What’s on in Oxford & Oxfordshire this July

Join Creative Writers Group to learn skills in Spoken Word, Performance Poetry and Playwriting and create your own works to be presented as part of OxBright Festival in July.

Join Story Time Adventure around the theatre space for interactive storytelling session for ages 2 to 4 and their parent/carer!

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 16th year! This outdoor theatre experience that takes place in the castle yard of Oxford Castle & Prison will see Wild Goose Theatre, BMH Productions, Siege Theatre, and Greensleeved will be putting on marvellous performances of Shakespeare’s finest classics.

Join a Real Alice in Wonderland Tour to see fiction, fantasy and history come to life through the eyes of a local expert in Oxford’s history.

The hit musical comedy Waitress returns for a UK tour, telling the heartwarming story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker searching for happiness. Featuring music by Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, this five-star show celebrates love, laughter, and friendship in delicious style.

Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly one of the best-known regattas in the world; and a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the English social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over the six days of action-packed racing. Spectators are thrilled by over 200 races of an international standard which can include Olympic rowers, as well as crews new to the event.

Songs of the Bulbul, a captivating new dance work by Rani Khanam, inspired by the Sufi myth of a caged songbird. Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance blends Sufi Kathak, orchestral and Indian classical traditions, and Islamic poetry.

The Oxford Festival Fringe Preview Comedy Festival (Oxford Comedy Festival) is a month-long comedy festival that takes place in Oxford throughout July. The festival brings the best comedians headed to Edinburgh and other large festivals to the Oxford community, with a particular focus on amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices.

Join Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford, and experience Shakespeare’s journey in Oxford during his lifetime. This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room, which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust.

Step back into the golden age of the Great Western Railway at this 21-acre living museum, where trains from Victorian times to the 1960s bring railway history to life. Explore historic engine sheds, restored locomotives, interactive signalling displays and wartime exhibits, with the rare chance to see steam-era engineering up close in a quieter, immersive setting.

The excitement starts early at Silverstone with Thursday’s Opening Concert, headlined by David Guetta. Book the standalone event or stay for the full British Grand Prix weekend as major artists, surprise guests, and high-energy entertainment set the stage for 2026.

It has long been an MCS tradition that the Trinity term comes to an end with a concert of Madrigals performed from punts on the river. This hugely popular event will feature a variety of madrigals and folksongs from different periods of musical history interspersed with some instrumental items.

Get ready for an electrifying night as the UK and Europe’s Biggest, best and longest-running Neil Diamond tribute show returns — bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.

Experience Spanish Renaissance choral works and a wellbeing workshop with The Sixteen at Choral Pilgrimage: Lead, Kindly Light. The range of emotion covered by composers in the Spanish Renaissance is demonstrated beautifully in the selected works by Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivanco that form the basis of this Choral Pilgrimage.

Alice’s Day is the annual city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, and it is marked on the first Saturday in July, in commemoration of the afternoon on the 04 July 1862 when the Christ Church mathematician Charles Dodgson took the Dean of Christ Church’s daughters (Lorina, Alice, and Edith Liddell) on a boat trip, from Folly Bridge to Godstow, where they had a picnic.

Join this first ever Classy Clown Custard Pie masterclass! Whether you love panto, circus, theatre slapstick or film, this is a unique opportunity to have loads of fun while learning about clowning technique, prop management, and delivering the perfect pie.

Come and have a go at handling some of the museum objects at Alice’s Day, special edition of hands-on history drop-in session at the Museum of Oxford.

APAC Presents ‘Dancing Through Life’, a vibrant evening of dance and musical theatre where performers bring all their hard work to the stage.

Kandeez Dance Presents Chapter 1 ‘A Dream in Motion’ at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Sunday 05 July 2026 by 5.30pm.

Find out what is actually the best job in the world as Michelle Wolf delivers a hilarious deconstruction of society, gender roles and testicles.

The Gigspanner Big Band bring together some of the biggest names in British folk music for an evening of high-energy performance rooted in tradition yet boldly experimental in spirit.

Henley Festival is an exclusive boutique black-tie festival that takes place over five days, celebrating the best of the UK and International music and arts. The festival is a truly unique event. It embraces a vibrant programme from pop to world music, classical to jazz where art and gastronomy share equal billing with music.

