What's On in Bedfordshire & Luton

The Big Butterfly Count 2025

Venue: Nationwide

Website: bigbutterflycount.org

The Big Butterfly Count invites everyone in the UK, from countryside dwellers to city residents, to participate in counting butterflies. It's a quick and easy way for people to take action for their survival....

Children's Craft Workshop

Venue: Jordans Mill

Website: jordansmill.com/events

Is your little artist ready for a burst of creativity? The Children’s Craft Workshop is packed with fun, easy-to-make art projects perfect for children aged 5 to 8! Under the guidance of their wonderful...

Festival of Archaeology: Celtic Codebreakers

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, young explorers are invited to become mini archaeologists and crack the code of a mysterious Celtic message that ‘may’ have been left behind by the Iron Age Catuvellauni...

Fungi Frida and the Myco Heroes

Venue: The Place Theatre

Address: Bedford

Website: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/fungi-frida-and-the-myco-heroes/

Fungi Frida and the Myco Heroes is an hour-long, energetic, silly, interactive performance full of songs, games, clowning, and puppetry for 0-12 year olds and their families all about fungi and how they...

Pop Princesses

Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange

Address: Bedford

Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/pop-princesses-3/

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo, plus a few of the...

Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular

Venue: Mead Open Farm

Address: Bedfordshire

Website: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/events/view/shaggys-summer-spectacular

Make a splash with Zorbing, boogie at the silent disco and have a ball at the foam party. Discover acres of outdoor adventure play, reach new heights with the SkyTrail and rock climbing wall, get involved...

Stockwood Discovery Golf

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/stockwood-discovery-golf

The course has been specially designed to bring Luton’s heritage to life. Whether you’re a golf pro or just looking for some family fun, this one-of-a-kind set-up is sure to bring out the smiles, laughter,...

Summer of Fun and Games at Wrest Park

Venue: Wrest Park

Address: Bedfordshire

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-summer-of-fun-and-games-19-jul-31-aug-2025/

It’s all fun and games at Wrest Park this summer, with loads of activities for the whole family to get stuck into. 10am-5pm.

World Games Children’s Trail

Venue: Jordans Mill

Website: jordansmill.com/events

From sprinting and limbo to rugby, golf and hobby horse racing, children will complete 10 fun-filled challenges around the trail. Score your progress on the trail sheet, then head to the Mill Shop to collect...

LDN Wrestling

Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange

Address: Bedford

Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/ldn-wrestling-2/

An evening of non-stop action, it’s every man for himself. Friend against friend and foe against foe. Anything goes as the wrestlers battle for supremacy. One thing is for sure, it will be sensational!...

Sunday Music at Wrest Park

Venue: Wrest Park

Address: Bedfordshire

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-sunday-music-july-2025/

Spend a lazy Sunday at Wrest Park listening to live music. Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from the café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music. 10am-5pm. Also 27th July.

Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

This year, see the Estate transform into a Sports Village with free, outdoor activities like football, cricket, hockey, tennis, table tennis, athletics, frisbee golf, mini croquet and Wednesday soft archery...

The Bug Hunt 2025

Venue: Luton Hoo Estate

Address: Luton

Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/luton-hoo-estate-walled-garden-bug-hunt/

At only £5 per adult and £2 per child (with under 2s and carers free!) with lots of outdoor garden fun, a chance to pick something up from the Walled Garden Shop and the opportunity to picnic in the...

Save Our Stripes Charity Weekend

Venue: Woburn Safari Park

Address: Bedford

Website: www.woburnsafari.co.uk/news-and-events/events/save-our-stripes/

As part of the Save Our Stripes Charity Weekend, keepers are giving you the chance get to know Minerva and Dmitri - the two stunning Amur tigers that live in Kingdom of the Carnivores at Woburn Safari...

Summer Air Show 2025

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: shuttleworth.org/events

Shuttleworth opens its gates for a fun and relaxed family air show. Experience breathtaking displays of both visiting and Collection aircraft, explore the extensive Collection of vehicles and aircraft,...

Meet Peppa Pig

Venue: Woburn Safari Park

Address: Bedford

Website: www.woburnsafari.co.uk/news-and-events/events/meet-peppa-pig-july27/

Peppa Pig is heading to Woburn Safari Park for a day full of family fun! Little fans will have the chance to meet Peppa Pig at intervals throughout the day at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm....

Taylor Mania

Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange

Address: Bedford

Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/taylor-mania/

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a self-obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, promises...

