events & festivals

We often feel festive in St Albans

Residents' First Weekend (Jan/Feb)

An annual event since 2003, usually at the end of January. During the weekend, local attractions provide free entry, competitions and special offers for residents of St Albans. This year's was held on 30 and 31 January 2010. Full details.

St Albans Festival (June)

The annual St Albans Festival sees a wide range of art, comedy, dance, film, music and community events across the district. This year's Festival takes place from 11 to 27 June 2010. It includes Magna Carta Weekend (11 to 13 Jun), St Albans Half Marathon (13 Jun), Festival Pilgrimage (19 Jun), Larks in the Parks (20 Jun), Folk at The Festival (26 Jun), Grove House Midnight Walk (26 Jun) and St Albans Alive (27 Jun). Download this year's brochure (pdf). Read about last year's St Albans Festival.

International Organ Festival (July)

Founded in 1963, this prestigious event occurs every two years. The 26th IOF will take place from 7 to 16 July 2011. Musicians from all over the world perform in concerts and competitions using organs in St Albans Cathedral, St Saviour's Church and St Peter's Church. See www.organfestival.com.

Heritage Open Days (Sept)

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days celebrate England's architecture and culture by allowing access to interesting properties that are usually closed to the public or charge admission. This year's event runs from 9 to 12 September 2010. Read about last year's event.

Open Studios (Sept/Oct)

A creative annual event organised by Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (HVAF) when local artists and craftspeople welcome visitors into their homes and studios. Entry to venues is free. This is a great opportunity to meet artists and enjoy special exhibitions. This year's event runs from 11 September to 3 October 2010. For a free brochure please email openstudios@hvaf.org.uk. See event poster (pdf).

St Albans Beer Festival (Sept/Oct)

Organised by CAMRA - The Campaign for Real Ale - this annual beer festival is the biggest in Hertfordshire. Over 300 real ales, foreign beers and ciders available with games, competitions and live music. This year's event takes place from 29 September to 2 October 2010. See www.stalbansbeerfestival.info for details.

Food and Drink Festival (Oct)

Previously part of the main summer festival, the third annual St Albans Food and Drink Festival is from 1 to 10 October 2010, starting with the Beer Festival and ending with a Harvest Festival in the Abbey. Read about last year's festival.

St Albans Firework Display (Nov)

The largest public display in the south of England, organised in aid of local charities, is on 6 November 2010.

Christmas Lights Switch-On Events (Nov)

An afternoon and early evening spectacular of pantomime stars, street entertainers and family fun on 21 November 2010 marks the start of Christmas shopping in St Albans.

If you would like an annual event or festival to be listed here, please tell us about it.