We all love to visit the stunning county and area we live in, but to really make the most of the time we have off throughout the year and enjoy an incredibly memorable day a great option is to head out to an event! If you’re scratching your head as to where to go and when, keep an eye on Stevenage’s calendar, throughout the year it’s bursting with events from the family friendly, musical, cultural, and creative, to food and drink special events! The only problem is that you’ll need to somehow get your diary free.
Days, weeks and months for the whole family
As the days roll in come Winter, there is plenty to look forward to. Watch as the town comes alive with twinkly lights and Christmas cheer – at the centre of that is the Christmas Market, with plenty of stalls offering handmade and thoughtful gifts. At the Gordon Craig Theatre there is another award-winning Panto, The New Adventures of Peter Pan, which is running until the 19th January. And for 2025 tickets for Dick Whittington & his Cat are already on sale.
Not to be held to a specific time of year, be sure to take a trip to Stevenage Museum, when Family Saturdays are held which feature free drop-in family friendly craft days, from Ancient Egyptians to Pirates. Plus, the museum is the go-to location for themed kids parties, offering the likes of dinosaurs to Alice in Wonderland.
Throughout the year there are plenty of events in the centre of town to take the family, visiting friends or family and of course yourselves for a weekend day out. Previous exciting days have included screenings of big sporting events such as Wimbledon and the Euro’s and play days for the kids. Follow the Stevenage events calendar for what’s to come!
If you’d like to delve into the town’s scientific prowess, be sure to check out the STEM Discovery Centre. This facility is an education hub and often hosts events where visitors can learn about everything from space to biology and DNA. Plus there’s a programme for kids as part of their summer holiday club.
Just outside of the town at Knebworth House, the Classic Motor Show is a celebration of any road going vehicles – think static displays, an arena hosting parades of all kinds of vehicles - saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. Plus, on site there’ll be children’s entertainment, live music, hot food, and shopping stalls.
Stevenage goes live
From discovering new rock bands to listening to the summer dance hits that were the soundtracks of the 90’s, Stevenage has you covered with their year-long music calendar! Not only can you see live entertainment in venues in the old town, but throughout the year it takes over the whole town. For instance, in August, Old Town Live floods Stevenage Old Town High Street and its restaurants and shops with bands for whatever your mood might be – including some from BBC Music Introducing!
Another event we can’t miss is of course Stevenage Day on June 8. On the King George V Playing Fields, there’ll be over 200 stalls with a diverse array of specialist food vendors, charities, voluntary organisations, and local businesses, a Pride and LGBTQ+ community area, and Rock in the Park – with plenty of rock and acoustic music for everyone to enjoy.
For those looking for festival vibes right here in Hertfordshire, the Todd in the Hole Festival should be marked on your calendars. Held in July each year, this independent festival has stacks of live music, cabaret to a kids arena so the whole family can come along!
Stevenage Festival of the Arts is a biannual event that is normally held over two weeks in June, the festival provides a wide range of arts, culture, music, poetry and fringe events, hosted in venues across the town.
Taste and savour
We can’t help but be drawn in by a good food and drink day out, and here in Stevenage, we’re spoilt! In the spring, the Broken Seal Tap Room hosts their Spring Beer Festival, celebrating their local brews alongside a few other breweries from across the country! In July, celebrate the culture food and music of the Philippines with the Barrio Fiesta – a day full of fun and incredible dishes at Event Island. Plus, in the old town there’s a host of world food establishments that are just waiting to serve you Turkish, Thai to tapas!
If you need some fresh supplies and want to actually to meet the growers and producers, head to the Stevenage Farmers Market held every second Saturday of each month. From 10am to 2pm you can wander and savour the likes of honey, poultry, ciders to plants!
Sporting prowess
Stevenage Football Club is the League One team that excites crowds with matches against teams from across the country, so be sure to keep an eye on their match calendar for their next fixture. Plus, if your kids have been glimpsing at the bright lights of professional football, there are a range of children’s and family activities run by the Stevenage FC Foundation throughout the year. You might also be keen to know that the Stevenage FC ground is home to the 76 Comedy Club, where you can have an evening of top-flight comedy with a meal and drink included in your ticket.
Fairlands Valley Park
Set in the heart of Stevenage the 120 acre Fairlands Valley Park has no less than four lakes, a splash park (perfect for those scorching days!), as well as being just moments away from a large children’s play area and a café. On the main lake, you can hire pedalos, rowing boats and stand up paddle boards, and if you are looking for even more water-themed adventure, take on the new Aqua Parc!
Think this is just about the summer? Of course it isn’t! Fairlands Valley Park’s Show Ground also hosts a variety of events from circuses, funfairs and specialist event days such as car shows and food festivals...
You might not have been in the know, but now you are – Stevenage is a haven for cars! Each year, and for the 14th year in 2024, the A602’s Autorama Show heads to the Show Ground and brings along an eclectic mix of hot rods, classics and many more.
In August there is the Taste of the Caribbean Festival, which showcases delicious dishes and artisan markets from the Caribbean Islands and its rich cultural diversity. The day brings together stalls, live music stage, kids activities and a funfair.