THECITYBRIEF

Oxford

What's On in Oxford – Events This Week & Things To Do

Subscribe now for a free, weekly personalised email on what's going on in Oxford.
Delivered every Thursday.

Only for Oxford and what matters to you.
One email. Every Thursday. No noise.
No spam, no cost.

The pause between church bells on a Sunday morning in Carfax feels different at dawn. Or how Tom Tower’s chime cuts through steam rising from Broad Street as light spills over pavement.

In Oxford, history isn’t just remembered , it hums. But with new gigs at Keble College, art pop-ups in South Park, and music under the Bridge of Sighs, even locals miss what matters.

We track the city’s rhythm: from Pitt Rivers’ hidden collections to Cornbury Festival season events. No scrolling through noise , just curated moments you’d never find otherwise.

A peek inside recent issues

Preview of The City Brief Oxford weekly newsletter
Preview of The City Brief Oxford weekly newsletter – sample issue
Preview of The City Brief Oxford weekly newsletter – past edition

Events in Oxford This Weekend

Keith, Maff And Raph's Groovy Soul Jazz Night

· Nightlife & Music

Keith, Maff and Raph will perform a groovy soul jazz night at Common Ground.

Christopher Macarthur-boyd

· Culture & Arts

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd performs his thought-provoking and critically acclaimed show at the Old Fire Station.

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Jimmy Carr performs his 'Laughs Funny' stand-up routine at New Theatre Oxford.

View all events this weekend →

Events in Oxford This Week

A Tour of The Medicinal Plant Collection With dr Sue Burge

· Culture & Arts

Dr Sue Burge leads a guided tour of the medicinal plant collection at Oxford Botanic Garden.

Abstract Paintings of Peter Lanyon: Workshop

· Ashmolean Museum · Culture & Arts

A one-day workshop at the Ashmolean Museum explores abstract oil painting techniques inspired by St Ives artist Peter Lanyon.

Divine Schism Presents: Lucy Leave

· Modern Art Oxford · Nightlife & Music

Lucy Leave performs a family-friendly live show celebrating their new album at Modern Art Oxford.

View all events this week →

Explore Events by Category

Looking for something specific in Oxford?

What Readers Are Saying

The City Brief keeps me in the loop on local events. I never miss a thing anymore.

A newsletter that actually covers what's happening and not full of ads. Highly recommend.

Simple, useful, and delivered right to my inbox. Exactly what I needed.

It's the main place I check to see what's on at the weekend. Saves me doom-scrolling through everything else.

The City Brief makes it easy to spot the good stuff before everyone else does.

Upcoming Events by Category

Culture & Arts

Curator-led Exhibition Tour: 12 June 2026

· Modern Art Oxford · Culture & Arts

Free curator-led tour of current exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford.

Kira Freije in Conversation With Jennifer Higgie

· Modern Art Oxford · Culture & Arts

Artist Kira Freije discusses her work with Jennifer Higgie at Modern Art Oxford.

Eastern Art & Chinese Paintings Poetry Workshop

· Ashmolean Museum · Culture & Arts

A workshop at the Ashmolean Museum explores the visual connection between Chinese paintings and poetry with translator Sascha Akhtar.

Behind The Scenes With The Conservation Team

· Culture & Arts

A behind-the-scenes look at conservation work and projects at the Pitt Rivers Museum lab.

View all Culture & Arts events →

Family & Kids

Make Play - 9 June 2026

· Modern Art Oxford · Family & Kids

A sensory creative space for children aged 6 months to 5 years, hosted at Modern Art Oxford.

Make Play - 16 June 2026

· Modern Art Oxford · Family & Kids

Make Play offers a sensory creative space for young children and their caregivers to explore.

View all Family & Kids events →

Nightlife & Music

The Beast uk: Iron Maiden Tribute - 40th Anniversary Tour

· Nightlife & Music

The Beast UK performs an Iron Maiden tribute concert celebrating the 40th anniversary at O2 Academy Oxford.

World Cup Kick-off: Strictly Day Party

· Nightlife & Music

The Baron Bar hosts a World Cup day party featuring DJs, cocktails, and afrobeats music.

View all Nightlife & Music events →

Things to do in Oxford

Oxford has live gigs at Keble College, art pop-ups in South Park, food festivals across neighbourhoods like St Giles and Broad Street, and family-friendly outings near Tom Tower or the Covered Market. Events cover multiple themes: music performances in historic buildings, theatre shows at The Sheldonian Theatre, seasonal markets on Broad Street, food events in green spaces such as South Park, and community gatherings at Keble College.

These happen across areas including Carfax, St Giles, New College Lane, and Broad Street , central hubs with museums, theatres, pubs, and student life. Landmarks like The Ashmolean Museum, the Bodleian Library, Tom Tower, and South Park host exhibitions, performances, and seasonal festivals.

Our platform lists events by category: Food & Drink, Nightlife & Music, Family & Kids, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, Shopping & Markets. You can find current events at venues such as Broad Street, Keble College, Carfax, St Giles, The Ashmolean Museum, or Bodleian Library. Weekly guides help you plan time efficiently without relying on hype.

Common Oxford Questions

What kinds of events happen in Oxford during the week?

Oxford has weekly events across categories including Culture & Arts, Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, and Shopping & Markets. Common types include theatre performances at The Sheldonian Theatre, food markets like the Oxford Covered Market, art exhibitions at The Ashmolean Museum, and community events in green spaces such as South Park.

Where do most events take place in Oxford?

Most events occur across central areas including Carfax, Broad Street, St Giles, and New College Lane. These neighbourhoods host museums, theatres, markets, and student housing that regularly accommodate cultural activities. Key venues like The Ashmolean Museum, the Bodleian Library, Tom Tower at Christ Church, and South Park provide space for exhibitions, performances, and seasonal events.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Oxford?

Yes. Families can enjoy accessible outings across green spaces such as South Park or educational landmarks including The Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library. Events with storytelling sessions, art activities, and food experiences suitable for younger visitors take place at these locations. Seasonal festivals like St Giles’ Fair feature entertainment tailored to all ages.

What nightlife and music events happen in Oxford?

Nightlife and live music are active across student areas including Keble College, Broad Street, Carfax, South Park, and St Giles. Events include gigs at The Sheldonian Theatre, late-night performances within university colleges, pop-up concerts in green spaces such as Cornbury Park during summer festivals like Rewind Festival South or Cornbury Deer Park Festival.

How can I find events happening this week or this weekend in Oxford?

To see what’s on this week or over the weekend, browse curated lists by category: Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, Food & Drink, and Shopping & Markets. Use venue searches for locations like Broad Street, Keble College, Carfax, St Giles, The Ashmolean Museum, or Bodleian Library to find current events. Our weekly guides highlight timely opportunities across central neighbourhoods including Carfax, New College Lane, and Broad Street.