Oxford Events Calendar 2026
The 20 events that define Oxford's year. Dates are for 2026 where confirmed.
Hilary Term
18 January – 14 March 2026
The university's spring term. Oxford is busy with students, college libraries are full, and pubs are lively in the evenings.
Torpids
Wednesday–Saturday, 7th week of Hilary Term
Hilary Term rowing races on the Isis. Similar format to Eights Week but colder — fewer picnics, more dedication from spectators lining the towpath near Iffley.
Oxford Literary Festival
Late March (dates vary annually)
A week of author talks, readings, and panel discussions across central Oxford venues including the Sheldonian Theatre. See our literary guide and visit Blackwell's for festival-related stock.
The Boat Race
Late March (raced at Putney, London)
The Oxford vs Cambridge boat race on the Thames in London. Oxford watches from pubs — the atmosphere in the city is electric on race day, especially at The King's Arms and Head of the River.
Trinity Term
26 April – 20 June 2026
The summer term — the longest and most social. College gardens open, punting season starts, and the city is at its most photogenic.
May Morning
Friday 1 May 2026, 6:00am
Choristers sing from the top of Magdalen Tower at 6am. Thousands gather on the bridge in the dark. Oxford's oldest and most distinctive tradition.
Read our May Morning guide →Oxfordshire Artweeks
2–25 May 2026 (Oxford City: 16–25 May)
The county's largest arts festival. Over a thousand artists open studios, pop-up galleries, and exhibition spaces across Oxfordshire. Free to visit.
Eights Week (Summer Eights)
Wednesday–Saturday, 5th week of Trinity Term
Four days of inter-college rowing on the Isis. Colleges race in "bumps" format — chasing the boat ahead. Spectators line the towpath near Iffley with picnics and Pimm's. The biggest social event of the university calendar.
Exam Season
May–June
Finalists in subfusc (academic dress — dark suit, white shirt, mortar board) sit exams in the Examination Schools on the High Street. The tradition of "trashing" — spraying champagne, confetti, and silly string on friends after their last paper — makes for entertaining spectating outside the Schools.
College Balls & Summer Parties
Throughout June
Formal balls held in college grounds through June. Black tie, live music, fireworks over medieval quads. Most are ticketed and expensive, but the fireworks are visible from outside.
Alice's Day
Late June / early July (date varies)
An annual celebration of Alice in Wonderland centred on Christ Church and Alice's Shop. Storytelling, dressing up, activities for children, and events across the city celebrating Oxford's most famous fictional character. See our literary guide.
Cowley Road Carnival
July (date varies)
A free street carnival along Cowley Road with live music, dancing, food stalls, and a parade. Reflects East Oxford's diverse character. The road closes to traffic for the day.
Punting Season
May to September
Hire a punt at Magdalen Bridge and head up the Cherwell or down the Thames. The quintessential Oxford summer activity.
Read our punting guide →St Giles' Fair
Monday–Tuesday after 1st Sunday in September
A traditional funfair that takes over the wide boulevard of St Giles' in the city centre for two days. Rides, games, candy floss. Running since 1625 — one of the oldest fairs in England.
Oxford Open Doors
A weekend in September
Buildings normally closed to the public open for free. College chapels, halls, historic buildings, private gardens. One of the best free days out in Oxford. See our budget guide.
Freshers' Week
Week before Michaelmas Term (early October)
The city transforms as new students arrive. Societies recruit on Broad Street, pubs are packed, and the energy shifts from summer-quiet to full term-time. The King's Arms and Turf Tavern are particularly busy.
Oxford Half Marathon
October (date varies)
13.1 miles through central Oxford, passing many of the city's landmarks. Oxford's biggest annual road race.
Read our runners' guide →Michaelmas Term
12 October – 5 December 2026
The autumn term. The city shifts from summer quiet to full academic buzz. Leaves turn in the college gardens, the Covered Market gets busy, and the evenings draw in.
Bonfire Night
5 November
Fireworks displays at South Park (with views over the city skyline) and other venues. Balliol College has its own tradition — commemorating the burning of Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer outside its gates in 1555.
Oxford Christmas Market
Late November – December
Wooden chalets line Broad Street in the city centre selling gifts, food, and mulled wine. Set against the backdrop of the Bodleian and Sheldonian. Compact and atmospheric.
Term dates from University of Oxford. Artweeks from artweeks.org. Dates may change — check official sources before travelling.