Children’s Summer Workshops 2025

Venue: Luton Hoo Estate

Address: Luton

Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/luton-hoo-estate-walled-garden-childrens-summer-workshops/

Garden workshops for 4-7 and 8-11 year olds in the wonderful Walled Garden, crafty fun with a garden theme with a little something to take home along with your new gardening knowledge. 31st July – Herbs,...

Summer of Play: Let's Get Going

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

Sessions are playful nature-based games for parents and children, aimed at building motor skills and connection with self through gentle movements, music, fun, creativity and 'feeling'. Available as a...

Mrs Armitage on Wheels

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/mrs-armitage-wheels

Adapted from Quentin Blake’s classic tale, Mrs Armitage on Wheels, Scoot Theatre present a 40-minute interactive, energetic show, celebrating the joy of getting outdoors and being active. Mrs Armitage...

Stockwood Garden Party

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/stockwood-garden-party-1

Embark on an enchanting journey through the hidden corners of Stockwood Discovery Centre. Stroll through lush lawns and meander among the trees to find a whimsical garden party that promises joy for the...

Summer Nights

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

For a new way to experience Dunstable Downs, visit for BBQ evenings every Wednesday during August! Take in the spectacular evening views, enjoy a BBQ from their panoramic café, browse the shop selection,...

The Amazing Bubble Show

Venue: Herrings Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre

Address: Bedfordshire

Website: birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/product/the-amazing-bubble-show-august-7th-28th/

The Bubble Man will be giving two displays a day: 10.30am and 1.30pm. Join in the bubble-tastic fun; thousands of bubbles, giant-sized floating bubbles, tons of audience participation, and so much fun...

Colourscape

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/colourscape

A large walk-in labyrinth of colour and light will fill the lawn at Stockwood Discovery Centre this August. You can freely walk anywhere to explore this amazing space and will discover musicians and dancers...

Play with Clay

Venue: Wardown Museum

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/play-clay

Join artist Moriam Grillo in the Drawing Room at Wardown Museum where you can play with clay and take your  make away with you. Suitable for ages 3-7.

Family Concert 2025

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: shuttleworth.org/events

The National Symphony Orchestra offers your family the chance to experience these heart-pumping, toe-tapping songs live, with accompanying performers from local groups and West End performer (and Eurovision...

Lilo & Stitch (U)

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/film-lilo-stitch/

A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.

Breadcrumbs

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/breadcrumbs

This brand-new family show packed full of music, magic and puppetry from Wrongsemble celebrates how even the simplest story can become the wildest fairytale in the hands of the right storyteller!

Elio

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/film-elio/

Elio struggles to fit in until he is transported by aliens and becomes the chosen one to be Earth’s galactic ambassador while his mother Olga works on the top-secret project to decode alien messages.

Head Dress Making

Venue: Wardown House, Museum, and Gallery

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/head-dress-making

Inspired by the hat exhibition, join Klaudia who will guide you through making and decorating your own hat to wear and take away with you! Suitable for ages 3-7.

Superman

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/film-superman/

In his latest reincarnation, Superman – who survived an attack on his destroyed home planet of Krypton – is forced to grapple with his superhuman heritage while trying to live out his life as Clark...

How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/film-how-to-train-your-dragon/

In a Viking settlement besieged by dragons, a young man finds he has an ability to befriend and tame the creatures, in this live-action remake of the animated film.

Smurfs (U)

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/film-smurfs/

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends,...

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Venue: Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden

Address: Luton

Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/midsummer/

It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest, mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling...

Best of British Air Show 2025

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: shuttleworth.org/events

Explore the rich history of engineering technology at Shuttleworth, home to the oldest airworthy British aircraft, significant agricultural machinery, iconic motor vehicles and bikes, as well as aircraft...

Stockwood Living History Festival

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/stockwood-living-history-festival

This two day festival features a variety of living history encampments, recreating a glimpse of daily life from years gone by. From medieval knights to heritage craft demonstrations, experience Stockwood...

Summer Sparks Spectacular at Gulliver’s

Venue: Gulliver’s

Website: Gulliversfun.co.uk

Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver’s with extra ride time on this date.

Big Pride Picnic

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Luton

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/big-pride-picnic

The LGBTIQ+ community are invited to join a family-friendly picnic at Stockwood Discovery Centre on Sunday 7th September. Bring your own picnic and share in the lawn games on offer enjoying the end of...

Ministry of Science Live

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/ministry-of-science-2/

Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300%...

Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: shuttleworth.org/events

Attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society aims to give an insight into the country life at the turn of the 20th century when steam was in its hey day. Stay...

Taylormania 2025

Venue: Grove Theatre

Address: Dunstable

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/taylormania-2025/

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a self-obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, promises...

