What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this May
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to the best events, exhibitions, and things to do throughout May in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
May brings creeping warmth and that unmistakable sense of pre-summer excitement. It’s one of Oxfordshire’s finest months — and it’s just around the corner.
We begin, of course, with May Morning on Magdalen Bridge. Then, as the month unfolds, make time for the Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival – the UK’s oldest and largest open studios and pop-up exhibition event – showcasing a vast array of creative work by hundreds of artists, makers, and designers across the county.
Soak up some sunshine at one of Oxfordshire’s many restaurants with outdoor seating, or pack a picnic and claim a coveted spot in one of our beautiful parks, open spaces, nature reserves, or other stunning places to enjoy the outdoors.
Comedy lovers, don’t miss a Saturday night of award-winning laughs at The Glee Club in Oxford. And for a Sunday well spent, why not head to London’s theatreland for a cultural fix between brunch and supper?
To round off the month in true Oxford style, make sure to catch Summer Eights – the beloved rowing regatta where college crews compete on the Isis in one of the university’s most cherished traditions.
Needless to say, this is just a curated taster of the many things to do across Oxfordshire this May. Be sure to check out the Events section for an ever-growing list of events in Oxford and beyond — including unmissable days out across the region.
Got an event that should be featured? You can list your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work, and play in Oxfordshire.
Once again, welcome to your essential guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this May.
Be warned — you’re in for one sweet, sweet month.
Macbeth
This bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy lays bare the psyche of a man caught in the struggle between valour and deception. When a trio of mysterious witches plants the seeds of ambition, Macbeth finds himself drawn into a dark spiral of power and betrayal.
May Morning 2025
May Morning is an annual event in Oxford, held on 01 May – a tradition stretching back over 500 years. The event typically attracts crowds of thousands of people – students and Oxford residents alike – who start gathering under the tower, on Magdalen Bridge, and along the High Street.
Discover more: Community Events
Giovanni – The Last Dance
Giovanni, the Italian maestro of dance, takes centre stage in ‘The Last Dance’, a mesmerising production that transcends the boundaries of live performance. He is set to captivate his audience with electrifying performances and unmatched charisma.
Little Women
Little Women is a fast-paced, imaginative adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel brought to life by Hotbuckle Productions. Following The March sisters’ journey to adulthood, this new take explores themes of family, love, loss, and female ambition.
The Thinking Drinkers & FATC’s The Booz-ical
The Booz-ical is a musical show by Thinking Drinkers and West-End singers Flat and the Curves, embarking on an all-singing, all-dancing musical mission to prove that alcohol is the cornerstone of civilisation. The show is a blend of comedy, history, and drinking.
The Music of Prince – New Purple Celebration
A full nine-piece band, The Music of Prince – New Purple Celebration delivers a non-stop, hit-packed show, spanning more than two hours. Expect all the hits from one of the most loved artists of all time including ‘1999’, ‘Little Red Corvette’, ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Kiss’, ‘Diamonds And Pearls’, ‘U Got The Look’, ‘When Doves Cry’, ‘Cream’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’ and many more.
Aled Jones – Full Circle
After 40 years in the business as a global performer, Aled Jones is looking back on a remarkable career with a one-man show – Full Circle, that will feature never-before-heard music, tales from the decades, and for the first time, his story told in his own words.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
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.
Everlys & Friends: The Live Show
The Temple Brothers faithfully recreate the music and harmonies of one of the greatest and best-loved duo’s of all time – The Everly Brothers, in a spectacular two-hour show.
Princesses Unite!
Princesses Unite, the ultimate children’s pop princess party that’s sweeping the nation! Featuring a cast of dazzling princesses, this enchanting spectacle brings all your favourite hit songs and party dances to life in a vibrant, high-energy performance that will leave audiences of all ages spellbound.
Henley Arts Trail
Founded in 2005, Henley Arts Trail is a vibrant and inspirational open studio and exhibition event showcasing an array of work by 200+ artists and makers at over 30 venues in and around Henley-on-Thames. Art comes alive in these unexpected venues – from working studios and vineyards to a distillery. Discover pieces displayed in a stately home, riverside museum, and even the prestigious Leander Club on the banks of the Thames.
Jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace
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 Festival 2025
Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event. 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 & Displays
Voodoo Room. A Night of Hendrix, Clapton & Cream
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.
Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation
Dara Ó Briain is back with a brand new live show! Dara’s new show ‘Re:Creation’ sees one of Ireland’s finest live comedians back doing his favourite thing: standing in a theatre, telling stories and creating madness with the audience.
Murder, She Didn’t Write
Murder, She Didn’t Write is an ingenious improvised comedy where the audience suggestions is used to solve murder mystery. Ms. Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr. Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide!
Dogs in May 2025 at Blenheim Palace
This May, we invite your four-legged friends into our Courtyards, Formal Gardens and Walled Gardens, in addition to the wider Parkland. Dog drinking stations are available across the Courtyards and in the Walled Garden. Dogs are also allowed in the Pantry Café, Shop and Pizzeria – all year round!
Luther Live
The world’s premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’. Experience all the hits from his amazing career, culminating in over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written, fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10-piece band.
