Hertfordshire weekend plans for 26–27 September 2026
St Albans Beer & Cider Festival leads the weekend, plus the BIG Model Show, a free Harvest Moon market near Ware, and Berkhamsted Comic Con.
Late September in Hertfordshire is a proper get-out weekend: a big beer and cider session in St Albans, a family model show across town, a harvest market near Ware, and Comic Con in Berkhamsted. If you’re sorting mates, a couple’s day or something with kids, these four are the ones worth planning around.
St Albans Beer & Cider Festival
St Albans Beer & Cider Festival is at the Alban Arena (St Peter’s Street, AL1 3LD) from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 September 2026, open midday–11pm each day. Saturday is the last day, so it’s the clear weekend lead if you want a proper social session with friends or a partner — hundreds of cask ales, craft beers, ciders and perries across three floors, outdoor space, street food and live bands.
Online packages are the best value: afternoon (arrive before 4pm) from about £19.49 and all-day from about £24.49, including a refundable souvenir glass and £10 drinks tokens. Door admission is £10 (glass and tokens extra, subject to capacity). CAMRA members get free-admission packages online. Book ahead for priority if it’s busy — this is the headline “out with mates” pick of the weekend.
The BIG St Albans Model Show
The BIG St Albans Model Show (“Models That Move”) is at Townsend School, High Oaks, St Albans AL3 6DR on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 — Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm. Expect miniature train rides, have-a-go model boats, railways, traction engines, Scalextric, drones and visiting clubs. Adults £10, concessions £9, children £2; free parking and refreshments on site.
It’s the family or grandparents day out if beer festival isn’t the mood — same city as the Arena, so you can still make a St Albans Saturday of it without the bars.
Harvest Moon Farmers & Craft Market
Harvest Moon Farmers & Craft Market is at Dane End Christmas Tree Farm near Ware on Sunday 27 September 2026, 11am–4pm. Free entry, dogs welcome: artisan crafts, seasonal produce, bakers, live music, on-site cafe, plus hog roast and a bar. It’s the gentler Sunday social — browse, eat, and start Christmas shopping early without a ticket stress.
Berkhamsted Comic Con
Berkhamsted Comic Con is at Berkhamsted Leisure Centre, Douglas Gardens (HP4 3QQ) on Sunday 27 September 2026, 11am–4pm (quiet entry from 10.30am by arrangement). Costumes, gaming, face painting, workshops and exhibitors — a proper family social day. Advance tickets from about £9 adults, £7 teens/students/OAPs, £4 children 5–12, family £24 (under-5s free); door prices higher. Book on Bolt Events if you want the earlier entry slot.
Quick shortlist
- St Albans Beer & Cider Festival — Best mates / couple Saturday (last day of the fest)
- BIG St Albans Model Show — Family-friendly “things that move” day out
- Harvest Moon Farmers & Craft Market — Free Sunday browse near Ware
- Berkhamsted Comic Con — Family Sunday with costumes and stalls
If you’re only picking one, decide the vibe: beer and bands, models with kids, a free harvest market, or Comic Con. Hertfordshire has all four on the same weekend.