus it's a lovely chance to meet other parents. Donations welcome but not required.

11:30am – 12pm: Baby Rhyme Time at Harpenden Library (Second Session) 📚 Missed the earlier one? No problem! Another chance for your little one to join in the fun with more rhymes and songs. The library staff are absolutely lovely!

2:15pm: U3a Fortnightly Meeting - The Royals of Monaco 👑 Head to Abbeyfield Hall (above the Co-op) for what sounds like a fascinating talk! Sharon Torres will be sharing all about The Royals of Monaco – from Grace Kelly's Hollywood glamour to the modern-day Grimaldis. Perfect for history buffs and royal watchers alike!

4pm: Moon Festival at Harpenden Library 🌙 Celebrate mid-autumn in the most creative way! Your children can make their very own animal-themed moon lanterns using old library books – how brilliantly eco-friendly! At just £3 per child, it's an absolute bargain for some seriously crafty autumnal fun.

7pm: Classes with Rachel - Body Tone at Katherine Warrington School 🏃‍♀️ Missed the morning session? Rachel's got you covered with an evening Body Tone class! Perfect for those who work during the day. Check out her full weekly schedule for loads more options including Zumba and Pure Stretch!

7pm – 9pm: Mencap Harpenden Britannia Club 🎨 The Britannia Club is all about learning new skills, making genuine friendships, and trying new things! Games nights, food experiences, arts and crafts, pub visits, and more in a supportive, fun environment. Email [email protected] to join!

7:30pm - 9:30pm: Harpenden Art Club at Salvation Army Halls 🎨 Join this inclusive, lively and friendly programme for all abilities. Tonight's session features a Workshop on Anatomy with Mike Walker. The club meets most Thursday evenings from September to May, and their annual exhibition takes place in the Harpenden Trust Centre during the first weekend of November (deadline for exhibition entry forms is 9th October).

8pm: Quiz Night at The Harpenden Arms 🧠 It's Thursday, which means it's time for the weekly battle of wits! Gather your cleverest friends (up to 6 per team) and prepare for some serious brain-teasing action. Whether you're a quiz veteran or complete newbie, it's always a brilliant laugh!

Friday 3rd October

9:30am: Classes with Rachel - Body Tone at The Harpenden Trust 💪 Kick off your Friday feeling fabulous! Rachel's Body Tone class above the Co-Op in Southdown is the perfect way to set yourself up for the weekend.

9:30am – 10:15am: Adult Ballet Bootcamps at Musicale by St George's School 🩰 These bootcamps are designed to sculpt and strengthen your body while releasing all that neck and back tension from sitting at desks. It's a proper workout that'll leave your muscles feeling refreshed and lengthened.

11am: Ballet with Zoe (2-3 year olds) at The Harpenden Trust 👧 Lively ballet lessons for the tiniest dancers! Zoe makes ballet accessible and fun for 2-3 year olds, getting them moving, learning coordination, and having a blast. For a trial class, email [email protected].

2pm: Ballet with Zoe (3-4 year olds) at The Harpenden Trust 🎀 The slightly older tots get their turn with Zoe! These sessions are perfectly pitched for 3-4 year olds who are ready for a bit more structure but still need plenty of fun and imagination.

7pm – 11pm: Live Musician at The George 🎸 Friday night done right! The George always puts on a cracking evening of live music, perfect for unwinding after the working week. Grab your mates, order a drink, and settle in for fantastic entertainment!

Friday evenings: Top Hat Stage School at Roundwood Park School 🎭 For budding performers aged 4-17! Top Hat offers a free trial and you need zero experience to join. These sessions build confidence, creativity, and performance skills in the most supportive environment.

Saturday 4th October

10am - 10:30am: Harpenden Library Saturday Storytime 📚 These interactive story sessions are perfect for pre-school children to enjoy with their parent/carer. Discover lots of new stories as well as old favourites like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo. Then choose your own books to borrow and share at home. Sessions are free (donations welcomed), and you don't have to book in advance.

11:30am – 4pm: Apple Fest at Highfield Oval 🍎 YWAM is putting on a proper family festival with hayrides, archery, apple sling-shot, market stalls, food, inflatables, and games galore! It's £2.50 for parking (card payments only). This is wholesome family fun at its finest!

Saturday 4th – running through October: Pumpkin Festival at The Pop up Farm 🎃 The Pop up Farm near Redbourn (just off M1 Junction 9) is hosting their famous Pumpkin Festival! Explore their enormous 12-acre patch, shop pre-picked pumpkins in The Red Shed, and climb the 'Big Bales Stack' for glorious views over the fields. Little ones will love the tractor tyre sandpit, and The Pit Stop Café has hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream with vegan options! Whether you're hunting for the perfect jack-o-lantern or autumn décor, this place has everything.

9:30pm – 11:30pm: The x-certs at The Plough & Harrow 🎤 Saturday night just got groovier! This 4-piece band covers all the classics from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether you're into flower power, disco, new wave, or Britpop, they'll have you singing along!