Think Human Festival 2025: A celebration of ideas, creativity, and community
Oxford Brookes University will host the Think Human Festival 2025 from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 May, offering a four-day programme of free public events exploring contemporary social issues, creativity, what it means to be humans, our relationships with others, and the challenges we face as part of a changing society in a complex world.
Meat Loaf by Candlelight
Featuring an epic cast of West End singers, including stars of the West End production of Bat Out of Hell, accompanied by an incredible live rock band, experience the music of Meat Loaf, like never before! This concert features some of the most iconic songs of all time, including Anything For Love, Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer for Love, and many more!
Mark Steel – The Leopard in My House
Join multi-award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour The Leopard in My House. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. You will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again.
Tim Rice – My Life in Musicals – I Know Him so Well
Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award-winning, internationally renowned lyricist, brings his extraordinary live musical theatre event – My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well. He will reflect on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs – the hits and the misses along with stories of his life and live performances from the wonderful catalogue of his songs.
More Than A Mum
Join Susie for a hilarious one-woman comedy show that tackles the wild world of parenting with humour and heart! With sharp and relatable stories, she highlights the absurdity of everyday life, from the awkward puberty talks to the baffling moments that make you wonder if you are raising children or more of a referee.
Kerry Godliman – Bandwidth
Kerry Godliman, comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and broadcaster, returns to the stage with her straight-talking charm and quick wit on a brand new stand-up show. As seen on Afterlife, Whitstable Pearl, Taskmaster, Trigger Point, Live At The Apollo, and more. As heard on Radio 4 and Jon Richardson’s Absolute Radio Show.
Hawkwind
Prepare for an unforgettable night as legendary space rock pioneers Hawkwind return to Aylesbury. Celebrating their 37th studio album, ‘There Is No Space for Us’, the band promises a mesmerizing blend of classic hits and exciting new tracks from their remarkable 50-year career.
Confessions of a Teletubby
Nikky Smedley played LaaLaa in the original series of Teletubbies for six years. Come and hear how she got the job by dressing as a bistro table; what it was really like inside one of those (surprisingly large) Tubby suits; how the NooNoo really worked and why children loved the show so much.
WiFi Wars
WiFi Wars is a live comedy game show where you all play along: Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles, and quizzes to win the show, and prizes. It is hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on UK TV’s hit comedy/gaming show Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit) and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer!
Heka – Gandini Juggling
Gandini Juggling returns to Oxford with their new show, Heka which means the Egyptian goddess of magic. This captivating performance blurs the lines between juggling and illusion, transporting audiences to a mesmerizing realm where objects materialize, vanish, and transform.
Cogges Spring Fair
Explore the historic manor house, walled kitchen garden, orchard, and meadows. See sheep, Shetland ponies, Nubian & Pygmy goats, Norfolk bronze turkeys, free-roaming chickens, cockerels and ducks, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
R&B Lovers
Oxford the Biggest Oldskool R&B Indoor Festival is coming for 2025. Get ready for a massive celebration of the 90s & 00s R&B music, if you love your oldskool anthems you cannot miss this. We have an insane event planned with lots of glitter, glam & confetti and we have one of the best venues in the town!
Francis Rossi
The show will feature songs that Francis has not ever played before in this format and offer firsthand backstage tales about appearing over 100 times on Top Of The Pops, why they went on first at Live Aid, life with Rick Parfitt, the hits, fellow stars, and misadventures across the world, all cut through with Francis’ wit and humour.
80s Night with Sledgehammer
Sledgehammer is coming back to the Mill Arts Centre on Saturday 10th May 2025. Back for the third year in a row with 3 hours of the best music the 80s created. Bring your dancing shoes and leg warmers – 80s costumes and outfits are highly encouraged.
Thinking Drinkers: The Booze-ical
The Booz-ical is a musical show by Thinking Drinkers and West-End singers Flat and the Curves, embarking on an all-singing, all-dancing musical mission to prove that alcohol is the cornerstone of civilisation. The show is a blend of comedy, history, and drinking.
Oxford Town and Gown 2025 (Bidwells Oxford 10k)
Oxford Town and Gown is the oldest run in the series. It started in 1982 by local runners as a fun run to raise funds for muscular dystrophy, and still to this day, all profits from the race go to Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK). The race now attracts up to 6,000 runners every year.
Discover more: Sporting events in Oxfordshire
Menopause The Musical 2
Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause is a funny, heartfelt, and reassuring look at the ‘joys’ of menopause. Starring Carli Norris (Doctors, Hollyoaks, Eastenders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty), and Daniele Coombe (West End Star). For these four ladies, menopause was not the beginning of the end but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers, and friendships never fail.
Kim’s Convenience
Following hugely successful runs both in London and internationally, Kim’s Convenience is heading to Oxford Playhouse. It is an hilarious and heartwarming drama about a family-run Korean store written by Ins Choi, who calls the play his ‘love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home.’
