What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this August
Hello and welcome to your essential guide to the best events, exhibitions, and things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire throughout August.
From open-air theatre under golden evening skies to leisurely weekend brunches in sun-dappled courtyards, August is a glorious time to explore everything our beautiful city and surrounding countryside has to offer.
Whether you’re staying local with a picnic basket and a blanket or fancy venturing further afield for a cultural day trip to a quieter-than-usual London for a West End matinee, there’s plenty to inspire your days out.
Dive into our events section for more handpicked events and happening in Oxford and across Oxforshire – from family-friendly festivals and food markets to art shows and live performances – as well as unmissable events beyond the county that would make for a great day out.
So, here it is – your go-to guide for making the most of August in Oxfordshire. Enjoy the sunshine, soak up the culture, and relish your summer adventures. And if you’re hosting an event, list your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work or play in Oxfordshire.
Party in the Paddock Music Racedays 2026
Party in the Paddock returns in 2026 with two massive weekends of racing and live music at Newbury Racecourse. With world-class racing, unforgettable performances, and an electric summer atmosphere, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
Festival lineup includes: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes / Ronan Keating / Tinie Tempah / Jessie J.
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.
Horses at Blenheim Palace
Trot on over to the Stables in the West Courtyard this summer to meet our four-legged friends and discover the part horses and ponies have played in the story of Blenheim Palace.
Oxford Piano Festival 2026
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.
Formal Gardens Watercolour Workshops at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is delighted to be hosting a series of exclusive watercolour workshops led by acclaimed Woodstock artist Rod Craig.
Our Man in Havana
Our Man in Havana follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden, and Jodie Steele play over 30 characters to bring 1950s Havana vividly to life in this wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp!
Wilderness Festival 2026
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: Scissor Sisters / Carl Cox / The Last Dinner Party / Sisters: curated by Annie Lennox / Soulwax / Baxter Dury / Saint Etienne / Good Neighbours / The Hot 8 Brass Band / Groove Armada (DJ Set) / Nic Fanciulli / Eats everything / Olive F / Dan Shake • Say She She / Demi Riquísimo / Delilah / Chloe Qisha / Mr Cutts and many more.
Van Gogh and Me
Van Gogh & Me is a compelling new play starring Jack Ellis, examining the turbulent relationship between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. Blending art, history and personal reflection, the production explores creativity, rivalry and the human cost of artistic ambition.
Vanessa Latarche Masterclass
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Vanessa Latarche and fellow piano masters.
Richard Goode Masterclass
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Richard Goode and fellow piano masters.
Mozart – The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart’s beloved comic masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro is filled with sparkling melodies, mistaken identities, clever disguises and laugh-out-loud comedy, bringing one of opera’s greatest love stories vividly to life in period costume.
Oxford Piano Festival Participants’ Recital
Oxford Piano Festival Participants take to the stage with fresh guidance from the world’s most esteemed pianists echoing in their ears.
FNHC On Stage presents Fame
Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity proudly presents Fame packed with high-energy songs and unforgettable performances. Grab your leotards and legwarmers and be part of something amazing.
Arie Vardi Masterclass
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Arie Vardi and fellow piano masters.
The All American Auto Club at Stonor Park
The All American Auto Club’s “Rally of The Giants” bring their 60th year celebration of classic American cars at Stonor Park. This year’s event is lining up to be unforgettable, with vehicles from 1900 right through to the modern day, live music, food and retail,
Oxford Coffee Concerts: Huw Watkins, Ben Baker, Emma Wernig & Tim Posner
Enjoy Oxford Coffee Concerts with Huw Watkins, Ben Baker, Emma Wernig and Tim Posner performing Watkins’ String Trio No. 2 and Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 3.
Waterperry Opera Festival 2026
The Waterperry Opera Festival returns in 2026 from 07 to 16 August, offering a mix of full-scale operas, recitals, and open-air performances at Waterperry Gardens. The festival showcases international singers and orchestras, alongside pre-performance talks, garden tours, and family-friendly activities.
From classic favourites to contemporary works, it promises an immersive cultural experience for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers. Tickets and passes are available online and on-site, with early booking recommended for popular events.