Sunday 5th October

Sunday mornings: Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools at Katherine Warrington School 🌟 Every Sunday morning, Jigsaw runs fantastic performing arts sessions for ages 3-18. Singing, dancing, and drama with a two-week trial available. Call 01923 701803 to find out more!

9:30am – 2pm: Redbourn Car Boot Sale at The Herts Showground 🚗 Sunday morning treasure hunting! From vintage finds to practical household items, books to toys, it's all there. Perfect for bargain hunters and collectors. Pitch charges range from £13 for cars if you fancy selling!

Monday 6th October

9:30am – 10:45am: Monday Morning Yoga at Batford Memorial Hall 🧘‍♀️ What a lovely way to start the week! Barbara's Monday Morning Yoga is perfect for setting yourself up with calm, strength, and flexibility. There's a free trial session available – email [email protected]!

10am – 12pm: Bennet's Coffee Morning with Parents and Toddlers ☕ Bennet's Royal British Legion (21 Leyton Road) opens its doors for coffee and play! While you grab a much-needed hot drink and chat with other grown-ups, your little ones can play safely in a welcoming space.

10:30am – 12pm: Harpenden Library Coffee Morning 📚 Pop into the library for a relaxed coffee morning every Monday! Friendly faces, good conversation, and that wonderful library atmosphere. Plus, you might discover your next great read!

1pm – 3:30pm: Mencap Harpenden Allotment Club 🌱 Get your hands dirty in the best possible way! This practical, outdoor social club meets at a vibrant local allotment where you'll learn everything about planting, harvesting, watering, and weeding. Email [email protected] to join!

3:45pm – 4:45pm: LEGO Club at Harpenden Library 🧱 Calling all master builders! Fun challenges that build problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and creative thinking. It's £4.40 per session, places are limited so book ahead. Children under 8 need an adult with them!

Tuesday 7th October

2:15pm – 2:45pm: StoryTime at Harpenden Library 📖 The library welcomes everyone for half an hour of storytelling that sparks imagination! Babies, toddlers, older siblings – the more the merrier. Donations appreciated but all are welcome regardless.

9pm: Weekly Quiz at The Engineer 🧠 Tuesday night is quiz night! Maximum 6 per team, just £1 entry, and there are cash prizes up for grabs. Whether your team is strong on history, sports, or pop culture, it's always a brilliant laugh!

Wednesday 8th October

10:30am – 10:30am: 50+ Gentle Pilates at The Harpenden Trust 🧘 This gentle Pilates class is specifically designed for the over-50s, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and mobility in a supportive way. Find out more at pushmefitherts.com!

11:30am – 1:30pm: The Harpenden Trust Well Bean Community Café ☕ Every Wednesday, the Well Bean Community Café opens for a drop-in session above the Co-Op on Southdown Road. A place where anyone can pop in for a cuppa, a chat, and a bit of company. No need to book!

2:15pm – 3pm: Active Rhyme Time at Park Hall Community Hall 👶 Baby Rhyme Time with an active twist! A free 45-minute session of fun, energetic rhymes and songs to get your baby or toddler moving. Older siblings are absolutely welcome too!

4pm: Ballet with Zoe (4-6 year olds) at The Harpenden Trust 🩰 Wednesday afternoon is when the 4-6 year olds get their ballet fix with Zoe! Lively lessons that are structured enough to teach proper technique but still full of imagination. Email [email protected] for a trial!

7:30pm Wednesday 8th – Saturday 11th October: Guys and Dolls at The Eric Morecambe Centre 🎭 This is the BIG ONE! Harpenden Musical Theatre Company presents Frank Loesser's absolute classic! This timeless tale features unforgettable tunes including the hilarious "Adelaide's Lament," the romantic "I've Never Been in Love Before," and the iconic "Luck Be a Lady." Local amateur theatre at its finest with all the heart and talent that makes these productions so special. Tickets from £20, shows at 7:30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm!

Ongoing Activities to Keep on Your Radar!

Baby Sensory Classes at Harpenden Methodist Church 🍂 Only a few spaces left for the autumn term (runs to 27 November with half-term break 20-30 October)! Brilliant for your baby's development through play, music, lights, and age-appropriate activities.

Harpenden & District Local History Society 🏛️ Support the museum, run by volunteers, and the Society. Why not participate in their activities and volunteer for the museum rota or other vacant roles? They're particularly looking for a marketing secretary and website editor at present – many hands make light work!

Harpenden Rugby Club Mini's 🏉 Interested in getting into rugby? Drop a line to [email protected]! Rugby's brilliant for building teamwork, fitness, and resilience with a fantastic community atmosphere.

Harpenden Learning for Leisure 📚 This voluntary group runs local educational courses on diverse topics – history, art, languages, crafts, and more. Meeting others and keeping your mind active at affordable prices.

That's quite the week we've got ahead! From pumpkin patches to quizzes, ballet to bootcamps – our beautiful town is absolutely buzzing! Get out there and make the most of everything wonderful Harpenden has to offer! 🌟

See you out and about! 💙

Got a local event or special day you'd like us to feature? We'd love to hear from you! Just drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll shine our spotlight on your community happenings! ✨

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