Festival lineup includes: Boy George & Culture Club / Sugababes / Lulu / Björn Again / Alex James’ Britpop Classical / Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with very special guest, Laura Mvula / Bootleg Beatles / Alan Davies / Shappi Khorsandi / Russell Kane / Geoff Norcott / Suzi Ruffell / Julian Clary

Bring your favourite book or book character to the Academy Masterclass: From Page to Stage and explore how to adapt them for the stage.

The Divine Comedy’s hits include National Express, Something for the Weekend, A Lady of a Certain Age and Our Mutual Friend.

Following sold-out performances in London’s West End, a Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation that features hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

Learn the principles of transcription and editing in the Storytelling Evaluation Method – how to turn an audio file into a written story on two sides of A4 that preserves the authentic voice and key insights of the storyteller.

Discover the magic behind the curtain with behind-the-scenes theatre tours, featuring history, architecture, and backstage stories, and gain a unique insight into the hidden spaces that bring each performance to life.

Celebrate the music of George Michael with Rob Lamberti, whose uncanny vocals and stage presence bring hits from Wham! to George’s solo career to life, including timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Club Tropicana’, and so many more.

Within These Walls is a compassionate play about those who have lived within the walls of an institution and the people who care for them and about the timeless healing power of human connection.

Lord of the Dance is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. Expect a dazzling combination of precision dance, powerful music, pyrotechnics, and emotional storytelling.

An evening of Baroque mastery awaits as the Oxford Philharmonic welcomes celebrated harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. A perfect concert for both Baroque enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

The Leys Festival is back and bigger than ever! Get ready for an unforgettable day full of music, food, and fun for all the family, created and planned by over 60 passionate residents and community organisers from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. This isn’t just any festival – it’s one of Oxford’s most beloved free community events and this year’s festival promises more excitement than ever before.

Prepare for a show-stopping performance as The Princess Proms pay tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and more!

Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo returns to cinemas with new footage, exploring the life, art and legacy of the iconic artist through expert insight, personal letters and exclusive access ahead of the Tate Britain exhibition.

A summer celebration of vintage motoring returns to Adwell House, featuring classic vehicles, a rare Formula 1 display, live music, family activities and new interactive show elements, all set within picturesque private parkland near Thame in Oxfordshire.

The British Festival of Performing Arts (BFOPA) is a live performing arts event celebrating young talent from across the UK, featuring performances in dance, musical theatre and singing.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Awful Egyptians to the stage with dazzling 3D effects, exploring pharaohs, pyramids and mummies in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome facts and humour for audiences of all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Terrible Tudors to the stage with thrilling 3D effects, exploring Henry VIII, Bloody Mary and the Spanish Armada in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome history and humour for all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

This screen acting workshop for ages 7 to 11 introduces young performers to acting for camera, exploring performance techniques, text analysis and on-screen confidence while offering a taste of the Academy’s regular term-time drama sessions.

Featuring over 100 incredible young dancers from the local area, this fast-paced, feel-good show is packed with powerful performances, show-stopping routines, and plenty of wow moments.

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.

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.

Party in the Paddock returns in 2026 with two massive weekends of racing and live music at Newbury Racecourse. With world-class racing, unforgettable performances, and an electric summer atmosphere, this is a series you won’t want to miss.

Festival lineup includes: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes / Ronan Keating / Tinie Tempah / Jessie J.

Join this very special night of stand-up that is headlined – with an extended set – by a certified comedy superstar, Ed Byrne. With legions of fans both in the UK and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.

Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream – Voodoo Room is a stunning high energy ‘Power Trio’ featuring some of the U.K.’s finest musicians whose credits include: Steve Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder, Lulu etc.

Blake’s Heaven Big Band is a 17-piece modern ensemble delivering funk, pop, jazz and swing styles influenced from all genres of music. The Band’s repertoire ranges from classic big band to fun cartoon, TV and film themes and popular time-honoured hits from the 60s through to the 90s and beyond.

Return to the cosmos – or discover it for the first time – with Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter: a brand new, stand-alone instalment in the acclaimed live series from astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS.

The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, is a darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets filmed live on stage at the National Theatre.