Cogges Annual Beer & Cider Festival
Cogges Annual Beer & Cider Festival is a party in the barns where you can try over 50 different locally produced craft beers and ciders, with live music all afternoon and evening to get the crowd dancing.
The Great Antique & Vintage Car Boot Fair at Stonor Park
The Great Antique & Vintage Car Boot Fair returns to Stonor Park with more than 200 quality sellers offering antiques, collectibles and vintage treasures. Visitors can browse unique finds, enjoy delicious food and make the most of the beautiful parkland, with additional attractions available onsite.
Oxford Coffee Concerts: Kleio String Quartet
Enjoy Oxford Coffee Concerts with the Kleio String Quartet performing Schubert’s String Quintet in C major, op 163, D 956 in Holywell Music Room.
From Schubert To Gershwin
The acclaimed pianist and composer Jack Gibbons is joined by award-winning pianist Sarah Beth Briggs for an evening of much loved piano duets including Fauré’s Dolly Suite, Debussy’s Petite Suite, Schumann’s masterly Piano Quintet Op.44, and the world premiere of a new transcription for piano duet by Gibbons of Gershwin’s dazzling Girl Crazy Overture (featuring the classic songs I Got Rhythm and Embraceable You).
Instruments of Time & Truth: Ayres of the Night
Instruments of Time & Truth recreate intimate musical evenings from Oxford, London and Lübeck in Ayres of the Night. Featuring mezzo-soprano Martha McLorinan and period-instrument specialists, the programme explores evocative works by Purcell, Bach and Buxtehude as dusk falls.
Fairport Cropredy Convention 2026
The Fairport Cropredy Convention 2026 will be staged over the weekend of 13 to 15 August. The annual festival of folk and rock music, headed by British folk-rock band Fairport Convention is held on the edge of the village of Cropredy near Babnury in Oxfordshire.
Festival lineup:
Thursday – Fairport Acoustic / Banter / Soft Machine / Matt Bragg / Turin Brakes / Le Vent Du Nord
Friday – Cropredy Primary School Folk Class / Danny & The Champions of The World / Danny Bradley / The Celtic Social Club / Marshall Gilmour Webbs / Breabach / Spooky Men’s Chorale / Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips (plus S Nicol, D Mattacks & D Pegg)
Saturday – Gerry Colvin Big Band / Rob Jones & The Restless Dream / The Haar / Barbara / Hayseed Dixie / Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth / Fairport Convention & Friends
Curator-Led Exhibition Tour: 14 August 2026
Step inside a current exhibition with one of the curators. These focused, 30-minute tours offer in-depth insights into the ideas, processes and stories behind the work on display.
Fame Jr. Summer Youth Production
Fame Jr. brings young performers to the stage in a vibrant summer production celebrating talent, ambition and creativity.
NW Inventors: Comedy Workshop
NW Inventors: Comedy Workshop invites young people to develop comedy skills through movement, facial expressions and voice. Across three fun-filled mornings, participants will build confidence, explore performance techniques and showcase their talents to a supportive audience in a lively environment.
YouthLab: Audition Techniques
Join this actor focused workshop where your acting skills will be refined through voice, movement and script exploration, featuring classical, contemporary and self-written monologues with an opportunity to present a mock audition.
Make-up Through the Ages Workshop
Discover the fascinating history of make-up, from the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the bold looks of the Swinging Sixties, and everything in between! Join us in one of our traditional dressing rooms and get creative with your own theatrical designs.
SFX Make-up Workshop
Get ready for some dramatic fun! In this workshop, children will uncover the secrets behind creating realistic bruises, cuts and wounds for the stage. (You might want to double-check those injuries before reaching for the first aid kit!)
Rewind Festival South 2026
Rewind Festival South is probably the biggest 80’s music festival in the world. It is a spectacular event, packed full of fun, laughter, great (and terrible!) costumes and friends. Celebrate the best decade around with all your favourite 80s icons. Get your tickets and join the biggest party of the summer. This really is going to be one of the 2025 festivals in Oxfordshire you can’t afford to miss.
