Events
What’s on in St Albans during July?
Enjoy St Albans and support home grown talent at one of our exciting markets taking place this July. Markets are a great way to discover new produce and soak up the vibrancy of this amazing Cathedral city. Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras international, St Albans is the perfect day trip destination.
- St Albans is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London is easily accessible by road with links to the M25, M1 and A1(M)
- The city’s colourful history and heritage can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round.
- A fabulous shopping destination, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and well-known chains
- The city is famous for its café and pub culture with a fantastic range of award-winning eating and drinking establishments, including Britain’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Enjoy lots of green, open spaces and parks – making St Albans a family friendly destination.
Festival Fun in St Albans Photo by Stephanie Belton
Charter Market
Twice weekly charter markets – every Wednesday and Saturday. Come and shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the legendary market that is at the heart of the St Albans story.
St Albans Young Traders Market
St Albans Young Traders Market
*NEW* Recently launched, this night market takes place on the first Thursday of each month across the summer. Created to support and nurture young talent, the market hosts a collection of young entrepreneurs offering everything from baked goods to jewellery, cocktails, and 3D printing.
Market place. 4-8pm. Thursday 1st July
Inside Out Market
Enjoy the fringe pop-up market every Friday in Market Place. Enjoy delicious street food and artisan goods from a collection of local businesses.
Market Place. Friday: 2, 9, 16, 23 July
St Albans Vegan Market
The St Albans Vegan Market takes over St Peter’s Street in the centre of the town, where the Charter and Farmer’s Markets operate, on several Sundays throughout the year. The event features up to 60 stalls including a huge variety of vegan fast food, healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing & jewellery, arts & crafts, plastic-free, and charity stalls. All created by a handpicked selection of talented, ethical and sustainable businesses.
Sunday 4th July. 10.30-4pm
Caravanserai
*NEW* This fabulous market brings the spirit and historical concept of caravanserai to St Albans every second Thursday of the month. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa and Southeast Europe (most notably the Silk Road).
So, expect to find gorgeous handmade Pakistani dupattas, sumptuous traditional Indian desserts, authentic Bangladeshi plants, tasty Moroccan tagines, handcrafted homewares from all the Arab nations and henna artists whose skills have been passed down from generation to generation. Come along to soak up the flavours and colours from across the globe and support homegrown specialised talent.
Thursday July 8th 4-8pm
St Albans Farmers Market
A taste sensation! Stock up on local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and game, dairy produce, freshly baked cakes & bread and locally hand-crafted goods. Street food to eat there and then, and plenty to take home, alongside entertainment and delicious refreshments.
Farmers’ Markets help local farmers, growers and producers to sell their own produce, direct to the public. The markets provide fresh, safe, natural, nutritious food that you can trust. Plus, a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience in the heart of St Albans, just opposite the Museum + Gallery.
Sunday 11th July 8am – 2pm
St Albans Vintage Market
This outdoor street market right in the heart of this amazing Cathedral City brings all manner of Antiques, Vintage, Brocante and Architectural Salvage. An amazing atmosphere with inspirational dealers and fascinating finds!
Sunday 18th July 9-3pm
Harpenden Farmers Market
Expect to find local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and game, dairy produce, freshly baked cakes & bread and locally hand-crafted goods. Street food to eat there and then, and plenty to take home, alongside entertainment and delicious refreshments. St Albans, just opposite the Museum + Gallery, and on Lower High Street in Harpenden.
Sunday 25th July. 10–4pm St Peter’s St
World Market
Discover produce and delights form around the globe at the World Market which takes place in High St, Market Place and George St.
Sunday 25th July 11-5pm.
Real Street Food Nights
Thursday 29th July 4-8pm *NEW* Real Street Food Nights takes place on the last Thursday of each month, 4-8 pm throughout the summer, bringing together a range of traders offering delicacies from around the world, that are guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds. Throughout the year we will havemexican dishes from Baja Cantina, award winning churros from Churro Boyz, sour dough toasties from Toastielicious, Carrabien fusion from Funky Elephant and much more.
Food & Drink at St Albans Market. Photo by Stephanie Belton
Events
Join Black Futures panel event on 6th August at 5.45pm to celebrate Windrush Day 2021 and reflect a year on from St Albans Black Lives Matter protests. The event plans to showcase the contributions of black people in St Albans, bringing together members of the community to have an open discussion about inclusivity, explore the achievements and challenges faced and build awareness in St Albans. Event take place at St Albans Museum + Gallery Visit www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk for details
Pub Pride
July 23rd, pubs across St Albans take part in charity Ask for Clive’s first ever Pub Pride event. The charity launched the event to unite LGBTQ+ communities across the UK while supporting local businesses.
The Great Outdoors: Roderick Williams
11th July Songs of Travel by Ralph Vaughan Williams, together with music by Butterworth, Ireland, Gurney and more. The celebrated baritone performs with pianist Susie Allan and Momentum Artist Felix Kemp. Book with confidence: if you find that you can no longer attend you will be entitled to a full refund. Tickets from St Albans Cathedral Box Office, www.stalbanscathedral.org or 01727 890210
St Albans Comic-Con
18th of July 2021. Enjoy a whole new line-up of fantastic guests from your favourite TV shows, movies, gaming & comics as well as a brand-new array of props & vehicles! The ever-awesome Jimcredible will once again host the Cosplay area along with the Creed Cosplay Ambassadors and specialist traders. 10am-4.30pm.
Comedy Garden
From Wednesday 28th July to Sunday 1st August comedy-lovers from St Albans and beyond will be treated to a dazzling array of stand-up superstars including the multi-award-winning SARA PASCOE, the glorious DARA O’BRIAIN, observational wizard JOSH WIDDICOMBE, the stupendous ALAN DAVIES, riotous TOM ALLEN and the magnetic ROB BECKETT to name but a few.
The all-new St Albans Comedy Garden promises the ultimate remedy this summer with five nights of stupendous stand-up comedy in the glorious surroundings of Verulamium Park.
Looking ahead to other St Albans events…
There’s fun for all the family with Magical Elves Street Theatre on the 5th August with a scavenger hunt and a medieval theme and Booster Cushion Street Theatre with 3 performances taking place on the 19th August.
The St Albans Food and Drink Festival in September celebrates food & drink heroes. A month-long programme of vibrant events across the district includes the St Albans Food & Drink Awards and Feastival Street Festival.
The inaugural Festival of Culture, St Albans, has an inspiring and eclectic range of events on offer and features; author panels, demonstrations from illustrators, discussions with translators, creative writing classes, archaeology talks, musical performances, and a selection of engaging children’s events (from talks to workshops). This will be a wonderful celebration of literature and the arts, for people of all ages. The festival will be held on 14th-15th August 2021 and is organised by independent bookshop, Books on the Hill. Find out more at www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk 01727807248
The festive season begins with the Christmas Cracker event in November, when the Christmas lights are officially switched on! Kickstart your Christmas shopping and enjoy fun for all the family at the Christmas Street Festival with family entertainment, rides, and festive market stalls