Hertfordshire weekend plans for 19–20 September 2026

Mid-September in Hertfordshire still has a proper spread: a sculpture afternoon at Perry Green, a loud night out in Hertford, a free Heritage Day at the Castle, and an alternative art market in Hitchin. If you’re sorting a family day, a cultural outing or something with friends after dark, these four are the ones to book around.

Sculpture Series: Carving Stone

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green (Much Hadham, SG10 6EE) runs Sculpture Series: Carving Stone on Saturday 19 September 2026, 1.30–4pm, outside Sheep Field Barn. It’s a drop-in demo with the Senior Sculptor Conservator — you watch stone carved the way Moore worked it, ask questions, and (if you’re 18+) there may be a chance to try tools with PPE. Under-18s can try softer materials with kid-safe tools; children need an adult with them.

Entry is included in an annual ticket (adults £23, over-65s £21, students/under-25s £13, children 5–18 £11, under-5s free; family tickets from £38). Site hours that day are 11am–5pm (studios close at 4pm). No pet dogs — assistance dogs only. Best if you want a calmer, countryside Saturday that still feels like an event, not just a gallery wander.

Emo Night — Kerrank!

Emo Night with Kerrank! is at Hertford Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, on Saturday 19 September 2026, 8–11pm. Kerrank! plays a Kerrang!-era tribute set — 90s/00s rock, nu metal, pop-punk and emo anthems. Tickets are £7 advance (plus booking fee) or £10 on the door; ages 18+.

This is the clear night-out pick if the daytime plans feel too wholesome. Book ahead on the Corn Exchange site if you want the cheaper rate and a smoother door.

Hertford Castle Heritage Day

Hertford Town Council’s Heritage Day is at Hertford Castle (Castle Street, SG14 1HR) on Sunday 20 September 2026, 12–4pm, as part of national Heritage Open Days. The lawn becomes a medieval settlement with interactive encampments; the arena has storytelling, falconry, archery and Viking battle re-enactments, plus food, craft and charity stalls. The Castle gatehouse is open to explore (Mayor’s Parlour, Robing Room, themed basement).

It’s free; donations go to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund. No booking needed. No on-site parking (including disabled) — use nearby car parks, or walk from Hertford North / Hertford East. Dogs on leads are welcome. Grounds are largely step-free; the spiral staircase inside the Castle isn’t wheelchair-friendly. This is the weekend’s best all-ages free day out.

Otherworld Art Market

Otherworld Art Market (also listed as the Hitchin Alternative Art Market) is at Hitchin Town Hall on Sunday 20 September 2026, 11am–4pm. Expect 30+ independent artists and makers focused on gothic, dark, whimsical and handmade work — illustration, jewellery, curiosities and gifts you won’t get on the high street. Free entry.

It’s the Sunday pick if Heritage Day feels too outdoorsy, or if you want a browse-and-buy afternoon with friends. Pair it with a Hitchin lunch and you’re sorted.

Quick shortlist

• Sculpture Series: Carving Stone — Calm cultural Saturday (annual ticket)
• Emo Night — Kerrank! — Cheap, loud 18+ night out
• Hertford Castle Heritage Day — Free family Sunday with Vikings and falconry
• Otherworld Art Market — Free alternative makers’ market in Hitchin

Worth a mention if you’re building a longer day: Herts Open Studios runs county-wide until 27 September (free studio visits — check the HVAF map for who’s open that weekend), and WGC Food & Craft Market is Saturday 19 September, 10am–4pm in Welwyn Garden City.

If you’re only choosing one, decide the mood first: sculpture and gardens, a Hertford gig, free castle heritage, or a dark-art market. Hertfordshire has all four on the same weekend.