The Wiggles
The Wiggles is back for their biggest global tour ever. For the first time in over 5 years, The Wiggles will be returning for an extensive tour of the UK, US, and Canada with their new show, based on their smash hit single ‘Bouncing Balls’.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox bring a rare concert act that appeals across generations in their UK 2025 Moonlight & Magic’ Tour. Concertgoers can expect to enter a parallel musical universe where modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits alike are reimagined in classic genres like 1920s jazz, Swing, Doo-wop, and Motown, and brought to life by a cast of some of the world’s best singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.
Simon Reeve – To The Ends Of The Earth
On his UK tour ‘To The Ends Of The Earth’, Simon offers stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts, and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life, and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world.
Spitfire Girls
Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage, loss, and, above all else, hope.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
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.
Rich Hall: Chin Music
Rich Hall presents his comedy show, Chin Music is described by two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket to intimidate the batter. Idle but intimidating. Sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational.
Nabil Abdulrashid: Urban Battuta
Award-winning, international touring comedian Nabil Abdulrashid returns with a riotous new stand-up show. As seen on ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’, and ‘The Last Leg’. As heard on ‘Off Menu’ with James Acaster and Ed Gamble, and ‘Hoovering’ with Jessica Fostekew.
2025 Blenheim 7K Fun Run
World Heritage site Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is the magical location for this family-friendly fun run with a beautiful lakeside off-road section. There are three events to choose from: The main 7k, 4 miles for buggies and wheelchairs and 1 mile for under 15s. You can even take part with your dog.
Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners
Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners returns to theatres in 2024. This celebration of the music of the Dubliners is a celebration of Irish music itself and a guaranteed evening of music, humour and ‘craic’. It is, without a doubt, the ultimate feel-good Irish show.
Giffords Circus at Blenheim Palace
Roll up, roll up, the Giffords Circus is back at Blenheim Palace! Step inside the tent, which is situated amongst the beautiful, ancient trees of the parkland near the Butterfly House and Marlborough Hedge Maze and enter a world of colourful acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians and, of course, Tweedy the Clown.
One Night In Nashville
One Night In Nashville is the UK’s first downtown Nashville Honkytonk Live Experience. An incredible live show fronted by Singer/ Songwriter Maria Jordan. They have been creating pop-up Nashville Experiences and shows across the UK since 2016. Expect a fun, wild night of the best music ever written!
Blenheim Palace Food Festival 2025
Blenheim Palace Food Festival is back with a food festival for everyone. Expect three days of culinary thrills with a fantastic line-up of celebrity chefs and experts, amazing food and drink from a huge selection of artisanal producers and street food vendors, interactive masterclasses and tastings and plenty of fun for all the family.
Discover more: Blenheim Palace
Martin Kemp – The Ultimate Back To The 80s DJ Set
Martin Kemp returns for his annual ‘Back To The 80s’ showdown. Join Martin as he trades his bass for the decks and spins the biggest and best hits from the 1980s. Expect non-stop nostalgia, retro throwbacks, huge production and an unstoppable sing-along. Dig out those 80s clothes and prepare to enjoy a night of pure ‘Gold’.
The Illegal Eagles
Following continued public demand, the World’s Official No.1 tribute to the legendary rock band has returned. This critically acclaimed show will feature the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics, including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane and many more…
The Summer Eights
The second of the bumping boat races in Oxford’s rowing calendar, the Summer Eights takes place on the 5th week of Trinity Term (towards the end of May) from Wednesday to Saturday. The races follow the ‘Bumps’ format, in which several boats chase each other in single file, because the stretch of river is generally too narrow for side-by-side racing.
Music of the Movies: Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond
Experience epic and inspirational music from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones and beyond as the worlds of TV, film and fantasy are brought to life by a full symphony orchestra and stunning choir in this unmissable concert featuring the greatest movie music of all time.
Oracles, Omens and Answers
Drawing on material from across time and cultures – from oracle bones from Shang Dynasty China (ca. 1250-1050 B.C.E.) to an autobiography of Ronald Reagan’s White House astrologer – Oracles, Omens and Answers will explore the different techniques humans have used to unveil the past, understand the present and predict the future.
Ashmolean NOW: Bettina von Zwehl
This is the third in the Ashmolean NOW exhibition series, where contemporary artists are invited to create new work inspired by the Ashmolean’s historical collections. This exhibition features photographs by the London-based artist, whose aim is to rekindle wonder and curiosity as critical tools for exploring new ideas and practices.
Anselm Kiefer: Early Works
Organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection, the exhibition will show approximately 45 works rarely displayed in public before. This major exhibition will return to Anselm Kiefer’s roots, featuring important early paintings, photos, prints, artist books, watercolours and mixed-media work, including less well-known, intimate pieces.
Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground is a new exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History that charts these significant developments in palaeontology and geology through a cast of characters – both the celebrated and the unsung – who helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas.
Cheung Yee and his 1960s Hong Kong contemporaries
This exhibition showcases newly-acquired works for the Ashmolean by the Hong Kong artist Cheung Yee (1936–2019) alongside those by Lui Shou-Kwan (1919–75), Wucius Wong (b.1936), Liu Kuo-sung (b.1932) and others from the avant-garde Circle Art Group. It will be the first substantial display of Cheung Yee’s work outside Hong Kong.
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