What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this September

Led by city guide Hannah Field, meet a host of fascinating characters including a ‘lesbian, Indian princess, suffragette, refugee smuggler’, a flamboyant bus conductor, a Catholic Saint, and many more. Learn about local characters, pubs and clubs of Oxford, University societies, Oxford Pride, and future events.

George Lewis brings his brand new stand-up show to the stage – ‘The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do’. Join the stand-up comedian who has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life for a brilliant night out.

Inter Alia is a new play written by Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin, and it is about a searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.

Through Love Art Exhibition is a moving tribute by artist Maria Arroyave to her sister, Oxford social worker Ana Arroyave, who died from a stroke in 2020. The exhibition features three mixed media collections exploring grief, nature, and sibling bonds and will raise funds for SeeSaw charity and the Stroke Association.

Oxford Storytelling Festival comes to Waterperry House and Gardens for the 5th time this year. Explore the theme of EARTH and CONNECTION and enter into the enchanting mystery through story, myth, music, nature, and also community connection.

Festival lineup includes: Emily Hennessey / Morvern Graham / Nell Phoenix / Peter Chand / Corinne Harragin / Nick Hennessey / Chris Park.

Complemented by world-class music from: Helian, Ramshackle, and Miwa Nagato-Apthorp.

The Luke Combs Experience has arrived in the UK, bringing everything you need to get your foot stomping and fists pumping to all of this country superstar’s hits. Join an unforgettable evening filled with amazing music and good vibes and the UK’s best tribute band to country superstar Luke Combs.

Lionel – The Music of Lionel Richie is a high-octane, powerhouse and breathtaking performance celebrating the music of Lionel Richie, delivered by Malcolm Pitt and featuring a stellar lineup of world-class musicians.

Mike Hurst and his friends, Shakin’ Stevens, Tim Rice, Mike d’Abo, PP Arnold, and Ken Bruce bring a unique show with music, comedy, chat, and organised mayhem while fundraising for Parkinson’s UK.

Hal Cruttenden is back with a brand-new comedy show – Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It. Come hear him hilariously pontificating on subjects like middle-aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics.

Cornbury House Horse Trials is a new original eventing experience that promises to be a stylish, fun, and innovative experience for competitors and spectators from all around the world. Enjoy locally sourced and sustainable food and drink, retail with luxurious local brands, plus access to the otherwise private Deer Park and the wider historic parkland.

Always Ready, Always Willing – Firefighting in Oxford is a fascinating lunchtime talk chronicling fires and firefighting efforts in Oxford, from Roman times to insurance and private brigades, to volunteer and professional units, through to the end of the Oxford City Brigade in 1974.

Buttercross Theatre Productions brings Alfred Hitchcock’s early thrillers to life in Vintage Hitchcock – A Live Radio Play, featuring three gripping tales: The Lodger, Sabotage, and The 39 Steps complete with live sound effects, voice actors, and vintage charm.

Riverdance 30: The New Generation celebrates its 30th anniversary with this spectacular production rejuvenating the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography, costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics.

Janet Street-Porter, the nation’s favourite pissed-off pensioner brings comedy, tragedy and gossip in equal measure, a tour de force rant against growing old gracefully.

Dara Ó Briain brings his brand new live comedy show Re:Creation. Dara will be standing in a theatre, telling stories and creating madness with the audience. It’s guaranteed to be a very, very, funny night.

ABBA Magic is a night to relieve the hits of ABBA. From Waterloo to Dancing Queen, they perform all the greatest hits, so expect plenty of audience participation and sing-a-long moments in this perfect night out.

The Neil Diamond Story is a tribute show by Bob Drury featuring hits from Neil’s career of five decades including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, America, Love on the Rocks, Play Me, Hello Again, Forever in Blue Jeans, and Beautiful Noise.

Thank ABBA For The Music is an epic two-hour ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most phenomenal bands. Expect all of ABBA’s iconic hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! SOS, Waterloo, Take A Chance On Me, Voulez-Vous, and many more!

Since 1891 the Henley Farm & Country Show has been one of the largest events in the area and is the best one-day agricultural show in Oxfordshire. A fun family day visited by thousands every year, many of whom return annually because they have enjoyed it so much.

