IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026
About IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026
IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival returns to Oxford from 17 to 31 October 2026, bringing two weeks of science, creativity and big ideas to venues across the city and beyond.
Now in its 35th year, the festival offers a packed programme of talks, workshops, performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on activities, exploring everything from science and technology to nature, medicine, psychology, culture and society.
With events for families, young people and adults, IF Oxford makes science and ideas accessible, engaging and entertaining. Visitors can meet researchers and experts, get involved with interactive experiments, discover new perspectives and explore some of the questions and discoveries shaping the world today.
From family-friendly activities to thought-provoking discussions and creative events, the festival offers plenty of opportunities to learn something new while experiencing Oxford’s vibrant science and cultural community.
Whether visitors are passionate about science or simply curious about how the world works, IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026 provides two weeks of opportunities to ask questions, explore new ideas and get involved.
The programme of events for IF Oxford 2026 include:
- Family Day + The Cloud Factory: Interactive science, water experiments, nature trails and a hands-on cloud-making experience.
- Curious Minds: Science Story Saturdays: Science-themed stories and activities for younger visitors.
- EXPLORAZONE: Hands-on exploration and interactive science activities.
- Poetry of Science 2026: An exploration of science through poetry and creative writing.
- The Dawn of AI: Exploring artificial intelligence and its place in the world.
- The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show: A family-friendly performance exploring psychology, perception and optical illusions.
- Glow Your Own: A creative workshop exploring light, technology and making.
- BLAST! A large interactive zone featuring science and engineering activities, from quantum computing and fusion to astronomy and space.
- TECHWORKS: Hands-on activities exploring technology, medicine, energy, robotics and cutting-edge research.
- Photographing Big Science: An opportunity to explore the visual side of large-scale scientific research.
- Introduction to Enamelling – Make a Pendant or Keyring: A practical creative workshop combining making and materials science.
- Storytime: A science and ideas-themed storytelling session.
The programme also includes talks, discussions, exhibitions, performances, workshops, tours and interactive zones, with events taking place across Oxford and beyond.
IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026 programme
Download the festival programme
Watch the trailer
Pricing
IF Oxford uses Pay What You Decide (PWYD) ticketing – so you can choose to pay whatever you want or can afford. You can make your donation during booking or after the event, and the amount you pay is up to you. A suggested donation from £7.50 to £50.00 per person for each event enjoyed will help secure the future of the festival.
Venue details
The IF Oxford programme of activities takes place at various venues across the city. Kindly visit the festival website for further details about dates, times and locations for individual activities.
