What's On listings for all the family
Compiled by Anna Blackshaw
To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.
Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
Many activities and events require advance booking.
Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.
Boost your child’s confidence with a FREE Perform class
As the buzz of the new school year begins, why not enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special. Perform’s dynamic classes are expertly crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication, and coordination – skills that complement their academic journey beautifully. Sessions are packed with drama-based games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell whilst energetic children have the perfect outlet to express themselves.
Parents talk about the transformative experiences their children have had with Perform:
‘My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious but he LOVES Perform. I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!’
‘The teaching team are truly amazing. They have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.’
This term, 4-7 year olds are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds will enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit.
Classes are held in Edgeware, Northwood, Ickenham, Pinner, Harrow, Ruislip, Stanmore, Watford, Cricklewood and Kensal Rise. Every child is welcome to try a FREE class. To book, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
Holiday fun with Aladdin and friends this October half-term in Pinner
Step onto Aladdin’s magic carpet and prepare to be swept away on an Arabian adventure in Perform’s three-day drama, dance and singing holiday course for 4-10s this October half-term. Mon 28-Wed 30 Oct, 10am to 3pm each day.
Visit www.perform.org.uk/aladdin for more info and to book.
SEPTEMBER
Sun 1–Sun 29 Sep
Big Bandstand (WD18)
After extensive refurbishment the bandstand moved back to its original home in Cassiobury Park in September 2016. Situated near the Cafe in the Park, every weekend it plays host to a jam-packed programme of FREE live shows, playing everything from jazz to ukulele and lots of traditional brass bands to enjoy. 3-5pm. www.watfordevents.com/ bigbandstand
Sat 7 Sep
2024 Pinner Rotary Village Show (HA5)
A fun packed day of entertainment for all the family in Pinner Memorial Park. There will be over 45 stalls representing local organisations and small businesses. The food court has a wide range of food stalls and a licensed bar with Pimms and draft beer. There will be rides for the children plus many activities and a face painter. 11.30am-5pm. www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page. php?PgID=943306&ClubID=827
Sat 7 Sep
Watford Memory Walk (WD18) Head along to Cassiobury Park, Watford and share an incredible day with others who understand how it feels to be affected by dementia. Share advice, laughter, and support at the Watford Memory Walk. And when you cross the finish line, celebrate with your medal, knowing you have walked for a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. First walk starts at 11am, Routes 3.5km or 9km.
www.alzheimers.org.uk/memorywalk/find-a-walk/watford
Sat 7 Sep
Croxfest (WD3)
Croxfest is a yearly music festival in Croxley Green held on The Green. It is FREE for all to attend – enjoy a varied line-up of acts in a familyfriendly atmosphere. https://croxfest.co.uk
Sat 7 Sep
Heritage Open Days (SE10)
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 organisations, 5,500 events and 46,000 volunteers. This year, the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre – home to Royal Museums Greenwich’s stored collections and conservation studios will be joining in the festivities. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/princephilip-maritime-collections-centre/ heritage-open-days
Sat 7 Sep
Around the Park in 80 Minutes: A Challenge-Filled Race (TW5) Head to Cranford Country Park for a fun race challenge around the park. 12-4pm, open to all ages, no need to book, just turn up on the day. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/around-the-park?event id=9582-4517-6198-0989
Sat 7 Sep
Sensory Stories (SW13) Immerse yourself in nature at the London Wetland Centre with the enchanting storyteller Olivia Armstrong. Join in with a sensory storytelling adventure crafted for families with special educational needs and disabilities. Journey through different parts of the Centre, celebrating the changing seasons with stories, songs and sensory props. 9-10am. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/events/sensorystories
Sat 7 Sep
Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine (SW3)
Grab your scrubs and wash your hands as you delve into the world of army medicine in this interactive family tour at the National Army Museum. How did doctors used to cure headaches? A fun filled family tour all about Army Medicine. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ marching-orders-marvellousmedicine-1
WHAT’S ON
Sat 7–Sun 29 Sep
