What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to the best events, exhibitions and things to do throughout July 2023 in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Summer is well and truly here. And so are the festivals. Not just the music festivals, but there are gatherings galore for petrolheads, art lovers, fun lovers and food lovers. There’s even a festival devoted to dogs and their owners. July is, indeed, a brilliant time to be in Oxfordshire.
Make time for brunch at one of the many local restaurants with outdoor seating, or grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket and find yourself a coveted spot at any of the numerous outdoor theatre events across the county.
And if you fancy venturing further afield, consider taking a cultural day trip to London’s west end – the capital city is relatively calmer then for a matinee in one of London’s theatres.
Need we say again that this is a curated list of things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this June. Take a look at the “What’s on” section, where you’ll find a growing array of events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, plus unmissable ones beyond the county that would make for a great day out.
Got an event that should be on the list? List your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work or place in Oxfordshire. Once again, welcome to your invaluable guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July.
Sculpture in the Garden
The lawns, walled gardens and Cromwellian building at Greys Court will be filled with sculptures of all sizes and mediums for you to admire, as Oxford Sculptors Group (OSG) showcase art pieces in the stunning gardens of the National Trust property near Henley-on-Thames.
Tim Minchin – Songs The World Will Never Hear
Tim Minchin, the incomparable singer-songwriter, pianist, comedian, actor, musical-theatre composer-lyricist, and soft-hearted provocateur, brings his ironically titled new show, Songs The World Will Never Hear, marking the 20th anniversary of his explosive arrival onto the British comedy scene in 2005. Get ready for an evening packed with unforgettable songs and stories.
Henley Royal Regatta 2025
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.
Oxford Comedy Festival 2025
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.
The Illegal Eagles
Celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country Rock band The Eagles in 1971, The Illegal Eagles make a welcome return with a brand new production, promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship.
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny is a brand-new comedy show by Jimmy Carr. If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners, and dark brand of comedy, then do not miss this show.
Elementary Festival 2025
The UK’s friendliest little festival again offers you the very best in world music, workshops, food and drink, sound journeys, yoga, and dance. Immerse yourself in Elementary… a world of sound!, in the wide-open fields of Braziers Park in the heart of England once again this year.
Robbie Cumming – Canal Boat Stories
Canal Boat Stories is a fun and interactive theatre show of canal-themed escapism with a vlogger, streamer, recording artist, and TV personality, Robbie Cumming. He has made a name for himself as a natural presenter whose extra capabilities can add value to any production. This is an intimate experience for fans of canals, alternative living, and storytelling.
Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean is Britain’s biggest black recording star, with worldwide record sales of over thirty million and six top ten singles on both sides of the Atlantic. He has spent more of his life onstage than anywhere else. Now Billy returns to his natural environment with a string of headline shows throughout the UK, with a set hand-packed with greatest hits and crowd favourites.
The Retro Rock Show
The Retro Rock Show will take you back in time to when iconic rock songs ruled MTV and power ballads graced the airwaves of your radio. Featuring songs by Queen, Starship, Whitesnake, Iron Maiden, Rainbow, AC/DC, Billy Idol, Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Pat Benatar, Extreme ….and many more!
Alice’s Day 2025
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.
The Leys Festival 2025
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.
Battle Proms Picnic Concert 2025
A highlight of the summer social calendar at Blenheim Palace, The Battle Proms is the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for a spectacular and memorable night out in a stunning setting at the world heritage site. Expect an afternoon of breath-taking displays from the riders of the Battle Proms Napoleonic cavalry and The Red Devils – the British Army and Parachute Regiments official display team.
Festival lineup includes: New English Concert Orchestra
Bingo Lingo – Oxford
If you haven’t been before Bingo Lingo guarantees you’ll be back. It’s the night to get absolutely plastered with on-stage antics and chaos with prizes that will change your life forever. Please note these events are very popular with all previous years selling out in advance so please get your tickets sorted early to avoid disappointment.
Wicked: Sing-along
Get ready for the ultimate ‘Wicked’ Sing-Along experience, coming to the Waterside, Aylesbury. Gather your friends and join the show in the enchanting world of Wicked at this unforgettable screening event. This really will be a truly magical and spellbinding experience for all.
I’m Every Whitney
Kieshia brings an incredible tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston with her fantastic ‘Million Dollar Band’. Join I’m Every Whitney live for an evening of fun, laughter, and nostalgia with greatest hits from ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and ‘So Emotional’ to ‘Greatest Love of All’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show
Woman Like Me features the ultimate playlist of Little Mix’s greatest hits, including Black Magic, Secret Love Song, Power and, of course, Woman Like Me. “Mixers” and fans of all ages will be singing along to their favourite anthems and will leave the show feeling empowered, uplifted, and ready to embrace their own uniqueness.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are thrilled to bring their show to dazzle, involve, and impress audiences with exuberant live performances, joined this year by special guest Imelda May. The tour will also mark an exciting new chapter as Ed Richardson is welcomed in as the orchestra’s new drummer.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Oxford Operatic Society (OXOPS) is thrilled to bring Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, to The Playhouse stage. Audiences will be transported into the climactic final days of Jesus of Nazareth, reimagined through electrifying music and captivating performances.
