What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this October
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this October.
Despite the recent rains, September gave us some spectacular sunny spells, and we hope you made the best of it with brunch (or dinner) at one of Oxfordshire’s finest restaurants with outdoor seating.
Now that the nights are getting darker and everything is taking on the sickly sweet taste of pumpkin spice, what lies ahead for October? Well, your guess is as good as ours. But we have a feeling brollies and wellies will come in handy.
And aside from resisting the urge to turn on that exorbitantly expensive central heating, what we can say for sure is that there’s plenty to do in Oxford and across shire this month.
It’s also worth pointing out that half term will be upon us from 27 to 31 October, incorporating Halloween on Friday, 31 October. We’re scouring the length and breadth of Oxfordshire to put together a list of the best October half-term and Halloween activities we can find. Take a look at our suggestions and get planning.
As always, be sure to visit our “What’s on section”, where you’ll find more events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, as well as a limited number of unmissable events 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 an engaged audience of people who live, work or place in Oxfordshire.
Abingdon Drama Club – ROPE by Patrick Hamilton
Abingdon Drama Club (ADC) invites audiences to experience Rope, Patrick Hamilton’s gripping psychological thriller, in the evocative setting of the Unicorn Theatre. First staged in 1929 and later immortalised by Alfred Hitchcock, Rope remains a masterclass in suspense, guilt, and the dark thrill of danger.
Steven Pinker – The New Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy, and Outrage
Join Steven Pinker, Harvard’s most renowned psychologist, to explore the power and perils of thinking alike, the paradoxes of human behaviour, and to understand the ways we try to get into each other’s heads in The New Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy, and Outrage.
Jack Dee: Small World
Join Jack Dee in his brand-new show Small World as he guides you through his varied life and career with his customary charm and well-known gift for talking absolute rubbish on any given subject.
An Evening with Mary Beard
Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot, taking you beyond the well-worn paths of emperors and battles, revealing the rich and complex lives of those often left out of the history books.
Stephen K. Amos: Now We’re Talking!
Join Stephen K Amos for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching in his comedy show – Now we’re talking.
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America
Kieran Hodgson returns to Oxford with a brand new show – Voice of America. Join him as he explores how a scared world feels about the USA and impersonates a bunch of old prospectors and former Presidents.
Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems
Jo Whiley’s 90 Anthems are the biggest hits from the soundtrack of the 90s brought to you by the undisputed queen of British music. Prepare for a night of Britpop nostalgia, high-energy beats, the ultimate celebration of the era and let Jo remind you of what you’ve forgotten with this sizzling anthem-packed party to end them all.
And Finally… Phil Collins
And Finally… Phil Collins is a production that delivers a high-energy show packed full of Phil’s solo hits, including In the Air Tonight, Another Day in Paradise, Sussudio, and Against All Odds, along with a sprinkling of Genesis hits for good measure.
Pete Firman: Tricks and Giggles
Join Pete Firman for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, a blend of magic and comedy. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand, and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers!
The Dung Beatles: 60th Anniversary of ‘Help!’ And ‘Rubber Soul’
The Dung Beatles, one of the best Beatles bands in the UK, invites audiences to the 60th Anniversary of ‘Help!’ And ‘Rubber Soul’. The band is Steve Hillier (guitars/vocals), Phil Toler (bass/harmonica/vocals), Danny Prendergast (guitars/vocals), Mike Ashton (drums/vocals) and Martin Kent (keyboards/vocals). Their joyous live performances, which feature superb harmonies and attention to musical detail are the hallmarks of their success.
Tim Peake: Astronauts – The Quest To Explore Space
Tim Peake brings his own incredible journey to life through unparalleled storytelling and extraordinary archive footage, sharing the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and exploring the spectacular evolution of space travel.
LEVEL 42 – World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour
Level 42 presents The ‘World Machine’ 40th Anniversary tour, celebrating the album that defined their sound and brought global fame, giving you an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.
Bicester Heritage October 2025 Scramble
The closing Scramble of 2024, explore the historic motoring hub and take a glimpse behind the doors of industry-leading specialists, allowing behind-the-scenes access to their showrooms and workshops – a guaranteed fun day out for the whole family.
Tim Peake: Astronauts – The Quest To Explore Space
Tim Peake brings his own incredible journey to life through unparalleled storytelling and extraordinary archive footage, sharing the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and exploring the spectacular evolution of space travel.