Potato Shindig (AL4)
Get your dungarees on, it’s time to dig up your FREE bucket of potatoes at Willow’s Activity Farm. www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ events/potato-shindig
Sun 8 Sep
River Pinn: Archaeology, Nature and Human Development (HA4)
Join in with a nature and human development at Manor Farm. Activities include: a nature walk at 11am; pond dipping at 1pm; a history of the River Pinn and beyond talk at 2pm; all day exhibitions. All ages. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/river-pinn?event id=4555-9442-4083-2532
Sun 8 Sep
Annual Harefield Fun Run and Family Day (UB9)
Lace up your shoes and join in with a scenic stroll, jog, or run through the breath-taking Harefield countryside. Stay for an afternoon filled with delicious food, lively music and family activities. www.rbhcharity.org/Event/annualharefield-fun-run-and-family-day
Mon 9–Sun 22 Sep
Fairtrade Fortnight (WD17)
This year, Be the Change, by picking up Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade. Look for the Fairtrade Stand in St Mary’s on 8 Sep and in Atria on 14 Sep. www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/ current-campaigns/fairtradefortnight
Sat 14 Sep
Abbots Autumn Fest 2024 (WD5)
An annual Community Fun Day with an emphasis on Local Foods and Crafts, with live music, licensed bar, lots of fun, games and entertainments. 11am to 4pm at School Mead, Abbots Langley. FREE https://abbotsautumnfest.uk
Sat 14 Sep
Poems and Pictures with Michael Rosen (HA5)
Go along to this fun poetry and illustration workshop with Michael Rosen from 1.30-3pm at Heath Robinson Museum. The session will explore the interaction between the written word and illustrations, with a reading by the author. You will then be able to get your hands dirty and create your very own poems and drawings. Booking is essential. Workshop for adults as well as kids. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/ whats-on/poems-and-pictureswith-michael-rosen
Sat 14–Sun 15 Sep
Petrolheadonism Live (SG1)
A must see family spectacular at Knebworth Park. Expect exciting Combustion Celebration and Automotive Spectacular featuring Influencers, over 1,000 show cars from across all genre of vehicles from supercars to retro, classics to highly modified as well as movie inspired vehicles and hypercars! https://knebworthhouse.com/ Event/petrolheadonism-live/?wcs_ timestamp=1726309800
Sun 15 Sep
Classic Car Rally and Heritage Day (HA5)
Visit the 17th Century dovecote and stables set in 10 acres of parkland, with a stunning walled garden at Eastcote House. Along with the classic car rally there will be live music, sales of plants, crafts, local history books and a tea garden. 10am-4pm. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/classic-car-rally?event id=6752-4230-8217-2628
Thu 19 Sep
Create Your Own Park (UB3)
Head to Botwell Library for this creative event, as you design and build your own open space. Ages 5-11. 4-5pm. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/create-a-park?event id=2328-9513-8278-4959
Sat 21–Sun 22 Sep
How The Light Gets In (NW3)
Join mind-expanding debates, deepdiving talks and music performances at HowTheLightGetsIn London 2024 at Kenwood House! www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/kenwood-htlgi-festival
Sat 21–Sun 22 Sep
DogFest (SG1)
With two days of thrilling dog action, set against the backdrop of Knebworth House, and gardens, it’s no surprise DogFest is the social highlight of the season. You’ll find world-class displays from top canine athletes, free expert advice and workshops, have-a-go activities to take part in, shopping, treats plus plenty of play! www.dogfest.co.uk/hertfordshire#
Sat 21 Sep
Open House at the London Museum site (EC1A)
Go and enjoy a family day out inside a construction site. Find out more about the journey to create a new museum for London, opening in 2026. Meet the architects, join a special tour of the construction site (advance ticketholders only) and take part in free, family-friendly drop-in activities. 11am-4pm, General Market, West Smithfield. www.londonmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/play-cycles-are-go
Sat 21 Sep
LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10)
As part of their regular LGBTQ+ programming throughout the year, the National Maritime Museum hosts a space for LGBTQ+ families to meet and get creative bi-monthly. Pop in with your family and join in with artist-led activities inspired by Greenwich, the maritime world, and LGBTQ+ histories. Together you can explore, create and get to know other families within the Network. 10am-12pm. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/lgbtqfamily-network
Sun 22 Sep
Hugglets TEDDIES Festival (W8)
The Hugglets TEDDIES Festival takes place at Kensington Town Hall, London. The festival features a great line-up of well-known artists and new faces from the UK, USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Moldova, the Netherlands and Ukraine. Both antique and modern bears will be there, plus clothes and accessories
