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.
Henley Literary Festival 2026
Founded in 2007, the Henley Literary Festival has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most popular literary festivals, bringing together punters and pundits from far and wide in an annual meeting-of-minds set across its stunning riverside hometown.
Henley Literary Festival is established as one of the UK’s biggest book festivals. Previous speakers have included John Mortimer, Doreen Lawrence, John Major, Julia Donaldson, Richard E. Grant, Candace Bushnell, John Sentamu, Cressida Cowell and Graham Nash.
Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand-Up Years
Join Mark Thomas for a taster menu of government and personal mayhem, jokes, rants and a personal state of the nation broadcast as he tries to turn ‘what the f*ck is going on’ into a cogent hour of stand-up.
DogFest at Blenheim Palace
Join DogFest at Blenheim Palace for an autumnal weekend to celebrate your four-legged friends with a whole host of canine fun as well as live music, family entertainment and more.
The Pumpkin Picking Patch at Rectory Farm
Rectory Farm is delighted to bring back The Pumpkin Patch for 2026. Families can wander through the pumpkin field to pick their own farm-grown pumpkins and squashes in a rainbow of colours, perfect for Halloween. Tickets are priced at £8.50 per person. Children under 2 go free and require no ticket for entry.
Pick your own Pumpkins at Millets Farm
Millets Farm has been nurturing a large number of pumpkins in their fields this year, and now’s the perfect time for picking a pleasingly plump one. The pumpkin patches are open at weekends from Saturday 03 October, then daily from Thursday 22 October. The patch costs from £4.00 to enter, and then you pay for what you pick before leaving. Pumpkin and squash prices vary depending on the size and variety.
Freya Ridings
Freya Ridings heads to New Theatre Oxford in 2026, bringing powerful vocals, emotional ballads and new music from her upcoming album Mother Of Pearl to the stage.
Bicester Heritage October 2026 Scramble
Explore the historic motoring hub at Bicester Heritage October 2026 Scramble 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.
The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie
Jonathan Pie is back on tour with The End of the World, a biting and hilarious live show exploring politics, culture and the chaos of modern life through his signature ranting style. Come and see this helpful and hilarious guide to surviving the impending apocalypse.
From The Jam
From The Jam bring the timeless music and spirit of The Jam to audiences across the globe, performing beloved classics alongside tracks from their recent chart-topping albums. With passionate live shows and a loyal multigenerational fanbase, the band continue to honour one of Britain’s most iconic musical legacies.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2026
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.
Legally Blonde
Join the iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde, an upbeat, fun story about self-discovery and challenging stereotypes.
Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess
Scummy Mummies, Helen and Ellie are back with a brand new comedy show that will have you laughing till you wee. Featuring brand new songs, sketches, standup, and of course, sparkly new catsuits. Bring your mates, bring your mum, bring your partner if they’re feeling brave enough… It’s a big Scummy party!
Dirty Dancing
Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.
Steve Reich: Different Trains
Experience Steve Reich’s Different Trains performed by the Ligeti Quartet alongside works by Justė Janulytė and Reich in a powerful contemporary concert.
The Hoosiers
The Hoosiers, known for their infectious hooks, sharp lyricism and high-energy live shows bring a night packed with high energy and nostalgia. Expect plenty of singalong choruses, hands-in-the-air moments and chances to dance along with friends and family.
Between The Covers Live!
Amanda Ross is joined by Ben Miller, Lucy Foley, James Prichard & Nigel Havers, brining Between The Covers Live! to celebrate Agatha Christie, the bestselling novelist of all time, with a line-up guaranteed to deliver a thrilling dive into the world of crime thrillers.
Jack Carroll: The Fall Guy
Join Jack Carroll in his comedy show The Fall Guy. Expect jokes about the broken promises of modern life, internet rabbit holes, and his disability.
Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess
Discover a major new exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum that invites you to step into the world of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire – later worshipped by the Romans as Venus, featuring more than 200 remarkable objects – from sculpture and bronzes to gems and terracottas from Cyprus, Greece, and Italy, dating from 1400 BCE to the 21st century.
