Now’s the time to plan your autumn’s entertainment with so much on offer across Oxfordshire, from plays and musicals to festivals, big names, music, comedy, museums, art, dance, science, classical and family entertainment. So here’s our guide in chronological order:
Dancin’ Oxford’s Family Dance Festival, until the end of November. With numerous events running across Oxfordshire, My City My Home film is a highlight on October 11 at 5pm, where film maker Rauni Barros Da Silva and composer/music producer, Charlotte Trichard highlight the essence of community and urban life across our twinned cities, through music, dance and urban sports. https://www.dancinoxford.co.uk/event/family-dance-festival-world-premiere-my-city-my-home-fil
Luna Loves Library Day: The Musical, Sun Oct 6, Didcot Cornerstone. 1pm. Based on acclaimed book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, join Luna and her Dad for an adventure among the library shelves in this exciting new musical for families. Ages 5+. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/luna-loves-library-day
IF OXFORD. Oct 6-Nov 3. With 100 events across Oxford to choose from, the Science and Ideas Festival invites you to let your curiosity run wild. Numerous events and activities are taking place in more than 30 venues from The Museum of Natural History to Oxford Playhouse, The Covered Market, two Oxford colleges, two pubs and a cocktail bar! With art, theatre, music, magic and comedy, discussions and demonstrations on hand, IF Oxford also includes fresh ideas and cutting-edge thinking from world-leading academics and researchers. https://if-oxford.com/events/
Oxford Botanic Gardens/Harcourt Arboretum: Wellbeing Sessions every Tuesday from October 8-November 26, members of the horticultural team take you on a 20-minute encounter with the natural world, focusing our senses on a favourite plant, seasonal feature or area of the garden. https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/autumn-attractions and don’t miss Harcourt Arboretum’s Autumn Fair on October 19 https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/harcourt-arboretum-autumn-fair
Ruby Wax: I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was, Tue 10 Oct, Oxford Playhouse Her rawest, darkest, funniest and most compelling show yet, in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Cultural Programmes, as she reflects back on a series of life-changing journeys taken in search of meaning – swimming with humpback whales, a 30-day silent retreat in California; joining a Christian monastery and her recent admission to a mental health clinic. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/ruby-wax-im-not-as-well-as-i-thought-i-was
Kafka: Making of an Icon, Bodleian’s Weston Library, until October 27. Last chance to see the exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the famous author’s death, celebrating not only his achievements and creativity but also how he continues to inspire new literary, theatrical and cinematic creations around the world. https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/kafka
Adventures in Consciousness, Cultural Oxford, from October 10 to December 1. Featuring over 20 public events involving the likes of Ruby Wax (see above), Lemn Sissay, Max Richter, Tim Flach, and the UK premiere of Evolver, running throughout October and November. https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/
Oxford International Song Festival, 11 to 26 October. The UK’s largest song festival, now in its 23rd year, features 70 events over 16 days. World premieres include a Kafka-inspired work by Can Bilir, and a unique reimagining of the Bhagavad Gita by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail. A headline series of evening song recitals is complemented by chamber and choral music, talks, tours, masterclasses, and more. Oxford International Song Festival 2024
The WOW Show with Jude Kelly featuring Mary Portas, Oct 11, 7.30pm, Chippy Theatre. For one night only join Women of the World’s Founder and acclaimed theatre director Jude Kelly, with special guest, Queen of shops Mary Portas, for a joy-packed evening of optimism, determination and laughter as together we explore our often exasperating and confusing journey towards gender equity. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/women-of-the-world
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, New Theatre Oxford Oct 15-19. This thrilling stage adaptation captures the Peaky story, with stunning performances from Rambert’s dancers and an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band. Opening in the trenches of Flanders, a personal story unfolds in post-war industrial Birmingham as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate. As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, and revenge is sought.https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peaky-blinders-the-redemption-of-thomas-shelby/new-theatre-oxford/