as well as bear-making supplies. https://hugglets.com/festivals/tf24
Wed 25–Sun 29 Sep
Chelsea History Festival 2024 (SW3)
Join world-class speakers and specialist tour guides for a celebration of history on a historic stage at the National Army Museum. This year’s highlights include talks from James Holland, Zeinab Badawi, Terry Deary, Jonathan Dimbleby and Kate Mosse. You can also enjoy a wide range of walking tours and workshops, plus a captivating choral concert at the Royal Hospital’s Wren Chapel. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ chelsea-history-festival-2024
Fri 27 Sep & Thu 24 Oct
Relaxed House Openings at Waddesdon Manor (HP18) Designed for neurodivergent adults and children and their family, friends or carers, the relaxed house openings at Waddesdon Manor offer a calmer visit to the historic house. During this time there will be a limited capacity, no videos and reduced noise in the house. 11am. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whatson/relaxed-house-openings
Sat 28 Sep
Family Festival: Build! (SW7)
Build, make, move and explore in this free family-friendly festival inspired by the Tropical Modernism exhibition at the V&A Museum. Dive into a day filled with immersive workshops, hands-on activities, and captivating performances. All families are invited to take part in a diverse array of creative experiences that foster kindness, community, and spark ideas for new worlds! 11am-4pm. www.vam.ac.uk/event/ BVPJ36b3zzY/summer-familyfestival-build-september-2024
Sat 28–Sun 29 Sep
Harvest (HP8)
Traditional Harvest Festival at Chiltern Open Air Museum. See sheep dogs in action working the flock of Oxford Down sheep; Learn about our fire kiln and saw pit; Have a-go at some apple pressing; See what our blacksmith is making in the forge. www.coam.org.uk/events/harvest
Sat 28–Sun 29 Sep
Mudlarking Weekend (E14)
Go and see thousands of historic artefacts recovered from the riverbed and meet the mudlarks who found them. In this interactive showcase, you’ll hear the intriguing backstories about the artefacts on display in the Museum of London Docklands. www.londonmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/mudlarking-weekend
Tue 1 Oct
Bat Walk: Manor Farm House (HA4)
A leisurely evening stroll at Manor Farm House from 7.30-9pm. With the aid of bat detectors, you can scan the skies for bats and learn all about their lives. All ages. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/bat-walk-manor-farm?event id=3358-5641-8661-7916
Wed 2 Oct
North London Grammar and Prep School Open Evening (NW9) Co-ed School for ages 7-18. Visit from 4:45-7:15pm. Impressive GCSE Results. Small Class Sizes with Tailored Education Academic Excellence. Exceptional Pastoral Care. Register NOW! https://northlondongrammar.com/ book-open-day
Wed 2–Sun 27 Oct
Autumn Adventure Trail by Zoolab (HP18)
Pick up your trail map and resources pack at Waddesdon Manor and take a walk down Alice Drive to find all the animal signs. Along the way, let the Zoolab Characters introduce you to some amazing animals you might find in the woods here. This exciting animal trail is the perfect way to get kids of all ages outside, active, enjoying nature and exploring this Halloween season! 10am–4pm https://waddesdon.org.uk/whatson/autumn-adventure-trail-byzoolab
Wed 2–Tue 29 Oct
Pinner Sketch Club Exhibition (HA1)
Three artists from Pinner Sketch Club – Uparima Goonetillake, Frances Ross and Lorraine Benton will be exhibiting their work in the Greenhill Art Pod throughout October. The PSC Art Club formed in 1942 to create a stimulating and creative environment for all art practices. Members come from Pinner, Harrow and surrounding areas. https://harrowarts.com/whatson/event/pinner-sketch-clubexhibition
Fri 4–Sat 5 Oct
Herts Oktoberfest (WD18)
Get your Lederhosen ready and enjoy live Oompah bands, traditional karaoke-dancing, Oktoberfest games, axe throwing, gourmet food and big steins of German bier! At Cassiobury Park, Watford. https://hertsoktoberfest.com
Sat 5 Oct
Open Day and Mini-Exhibition 2024 (WD25)
This year’s Open Day and miniExhibition is to be held again at All Saints Church Hall, Leavesden. Club stands will provide information about the Society and have a large selection of pre-owned model railway supplies for sale. Light refreshments will be on sale too. www.southwesthertsmrs.org.uk/ exhibition
Sat 5 Oct
Northwood Craft Market (HA5)
A wide variety of crafts to browse and buy, all handmade by local crafters. Crafts vary and range from jewellery, fabric bags and purses, knitting, crochet and watercolours, to embroidery, cards, children’s clothing, soft toys, essential oils, home accessories and more. For children there are hands-on crafts to make something to take home. Market runs from 10am-2pm at Northwood Methodist Church Hall. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk
Sat 5 Oct
Orely Farm School Open Day (HA1)
