Oxford Events
Things to do in Oxford this weekend
Things to do in and around Oxford this weekend (13 to 15 March)
As the second weekend of March arrives, Oxford sits gently on the threshold between winter’s lingering chill and the growing promise of spring. Pale sunlight glows against the city’s honeyed stone and across the meadows, while a cool, refreshing breeze threads through ancient lanes and quiet college quads. The air carries a soft sense of awakening — longer daylight, the first tentative blossoms beginning to appear, and the subtle energy of a city easing into the brighter days ahead.
With the year now finding its rhythm, the city invites slower moments — gentle riverside walks, warming pauses in welcoming cafés, and thoughtful conversations that unfold at an unhurried pace, as winter’s stillness offers space to pause, reset and look ahead.
Across the city and countryside, the pace turns calmer – from festive events and family gatherings to scenic strolls and warm, unhurried afternoons. Oxford and Oxfordshire offer countless ways to welcome the new month with charm, colour, and comfort.
Art aficionados can peruse the permanent displays and longer-term exhibitions at the city’s world-class museums – The Ashmolean, the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum.
Otherwise, squirrel yourself away in one of the city’s intimate arts and cultural venues like the North Wall Arts Centre and Modern Art Oxford, which often put up a bold and ambitious programme of contemporary art.
Curious and adventurers? Explore Oxford with purpose. Whether you’re a local, new in town, or just passing through, we’ve got some rather useful insider’s guides to Oxford to help you get the best out of your time discovering Oxford – because we’re good like that!
If you’d rather head out of town, experience the excitement of Cheltenham Festival 2026, where four days of world-class jump racing bring thrilling competition, electric atmosphere and top-tier sporting drama to the Cotswolds — a standout highlight of the spring calendar.
Or enjoy an evening of comedy with Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. The popular comedian brings his latest stand-up show to the stage, delivering sharp observations and relatable humour that have made him a favourite on the UK comedy circuit.
Otherwise, you could always visit one of our diverse independent bookshops (where friendly and helpful staff are on hand to help you find your next best read), or, check out some of Oxfordshire’s coolest restaurants and places to eat.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion with a loved one or just looking to while away some tiresome hours between brunch and supper, there’s nothing as self-indulgent as enjoying a county house afternoon tea with prime views of the Oxfordshire countryside.
We hope there’s plenty here to inspire you. And if you’re still looking to fill a few gaps in your diary, do explore the Events sectionfor more things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Now, consider this your definitive guide to what’s on in Oxford this weekend.
It’s the biggest indie night to hit Oxford, spinning all your favourite classics. It’s indie rock’n’roll! Expect tunes from Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, The Black Keys, Blossoms, Blur, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Circa Waves, The Clash, Courteeners, The Cribs, Foals, Gorillaz, Jamie T, Kasabian, The Killers, The Kooks, The Libertines, Nirvana, and much more!
The North Wall Arts Centre
Circa 500 presents work by eleven St Edward’s School art teachers, spanning ceramics, textiles, painting, photography and film. The exhibition explores the space between classroom and studio, revealing shared curiosity, experimentation and creative dialogue across disciplines.
Bluey’s Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series packed with music, laughter, and fun. Join the Heelers in this live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets.
This smash hit ABBA tribute returns with a brand new show, celebrating the band’s greatest number one hits in a dazzling, high-energy production touring nationwide.
Richard Chappell Dance’s BLOOM marks 20 years of Dancin’ Oxford with a powerful triple bill exploring nature, connection and modern life through contemporary dance, poetry and live music.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Mika and the Polar Bear is a magical dance-theatre adventure for all ages, following an unexpected friendship forged after a climate disaster, brought to life through original music, digital animation and enchanting puppetry.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Hollie McNish brings her much-loved poetry as she reads from this brand-new collection about love, loss, wolves, and warm morning croissants.
Oxford Bach Choir returns with Elgar’s The Kingdom, the second part of its two-year Elgar Project, featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Benjamin Nicholas and a distinguished line-up of soloists in this powerful continuation of the Apostles’ story.
Celebrating their 50th Year, The Arcadian Singers are pleased to announce their Spring Concert – Scarlatti x Bach in the glorious surroundings of Keble College Chapel on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 7.30pm. The evening concert will feature Stabat mater dolorosa (Scarlatti) and Jesu, meine Freude (Bach) together with music by Kuhnau and Telemann.
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Images of Authority: Portraits Between Iran and Europe explores how Fath Ali Shah Qajar, King George III, and Napoleon Bonaparte used portraiture to convey power and personality. Featuring works from Iran, Britain, and France, the exhibition includes restored Qajar paintings and reveals the strategies behind these rulers’ compelling visual representations.
Pat Suet-Bik Hui & the Three Perfections showcases the Hong Kong-born artist’s mastery of painting, calligraphy, and poetry, presented alongside works by her teacher Lui Shou-Kwan and other historical examples. The exhibition highlights Hui’s contemporary approach, blending abstract ink and colour washes with poetic inscriptions exploring love, loss, and life’s quiet joys.