The Windrush Secret, Oct 15 , 7.30pm, Chippy Theatre. A black Caribbean diplomat. A white far-right party leader. A white government official. Based on the 2018 real-world controversy that shook Britain, they each explain the ‘Windrush Scandal’ from wildly opposing perspectives. In a powerful, stripped-down performance, Rodreguez King-Dorset plays all three characters, switching nimbly between each one. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/the-windrush-secret
Run, Rebel, Wed 16 – Sat 19 Oct. Oxford Playhouse Pilot Theatre is back at with their latest stage adaptation of Manjeet Mann’s award-winning young adult novel following a young girl as she navigates her place in the world. Designed for audiences aged 11+, it combines physical theatre, mesmerising visuals, and a talented ensemble cast, in thisa transformative story of revolution, empowerment and courage. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/run-rebel
Ordinary Days, Old Fire Station. Oct 17, Torch Theatre Productions and award-winning composer, Adam Gwon bring this refreshingly honest musical about life in 21st century New York, interlinking stories of four New Yorkers while exploring how one ordinary action can result in something extraordinary. https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/ordinary-days/
Frankenstein (On a Budget), Thu Oct 17, Didcot Cornerstone. 7.30pm One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time,with absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong? Featuring a full soundtrack of brand new music, with incredible cardboard creations and characters inspired by Mary Shelley and Boris Karloff, this is the comedy musical hammer horror homage that you didn’t know you needed. 14+. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/frankenstein-budget
Mark Thomas, Gaffa Tapes, Didcot’s Cornerstone October 18 https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/mark-thomas-gaffa-tapesand Oxford’s North Wall November 15. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/mark-thomas-gaffa-tapes/ Often referred to as the ‘godfather of political comedy’ Mark is back in fine stand-up form and anti-Tory sentiment.
Bettina Von Zwehl, The Flood, Ashmolean, Oct 18 – May 11 2025, featuring photographs based on the Ashmolean’s founding collections – the wonderfully diverse objects and works of art which were displayed when the Museum first opened in the 17th century to rekindle wonder and curiosity and explore new ideas and practices. https://ashmolean.org/exhibition/ashmolean-now-bettina-von-zwehl
Budapest Cafe Orchestra, Oct 18, 7.30pm. Chippy Theatre. This refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique orchestra, brings you gypsy and folk-flavoured music from Balkan and Russian traditional pieces to artful distillations by great Romantic composers and Gaelic folk anthems, their infectious music getting into your veins. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/budapest-cafe-orchestra
Autumn, North Wall, Nov 12-13. Based on the Booker-Prize shortlisted novel by Ali Smith, and adapted by Harry McDonald, post Brexit, discover connections between unlikely people and experience the resilience of the most unlikely of love stories. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/autumn/
Breaking Ground, Museum Of Natural History, from October 18. An exhibition exploring the scientific legacy of 19th-century power couple William and Mary Buckland. Exactly 200 years ago, William Buckland identified the first ‘dinosaur’ – Megalosaurus – discovered in the Oxfordshire village of Stonesfield. Using the museum’s specimens and archives, this exhibition reveals the Bucklands’ influence on how we study palaeontology and geology today. https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/megalosaurus-0
Sooz Kempner: Class of 2000, Didcot Cornerstone, Sat 19 Oct, 7.30pm Join Sooz Kempner, fresh from Edinburgh Fringe Festival, for the return of her stand-up show Class of 2000, chock full of hilarious nostalgia for the heyday of the Playstation 2, the Millenium Bug, and Dot from Eastenders. A show for anyone who remembers the year 2000 or had big dreams as a kid. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/sooz-kempner-class-2000
Strings and Songs, October 19, 7pm, Dorchester Abbey. OSJ brings you Michael Howell of Channel 4’s The Piano, playing the likes of Vaughan Williams Lark Ascending, John Williams Schindlers List and Barber‘s Adagio Agnus Dei for choir accompanied by OSJ Voice, and of course Orchestra of St John’s. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/strings-and-songs-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey/
Maisie Adam: Appraisal, October 20, Oxford Playhouse. Five years into her job as a comedian now, so she’s due an appraisal. Join her for the ultimate performance review in her new show, where you’ll either see just why she was awarded Best New Act and nominated Best Newcomer… or someone ready for “organisational restructure”. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/maisie-adam-appraisal
Gormenghas, Tuesday October 22-27, OFS. Oxford Theatre Guild brings you an ambitious tale of power, duty, and family, adapted from Mervyn Peake’s beloved series of books. https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/oxford-theatre-guild-present-gormenghast/