Oxford International Song Festival 2026
The 25th Oxford International Song Festival will mark a landmark year with a timeless theme: Love Songs. An international roster of artists will explore love through poetry and music, in performances that range from passionate to witty and ironic. Audiences can look forward to over sixty events featuring more than 200 world-class artists, including three special events in the inaugural season of Oxford’s new Schwarzman Centre.
Festival lineup includes: Benjamin Appl / Juliane Banse / Helen Charlston / Dame Sarah Connolly / Alice Coote / Konstantin Krimmel / Christoph Prégardien / Anna Prohaska / Brindley Sherratt / Camilla Tilling / Roderick Williams
The Orbison Project
The Orbison Project is a fantastic six-piece tribute band celebrating the memorable music of Roy Orbison featuring classics including Only The Lonely, In Dreams, It’s Over, Oh Pretty Woman, Running Scared, I Drove All Night, You Got It and many more.
Dame Sarah Connolly Recital
Celebrate the opening of the 2026 Oxford International Song Festival with an unforgettable recital by Dame Sarah Connolly and acclaimed pianist Joseph Middleton. Featuring songs by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Liszt, Debussy and Errollyn Wallen, this captivating programme explores the Festival’s ‘Love Songs’ theme through some of the finest works in the vocal repertoire.
Cliveden Literary Festival
Cliveden Literary Festival offers a distinctive setting for lively discussion, thought-provoking ideas and political debate, bringing together leading authors, thinkers and public figures at the National Trust’s historic Cliveden estate.
Beyond the programme of talks and conversations, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy scenic walks through the estate towards the River Thames, making the festival as much an opportunity to soak up its surroundings as it is to engage with literature and ideas.
Oktoberfest
Welcome to Oktoberfest at Cogges Manor Farm where the barns will be transformed into a Bavarian Bierkeller with long tables decorated for autumn and you can sit with your friends and family and enjoy a laid-back afternoon of Oktoberfest and rustic farm inspired fun.
Oxford Half Marathon 2026
The Oxford Half Marathon is a flat and fast 13.1-mile race through historic Oxford. The route starts and finishes on Mansfield Road, right in the heart of Oxford – taking runners on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and leafy surroundings, including Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera & Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sighs, Summertown, Cutteslowe, University Parks and Old Marston.
Discover more: Running events in Oxfordshire
Katherine Jenkins
The biggest selling classical artist of this century, Katherine Jenkins OBE, is celebrating an incredible 25 Years in music with a new tour featuring all her biggest hits, including ‘Time To Say Goodbye’, the emotional ‘Jealous of the Angels’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’ and more.
Steve Hackett – Best of Genesis & Solo Gems
Following a sell-out performance in 2024, Steve Hackett returns to Friars Aylesbury with his Best of Genesis & Solo Gems tour. Joined by his acclaimed touring band, the legendary guitarist will perform favourites from Genesis’ classic 1970s catalogue alongside highlights from his extensive solo career, in a venue that played a pivotal role in the band’s early success.
Abingdon Runaway Fair 2026
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.
Nigel Kennedy
Violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy takes to the stage with a bold, genre-blending performance, combining classical mastery and jazz influence in an unforgettable live concert.
Roderick Williams: Love’s Minstrels
Roderick Williams returns to the Oxford International Song Festival with an inventive programme exploring stories of courtly love across the ages. From the medieval poetry of Guillaume de Machaut and Romantic evocations of ruined castles to 20th-century songs by Ina Boyle and Ralph Vaughan Williams, this recital brings together music spanning centuries of love, longing and devotion.
The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight
Direct from London’s West End, and featuring a spectacular cast of world-class Singers and an epic live band, join the show for a landslide concert, jam-packed with Fleetwood Mac hits, as you’ve never heard them before, including Little Lies, The Chain, Rhiannon, Don’t Stop and many more, performed by candlelight.
Sounds Of The 60s Live – Hosted By Tony Blackburn OBE
Tony Blackburn OBE brings his Sounds of the 60s Live Tour to audiences across the UK in 2026, celebrating the decade’s greatest hits with live music, stories and timeless classics from some of the biggest names in pop.