The Gruffalo’s Child

Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's

Address: Bedford

Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873673224

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Let your imagination run wild with...

Race Day Air Show 2025

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: shuttleworth.org/events

Experience the early days of Edwardian racing as both visiting vehicles and those from the Collection take to the grass track for high-speed sprint demonstrations. Head to the paddock to get a closer look...

Ampthill Charter Market

Venue: Town Centre Car Park

Address: Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2EH

Website: www.ampthill-tc.gov.uk/history-and-tourism/market

Every Thursday from 8.00am. There is plenty on offer from household wares, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, eggs, olives, dried fruit, nuts, award winning baked bread, cakes, pies and pastries, children's...

Bedford Junior Parkrun

Venue: Jubilee Park

Address: Moulton Avenue, Bedford, MK42 0JD

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/bedford-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Bedford Roller Disco

Venue: Bunyan Sports Centre

Address: Mile Rd, Bedford, MK42 9TS

Website: rollbackworld.com/shop/bedford-roller-disco/#product-reviews

The kind of fun you can have on eight wheels. Come along with friends and family to enjoy and laugh your way into the afternoon at a family session. Every Saturday 3pm - 4:30pm. Entry is £4, skate hire...

Biggleswade Charter Market

Venue: Market Square

Address: Market Square, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8AS

Website: biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk/services/markets/

The Charter Market runs on Saturdays, with an array of stalls to have a browse through, ranging from varying fresh food stalls, cards and gift wrap, haberdashery, plants and shrubs, gifts and ornaments,...

Houghton Hall Junior Parkrun

Venue: Houghton Hall Park

Address: Park Road North, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 5FU

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/houghtonhall-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Lego Club

Venue: Bedford Central Library

Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1PG

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#bc

Come along and get creative! See what you can make! Held every Saturday, 11am - 3pm.

Leighton Buzzard Junior Parkrun

Venue: Parson’s Close Recreation Ground Pulford Rd

Address: Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AB

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/leightonbuzzard-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Luton Sports Village

Venue: Luton Sports Village

Address: Butterfield Green Rd, Luton, LU2 8DD

Website: letsgowiththechildren.co.uk/places-to-go/luton-sports-village/

Head over with the family to have fun and keep fit. This multi-purpose facility has a sports hall, two pools, one a 50m eight lane pool with a diving facility, sometimes mats and balls, family fun sessions,...

Open Wednesdays at the Walled Garden

Venue: Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Address: Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, LU1 4LF

Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/open-wednesdays-at-the-walled-garden/

See how far the garden has come since the Walled Garden Project began over 21 years ago. Entry includes a tour of the garden and historic service buildings. Take your time to explore or visit the garden...

Rushmere Country Park

Venue: Rushmere Country Park

Address: Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0EB

Website: www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park

A great place to discover nature with over 400 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows to enjoy. Go and view herons nesting in spring from the outdoor café terrace, discover fairy doors and the Giant’s...

Russell Park

Venue: The Embankment

Address: Bedford, MK40 3RH

Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/russell-park

Located off Bedford Embankment and provides a range of sports facilities, recreation space, a community café and herbaceous gardens for all the family. With a play area, football pitches, putting green,...

Saturday Papercraft Club

Venue: Flitwick Library

Address: 15 Coniston Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1QL

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#fl

Fun sessions involving designing, colouring, folding and cutting to make your own paper creations to take home. Suitable for ages 8-12 years. 10.30am - 11.30am. Next dates: 24th June and 8th July. Please...

Sunday Funday

Venue: Bedford Central Library

Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford, MK40 1PG

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#bc

Sunday is fun day! Lots of fun for all the family with giant Lego, board games and puzzles available to enjoy. No need to book, just turn up. Every Sunday, 11.30am - 1.30pm.

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Various locations in Bedfordshire

Website: www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at The Dunstable Centre, Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure...

Wardown Junior Parkrun

Venue: Wardown Park

Address: Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/wardown-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Wild Church

Venue: The Leslie Sell Activity Centre

Address: Molivers Ln, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LD

Website: ccbedford.churchinsight.com/Articles/552833/Regular_Childrens_activities.aspx

Meets on the third Sunday of the month, 4:30-6pm. Wild Church is an interactive outdoor session with woodland activities, a toasty fire, food and fellowship. Spend time together in God's creation and pray,...

Woodside Animal Farm

Venue: Woodside Animal Farm

Address: Woodside Road, Slip End, Beds, LU1 4DG

Website: www.woodsidefarm.co.uk

A great family day out. Get up close and cuddly with the animals. Lots of outdoor adventure play for all ages! Crazy golf suitable for adults and children is open daily. For rainy days and when the kids...