Come and grow with us! We are opening the doors to the farm from 9:15am. Join us and explore our beautiful school, nestled within 39 acres of lush greenery. You’ll forget you’re a tube ride away from Central London. Co-ed Prep School for ages 4-13. Register NOW www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk/ explore/open-day-registration
Sat 5–Sun 6 Oct
Dino Snores for Kids: Birds Special (SW7)
The Dino Snores for Kids special is back at the Natural History Museum, and this year they’re celebrating birds! Soar through the night with a jam-packed programme all about our feathered friends. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dinosnores-for-kids-birds-special.html
Sat 12 Oct
Legendary Classics (HA4)
Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to a concert of legendary classics to include Haydn’s pioneering Trumpet Concerto, for which the Orchestra are delighted to be joined by soloist Ian Lynch. 7.3010pm at Winston Churchill Theatre. Suitable for all ages. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/legendary-classics?event id=6509-0078-8361-4306
Sat 12–Sun 13 Oct
Wild About Wool (HP8)
Head to Chiltern Open Air Museum for a special Wild About Wool knitting event and discover different types of textile crafts. Visit the Home Front reenactors and find out about the role of knitting in the Great War, the manufacture of Soldier’s woollen comforts and their distribution to the men, and women, at the front by the British Red Cross and First Aid Nursing Yeomanry www.coam.org.uk/events/wildabout-wool
Thu 17 Oct–Mon 4 Nov Halloween Spooktacular! (SO51) Welcome to the friendliest, most frightful family Halloween theme park event at Paultons Park! Rides in the dark at late night openings. www.paultonspark.co.uk/ halloween
Fri 18–Sun 20 Oct
Vegan Life Live (N22)
It’s easy to think that being a vegan is all about what you can’t have, but at Vegan Life Live at Alexandra Palace, they’re here to show you just how much is on offer. For those who want some ideas to take home to their own kitchens, learn from some amazing chefs in the cookery demos. Guest speakers will lead talks on vegan activism and animal welfare to nutrition and fitness, plus lots more. www.alexandrapalace.com/whatson/vegan-life-live-5
Fri 18 Oct–Sun 3 Nov Halloween at Kew (TW9) Wander from dusk into darkness between one ghostly space to another at Kew Gardens. Watch out for flickering flames in a fiendish fire garden, daring fire artists and grinning pumpkins aglow. Wind your way through the illuminated haunted woods filled with creepy neon cobwebs, ghastly ghouls, wicked witches, larger-than life spiders and beastly bats. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whatson/halloween-at-kew
Sat 19 Oct
Chinese Astronomy (SE10)
Join this live planetarium show to explore topics in ancient and modern Chinese astronomy, including
the Sun, Moon, stars and space exploration, guided through by an astronomer of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Ages 7+. Under-5s not be admitted. FREE entry to the historic Royal Observatory included. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ planetarium-shows/chineseastronomy
Sat 19–Sun 20 Oct
October Steam Up (TW8)
The London Museum of Water & Steam are bringing their engines back to life! Discover the fascinating world of water and steam, share in the history and energy of the Kew Bridge Waterworks and marvel at the amazing working pumping engines that helped make London the city it is today. 10am-4pm. https://waterandsteam.org. uk/event/october-steamup/2024-10-19
Sat 19–Sun 20 Oct & Fri 25–Thu 31 Oct
Pumpkin Festival (AL4)
Pick your pumpkin from Willow’s Pumpkin Patch at Willow’s Activity Farm and enjoy a full programme of pumpkin-tastic fun! www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ events/pumpkin-festival
Sat 19, Sun 20, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct
Zoolab (HP18)
Get up close with real life exotic animals as the Zoolab team go to Waddesdon Manor! Your Witch or Wizard host will introduce to you a host of animals including snakes, lizards, tarantulas and more as they tell you all about the spooky, gruesome facts. These fun interactive shows are suitable for all ages and the perfect fit for some Spooky Halloween fun. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whatson/zoolab
Sat 19 Oct–Sun 3 Nov
Room on the Broom (TW9)
The much-loved Room on the Broom comes to life at Kew Gardens with a fun trail themed around Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning book. Follow the kind witch on her journey across Kew, spotting her collection of animal friends and interacting with the installations and family-friendly activities along the way. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whatson/room-on-the-broom
Sun 20 Oct
Tonic Choir: Pure Imagination (HA4)
A selection of popular music, including songs from Hollywood films, Broadway musicals, songs from the 1960s and folk songs. Suitable for all ages. 7-9pm at Winston Churchill Theatre. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/pure-imagination?event id=6092-0132-9479-7616
Sun 20 Oct
Apple Day 2024 (WD7)