Crash Test Dummies
Following a successful anniversary tour of their album The Ghosts That Haunt Me, Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies are back on the road. This time, they will be celebrating 30 years since the release of their Grammy nominated and platinum certified album God Shuffled His Feet.
The Dung Beatles: 60th Anniversary of ‘Revolver’
The Dung Beatles return to Aylesbury to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Revolver, performing the groundbreaking Beatles album in full alongside a selection of timeless favourites in an evening dedicated to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds
Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds heads on tour in 2026 with a brand new concert experience, showcasing the legendary double album with live orchestra, band and West End performers.
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 October Snake 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.
Banbury Michaelmas Fair 2026
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 Horsefair, North Bar, Market Place, and Bridge Street in 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
IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026
IF Oxford returns in 2026 with events from 17 to 31 October. 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.
Transvision Vamp
English pop rock band Transvision Vamp return for their first UK tour since 1991, playing all the favourites you’ve wanted to hear live.
Megson
Celebrated folk duo Megson return with their distinctive blend of soaring vocals, rich harmonies and masterful musicianship. With a career spanning two decades and numerous award nominations, Debs and Stu Hanna continue to captivate audiences with their songwriting, humour and authentic folk sound.
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
Stewart Lee shares the stage with his alter ego, The Man-Wulf, a ferocious werewolf comedian from the subconscious. As the beast challenges his relevance and legacy, Lee must confront his fading profile, health struggles, and the evolution of modern stand-up.
This is the Cosmos
This is the Cosmos takes audiences on an imaginative journey through space, time and the mysteries of the universe, combining storytelling and big ideas in an intimate production.
The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs arrives on stage in 2026, transforming the legendary thriller into a gripping live experience packed with tension, iconic characters and psychological suspense.
The Alonetimes
The Alonetimes is a bold new music-theatre work about memory, loneliness, and belonging by composers Jennifer Walshe and Philip Venables.
Dracula Spooktacular – Halloween at Cogges
The Manor House is mystically transforming into the home of the most famous Vampire in history – Dracula. Step inside his castle and enjoy an immersive experience as you journey from room to room, experiencing the daily life of the charismatic count and meeting some of his friends along the way. It’s a spooktacular and entertaining experience – perfect for all the family.
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…!
Mozart: Bliss Beside Us
Experience Mozart: Bliss Beside Us, featuring the songs and piano music of Mozart to life in a stunning fusion of movement, words and music brought by world-renowned choreographer Andreas Heise.
Once in a Lifetime – 80s Tribute
Once In A Lifetime features an incredible ensemble of world-class musicians who recreate every note, riff, and vocal nuance of the 80s. Featuring the raw talent and undeniable genius of bands and artists like U2, The Police, Tears for Fears, Toto, Prince, Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates, The Smiths, and many more.
Halloween Comedy Club in association with Rock the ATIC
Join the Halloween Comedy Club in association with Rock the ATIC for a seriously spooky evening with terrifying jokes from three of the best comedians around.
Haunted Half Term at Blenheim Palace
Get ready for a frightfully fun family adventure at Blenheim Palace this October. Haunted Half Term brings creepy creatures, magical activities and plenty of spooky entertainment to the Walled Garden. Meet friendly snakes, tarantulas, giant snails and frogs at the Zoolab show, then enjoy circus workshops, witchy storytelling, wizard walkabouts and more.
John Simpson – The Leaders and Lunatics Tour
Veteran journalist John Simpson draws on nearly six decades of reporting to examine the leaders and dictators who have shaped modern history. Combining personal experiences, political insight and audience questions, this thought-provoking event explores power, conflict and the forces influencing today’s world.
The Searchers and Hollies Experience
The Searchers and Hollies Experience is a long-running tribute show performed by the FOD Band, celebrating iconic 60s and 70s hits. Featuring over 30 classics, it recreates the magic of two legendary groups, delivering a high-energy show with nostalgia music.
Ghost Fest: Potion Making
Ghost Fest: Potion Making at Oxford Castle & Prison invites families to uncover magical ingredients, solve clues and create drinkable potions with Merlin’s apprentice. You can also craft a wand, enjoy magical demonstrations and explore an interactive experience inside a real medieval crypt.
