Events in Cassiobury Park
This events list is no longer being actively updated
Note that some events are subject to change due to the heritage works taking place throughout 2016
Regular events, throughout the year
Every (almost) Wednesday, Health Walks:
Hertfordshire Health Walks start from The Cha on Wednesday mornings.  Some routes are more challenging than others, for details see Countryside Management Service
Every  Wednesday, Green Gym:
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) organise sessions which help improve the environment whilst getting some outdoor exercise. Meet outside The Cha on Wednesdays at 9:45am. For details see TCV Watford
Every Saturday, parkrun:
At 9am every Saturday, a 5 kilometre run/walk starts from the top of the park, near the flagpole. Free, and everyone welcome, but if you are new to parkrun its best to register (once only) at least 24 hours in advance via the parkrun website, see parkrun.
Every Sunday, yoga:
There is a yoga session in the park at 11:30am every Sunday.  For details contact Debbie Brady on 01923 278972 or email: deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk
Third Saturday of each month, Litter Picking and Reserve Work Parties:
The Friends of Cassiobury Park organise litter picking on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am to noon. On the same date they also run a work party in the nature reserve in co-ordination with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, which runs from 10am to 1pm. See FoCP
Once a month on a Tuesday, Nature Reserve Work Party:
Generally on the Tuesday before the third Saturday, the Friends of Cassiobury Park join forces with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to carry out conservation work in the nature reserve, from 10am to 3pm.  See FoCP
Various dates –  Music in The Cha Café:
There are occasional music events held at the café in the park (The Cha) on Saturday evenings.  Usually an admission charge applies, see Silencio
Annual events
February – Watford Half Marathon:Â
Organised by the Watford Harriers this February event usually attracts around 2,000 runners and is one of the first large half-marathon events of the year in the south of the country. In 2016 this event was held on Sunday 7th February, see Watford half marathon website.
May 1st – Greet the Dawn:
Woodside Morris Men generally get up early on Mayday to greet the dawn in the park, see Woodside.
May – Watford 10K run:
Held on the May Day bank holiday each year this ‘charity fun run’ generally starts and finishes in Cassiobury Park. Money is raised for Watford Mencap and other charities Watford Round Table supports. As well as the main 10k race there are also popular junior 1k and 3k races. However the 2016 event is being moved to a new venue (and day) due to the heritage work in the park – expecting to return in 2017. See the Watford 10k website.
May – Fun Fair:
A funfair with various rides and sideshows generally visits the park in late May. Unfortunately this usually coincides with rainy weather!
June – Race for Life:
In 2016 this annual fundraiser for Cancer Research UK took place on Sunday 12th June.  For details see RfL 2016
June – Grand Union Challenge:
Cassiobury park was the half way point on the 100 km route for this event held for the second time on the weekend  of June 27/28 2015. Taking at rest in 2016, but may be back in 2017 – see GU Challenge
July – Starlight Walk:
This ladies-only late evening sponsored walk to raise funds for the Peace Hospice generally includes Cassiobury Park on its route. 2016 will be the tenth anniversary, and the event scheduled for Saturday 9th July is rumoured to be the last ever, see Starlight
July/August – Swing / Jazz music and dance:
This event was held most recently on Sunday 26 July 2015 – shame about the weather! For information about possible event in 2016, contact Debbie Brady on 01923 278972 or email: deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk
Late August – Herts Pride:
The Herts Pride festival was held in Cassiobury Park in 2015, but for 2016 will move to Gadebridge Park in Hemel, see Hertspride
Summer – Heritage Horse and Carriage Rides:
Horse and carriage rides through the park and woods have taken place in previous years. To enquire about possible future dates, contact Debbie Brady on 01923 278972 or email: deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk
October –Â Halloween event:
Park Ranger Debbie Brady generally organises a family event in late October to celebrate Halloween. For more info contact Debbie on 01923 278972 or email: deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk
November – Fireworks display:
Each year the Cassiobury Park fireworks and bonfire night is held on the Saturday nearest to 5th November, which this year (2016) happens to be bang on the 5th itself.  For more details see the council website
November – Autumn Challenge:
Cross country race organised by Watford Joggers, generally held on (or near) remembrance Sunday.  Held most recently on Sunday 15th November 2015, see  Watford Joggers
December – Christmas Family Fun:
Festive family fun event, held most recently on Sunday 7 December 2014, based in the area around The Cha. Did not go ahead in 2015, but may be back in 2016, depending on whether the heritage works have been completed.