The Bodyguard – The Musical
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. Don’t miss this ‘BRILLIANT!’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2025
The Abingdon Michaelmas Fair is the longest street fair in Europe, running from Market Place, through the High Street, The Square and the entire length of Ock Street. It takes place annually on the Monday and Tuesday falling first before the 11 October from noon to 11.00pm on both days.
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to Aylesbury. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes, and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.
Tom Stade: Naughty By Nature
Tom Stade is a legendary Canadian stand-up star and he is back with a brand-new show – Naughty By Nature. Join Tom as he playfully dishes out more of his insightful observations in an hour of mischievous and uncompromising comedy.
Breabach
Breabach is a band with unique sound, anchoring double bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, step-dance, and songs with energetic double bass and guitar accompaniment. The band members include are: Megan Henderson (Fiddle/Vocals/Step Dance), James Lindsay (Double Bass/Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Highland Bagpipe/Whistle/Bouzouki/Vocals), Conal McDonagh (Highland Bagpipe/Uilleann pipes/Whistle/Vocals), and Ewan Robertson (Guitar/Cajon/Vocals).
The Enemy
Following 2024’s triumphant ‘Indie Til I Die’ tour, Indie giants The Enemy head back out on their 2025 tour.
Holding Back the Years – The Ultimate Simply Red Tribute Experience
Holding Back The Years deliver the world’s most authentic tribute to Simply Red with an amazing lead vocalist and world-class musicians. If you are a fan of Simply Red or just a fan of good music, top-class musicianship, and classic hits, you can expect a truly memorable evening!
The Camera Helps: A Definitive Retrospective of the Work of Paddy Summerfield
This substantial retrospective of the photographer’s work shows the stages of Summerfield’s creative evolution through comprehensive installations inspired by his five major publications as well as other significant bodies of work. The exhibition also offers a glimpse of both the physicality and mastery of Summerfield’s unique and idiosyncratic relationship with the craft of photographic print making.
Cliveden Literary Festival
Cliveden Literary Festival is a unique forum for lively discussion, thought-provoking ideas, and political debate. Visitors to Cliveden Literary Festival will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful National Trust gardens and enjoy scenic walks down to the River Thames. The main speakers at the Cliveden Literary Festival 2025 include prominent authors and public figures such as Salman Rushdie, Ian Rankin, Richard E. Grant, Jung Chang, Niall Ferguson, Alain de Botton, Douglas Murray, Marlon James, and Rachel Eliza Griffiths, among others.
Echobelly – “ON” 30th Anniversary Tour
Echobelly return for an anniversary tour marking 30 years since the release of their top 5 album ON, which will see the band perform the album in its entirety plus selected greatest hits.
Ultimate Floyd
Ultimate Floyd is an highly authentic show which recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live, featuring top-flight musicians and incredible music. A must-see for all Pink Floyd fans!
Country Superstars
Country Superstars is a unique country music show hosted by Sarah Jayne as Dolly Parton and joined by the TV Vocal impersonator Andy Crust. Country music will live on forever, a must see for any fans of country music.
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican: The Winter Woollies Tour
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on the mission of the The Winter Woollies Tour and can’t wait to bring their shindig and their new line-up to the Mill Arts Centre, and they promise they will rock you gently.
Oxford Half Marathon 2025
The Oxford Half Marathon is a flat and fast 13.1-mile race through historic Oxford. The route begins at Oxford’s iconic Broad Street in the city centre and passes through Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Oxford University’s impressive Lady Margaret Hall, before finally finishing on Parks Road.
Discover more: Running events in Oxfordshire
UNITY – Live in Oxford
Audiences are invited on a musical journey like no other as UNITY take to the stage with their unique show, filled with some of the greatest songs ever written across a multitude of genres, alongside original tracks from their latest album.
Rick Wakeman – Six Wives + King Arthur
Rick Wakeman – Six Wives + King Arthur is an unlikely-to-be-repeated opportunity to hear two classic epics by one of the true legends of progressive rock, Rick Wakeman, and his band of superb musicians. The musical line-upline-up will be the same as on the first tour, with Rick, leading the band on keyboards, Dave Colquhoun (guitars and backing vocals), Adam Falkner (drums), Lee Pomeroy (bass and backing vocals), Adam Wakeman (keyboard, guitars and backing vocals), and Mollie Marriott (lead vocalist).
Abingdon Runaway Fair 2025
The Abingdon Runaway Fair is a smaller funfair that takes place on the Monday, one week after the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair in October. This hiring fair was held specifically so those hired at the earlier Michaelmas Fair and had found their conditions intolerable could quite literally “run away”, i.e. return back for another try at finding suitable paid work before the winter set in.