Michael Palin: In the Philippines
Michael Palin brings In the Philippines to the stage, sharing untold stories, photography, behind-the-scenes moments from his latest journey and reflections from nearly 40 years of travelling the world for television.
Wantage Literary Festival 2026
Wantage Literary Festival returns for its 16th year, bringing acclaimed authors, historians, journalists, artists and musicians to the Oxfordshire town. The packed programme explores literature, history, politics, art, science and the natural world.
Highlights include Victoria Hislop, Jasper Fforde, Stephen Sackur and Janina Ramirez, alongside family events, music, walking tours, sea shanties and the Big Town Read.
The Gang of Three
Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the tensions that shaped a generation of politics. This sharp, provocative and richly entertaining event is political theatre at its most gripping.
Ghost Fest: Spooky Tours
Oxford Castle & Prison’s annual spooktacular Ghost Fest is back with Spooky Tours! Do you dare visit for one of their evening Spooky Tours? Hear the haunting stories of their 1,000-year past and let their gruesome history come to life! It won’t be too long before their ghosts reveal themselves!
Musical Theatre Workshop – Annie
Join this Musical Theatre Workshop for an engaging and high energy musical theatre workshop run by Scott’s Performing Arts, where you will learn the number ‘Hard Knock Life’ from the musical Annie ahead of the show coming to New Theatre Oxford this December.
JukeBox: Halloween Special
JukeBox Halloween Special brings decades of feel-good music, singalong favourites and spooky fun to Oxford for a night of dancing with friends.
Half Term Halloween Crafternoon
Join a frightfully fun afternoon of creativity at this Halloween Crafternoon packed with Halloween-themed arts and crafts, creative activities and plenty of seasonal fun.
The Michael Portillo Show
The inimitable Michael Portillo brings his show A Life of Two Halves live on stage, featuring funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.
The Legends in Vegas: After Hours
Get ready for the ultimate night out – Vegas: After Hours brings five Strictly dance legends together for a spectacular new show Think neon lights and electric nights, roulette tables spinning, glamorous showgirls, dazzling casinos, desert sunsets, lavish pool parties, whirlwind weddings, iconic hotels, and world-class entertainment. Vegas: After Hours captures it all in one unforgettable evening.
Brian Bilston: How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside
Brian returns to the stage with his latest book, How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside. Get ready for an evening of comedy and laughter, as he takes us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.
What’s Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute To Tina Turner
After a sensational 2025 that saw over 60,000 Tina Turner fans across the UK singing, dancing, and having the time of their lives, What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back and bigger than ever for 2026! This electrifying tribute show celebrates the music and unparalleled career of the one and only Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
Fisherman’s Friends
Fisherman’s Friends return in 2027 with a new UK tour, bringing traditional Cornish sea shanties, rich harmonies, humour and coastal spirit to the stage.
Out of the Deep
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Family-Friendly Sundays
Join Family-Friendly Sundays for free sessions including nature-themed activities, creative crafts, family-friendly trails and more, all provided by the museum’s volunteers.
Waddesdon Cellar Tour & History of Rothschild Wines
Taking place every Friday until 27 November, Waddesdon cellar tour and wine tasting is held in the Vault Room and surrounded by one of the most historic collections of Rothschild Wines in the world.
When the Blackbird Sings
Step aboard When the Blackbird Sings, an immersive promenade production that takes audiences on a remarkable journey through Oxford’s past and present. Following Paulette’s inspiring story from 1966, this powerful new production combines live performance, travel by bus and historic locations to explore identity, community, resilience and the people who have shaped the city’s history.
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.
Weekly Drama – Autumn Term
Waterside’s Weekly Drama sessions offer children aged 7 to 11 the chance to develop drama skills through games, improvisation, devising, scripts and creative activities in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
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!
Playhouse Youth Theatre
Playhouse Youth Theatre offers young people aged 12 to 16 the chance to collaborate on an exciting year-long theatre project. Working alongside Youth Theatre leaders Lucy Findlay and Caitlin Kirby, participants will devise an original production while developing performance skills, creativity and confidence. The project will culminate in a full-length performance at the Burton Taylor Studio in July 2027.
The post What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this October appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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