Festival lineup includes: TBC
SFX Make-up Workshop
Get ready for some dramatic fun! In this workshop, children will uncover the secrets behind creating realistic bruises, cuts and wounds for the stage. (You might want to double-check those injuries before reaching for the first aid kit!)
Theatrical Make-up Workshop
Discover the fascinating history of make-up, from the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the bold looks of the Swinging Sixties, and everything in between! Join us in one of our traditional dressing rooms and get creative with your own theatrical designs.
The Selecter
Legendary 2 Tone pioneers The Selecter bring their unmistakable blend of ska, punk and social commentary to the stage. Expect a high-tempo set packed with classic hits, brass-driven hooks and dancefloor-friendly grooves, delivered with the band’s signature urgency and feel-good spirit.
Our Stage Summer Drama
Our Stage Summer Drama is an exciting week-long project offering the chance to young people with disabilities, neurodivergence and additional needs to develop skills in Drama, Dance, and Design, ending with a celebratory showcase for friends and family in the Norman Bragg Studio.
Technical Theatre Workshop
For those curious about what happens behind the curtain, this workshop is a brilliant introduction to the technical side of theatre. Children will work alongside the technical team, learning the basics of lighting, rigging and sound.
Reading Festival 2026
Reading Festival, one of the UK’s most iconic music events, returns in 2026 with an electrifying lineup across multiple stages. Known for showcasing the best in rock, indie, hip-hop, and dance, the festival promises an unforgettable weekend of live music, vibrant energy, and festival culture. Join thousands of music lovers and make Reading Festival 2026 your highlight of the summer!
Festival lineup includes: Travis Scott / Chappell Roan / Bring Me The Horizon / Hozier / Becky Hill / AJ Tracey / Sammy Virji / Shikari / Conan Gray / Lola Young / Amyl and the Sniffers / Wunderhorse / Lancey Foux / Royel Otis / Wallows
ICHF Henley Craft Show
The ICHF Henley Craft Show returns to Stonor Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend, featuring more than 200 artisan stalls, handmade gifts, food and drink, live craft demonstrations, falconry displays, family entertainment, live music and a petting zoo.
Found Festival
Found Festival is a micro festival blend live music, wellness, creativity, comedy and dance together for a weekend of pure joy. . Relax and let the music, dance, art & craft wash over you or jump in with both feet and experience a creative process through performances, workshops, informal gatherings and masterclasses.
Festival lineup includes: TBC
The Big Feastival 2026
The Big Feastival will be back on Alex James’ beautiful Cotswolds farm this August Bank Holiday. This family-friendly music and food festival promises to be one truly unforgettable weekend. Expect a top-drawer selection of live music acts, some of the country’s top chefs, and plenty of hands-on activities for both big and little ones. The Big Feastival is for everyone, big and small.
Festival line-up:
Good Music – Basement Jaxx / The Streets / Bastille / Rudimental / Perrie / Mimi Webb / Doves / White Lies / Freya Ridings / The Coral / Antony Szmierek / Meek / Red Rum Club / Ms Dynamite / Nubiyan Twist / Tors / The Ordinary Boys / + Much more!
Good Food – Simon Rogan / Anna Haugh / Emily English / Rachel Allen / Poppy O’Toole / Tom Barnes / Meera Sodha / Nokx Majozi / Sally Abé / + Much more!
Good Times – Harriet Kemsley / Joel Dommett / Suzi Ruffell / Suzi Ruffell / Shappi Khorsandi / Joe and James Fact Up / Scott Bennett / The Scummy Mummies / Daniel Foxx / Justin Fletcher / Mc Grammar / Nick Cope / + Much more!
Schools Out Comedy Club in association with Rock the ATIC
Sick of the summer holidays? Pop along to New Theatre Oxford’s piano bar for a light hearted escape, enjoy the best comedians from around the country and a big drink.
Nick Cope’s Family Show
Come and join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite hits and more. Nick has a magical way of reaching into people’s hearts, igniting children’s imagination in an organic, unpatronizing, educational and fun way.
Foodies Festival Oxford 2026
Foodies Festival Oxford is a celebration of food, drink, and live entertainment. Across the festival, visitors can watch top chefs and bakers create mouth-watering dishes, sample fine wines, cocktails, and craft beers, and enjoy immersive cookery workshops.