Sandi Toksvig – Friends of Dorothy
Come and join the comedian, broadcaster, and campaigner for an evening celebrating her love and passion for writers and books packed with fascinating stories, a lively Q&A, and the much-contested ‘Cleverest Person in the Room’ game.
The Return Of The Legends
The Return of the Legends – Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone, and Ian Waite, together with a supporting cast create an evening of spectacular dancing, hilarious camaraderie, great music, and a huge amount of laughter.
Banbury Michaelmas Fair 2025
The Banbury Michaelmas fair has been a fixture of the life of the town for hundreds of years. The annual attraction will run as a four day event this year including rides, games, food and more, spread across the town centre. The fair will open from 3.00pm to 11.00pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from noon to 9.00pm on the Sunday
Sleeper
Sleeper, characterized by astute, observational lyrics and big, hook driven melodies, heads out on their full headline tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Britpop classic hit, Inbetweener.
James Rowland: Piece of Work
James has been touring his storytelling theatre shows for half his adult life, and now, he brings his show – Piece of work, featuring a captivating mix of storytelling, comedy, and music.
IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2025
IF Oxford returns in 2025 with events from 17 October to 02 November. It is a thought-provoking and interactive science and ideas festival that creates an opportunity to bring together hundreds of researchers with thousands of people every year – with science, ideas and creative activities for everyone to explore.
Dead Ringers – 25th Anniversary Tour
Dead Ringers – Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod, and Duncan Wisbey will take you on a trip through a quarter century of classic sketches & unrivalled impressions, alongside the razor-sharp topical humour which has become the series’ trademark.
The Music of Zimmer Vs. Williams
The London Concert Orchestra performs the Music of Zimmer Vs. Williams – an epic concert celebrating the very best scores from two of the greatest film music composers of all time. The concert will feature music from Gladiator, Superman, Harry Potter, Inception, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and many more.
Halloween at Tumblestone Hollow
Children are invited to join Halloween at Tumblestone Hollow as they weave through Stonor’s gardens and into the woodland adventure playground, completing wild and mischievous challenges along the way, to win a Magical Mayhem Certificate, together with a chocolate treat.
Waterperry Spooky Halloween Hunt
Take part in the Waterperry Halloween Hunt throughout this October half term. It costs £4.50 per child with a prize. Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies. Open from 10.00am till 5.30pm daily.
Baga Chipz: ‘Chip Off The Old Block’ Tour
Join Baga Chipz for her ‘Chip Off The Old Block’ show. Expect an evening of live vocals; belting out big band ballads, disco classics, and songs you’d sing down the pub with the nation’s number one tart.
Rich Hall: Chin Music
Rich Hall presents his comedy show, Chin Music. If you’ve never seen him, you need to hustle down to The Theatre and grab a seat because he never disappoints. Ever.
Legends of Motown
Legends of Motown is a high-energy tribute show jam-packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and an amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era, with music from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin, and many more.
Stevie Martin: Clout
Stevie Martin has been doing online comedy for a while but now brings her live comedy show – Clout, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at Soho Theatre this year.
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century and now, they present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin, and Chris Leslie on bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and vocals.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show. Join Peppa, Mummy, Daddy & George in this fantastic introduction to theatre in a show full of music, adventure and surprises.
James May – Explorers – The Age of Discovery Tour
Explorers – The Age of Discovery with James May brings to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, and sailed into the unknown. The live show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment.
The Witch’s House at Cogges
There’s witchery afoot this autumn as the manor house and grounds at Cogges Manor Farm are transformed into The Witch’s House for a Halloween-themed October half-term. It promises to be great fun for all the family as you wander through spooky rooms and complete a series of tasks.
Comedy Special with Maisie Adam, Kate Lucas and Nathan D’Arcy
Maisie Adam is headlining this very special night of stand up – Comedy Special, together with Kate Lucas and Nathan D’Arcy. Expect witty observations, high-octane energy, and some right good jokes.
Joanne McNally: Pinotphile
Joanne McNally returns with her hotly anticipated new stand-up show Pinotphile. Join Joanne for a wild ride as she navigates situationships, revenge, frenemies, and rejection in her terrifyingly funny and Joyously nuts trademark style.
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
As Halloween creeps closer and the days shorten, there’s a chill in the air at Blenheim Palace, where ghosts, ghouls and witches get ready to deliver a whole host of tricks and treats along a spooktacular trail. Your very spookiest Halloween starts here…!
