Free events for all this autumn and winter

As the summer events season draws to a close, it’s time to look back at some of the fantastic events that have taken place across the town - from Stevenage Day and Armed Forces Day to Barrio Fiesta, Kid Zone and plenty more.

It’s been brilliant to see so many people getting involved, enjoying the events and making memories with friends, family and the wider community.

That’s what our events are all about - bringing people together, giving everyone something to enjoy and creating opportunities to have fun, spend time together and celebrate our town.

Councillor Myla Arceno, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said:

“It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying our events over the summer, and there’s still plenty more to come. Our events are about bringing people together and creating those moments where friends, families and neighbours can enjoy themselves and make memories.

“As we move into autumn and winter, we’ve got a brilliant programme lined up, with something for everyone - from Halloween and our annual fireworks to our special 80th anniversary celebrations, Remembrance events and, of course, the return of Christmas lights across the town.

“So please get involved, bring your friends and family along and enjoy everything Stevenage has to offer.”

Celebrating 80 together

And what better way to begin our autumn celebrations than with a very special afternoon celebrating some of the people who have helped shape our town?

On Friday 30 October, we’ll be welcoming selected Stevenage residents who are turning 80 in 2026 to our special 80 at 80 Tea Party at the Gordon Craig Theatre.

A huge thank you to everyone who contacted us to share their 80th birthday and their connection to Stevenage. We’ve loved hearing from residents and can’t wait to welcome those selected to celebrate this incredible milestone together.

Then, just one day later, things take a decidedly spookier turn as we get ready for Halloween.

Spooktacular fun for Halloween

On Saturday 31 October, our FREE Halloween event takes over Stevenage Indoor Market from 11am – 3pm.

There’ll be plenty of ghoulish fun to get you into the Halloween spirit. And if you’re heading out trick or treating later that evening, it’s the perfect opportunity to pop along first, get your face painted and practise your best spooky look.

Are you scary? Are you fun? What will you be this Halloween?

Look to the skies

Then it’s time to look to the skies for one of the biggest events in the Stevenage calendar.

Our Annual Firework Display returns to Fairlands Valley Park on Thursday 5 November, starting at 7.30pm.

And this year is extra special as we celebrate 80 years since Stevenage became Britain’s first New Town.

It’s a FREE event, so tell your friends, tell your family and spread the word. We want to see as many people as possible coming together for a spectacular night of fireworks and celebration.

November is also a time to come together and remember.

The Remembrance Sunday Service takes place at the Old Town Bowling Green on Sunday 8 November, followed by the Armistice Day Service on Wednesday 11 November in Town Square and Joyride.

And on the same day, the celebrations continue with the Mayor’s Stevenage Birthday Show at the Gordon Craig Theatre.

The show will bring together local bands and artists for a special celebration of Stevenage’s 80th birthday – another opportunity to enjoy some fantastic local talent and celebrate our town.

Then comes Christmas

Before you know it, the fairy lights will be twinkling, the Christmas tree will be decorated and it’ll be time to get into the festive spirit.

The Stevenage Christmas Light Switch On takes place on Saturday 21 November at Event Island in the town centre.

A week later, on Saturday 28 November, the festive celebrations continue with the Old Town Christmas Light Switch On at the Old Town Bowling Green.

And the Christmas fun doesn’t stop there. Families can enjoy another Kid Zone at Event Island on Saturday 5 December.

Looking further ahead, there’ll be another Kid Zone on Saturday 13 February 2027, while the town will come together for Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday 27 January 2027.

There’s plenty more to come

From summer sunshine to autumn spooks, spectacular fireworks, 80th birthday celebrations and Christmas sparkle, there’s plenty happening across Stevenage over the coming months.

What’s coming up?

• 30 October – 80 at 80 Tea Party, Gordon Craig Theatre
• 31 October – Halloween Market Event, Stevenage Indoor Market
• 5 November – Annual Firework Display, Fairlands Valley Park, 7.30pm
• 8 November – Remembrance Sunday Service, Old Town Bowling Green
• 11 November – Armistice Day Service, Town Square & Joyride
• 11 November – Mayor’s Stevenage Birthday Show, Gordon Craig Theatre
• 21 November – Stevenage Christmas Light Switch On, Town Centre/Event Island
• 28 November – Old Town Christmas Light Switch On, Old Town Bowling Green
• 5 December – Kid Zone, Town Centre/Event Island
• 27 January – Holocaust Memorial Day, Daneshill House Council Chamber
• 13 February – Kid Zone, Town Centre/Event Island

Keep up to date with all the latest events, dates and announcements by following Stevenage Borough Council on Facebook and Instagram, and find us on X at @StevenageBC. You can also find Events on the SBC website.

So, whether you’re looking for Halloween thrills, spectacular fireworks, live music, family fun, a chance to remember, or some Christmas sparkle, there’s something coming up for everyone.

You can download a copy of the events calendar to keep with you, so you won't miss a thing.

We’ll see you there!