Oxford Events
Things to do in Oxfordshire this early May bank holiday
Things to do in Oxfordshire this early May bank holiday
Need some inspiration for what to do with yourself in Oxfordshire this early May bank holiday?
Okay, so we can’t promise the weekend will be entirely sunny and dry, but we can help you find some brilliant things to do in Oxfordshire this early May bank holiday – you know, the kind of things worth making time for.
Embrace the long weekend with a slew of excellent events and cultural happenings in and around the county this weekend. This is also a great time of the year to explore Oxfordshire without the holiday crowds.
For museum nerds, peruse the permanent displays and longer-term exhibitions at Oxford’s iconic museums – The Ashmolean, the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum. And for bookworms, squirrel yourself away in one of independent bookshops in Oxfordshire, where you’re sure to find more than meets the eye.
Still got gaps in your diary? Embrace the warmer days by heading out for a meal at one of 50+ restaurants in Oxford and beyond for alfresco dining this summer, or perhaps for an indulgent Country House Afternoon Tea – perfect for whiling away those tedious hours between brunch and supper.
We hope there’s enough here to pique your interest, but if you still have gaps in your diary, visit the What’s on section for more events, and be sure to check out our guide to What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this May.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Enormous Crocodile is brought to life on stage in a lively musical packed with puppetry, humour and toe-tapping songs, offering a fun-filled family adventure as jungle creatures outwit a greedy crocodile.
Medieval jousting returns to Stonor Park this May Bank Holiday, with knights, archery, falconry and family activities at Tumblestone Hollow. Visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment, plus access to the adventure playground, house and gardens.
Venue across Henley-on-Thames
Founded in 2006, The Henley Arts Trail is celebrating its 20th year. The trail was set up to showcase the amazing talent in the area. It’s gone from strength to strength and now shows the work of over 300 creatives in 36 venues in and around Henley-on-Thames. Discover the inspiration behind the work of the creatives, the techniques used and buy direct from the makers. From paintings, prints and photography to sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and everything in between.
The Knights of Middle England are ready to take you back to the exciting and colourful era of the Middle Ages with their action-packed, high-octane Jousting and Stunt Show. Visitors will be transported back in time to a medieval tournament complete with authentic tiltyard, royal box, falconry, archery and hand-to-hand combat. Expect thrills – and maybe spills! – in an action-packed day of discovery.
Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event, showcasing the remarkable visual arts, craft, and creative talent of hundreds of local artists, makers and designers over a three-week period.
As always, you can feast your eyes on a huge range of creative activities by hundreds of artists, makers and designers in artists’ studios, pop-up galleries, glorious gardens, ancient churches, medieval tithe barns and other amazing venues in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Discover more: Exhibitions
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Metropolitan Opera presents Eugene Onegin, starring Asmik Grigorian in a powerful production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s romantic masterpiece.
The North Wall Art Centre
The Furrow Collective brings traditional folk songs to life through storytelling, music and visual art, blending historic ballads with contemporary creativity in performances inspired by their evolving Cantastoria project.
Oasiz brings the sound of Oasis to the stage, recreating iconic hits and celebrating the legacy of the legendary Knebworth shows with an authentic live tribute experience.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming ride, exploring identity, diversity, and self-acceptance. This sparkling musical extravaganza is packed with jaw-dropping dance routines, eye-popping costumes, and an iconic soundtrack full of your favourite 80s and 90s disco and dance anthems, including; Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally and many more
Every Saturday (Except 26 December)
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
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.
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World at the Ashmolean Museum uncovers the hidden histories behind Britain’s most beloved blooms. Explore over 100 artworks and objects that reveal how plant exploration and trade shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies.