Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Ghost

16 - 19 Jul 2009

Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred wreak havoc on a tropical island as they encounter the Pirate Queen and her ghostly crew. Music, comedy and supernatural scenarios ensue in Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Ghost at Oxford's New Theatre.

Oxford Lieder Festival

Oct 2009 (annual)

From humble beginnings in 2002, the Oxford Lieder Festival has established itself as the leading celebration of song in the UK. The Holywell Music Room and Jaqueline du Pré Building host 26 concerts, masterclasses, talks and workshops.

Oxford Round Table Firework Display

Nov 2009 (annual)

The Oxford Round Table celebrates the demise of Guy Fawkes, raises money for charity and entertains the people of Oxford all in one fell swoop. This annual firework display takes place in South Park, which separates Headington from Cowley Road.

Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2009 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Oxford Jazz Festival

Apr 2010 (annual)

Some of Oxford's most historic venues, including the Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford Union Debating Chamber, host the annual Oxford Jazz Festival. Listen to a star-studded line-up perform over four days in beautiful surroundings.

Oxford May Music Festival

Apr - May 2010 (annual)

Taking place in the 18th-century Holywell Music Room and the Jaqueline du Pre building in Oxford's city centre, the town celebrates May Day with a special festival of concerts and lectures. The programme explores topics relating to literature, science and music.

Spring Board Festival Day

May 2010 (annual)

Spring Board Festival Day gives classical music fans the chance to see up-and-coming stars perform before they break onto the world stage. A day of intimate recitals is followed by an evening concert with mentors pianist Melvyn Tan and violinist Levon Chilingirian.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Daily

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ethnographic museum of Oxford University, a treasure trove of man's creations from all over the world - from a witch in a bottle and Inuit fur parkas to Hawaiian feather cloaks and a Kalabari household shrine.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Daily; not Mon

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, established in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It houses the University of Oxford's collections of art and antiquities, ranging over four millennia - from the civilisations of the ancient worlds to Renaissance Europe and the present day.

Oxford University

Daily

As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, Oxford lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. It houses many treasures - in building and park form - and any visit to the town should include at least one of its gems.

Botanic Garden

Daily

The University of Oxford's Botanic Garden is a national reference collection of 7000 different types of plant. Tucked besides Magdalene Collge, there is even more biological diversity here than there is in tropical rainforests.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Daily

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ethnographic museum of Oxford University, a treasure trove of man's creations from all over the world - from a witch in a bottle and Inuit fur parkas to Hawaiian feather cloaks and a Kalabari household shrine.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Daily; not Mon

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, established in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It houses the University of Oxford's collections of art and antiquities, ranging over four millennia - from the civilisations of the ancient worlds to Renaissance Europe and the present day.

Covered Market

Daily

Dating back to the Middle Ages, when goldsmiths plied their trade here, Oxford's atmospheric Covered Market is a souk-like shopping experience with lots of little shops to browse through. Don't miss Emma Bridgwater's beautiful pottery, a cup of tea from your very own pot in Brown's Cafe (which does a mean "greasy spoon" breakfast) and a visit to the Oxford Cheese Company for some pungent Oxford Blue. Across Cornmarket at the Golden Cross Arcade, housed in a 1,000 year old coaching inn, you can pick up a remedy or two at the Neal's Yard shop or stop for a pizza at Pizza Express.

Oxford Castle

Daily

Built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, Oxford Castle was once a royal residence, a centre for justice and then a prison, up until 1996. The Castle's dark history of violence, executions and escapes is now revealed to visitors.

Westgate Shopping Centre

Daily

The Westgate, as locals call it, is Oxford's best shopping mall, with plenty of fashion brands, homeware and speciality shops. There is something for everyone here, from the latest computer games and mobile phone accessories to quality teas and party dresses.

The Living Room

Daily

Lounge on brown leather banquettes in Oxford Castle's sleekest drinking haunt. The Living Room attracts a sophisticated, fashionable crowd who sip expertly-mixed cocktails and bottled lagers. Check out the terrace on warm summer evenings.

Freud's

Daily

Housed in a renovated church complete with stained-glass windows, the popular Freud's bar and restaurant has live jazz, Latin American and contemporary live music most nights. The menu features light snacks such as nachos and a wide selection of pizzas.

Blackwell's

Daily

As the biggest and best bookshop in one of the greatest academic cities in the world, Blackwells is a sight bibliophiles cannot miss. Though it may not have quite as many books at the Bodleian Library across the road, this cavernous five-floored bookshop is a place to lose yourself for hours. Discover everything from philosophy and technology to fiction and performing arts, archaeology, children's books and secondhand bargains.

Blenheim Palace

Daily

Home to the Duke of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace is one of England's most spectacular stately homes, located eight miles from the medieval city of Oxford. It is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Designed by Vanbrugh (assisted by William Hawksmoor), the building is a fine example of the English Baroque style, with Italianate formal gardens and a beautiful park designed by Capability Brown.