Henley Festival 2025
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: Diana Ross / McFly / Rick Astley / Hacienda Classical / Matteo Bocelli / Jamie Cullum / Jo Whiley / Yolanda Brown / Ellie Sax / Ed Byrne / Ivo Graham / Matt Forde / Rob Auton
Bonding
Bonding explores the myth, legend, and legacy of Bond – and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love.
Jukebox Idols
Jukebox Idols will feature non-stop hits from the jukebox idols of the past and present. Nadiya Bychkova and The Overtones will be joined by a stellar supporting cast of dancers as they bring classic hits from the likes of Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Bee Gees, The Backstreet Boys, Take That and Bruno Mars, amongst many others.
New Zealand Youth Choir
From classics of Western European music to the dynamism of Māori action songs, from emotive spirituals to music from Samoa, the New Zealand Youth Choir boasts a thrillingly wide variety of music. Be prepared for the incredible vocal skill and unmatched energy of their choreographed performances, a combination that’s seen them crowned as a winner of the Choir of the World competition.
RARE Productions: Peter Pan
RARE Productions presents Peter Pan, a magical adventure that brings J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale to life on stage. Packed with thrilling action, unforgettable songs, and heartwarming moments, this spectacular production captures the wonder of never growing up. Get ready to fly to a world of imagination, bravery, and endless adventure.
New Theatre Oxford Backstage Tour
Go behind the scenes at New Theatre Oxford and see backstage at “England’s Finest Theatre”. From the original fly system to the old revolving stage, from the ‘Wall of Fame’ to the lighting booth, you will visit the nooks and crannies of the theatre, not usually open to the public.
Summer Soul with Oxford Gospel Choir
Join Oxford Gospel Choir for their summer concert, bringing the joy of gospel tunes and soulful vibes. With a wide range of traditional, pop, and soul music, there’s something to suit every taste.
DogFest at Blenheim Palace
Get ready for an unforgettable day out at DogFest Blenheim! Join the Fest at Blenheim Palace for a tail-wagging celebration filled with amazing activities, live entertainment, shopping, and plenty of fun for the whole family – including your four-legged friends.
Challis School of Dance Presents ‘Where I Wanna Be’
Challis School of Dance presents their show ‘Where I Wanna Be’ live at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Saturday 12 July 2025.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Fire and Water
Experience the sounds of Baroque in a concert featuring Handel’s lively Water Music and the grand Music from the Royal Fireworks performed by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Pachelbel’s timeless Canon brings serene beauty, while Telemann’s Tafelmusik delights with its charming elegance.
The BBC Big Band: Simply Swing
Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band and conductor Barry Forgie for a celebration of the very finest in big band and swing. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band presents a concert celebrating the iconic sound of swing music, featuring both classic and modern interpretations of the genre. The band will be joined by special guest vocalist Iain Mackenzie.
Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket
Whether you see Reverend Richard Coles as a treasure or trinket, this is a wonderful opportunity for an intimate evening with one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Expect anecdotes from a life well lived, gossip, wit and wisdom, and a Q and A for those curious about the jungle.
London City Ballet – Momentum
Witness the refined artistry of London City Ballet, as they bring their new show Momentum to New Theatre Oxford this summer. Their exciting season delivers a mixed bill of classic and contemporary ballet, performed by an international company of world-class dancers.
Sara Pascoe – I Am A Strange Gloop
Sara Pascoe’s I Am A Strange Gloop is a brilliantly weird and funny new show about sleepless nights, family chaos, and life’s quirks.
The Next Chapter
The Next Chapter is a fast paced, energetic performance that will showcase over 100 dancers performing an array of different dance styles, showing the versatility that can be achieved with the right training, nurturing, and encouragement.
A Night of Laughs
Join A Night of Laughs for a fantastic evening of comedy in aid of the Oxfordshire charity, Lawrence Nurses. Don’t miss Miles Jupp, Adam Kay, Lucy Porter, Arthur Smith, and Ria Lina for a night of sharp wit and big laughs – all for an incredible cause.
Bonding
Bonding explores the myth, legend, and legacy of Bond – and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love.
Thames Traditional Boat Festival 2025
“The Trad” is the largest gathering of classic river craft in the world, and with the Dunkirk Little Ships dressed overall, they are a wonderfully picturesque sight, with vessels and owners primped and polished and itching to show off their beautiful craft. It makes for a quintessential English summer weekend by the river, with bars and street food.
