co-living

Fun Things to Do in Crawley: Your Guide to Local Events, Parks & Hidden Gems

Check out some of Crawley's must-see attractions.

Crawley is fast becoming one of the most sought after areas in South East London. With strong transport links to London, Gatwick, and the coast, Crawley is positioned in a prime location. Crawley offers a mix of calm, culture, and community with an abundance of creative spaces, growing green infrastructure, and a multicultural feel. Here, you'll find historic landmarks alongside local makers, dynamic public spaces, and community-driven events. Whether you're settling in or just exploring, Crawley delivers something meaningful for every stage in life.

Media

Crawley Events You Won’t Want to Miss

If you're looking for live entertainment and local culture, Crawley doesn’t disappoint. Some of the most notable Crawley events for live music and venues include:

  • The Crawley Bandstand - A historic landmark in Memorial Gardens, hosting jazz sessions, brass bands, and seasonal concerts.

  • Gig on the Green - A popular open-air music event featuring local acts, food stalls, and summer energy.

  • The Hawth Theatre - A leading cultural venue offering a wide variety of performances from classical concerts to contemporary drama and comedy.
Media

Keep an eye on Crawley events calendars year-round, such as pop-up art exhibitions, charity fundraisers and multicultural festivals. There's always something inspiring around the corner.

Things to Do in Crawley on the Weekend

Crawley is full of ways to unwind or explore on the weekend. Options include:

  •  Café hopping - Crawley town centre offers an abundance of local roasts and indie pastries.

  • County Mall - Enjoy some retail therapy, perfect for a style refresh or errands run.

  • Crawley Museum - Get a glimpse into the local heritage and town history.

  • Crawley Library - Enjoy some reading or join a creative community offering drop-in workshops, exhibitions, and events.

Family Friendly Attractions

For families, it's easy to find fun things to do in Crawley that suit all ages. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Crawley as a family or with friends, try:

  • Crawley Artisan Market - Held monthly in Queens Square, this curated market features handmade crafts, independent food producers, and local creatives.

  • Street Food Revolution - A recurring street food pop-up event in Memorial Gardens and Queen’s Square offering everything from gourmet burgers to international street eats.

  • Summer Screens Crawley - Outdoor cinema experiences hosted in public parks like Tilgate or Goffs Park during warmer months, often featuring family favourites and cult classics.

  • Hawth Open Air Theatre Series - Seasonal open-air theatre, dance, and music performances presented by The Hawth Theatre in local parks and community venues.
Media

These events are ideal for soaking up Crawley’s community energy while enjoying food, culture, and open-air entertainment - all within walking distance of town.

Green Spaces That Keep You Grounded

Among the biggest attractions in Crawley are its green spaces, and they go far beyond just somewhere to walk your dog. Some green attractions nearby include:

  • Tilgate Park - Crawley’s largest and best-known green retreat, featuring over 200 acres of woodland, lakes, gardens, and lawns. It’s also home to a nature centre, boating lake, scenic walking trails, and seasonal events.

  • Goffs Park - A relaxed, community-style park ideal for easygoing walks and weekend picnics. It features a miniature railway for kids and often hosts local festivals and small-scale events.

  • Buchan Country Park - A peaceful rural escape on the town’s edge, perfect for woodland walks, wildlife spotting, quiet reading, and unplugged afternoons.
Media

These green retreats are part of what makes Crawley such a great base for mindful living and leisure.

Year-Round Crawley Community Events to Look Out For

Crawley knows how to bring people together. The town’s event calendar reflects its creative, welcoming, and multicultural spirit. Highlights include:

  • WORDfest - An annual literary festival celebrating local voices through spoken word, poetry, author talks, and creative writing workshops.

  • Crawley Festival - A town-wide celebration with music, food, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment.

  • Christmas Lights Switch-On & Seasonal Fairs - Held at Memorial Gardens and town centre spaces, featuring festive stalls, performances, and activities.

Whether you're new in town or have lived here for years, these gatherings create moments to connect, participate, and support your neighbourhood. With a growing number of fun things to do in Crawley, walkable green spaces, and year-round events, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to live and thrive here.

Explore Life with Vonder

Vonder offers managed flats with modern design, communal spaces and amenities, and flexible terms making it easy to live well in one of the town's most up-and-coming neighbourhoods. So what are you waiting for? Browse our Crawley flats to rent and find your dream space. 

Looking to stay closer to the capital? Browse our stylish, fully furnished co living London locations, such as our Wembley Park flats to rent or discover more homes across the city via our London locations.

Wherever life takes you, Vonder makes it simple to settle in.

Media
Media