Celebrating all things apple, the annual apple day event in the Walled Garden at Shenley Park. Many unusual varieties of apple to try and buy, apple juice, produce and craft stalls, children’s activities. 12-4pm. https://shenleypark.co.uk/events
Sun 27 Oct
Halloween in the Gardens (N3)
Visit the Spine Chilling Cellars, join the Spooky Garden Spectre Hunt, marvel at the moves of the Fire Artist and enjoy mulled wine or yummy hot chocolate at Stephens House and Gardens. Entrance from 5pm. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events
Mon 28 Oct
Around the World: Safari Workshop (HA5)
Around the World: Safari brings to you the journey through the amazonian rainforests, the endless plains of the Sahara desert and the depths of the deep blue ocean. This all day creative workshop is designed to bring out each child’s individual creativity. For ages 6-12 years at Harrow Arts Centre. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/ event/around-the-world-safariworkshop-1
Mon 28 Oct–Fri 1 Nov
Drop-in Half Term Holiday Activities (UB10)
Go to the Battle of Britain Bunker over half term for trails, Crafty Mess Hall and Under 5 area. 10am-4.30pm. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/half-term-bunker?event id=4801-6501-5658-1568
Tue 29–Thu 31 Oct
Hibernating Hedgehogs (HP23)
Take a close look at the specimens of hedgehogs and other hibernating animals and discover how we can protect these species at the Natural History Museum in Tring. Then get crafty and create an autumnalcoloured hedgehog to take home with you. Suitable for ages 5+. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/tringhibernating-hedgehogs.html
Wed 30 Oct
Inktoberfest: Family Ink Art Workshop (HA5)
This spooktacular family workshop will serve as an introduction to the versatile medium of ink art. Expect an informal, experimental and messy afternoon, creating portraits (of each other) using black ink. 10am-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre, for families with children aged 5+. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/ event/learn-harrow-inktoberfestfamily-ink-art-workshop
Wed 30 Oct
School’s Out! Workshop (UB10) Express your creativity at Compass
Theatre this October half-term holiday. DK productions and Hillingdon Council present a day of musical theatre workshop activity for ages 7 to 14. School’s Out! Rebel and rock out for the day with Matilda, Hairspray & School of Rock! Participants bring their lunch, snacks and drinks along for the day, running from 10am until 4pm. www.hillingdontheatres.uk/index. php/events/schools-out-workshop
Thu 31 Oct
Halloween Spooktacular Workshop (UB10)
Express your creativity at Compass Theatre this October half-term holiday. DK productions and Hillingdon Council present a day of musical theatre workshop activity for ages 7 to 14, from 10am-4pm. Get creepy and kooky with The Descendants, The Addams Family & Wicked!
www.hillingdontheatres.uk/ index.php/events/halloweenspooktacular-workshop
Fri 1 Nov
SEN Clay Pumpkin Lanterns Workshop (HA5)
Head to Harrow Arts Centre for a fun pottery workshop, perfect for SEN families! Create spooky ghost and pumpkin sculptures together. A hands-on activity for all ages. Let’s get creative! 9:30am - 12:30pm. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/ event/learn-harrow-sen-claypumkin-lanterns-workshop
Fri 1 Nov
Pop Queens vs Royal Queens Workshop (UB10)
DK productions and Hillingdon Council present a day of musical theatre workshop activity for ages 7 to 14 at Compass Theatre. Pop Queens vs Royal Queens Current pop singers take on SIX the Musical. Which team will you be performing with?
www.hillingdontheatres.uk/index. php/events/pop-queens-vs-royalqueens-workshop
Fri 1 Nov
Market Lates (WD17)
Enjoy an evening of spooktacular tricks, treats and scarily good street food at Watford Market from 6-10pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear fancy dress, so the market can be overcome with ghosts, ghouls and all manner of spooky spirits, feasting on Halloween inspired food and listening to local musicians. There will be craft beer, a pop-up bar and delicious street food from around the globe, including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food. www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
Fri 1 Nov
Museum by Torchlight (HP23)
Have your torch at the ready, don your best scary animal or ghoulish costume and go for a spooky time in the galleries at the Natural History Museum at Tring. Complete the trail challenge, make a spooky animal to take home and get up close to the handling specimens. 5-8pm. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/tringmuseum-by-torchlight.html
Sat 2 Nov
Cassiobury Fireworks (WD18)
Head to Cassiobury Park from 6pm for Hertfordshire’s largest FREE fireworks display organised by Watford Borough Council. There will be a variety of food and drink outlets, kiddies funfair rides, bungee trampolines and a bouncy slide to keep everyone well fed and entertained before the main display at 7.30pm. www.watfordevents.com/ cassioburyfireworks
Pumpkin PIcking