Heathers the Musical, October 22 – 26 Based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s high-octane, black comedy, rock musical has been delighting audiences all over the country and is now back with a bang! https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/heathers-the-musical
Welsh National Opera, New Theatre Oxford, Oct 24-26. Rigoletto October 24- 26 Oct, BOOK HERE Il trittico In Concert Fri 25 Oct BOOK HERE Step into the raucous court of the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, where the Duke’s actions set in motion a tragic chain of events where a father’s love and treachery collide in a crescendo of passion and heartbreak. And buckle up as Puccini’s trio of one-act operas, Il trittico, takes you on an unforgettable rollercoaster of high emotion, intense drama, and black comedy. For one night only this concert performance brings together wonderful guest singers with the internationally acclaimed WNO Chorus and Orchestra
The Horrible Science Show with Nick Arnold, Pegasus, Sat 26 October, 11am and 2pm. Join the best-selling author as he brings the multi-award-winning Horrible Science series to life using live experiments, quizzes and lots of comedy in an amusing and gruesome fashion which children love. The perfect show for children aged 6+ and their families. https://pegasustheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873661481
The Ugly Duckling, Sun 27 Oct, 1pm and 3pm, Wacky costumes, impressive ballet moves, and larger-than-life characters balance out an important message about difference and acceptance, brought to you by Let’s All Dance. Full of hilarity and heart, this show is great for the whole family, especially children aged 2-12. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/ugly-duckling
How To Train Your Dragon: With Cressida Cowell, Story Museum, Oct 28. Join the best-selling author as she shares the secrets behind her world-famous dragon series. Get tips on writing and drawing straight from the expert herself or bring your own dragon drawings along to show Cressid.! Plus lots more dragon related events running throughout half term. https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/how-to-train-your-dragon-with-cressida-cowell
Rebus: A Game Called Malice, Tue 29 Oct – Sat 2 Nov. Following the success of the recent critically acclaimed BBC television series, Sir Ian Rankin’s much-loved detective Rebus makes his Oxford stage debut in a brand-new production by Ian Rankin and Simon Reade starring Endeavour’s Abigail Thaw in this thrilling murder mystery created exclusively for the stage. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/rebus-a-game-called-malice
The new season of Events at Trinity has been announced with many interesting and timely public talks programmed and some sensational musical performances. Ones to watch out for include Paul Lewis (piano) – November 8 https://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/public-event/paul-lewis-piano and Rachel Nicholls (soprano) with Iain Burnside (piano) – November 14 https://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/public-event/rachel-nicholls-soprano-iain-burnside-piano. Go to https://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/events-trinity-full-202425-programme-guide for more details.
Ashmolean MONEY TALKS – Art, Society & Power, until 5 Jan 2025 READ ABOUT IT HERE is not about how much art is worth financially, but rather money depicted in art through coins, notes, clothing, canvases and symbolism. From Rembrandt and the Royals to Banksy and Grayson Perry, all are viewed through a tongue-in-cheek lens. https://ashmolean.org/exhibition/money-talks-art-power-and-society
Antigone – Creation Theatre, 21 – 23 November The world premiere of this digital adaptation of Sophocles’ timeless classic. In the aftermath of a bloody civil war, Creon is trying to restore order. But his niece Antigone won’t accept his orders to leave her brother unburied. She’ll fight for what she believes is right, whatever the cost. https://creationtheatre.co.uk/show/antigone/
DEAR EVAN HANSEN, New Theatre Oxford. Nov 26-30. The brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical. Meet Evan, an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dear-evan-hansen/new-theatre-oxford/
Sir Michael Palin, Thursday 5 Dec, Sheldonian Theatre. Sir Michael talks about his fascinating life and OSJ plays his choice of music from Nina Simone and Leonard Cohen to Vivaldi and Elgar https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/the-music-in-my-life-sir-michael-palin-with-sue-cook-7pm-live-at-sheldonian-theatre/
‘Life, as we know it’, Museum of Natural History has recently unveiled three new thematic zones in its central court space: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecosystems offering fresh, bold designs showcasing hundreds of specimens, taxidermy, models and sculptures. https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/life-as-we-know-it