If the winter weather is getting you down, here are nine big events to look forward to in Watford this year.

It's is shaping up to be a busy year for the town, which will see both new events, such as Oktoberfest, as well as the return of long-time favourites like Stevens Fun Fair.

Read the list below:

The Sound of Watford

In honour of national 'Record Store Day', the LP Café and West Herts College will bring both grassroots and national bands to the town on Saturday, April 20, with support from Watford Borough Council.

Last year saw live bands play at the pond in Watford from 12pm to 5pm and a DJ performing at the café in The Parade.

Watford Observer: The Sound of Watford is organised by The LP Cafe and West Herts College.The Sound of Watford is organised by The LP Cafe and West Herts College.

Musicians, bands and experimental sound acts are all invited to apply online on the council’s website.

Watford Jazz Junction

Get your groove on with the Watford Jazz Junction festival which will run from May 12 to 19 across the Watford area.

The week will feature a range of free and paid events, including British jazz icons Ray Gelato & The Giants in concert at the Watford Palace Theatre on May 16.

Watford Observer: British jazz icons Ray Gelato & The Giants will perform at the Watford Palace Theatre.British jazz icons Ray Gelato & The Giants will perform at the Watford Palace Theatre. Oxhey Village will also host over 20 acts across six pubs on May 19 for free family-friendly concerts, including Ronnie Scott's All Stars from the London jazz mecca.

Watford Observer:

Watford Fun Fair 

Merrygorounds, bumper cars and candy floss will all make a comeback this summer as Stevens Fun Fair returns to Cassiobury Park from May 25 to June 2.

The fair has operated in the town for over 70 years and in 2023, it brought new rides to Watford, including 'The Giant Star Flyer', 'The Extreme', and 'Super Trooper'. 

Watford Observer: Stevens Fun Fair will return to Watford this year.Stevens Fun Fair will return to Watford this year. (Image: Stevens Fun Fair)

Watford Fringe 2024

This year will mark the eighth edition of the Watford Fringe festival as aspiring comedy acts take to the stage from July 1 to August 3. 

Run by the Pump House Theatre and Arts Trust, the month-long comedy festival hosted more than 100 performances in 2023 and sold over 2,000 tickets.

Hopeful performers, venues and engineers looking to take part this year can still apply on the festival’s website. 

Big Screen

Catch some cinema classics alongside the latest blockbusters at The Big Screen in the town centre from August 5 to 11 and then the Knutsford Playing Fields from August 12 to 18.

Deck chairs will be provided but residents are invited to bring their own chairs and picnics.

Watford Observer: Catch a free screening at the Big Screen in the town centre and Knutsford Playing Fields this summer.Catch a free screening at the Big Screen in the town centre and Knutsford Playing Fields this summer. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

No booking is required, although sunny weather is not included!

Big Beach 

Watford Council will bring the beach to you this summer at the Big Beach returns to The Parade from August 16 to 30.

The free attraction will see part of the town centre converted into a sandy oasis with deckchairs and beach toys provided.

Watford Observer: The Big Beach in the town centre.The Big Beach in the town centre.

Colourscape 

Enter “a new world of colour and light” at Colourscape this summer, a labyrinth of 70 interlinked chambers featuring lights, musicians and dancers.

The immersive 10-day installation, which promises to take you on a “journey of colour, music and space”, will run in Cassiobury Park from August 17 to 26.

Watford Observer: Colourscape will return in August.Colourscape will return in August. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Hertfordshire Pride

The county’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration will return to Cassiobury Park on August 31 this year with live music, talks and a dog show.

Tickets are available now and start from £12 for adults.

Performers, volunteers, stallholders and caterers can all apply on the event's website, and you can even enter your pet for the dog show.

Watford Observer: Last year's Pride was a well-attended brilliant success according to organisers.Last year's Pride was a well-attended brilliant success according to organisers. (Image: Herts Pride)

Hertfordshire Oktoberfest 

After previous editions in St Albans and Hertford, 2024 will bring the Bavarian beer festival to Cassiobury Park on October 4 and 5.

There will be a live Oompah band, axe throwing, German beer served in extra-large steins and traditional karaoke dancing at the Watford edition of Oktoberfest. 

Tickets are available now for Cassiobury Park from October 4 and 5 and Hartham Common in Hertford on September 27 and 28.

Watford Observer: The German beer festival will come to Watford this summer after previous editions in St Albans and Hertford.The German beer festival will come to Watford this summer after previous editions in St Albans and Hertford. (Image: Barbican Events)