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.
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!
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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