Oxford University

Daily

As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, Oxford lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. It houses many treasures - in building and park form - and any visit to the town should include at least one of its gems.

Museum of Oxford

Daily; not Mon

Housed in the Town Hall, the Museum of Oxford tells the story of the city and the university from prehistoric times to the present day.

Green

Daily

The place to be seen in central Oxford, the atmosphere at Green shifts subtly between brunch café, cocktail bar and nightclub.

No monthly events available.

St Giles Fair

7 - 8 Sep 2009 (annual)

St Giles' Church and street fill with craft stalls and entertainment, celebrating the wealth of tradition and antiquity inherent in the city of Oxford. The annual fair and flower festival has celebrated St Giles' Day in this manner for centuries.

Spring Board Festival Day

May 2010 (annual)

Spring Board Festival Day gives classical music fans the chance to see up-and-coming stars perform before they break onto the world stage. A day of intimate recitals is followed by an evening concert with mentors pianist Melvyn Tan and violinist Levon Chilingirian.

Oxfringe

Apr 2010 (annual)

Oxfringe, which runs alongside the famous Oxford Literary Festival, features around 60 literary, theatrical, comic, artistic and musical events. The festival takes place in various venues across the city including the Old Library and the Oxford Playhouse.

Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride

27 Sep 2009 (annual)

The Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation links England's two most famous university cities. Starting in Oxford, the 89-mile route heads through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, into the Cambridgeshire fenlands and ending in Cambridge.

Oxford Round Table Firework Display

Nov 2009 (annual)

The Oxford Round Table celebrates the demise of Guy Fawkes, raises money for charity and entertains the people of Oxford all in one fell swoop. This annual firework display takes place in South Park, which separates Headington from Cowley Road.

Oxford Pride

Jun 2010 (annual)

Against the backdrop of the city's famous dreaming spires, Oxford Pride brings together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities for a day of entertainment at Oxpens Meadow. The 2009 theme is 1969: Flower Power and the year of Stonewall Rebellion.

Oxford May Music Festival

Apr - May 2010 (annual)

Taking place in the 18th-century Holywell Music Room and the Jaqueline du Pre building in Oxford's city centre, the town celebrates May Day with a special festival of concerts and lectures. The programme explores topics relating to literature, science and music.

Oxford May Day

May 2010 (annual)

Centuries-old traditions are upheld for Oxford May Day by the population of this student town. Spectators gather in their thousands to hear the choir of Magdalen College sing in the new May dawn from the top of their chapel tower.

Oxford Literary Festival

Mar - Apr 2010 (annual)

Oxford becomes even more intellectual when the annual Literary Festival takes place. Over 350 writers descend on the beautiful Christ Church College for a week of talks, debates and discussions. Topics are satisfyingly varied - expect some very distinguished guests.

Oxford Lieder Festival

Oct 2009 (annual)

From humble beginnings in 2002, the Oxford Lieder Festival has established itself as the leading celebration of song in the UK. The Holywell Music Room and Jaqueline du Pré Building host 26 concerts, masterclasses, talks and workshops.

Oxford Jazz Festival

Apr 2010 (annual)

Some of Oxford's most historic venues, including the Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford Union Debating Chamber, host the annual Oxford Jazz Festival. Listen to a star-studded line-up perform over four days in beautiful surroundings.

Oxford Folk Festival

Mar 2010 (annual)

The town hall and other city venues play host to a variety of folk performers and workshops at the annual Oxford Folk Festival.

Oxford City Royal Regatta

15 - 16 Aug 2009 (annual)

The popular historic Oxford City Royal Regatta is held along a beautiful stretch of the Isis (River Thames). It takes place over two days, with a 1000-metre course on the Saturday and a 500-metre sprint the following day.

Oxford Chamber Music Festival

30 Sep - 3 Oct 2009 (annual)

The Oxford Chamber Music Festival was established by violinist Priya Mitchell. The idea is to gather together international musicians for three days of intensive rehearsals followed by four days of concerts in various venues around town.

Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2009 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Eights Week

May 2010 (annual)

Eights Week is the biggest event in the year for keen rowers at all the 30+ colleges of Oxford University. Each is set against the others in a "bumps" racing competition to find the best college rowing team.

Christ Church Regatta

Nov 2009 (annual)

Christ Church Regatta is a novice-only regatta at Oxford University where potential rowing champions fill the River Isis. Watch from the Boathouse Island or the Towpath for the best views.

Beating the Bounds

May 2010 (annual)

0nce a year on Ascension Day, members of St Michael's congregation process through Oxford marking out the parish boundary in a traditional ceremony known as "the Beating of the Bounds."

No biennial events available.