The unmissable annual events in Oxford in 2023
From the Oxford Literary Festival to the Oxford Half Marathon – here are the unmissable annual events in Oxford taking place in 2023.
Grab your diaries – digital or otherwise. Fire up those WhatsApp groups. Get your planning hats on. There’s quite a lot to look forward to in 2023.
As we’ve now learnt to live with COVID-19, thanks to vaccines and therapeutics, it’s fair to say that the concept of ‘making plans’ is back on the table, and the days of holding off on buying tickets or wondering when – not if – your favourite band would cancel their upcoming tour are long gone.
This is why we’re excited about all the great stuff Oxford has in store for us in 2023. We’re excited about blockbuster exhibitions at the city’s major museums and anticipating outdoor events at the city’s parks and outdoor spaces, including the iconic Broad Street.
And, of course, we’re also gearing up for plenty of pomp and pageantry with the King’s coronation in May 2023. There will be a bank holiday on Monday, 08 May, following the Coronation on Saturday, 06 May. This will provide opportunities for communities across the county to come together to celebrate.
These are just a handful of the thrilling events and things to do in Oxford on the horizon in 2023. There are loads more still to come, and we promise to keep this page updated as they are announced.
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Oxford Half Marathon 2023
When: 15 OctoberThe 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.
Buy ticketsDiscover more: Running events in Oxfordshire
Oxford Round Table Charity Fireworks Display 2023
When: 04 NovemberWhere: South Park, OxfordA household event in Oxford’s South Park, the Oxford Round Table Charity Bonfire and Fireworks Display is widely considered to be Oxfordshire’s largest firework display for charity. Expect a traditional spectacular fireworks display, an enormous bonfire, Hebborn’s Funfair, and a fully licenced bar.
Event websiteDiscover more: Funfairs & fireworks
Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival 2023 (TBC)
When: 17 to 19 November (TBC)Where: Venues across OxfordThe festival has been taking place since 2009. It’s evolved over the years from a single evening’s event in the city centre to a full three day weekend that includes light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance and lots of free activities in venues across the city, and more recently to light trails and events in residential areas of the city.
Event websiteDiscover more: Community Events
Oxford Christmas Market 2023 (TBC)
When: 01 to 17 December (TBC)The Oxford Christmas Market is scheduled to return to the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street in 2023, with the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air.
Discover more: Markets & Fairs
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