Complementing the culinary delights, live music fills the festival, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Whether tasting new flavours, learning kitchen skills, or dancing to the music, the festival offers a full sensory experience for all ages.
Music lineup includes: Boyzlife / Gareth Gates / B*Witched
Chef lineup includes: Radhika Howarth / Joe Wadsack / Andrew Carr / Mark Peregrine / Tom Surgey / Gary & Jay
Michael Ball
Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter. Join him as he hits the road in 2026 with his Glow UK headline tour, coinciding with the release of his brand new solo album, Glow.
Oxford Coffee Concerts: Adderbury Ensemble with Lawrence Cummings
Enjoy Oxford Coffee Concerts with the Adderbury Ensemble and Lawrence Cummings performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and the delightful Coffee Cantata.
Out of the Deep
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Didcot Railway Centre Discovery Days
Step back into the golden age of the Great Western Railway at this 21-acre living museum, where trains from Victorian times to the 1960s bring railway history to life. Explore historic engine sheds, restored locomotives, interactive signalling displays and wartime exhibits, with the rare chance to see steam-era engineering up close in a quieter, immersive setting.
Olivia Plender: Little Fennel’s Complaint
Modern Art Oxford is delighted to present Little Fennel’s Complaint, a major solo exhibition by Olivia Plender (b. 1977, London), exploring historic and ongoing inequalities in women’s healthcare, from early modern witchcraft to contemporary debates on reproductive rights and medical authority. Plender developed the exhibition through research with leading Oxford institutions, including the Bodleian Library, Oxford Botanic Garden and John Radcliffe Hospital.
Kira Freije: Unspeak the Chorus
The exhibition displays a collection of work created using foraged plants, transformed through ancient techniques such as cordage and weaving, to reflect the raw beauty and cyclical nature of the natural world, that is both ephemeral and enduring.
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World at the Ashmolean Museum uncovers the hidden histories behind Britain’s most beloved blooms. Explore over 100 artworks and objects that reveal how plant exploration and trade shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies.
The Oxford Shakespeare Festival 2026
The Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 16th year! This outdoor theatre experience that takes place in the castle yard of Oxford Castle & Prison will see Wild Goose Theatre, BMH Productions, Siege Theatre, and Greensleeved will be putting on marvellous performances of Shakespeare’s finest classics.
Anna Ridler: A Perfect Language of Images
Anna Ridler’s A Perfect Language of Images is a digital artwork created with Oxford’s Dr William Poole, exploring systems of classification through AI. Inspired by John Wilkins and Jorge Luis Borges, it reflects on how machine learning both organises and destabilises knowledge.
Marlborough Mini Farm at Blenheim Palace
Meet the four-legged and feathered summer guests this summer as the Walled Garden comes alive with the sights, sounds and snuffles of the Marlborough Mini Farm.
Camp Tumblestone
Camp Tumblestone arrives at Tumblestone Hollow with a brand-new outdoor adventure included in every summer holiday ticket. Families can enjoy giant garden games, an agility trail, imaginative play in the teepee camp area and even more exciting activities alongside the popular adventure playground.
Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom: Modular Merger
Developed through research into the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at the University of Oxford, the exhibition brings together sound, video and photography to consider what is revealed and concealed through the collection, preservation and display of musical instruments. At its centre is a new sound work created using recordings of historic instruments from the collection.
Life Through a Royal Lens Exhibition at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace presents Life Through a Royal Lens, a major photography exhibition tracing the Royals’ enduring relationship with the camera, from the reign of Queen Victoria to the present day.
Wonder of Birds Exhibition
The Bodleian Libraries’ Wonder of Birds exhibition explores art, science and culture through the lens of avian life. Featuring rare archives, manuscripts and immersive sound, it invites visitors to reflect on both the beauty of birds and their decline.
Pip & Posy’s Treehouse Trail at Blenheim Palace
Join Pip & Posy’s Treehouse Trail in Adventure Play on an adventure to solve the mystery of the missing toy Piggy!
The post What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this August appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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