The inaugural OxBright Festival will bring together young performers from the UK and around the world for a celebration of creativity, featuring workshops, performances, Q&A sessions and opportunities to showcase work on a professional stage.

Join Spread the Joy: Marmalade Stitching and learn about Sarah Cooper, whose 1874 marmalade recipe became a huge hit in Oxford and beyond. Use hessian from another thriving local business as the blank canvas on which you’ll stitch your own marmalade-inspired picture using yarn and pipe cleaners. 

Truck Festival takes place in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, offering a long weekend of live music, camping and community spirit. Family-friendly and inclusive, the festival features multiple stages, arts, workshops, food and bars, along with full campsite facilities, making it one of the region’s most cherished independent summer festivals.

Festival lineup includes: The Maccabees / Two Door Cinema Club / CMAT / The Libertines / The Wombats / Primal Scream / Kaiser Chiefs / The Vaccines

Guiting Music Festival continues to grow its reputation as one of the leading music festivals in the Cotswolds, offering a superb eclectic mix of artists and genres of music at its annual event in the Cotswold village of Guiting Power. Over 10 days it will play host to world-renowned, international, European and UK artists.

The Oxford Piano Festival was founded in 1999 by Marios Papadopoulos, renowned pianist and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Each year, the Festival welcomes piano players and pedagogues, experts and enthusiasts, to some of Oxford’s most historic venues, such as Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, and Christ Church Cathedral.

The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Alon Goldstein and fellow piano masters.

The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Kathryn Stott and fellow piano masters.

Festival favourite Paul Lewis returns with a programme framed by two of Mozart’s most appealing piano sonatas – one known for its charm and grace, the other for its intensity and restlessness.

Our Man in Havana follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden, and Jodie Steele play over 30 characters to bring 1950s Havana vividly to life in this wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp!

The Masterclass Series is three introductory workshops in professional skills used by creatives across the industry, designed for both beginners and those looking to revisit foundational techniques, including Movement & Physical Theatre, Directing and Improvisation.

The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Momoro Ono and fellow piano masters.

Wilderness festival is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, artisanship, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and culinary experiences. It’s one festival where genres are redefined, identity is turned on its head, and arts from across the spectrum sit side by side.

Festival lineup includes: Scissor Sisters / Carl Cox / The Last Dinner Party / Sisters: curated by Annie Lennox / Soulwax / Baxter Dury / Saint Etienne / Good Neighbours / The Hot 8 Brass Band / Groove Armada (DJ Set) / Nic Fanciulli / Eats everything / Olive F / Dan Shake • Say She She / Demi Riquísimo / Delilah / Chloe Qisha / Mr Cutts and many more.

The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja and fellow piano masters.

The Oxford Piano Festival is thrilled to present one of the most exciting emerging instrumental talents, Greek pianist Theodosia Ntokou.

Suzanne Vega will perform a career-spanning show including favorites like ‘Tom’s Diner’, ‘Luka’, ‘Marlene On The Wall’, and many more, plus songs from her latest album, Flying with Angels

Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.

Modern Art Oxford is delighted to present Little Fennel’s Complaint, a major solo exhibition by Olivia Plender (b. 1977, London), exploring historic and ongoing inequalities in women’s healthcare, from early modern witchcraft to contemporary debates on reproductive rights and medical authority. Plender developed the exhibition through research with leading Oxford institutions, including the Bodleian Library, Oxford Botanic Garden and John Radcliffe Hospital.

The exhibition displays a collection of work created using foraged plants, transformed through ancient techniques such as cordage and weaving, to reflect the raw beauty and cyclical nature of the natural world, that is both ephemeral and enduring.

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.

Anna Ridler’s A Perfect Language of Images is a digital artwork created with Oxford’s Dr William Poole, exploring systems of classification through AI. Inspired by John Wilkins and Jorge Luis Borges, it reflects on how machine learning both organises and destabilises knowledge.

Developed through research into the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at the University of Oxford, the exhibition brings together sound, video and photography to consider what is revealed and concealed through the collection, preservation and display of musical instruments. At its centre is a new sound work created using recordings of historic instruments from the collection.

The Bodleian Libraries’ Wonder of Birds exhibition explores art, science and culture through the lens of avian life. Featuring rare archives, manuscripts and immersive sound, it invites visitors to reflect on both the beauty of birds and their decline.