Los Endos invites you to step into the hallowed halls of progressive rock history as they pay homage to the legendary band Genesis during their meticulously crafted tour: For Our Next Trick. Featuring three masterpiece albums, ‘Trick of the Tail,’ ‘Wind & Wuthering,’ and ‘And Then There Were Three.’

Colin Paul and Rockin’em brings tribute to the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Elvis Presley, with their captivating Memories Of Memphis Show. The performance features songs from his early days at SUN Records and tracks from his last album.

Strange but True Crime with ex-forensics lecturer, Jennifer Rees, is a fascinating look at the strangest, but true crime stories, perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.

Go Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac with hits including Dreams, Don’t Stop, Everywhere, Rhiannon, Gold Dust Woman, Little Lies, Big Love and many more.

Harry Hill will be celebrating 60 glorious years of fun, laughter, and low-level disruption with his comedy show ‘New Bits & Greatest Hits’. Hurry and get on board the laughter train.

It’s time to go ‘Deep’ with Tom Houghton as he brings his discoveries after plunging himself into a journey of self-discovery.

Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George, bringing fans to their feet in a dynamic celebration and on a journey through his legendary hits including ‘Careless Whisper,’ ‘Faith,’ ‘I’m Your Man,’ ‘Club Tropicana,’ and many more.

Rob Beckett brings his comedy show Giraffe, smashing the life out of the M25, M1, M5 and any other road that’s in his way. Expect to leave the gig happier than when you arrived.

An Evening Without Kate Bush is performed by Sarah Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas paying glorious homage to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music – Kate Bush.

The story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel is blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

Back with a bang, award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his electrifying new show, Thunderstorm! Expect thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and a night of belly laughs you won’t forget.

Join Stephen K Amos for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching in his comedy show – Now we’re talking.

Elio Pace and his incredible band are set to thrill audiences with the smash-hit award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook, performing more than 30 hits, including The Longest Time, She’s Always A Woman, An Innocent Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, The River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire , and Piano Man.

Meat Loaf by Candlelight concert features some of the most iconic songs of all time, including Anything For Love, Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer for Love, and many more!. Experience the music of Meat Loaf, like never before.

Join TV and West End star Bill Bailey as he tries out new comedy material – Work In Progress, presented by hil McIntyre Live Ltd.

Penned Up is a powerful celebration of storytelling, second chances, and the unexpected bonds that form behind bars. It is written by award-winning playwright Danusia Iwaszko, who uses her more than 15 years experience of teaching playwriting to prisoners to explore what life is actually like behind bars.

Strange but True Crime with ex-forensics lecturer, Jennifer Rees, is a fascinating look at the strangest, but true crime stories, perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.

GK Barry is taking wildly her popular podcast, Saving Grace, on the road for an unmissable UK tour. Expect her signature chaos, comedy, and charisma.

Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark is a show with terrifying real-life stories and witness accounts that will have you gripped throughout the show. Whether you are team sceptic, team believer, or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome.

Flyte is the project of English songwriters Will Taylor and Nick Hill, and they are back with their most recent album which is their most confident and collaborative work to date, featuring artists such as Laura Marling, Bombay Bicycle Club, and M Field.

Detention explores Section 28 and the LGBT+ community’s fight for justice through powerful dance and storytelling. Featuring music tracks by the iconic Test Dept, Detention is a bold and moving portrayal of the remarkable resilience of the individuals and organisations of the time.

Level 42 presents The ‘World Machine’ 40th Anniversary tour, celebrating the album that defined their sound and brought global fame, giving you an opportunity to witness one of the most popular and enduring British bands doing what they do best.

Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of clarity to what positive masculinity looks like in a modern context through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend’s best man earlier this year.

Best Friends Forever puts the finest tribute acts together with all the biggest hits into one interactive & unmissable immersive experience. With exhilarating performances & choreography, this show guarantees an unforgettable entertainment experience for the whole family.

Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman take their podcast brilliance live. Expect Made Up Games, Cymru Connections, Mad Dads, and three digital firebrands let loose from the shackles of Billy Balance.

Join Stephen K Amos for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching in his comedy show – Now we’re talking.

Transform Trauma Oxford 2025 is Europe’s largest trauma, mental health, and well-being conference – an annual highlight not to be missed, whether you’re a psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, medical doctor, bodyworker, educator, counsellor, researcher, mental health advocate, or someone keen to expand their understanding.

Lineup of speakers includes: Esther Perel / Gabor Maté / Bessel van der Kolk and many more.

