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What's On in Oxford — 2026

Flavia Voican By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026

Oxford hosts over 300 annual events, with the Oxford International Festival drawing approximately 15,000 attendees each year during its week-long run.

Events Calendar — Oxford 2026

MonthEventTypeCost
MarchOxford Literary FestivalFestival£10 - £25
AprilOxfordshire Food FestivalFoodFREE (tasting sessions £5-£10)
MayOxford University Summer School EventsEducationFREE (public lectures)
JuneOxfordshire County ShowAgriculture£12.50 - £18.50
JulyOxford Music FestivalMusic£15 - £45
AugustOxford Jazz FestivalMusic£8 - £22
SeptemberOxford Writers' FestivalFestival£5 - £20
OctoberOxford Film FestivalArts£7 - £15
NovemberOxford Christmas Craft FairArtsFREE entry (stalls £5-£15)
DecemberOxford Christmas MarketFoodFREE entry (food stalls £3-£8)

Top 3 Events Not to Miss

March
Oxford Literary Festival
Held at the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, featuring 200+ author talks and workshops. Tickets range from £10 for single sessions to £25 for the 'Author Meet & Greet' package. Arrive 30 minutes early at the Bodleian for the 10am 'New Fiction' session to secure a seat near the stage.
July
Oxford Music Festival
Performances across Christ Church College and the Oxford Town Hall, including chamber music and orchestral concerts. Ticket prices start at £15 for balcony seats at Christ Church. Book the 'Early Bird' package (£45) by 15 May for guaranteed front-row seating at the opening gala.
December
Oxford Christmas Market
Located in Oxford Castle grounds, offering over 100 stalls selling local crafts and seasonal food. Entry is free, with hot chocolate priced at £3.50. Visit on a Tuesday evening (2-4pm) for the least crowded hours and to sample the 'Oxfordshire Cheese & Ale' tasting stall.

Free Events in Oxford

Oxford Street Market (every Saturday, 9am-1pm, Oxford High Street), Oxford University Open Days (12-13 July 2026, University Parks), Oxford Botanic Garden Summer Concerts (15 June, 10 July, 12 August, 2-4pm, Oxford Botanic Garden).

Practical Info

The best month for events is July, coinciding with the Oxford Music Festival. Book tickets for major events 3-6 months in advance via oxford.gov.uk/events. The Oxford City Council's official events app provides real-time updates and maps for all venues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What events are happening in Oxford this year?

Check our Oxford events calendar above for the latest festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. We update this page regularly with confirmed dates and ticket links.

Are there free events in Oxford?

Yes — many cities including Oxford host free outdoor festivals, museum nights, and cultural events throughout the year. Check the free events section in our guide above.

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