The unmissable annual events in Oxford taking place in 2026

One of Oxford’s two bumping boat races, the Torpids takes place annually around the seventh week of Hilary Term, running from Wednesday to Saturday. The racing occurs on The Isis, a stretch of the River Thames in Oxford that is generally too narrow for side-by-side competition.

Using the distinctive ‘bumps’ format, crews race in single file, aiming to catch and ‘bump’ the boat ahead to climb the rankings. Spectators line the riverbanks to enjoy the thrilling racing and cheer on college crews in this celebrated intercollegiate tradition.

The Oxford Literary Festival offers nine days of talks, debates and cultural events across Oxford’s most iconic venues. Celebrated for its world-class lineup, the festival nurtures open dialogue and welcomes thinkers, writers and performers from around the globe.

Blackwell Hall at the Weston Library will host the festival hub, complete with bookshop, café and exhibitions. With international programmes, accessible venues and expanded schools outreach, the 2026 festival promises an exceptional celebration of literature and ideas.

May Morning 2026 will be celebrated on Friday 1 May in Oxford, continuing a tradition that stretches back over 500 years. Festivities begin at dawn with the Magdalen College Choir singing from the iconic 144ft tower, followed by bells, a procession along the High Street.

Traditional Morris and Highland dancing, impromptu performances, and communal celebrations bring students, residents and visitors together for one of Oxford’s most enduring and beloved annual events. Expect hours of dancing and music throughout the city.

Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event, showcasing the remarkable visual arts, craft, and creative talent of hundreds of local artists, makers and designers over a three-week period.

As always, you can feast your eyes on a huge range of creative activities by hundreds of artists, makers and designers in artists’ studios, pop-up galleries, glorious gardens, ancient churches, medieval tithe barns and other amazing venues in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.

Discover more: Exhibitions

The Oxford Town and Gown 10k takes place on Sunday 10 May 2026, attracting up to 6,000 runners of all abilities. Founded in 1982 in memory of Daniel Cleaver, the race continues to support Muscular Dystrophy UK, with all profits donated to the charity.

The scenic City Centre course finishes in University Parks and offers a friendly, vibrant atmosphere for first-timers, seasoned runners and fun participants alike. Join Oxford’s cherished annual event for sport, community and a great cause.

Discover more: Sporting events in Oxfordshire

The Summer Eights 2026 takes place in May over four days, from Wednesday to Saturday of the fifth week of Trinity Term. Oxford’s iconic bumps regatta is held on the Isis – a stretch of the River Thames in Oxford – with boats chasing each other in single file, aiming to catch and ‘bump’ the crew ahead.

Spectators line the banks to watch the thrilling racing, including over-bumps and the battle for Head of the River. The regatta is organised by Oxford University Rowing Clubs, the confederation overseeing all college crews and inter-collegiate contests within the University of Oxford.

Every year, thousands gather for Oxford Pride, the vibrant highlight of the Oxford Pride Festival. The day celebrates visibility, love and inclusivity in the heart of the city. More than a celebration, Oxford Pride promotes diversity, solidarity, and a community where everyone can live freely and authentically.

Joyful and welcoming, the event invites people of all ages, identities and backgrounds to come together, enjoy performances, and take part in activities that champion equality and unity across Oxford. Local organisations, companies, trade unions and many more are welcome to join the parade.

The Race for Life Oxford 2026 returns to University Parks, offering 5k and 10k courses for participants aged 16 and over. Walk, jog, or run at your own pace along flat, scenic routes entirely on park paths and closed roads while raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

Take part solo or with a group. Shake off pre-race nerves in the fun warm-up session warm-up sessions and enjoy a post-race picnic with friends, family and fellow participants. Suporters and spectators are welcome, with plenty of space to cheer on runners.

Alice’s Day is the annual city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, and it is marked on the first Saturday in July, in commemoration of the afternoon on the 04 July 1862 when the Christ Church mathematician Charles Dodgson took the Dean of Christ Church’s daughters (Lorina, Alice, and Edith Liddell) on a boat trip, from Folly Bridge to Godstow, where they had a picnic.

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

St Giles’ Fair is one of the most prestigious and long-standing fairs in the country, dating back to 1625 as a parish festival celebrating the feast of St Giles – it is held on the Monday and Tuesday following the first Sunday after St Giles’ Day (01 September).

Over the centuries, it has evolved from a toy and children’s fair to a large-scale funfair, with rides and attractions expanding during the Victorian era. Today, the fair is run by Oxford City Council, drawing huge crowds for two days of traditional rides, games, and festivities each September.

Discover more: All the fun of the fairs

Oxford Open Doors is a weekend that celebrates Oxford’s heritage and culture by giving everyone the chance to explore the colleges, university buildings and green spaces together with a range of heritage sites across the city – many of which are not usually open to members of the public.

Read more: Oxford Open Doors: nine properties to see inside

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

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, in partnership with the Oxford City branch of the Royal British Legion, is set to host a Remembrance Sunday Service at the War Memorial in St Giles’ to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The Mayor will be joined by military units, uniformed organisations, community groups, civic dignitaries, residents and visitors from across the county to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Cowley Road Carnival provides a platform for artistic expression and a spectacular parade, embodying the true essence of masquerade. This uniquely colourful and vibrant community event will be back on the streets with plans that include the iconic Cowley Road procession, Eco Floats, Street Parties, and House Floats.

A 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.

The 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.

This year’s Oxford Christmas Market, which will now be known as “Christmas in Oxford”, is set to take place in the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street with wooden stalls, a giant Christmas tree, and a live music stage. The Christmas market will run from 22 November through to 31 December.