British-Iraqi hip hop artist Lowkey showcases his bars and lyrical craft as he heads out on his ‘Soundtrack to the Struggle Tour’.

Go Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac. With hits including Dreams, Don’t Stop, Everywhere, Rhiannon, Gold Dust Woman, Little Lies, Big Love and many more.

Jane Eyre: An Autobiography is an inventive exploration of the status of women in society which is dramatized to be as relevant today as Charlotte Bronte’s original novel was 178 years ago, presented by Live Wire Theatre & RoughHouse Theatre.

The Party Girls is a sensational story of the Mitford sisters who cut a glorious swathe through pre-war high society, amidst the glittering world of debutantes and dukes. written by Amy Rosenthal and directed by Richard Beecham.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is a band of 14 classical musicians performing a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy.

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.

Welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world. Come ready to drink in the excitement. Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry and many more.

Salon Privé returns to Blenheim Palace with their most sensational line-up to date. For four days, the South Lawn will be overcome with the finest super and classic cars in the world, accompanied by luxury brands and exquisite hospitality to form the UK’s Most Exclusive Motor Show.

On the banks of the Thames in South Oxfordshire, Wallingford BunkFest is a free-access community festival providing a unique, family-friendly celebration with something for everyone. From a small marquee in a pub car park to filling the KineCroft and providing entertainment throughout Wallingford, on the River Thames and the Bunk Railway line.

The Archers: Live at 75 tours the UK with cast performances, music and nostalgic moments celebrating the iconic BBC show. Experience Ambridge as you’ve never seen – or heard – it before!

Jon Ronson brings his latest book to life on stage, exploring mystery, crime and human behaviour in a gripping live show. You’ll also get a first look at what’s coming in the next season of Things Fell Apart, and the chance to put your questions directly to Jon.

The Rare Plant Fair at Adwell House near Thame brings together specialist nurseries and plant enthusiasts in a historic Chilterns garden setting. Visitors can explore rare and unusual plants, enjoy food stalls, and experience the estate’s celebrated walled garden and water features.

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

Lucy Worsley shares stories from Britain’s royal past in an engaging live event exploring palaces, monarchs and history. Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly charmed.

Join A Night of Laughs for a fantastic evening of comedy in aid of the Oxfordshire charity, Lawrence Nurses. Don’t miss Miles Jupp, Adam Kay, Lucy Porter, Arthur Smith, and Ria Lina for a night of sharp wit and big laughs – all for an incredible cause.

Jon Anderson performs YES classics live with The Band Geeks in a tour celebrating iconic progressive rock hits.

Tom Bailey opens his 2026 UK tour with a Friars Aylesbury performance celebrating the biggest Thompson Twins hits, joined by special guests Blancmange for an evening of iconic Eighties synth-pop classics.

Join Miriam in conversation for stories from the new book, naughty confessions, and a no-holds-barred Q&A where no question is off-limits. Expect memories & mammaries, Arsenal, politics, filth, and absolutely everything in between.

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

Sam Campbell brings his surreal comedy show Kid Giblet live, blending absurd humour with sharp observational wit.

The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is a must for any eventing enthusiast. It’s four days of eventing action, including Dressage, Cross Country and Showjumping, all taking place in the breathtaking grounds of one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic venues – Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough.

Fin Taylor, the King of the Internet Jungle, is back with his Pre-emptive Comeback Special live, delivering sharp, fearless stand-up on his biggest tour yet.

Experience the electrifying reunion of Formula One’s most captivating driver partnership, as former team-mates, fierce rivals and companions David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen are back on the road for a live evening of stories, insight and humour.

Al Murray brings his brand new stand up show – All You Need Is Guv, with hot-takes for the masses and offering a much-needed truth tonic. With a fresh and frothing pint to hand, a barrel of laughs to pour from, and a flower in his heart, Guv is all you need.

Tom Davis is back on the road with his fully loaded show Spudgun, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life’s hot topics.

David Essex returns to the stage with his ‘Thanks for the Memories’ tour in September 2026, celebrating decades of music, theatre and performance in a must-see live show for fans old and new.

Comedy star Urzila Carlson heads to the UK in 2026 with her new show Fatty on a Yacht, blending deadpan humour and sharp observations on identity, belonging and life’s awkward moments.

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.

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.

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!

Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.