The Divine Comedy
To celebrate the release of the upcoming new album Rainy Sunday Afternoon, The Divine Comedy will tour the UK this October, heading to New Theatre Oxford on Thursday 23 October. Hits include ‘National Express’, ‘Something for the Weekend’, ‘A Lady of a Certain Age’ and ‘Our Mutual Friend’.
The Wedding Present: 40th Anniversary Tour
The Wedding Present with eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles and a strong band philosophy celebrate 40 years of existence, revisiting classics, fan favourites and hidden gems from their catalogue. Expect hits like George Best, Kennedy, My Favourite Dress, and more.
The Wittering Whitehalls: Barely Alive
The Wittering Whitehalls: Barely Alive by Michael and Hilary is an exclusive show with thoughts from workouts to weddings, seaside towns to social media and everything in between.
The Simon and Garfunkel Story
The story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel is blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
Steve Knightley and the Winter Yards Band
Steve Knightley and the Winter Yards Band will breathe new life into their critically acclaimed album. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness one of folk music’s most revered figures in a bold new setting.
Grayson Perry: Are You Good?
In this show Are You Good?, Grayson Perry will be helping you, the audience, find out if you really are thoroughly good or maybe quite evil, but in a fun way. Have an entertaining evening with lots of audience participation and a few silly songs.
Austentatious
Austentatious is an award-winning West End smash-hit comedy. The cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience and performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment.
Merlin Sheldrake – The Secret Life of Fungi
Merlin Sheldrake – The Secret Life of Fungi is a unique event featuring never-before-seen footage and groundbreaking new research, revealing the latest discoveries in the world of fungi… how they sustain life on Earth, change our minds, heal our bodies, and help us avoid environmental disaster.
Ghost Fest: Potion Making
The resident Witches and Warlocks at Oxford Castle & Prison have spent the summer poring over their arcane grimoires and scouring the lands for esoteric ingredients to help you create the very best magical brews this October half-term. Join them in the Castle crypt for a fantastic ‘potions’ experience, where you’ll learn how to make two delightfully disgusting distillations.
The Australian Pink Floyd
The Australian Pink Floyd Show is heading back out on tour in 2025 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Pink Floyd album ‘Wish You Were Here’. Featuring the songs “Have a Cigar“, “Wish You Were Here” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond“, The Australian Pink Floyd will perform the album in full alongside Pink Floyd’s greatest hits.
Sh!t-faced Shakespeare – Hamlet
Sh!t-faced Shakespeare are excited to once again drunkenly stomp all over the greatest dramatic work ever committed to page in the English language: the story of a privileged whiny lad who goes a bit bonkers and does some stabbings.
Wet Wet Wet Plus Special Guest Heather Small
The ‘Wets’ bring to the stage their catalogue of legendary and defining hits, including the likes of ‘Sweet Little Mystery’, ‘Angel Eyes’, ‘Goodnight Girl’, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, ‘Sweet Surrender’, ‘Julia Says’ and more.
Alan Davies: Think Ahead
Alan Davies is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and TV personality, and he brings his hilarious stand-up – Think Ahead.
Mark Smith – Antiques Expert on the Road
Antiques Expert Mark Smith explores and details the instigation of the Victoria Cross, expels some of the myths, and presents some of the breathtaking stories of men who have been awarded this country’s highest award for bravery.
Russell Kane: HyperActive
Whirlwind, FitBit-breaking comedian, presenter, actor and author Russell Kane is high-energy, high-octane, and hyperactive. His brand new show, HyperActive comes with a safety warning: wear strong underwear – pants will be spoiled.
Mohammed Sami: ‘After the Storm’
Blenheim Art Foundation is pleased to announce a major solo exhibition by Mohammed Sami coming to Blenheim Palace. Through exploring retroactive memories, his paintings capture a world shaped not just by the weight of the past but also the present, creating scenarios that are often left to the viewer to interpret through the lens of their own experiences.
Guercino at Waddesdon: King David and the Wise Women
Over 350 years after they were painted, five paintings by renowned Bolognese painter Guercino are on display together for the first time at Waddesdon in a new exhibition. This historic exhibition spotlights one of the great painters of 17th-century Italy. See, close-up, Guercino’s brilliant use of paint to depict silk, flesh, ermine, paper, wood and stone. This is an opportunity to explore how King David relates to the sibyls.
The post What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this October appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
from The Oxford Magazine https://ift.tt/8QO9SUz
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment