Events & Festivals in Oxford

A festive concert held on the afternoon of New Year's Day, often featuring a local orchestra or brass band. The program typically includes popular classics and waltzes. It provides a relaxed, cheerful start to the year.

Several colleges, hotels, and Scottish societies in Oxford host formal suppers to celebrate the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The evening includes a traditional meal of haggis, readings of poetry, and Scottish music. Tickets are required.

The rugby league match between Oxford and Cambridge, usually held at a sports ground in Oxford. It is a fast-paced, physical game with a dedicated student following. The atmosphere is less formal than the union match in March.

A series of readings and workshops by established and emerging poets, organized by the university's poetry centre. Events are held on campus and are open to the public. They provide an intimate setting to hear contemporary poetry.

This festival brings authors, historians, and poets to venues across the city for talks, debates, and workshops. It focuses on non-fiction, biography, and current affairs, attracting a thoughtful audience. Events happen in college halls and theatres. You get to see inside historic buildings.

The annual rugby union match between Oxford and Cambridge universities takes place at Twickenham Stadium in London. It is a major social event. Many Oxford students and alumni travel to support the team. The atmosphere is formal and celebratory.

A month-long series of events celebrating women's achievements and discussing contemporary issues. It includes art exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops held in community centres, libraries, and cafes across Oxford.

A traditional celebration on the first of May, beginning at 6am with choristers singing from the top of Magdalen College tower. Crowds gather on Magdalen Bridge to listen. Morris dancing and music follow in the surrounding streets. It is an early and lively local tradition.

A county-wide open studios event where artists and makers open their workshops and homes to the public. In Oxford, you can visit painters, potters, and printmakers in their studios across different neighborhoods. It is a chance to buy work directly and see creative processes.

The main inter-college rowing competition of the year, held on the Isis river. College crews race in timed bumps races over several afternoons. The banks are lined with students and supporters. A social and picnic atmosphere prevails.

A show of local producers, street food vendors, and Oxfordshire chefs. The event features cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and a large market in a central square. It focuses on sustainable and regional produce.

A multi-arts festival with a program of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Many performances are staged in historic college venues. It often includes contemporary commissions alongside classical repertoire.

A series of guided walks, talks, and family activities exploring the wildlife and green spaces in and around Oxford. Events are led by local conservation groups and experts. Activities might include bat walks, river dipping, or botany tours.

A large, community-led street festival with a parade featuring elaborate costumes and floats. Multiple music stages play world music, reggae, and pop along Cowley Road. The event celebrates the varied cultures of East Oxford.

Open-air performances of Shakespeare's plays held in the gardens of a historic college. Audiences bring picnic blankets and chairs. The setting provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere for theatre.

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade through the city centre and a festival in a park. The event includes live music, speeches, and community stalls. It is a family-friendly day with a supportive and cheerful mood.

A traditional travelling funfair that takes over St. Giles' street for two days. It features vintage rides like gallopers and big wheels, alongside modern attractions. The fair has been held for centuries. It marks the end of summer for locals.

A weekend where hundreds of buildings not usually accessible open to the public for free. This includes university colleges, laboratories, historic houses, and places of worship. Special tours and talks are often offered.

Organized by the local Campaign for Real Ale branch, this festival offers hundreds of real ales, ciders, and perries from local and national breweries. It is held in a large marquee with live music. The crowd is a mix of enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

One of the world's largest festivals dedicated to art song, featuring well-known singers and pianists. Concerts fill college chapels and halls with exceptional acoustics. The program includes masterclasses and free community events.

A celebration of the Hindu festival of lights, organized by the local community. Classical and folk dance performances, music, food stalls, and lamp lighting fill the evening. It is a colorful, family-oriented celebration.

A road race past many of the city's famous landmarks, including the Radcliffe Camera and University Parks. Thousands of participants raise money for charities. Spectators line the route to cheer.

A traditional German-style market with wooden chalets selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal food. The historic heart of the city fills with festive atmosphere. Mulled wine and roasted nuts are popular.

During university terms, college chapels and music societies host regular concerts. These range from choral evensong services to orchestral performances by student groups. The standard is high and tickets are often reasonably priced.

A weekend event marking the switch-on of the city's Christmas lights. Lantern processions, light installations on buildings, street performances, and late-night museum openings fill the schedule. The atmosphere is festive and aimed at families.