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2025
The Air Tattoo returns this summer. This year’s ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme will see the Royal International Air Tattoo celebrate and highlight the vital role aviation plays across domains of aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance.
The Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute
Taylor Swift Tribute is an electrifying show and a celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence, featuring Xenna. Audiences will be transported to Taylor’s world as they sing along to timeless classics like Love Story, Blank Space, and Shake It Off.
The Fleetwood Mac Songbook
The Fleetwood Mac Songbook performs a spell-binding recreation of the stellar songbook of Fleetwood Mac, drawing from over six decades of songs. Their set of course includes soft rock anthems from the Rumours and Tango In The Night albums.
The Caucasian Chalk Circle
The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the fight for justice. Set against the backdrop of war and political upheaval, this timeless masterpiece follows a servant girl who rescues an abandoned child in the final days of a continental conflict, only to face a dramatic courtroom battle over who truly deserves to be the child’s mother.
NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire – relaxed and captioned screening
Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, and Ben Foster lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire.
Discos For Grown Ups
Experience a fun, fab, and feel-good night of dancing to all your favourite disco, pop, and dance classics at the legendary Discos For Grown Ups.
Kinky Boots The Musical
The Broadway and West End phenomenon, Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Oxford in a brand-new production. Guaranteed to ‘Raise you up’ and celebrate everybody’s individuality, don’t miss Kinky Boots the Musical.
Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking (Tour Preview)
Superstar comic Stephen K Amos brings an exclusive preview of his new show before its nationwide tour. His joke book is overflowing, the gloves are off and he’s packing a punchline. Join him for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching.
Truck Festival 2025
Truck Festival 2023 will take place from 21 to 23 July 2023 in the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside. Often described as the Godfather of the small music festivals, the Truck Festival has been featuring some of the biggest and best emerging artists since 1998. The festival takes place at Hill Farm in Steventon, and it is widely regarded as one of the unmissable music festivals in Oxfordshire.
Festival lineup: TBC
The Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty is a captivating fairytale dance show featuring exciting guest dancers from The Croatian National Theatre. The lush costumes and whimsical choreography will transport the audience into a fairy tale world, filled with beauty and wonder.
Guiting Music Festival
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 Game Fair 2025
The Game Fair – the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside in all its glory – is returning to Blenheim Palace. The weekend is set to be an exhilarating celebration of outdoor activity and country life, taking place against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace.
The Big Country Music Show
The Big Country Music Show has a band of amazing musicians, stunning harmonies and live fiddle filled with unashamedly old school singalong country music from the likes of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and The Eagles.
Oxford Piano Festival 2025
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 Psychology of Serial Killers
Join true crime speaker Jennifer Rees to explore one of Forensic Psychology’s most troubling topics. During this talk, you will discover how serial killers are classified, the differences between lust killers and visionary killers, the differences between male and female serial killers, the phenomenon of killer couples, why serial killers gain admirers, and how are victims identified.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Isata Kanneh-Mason
To kick start the Oxford Piano Festival 2025, Isata Kanneh-Mason will be performing Prokofiev’s playful and inventive Piano Concerto No. 3 and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Full of vivid musical storytelling and enchanting melodies, the audience will be transported away to a world of mystery and adventure.
The Stars of Tomorrow
The Stars of Tomorrow is uniting over 40 local theatre schools, singers, and groups for a spectacular showcase of youth performing arts. With astounding young talent, dazzling lights, dramatic music, and stunning video effects, this is truly a night not to be missed.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Vikingur Ólafsson
Join Vikingur Ólafsson as he returns to the Oxford Piano Festival bringing a fresh take on Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas. Experience the composer’s timeless genius and emotional breadth, reimagined through the lens of one of today’s most visionary pianists.
Jason Manford – A Manford All Seasons
Jason Manford, the nationally known comic, is back with his brand-new live show, A Manford All Seasons. It’s Jason’s latest comic offering set to hit the road and is sure to be expert observational comedy mixed with comic gold.
British Transplant Games 2025
Oxford is set to host the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, the flagship event of charity Transplant Sport, for the first time in 2025. Organised by Transplant Active – formerly known as Transplant Sport – this annual four-day event celebrates transplants, donors and life.
Wilderness Festival 2025
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: TBC
Oxford Piano Festival: Andrey Gugnin
The electrifying artistry of Andrey Gugnin brings an all-Russian programme to life with passion and precision. A pianist of exceptional versatility, Gugnin delves into the rich emotional depths and fiery brilliance of Russia’s musical heritage.
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.
Ashmolean NOW: Daphne Wright – Deep-Rooted Things
The fourth instalment of the Ashmolean Now series focuses on sculptures by Irish artist Daphne Wright. Daphne Wright works in unfired clay and jesmonite and has long experimented with casting. Central to the exhibition will be Sons and Couch, a life-size sculptural artwork cast in jesmonite of the artist’s sons.
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