Oxfordshire has a fantastic mix of events to enjoy this October 2026, with theatres and venues across the county offering everything from big-name live talks and classic stage musicals to tribute nights, jazz, comedy, rock and interactive literary celebrations. Whether you fancy an evening with Michael Palin, the drama of Dirty Dancing, the sci-fi spectacle of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds, or a night of live music inspired by The Beatles, The Carpenters, Depeche Mode or Irish folk favourites, there is plenty to fill the autumn calendar.
Anyone for Tennis
Thursday 01 October 2026
The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BS
Tennis fans can enjoy a very different view of Wimbledon when comedian Pauline Eyre brings Anyone for Tennis to The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames. Having spent 20 years as a Wimbledon line judge, Pauline is ready to lift the lid on life court side, serving up stories from the royal box to the locker room and sharing what really goes on behind the polite applause and strawberries-and-cream tradition.
Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, the show promises sharp humour, insider gossip and a warm, affectionate tribute to the game. With “ace” anecdotes, plenty of tennis wordplay and no one around to call “quiet please”, Anyone for Tennis is a witty and entertaining night out for anyone who loves the sport or simply enjoys a well-told story from someone who has seen it all from the line.
Witney Jazz Club: Burt Bacharach Reimagined
Friday 02 October 2026
The Corn Exchange Market Square Witney, OX28 6AB
Witney Jazz Club brings a fresh and elegant take on a legendary songbook to The Corn Exchange, with Burt Bacharach Reimagined. Originally conceived by club owner Jayne Jefferies, the project revisits Bacharach’s much-loved melodies through a jazz lens, creating rich, understated arrangements that give the songs new warmth, colour and character.
Audiences can expect both vocal and instrumental interpretations, with top UK vocalist Catherine Sykes performing a selection of favourites, joined by bassist Paul Jefferies and drummer Euan Palmer. From film themes to pop classics, the evening will include beautifully reworked versions of songs such as Arthur’s Theme, Alfie, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, Wives and Lovers and many more, all shaped with subtle improvisation and effortless musicality.
Timeless Voices of Jazz
Saturday 03 October 2026
The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
Jazz lovers can enjoy an evening of elegance, swing and soulful storytelling when Timeless Voices of Jazz come to The Theatre Chipping Norton. Drawing inspiration from legendary vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Diana Krall, the show celebrates the singers whose voices helped shape jazz and whose music continues to captivate audiences across generations.
With musicians who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and venues around the world, the band brings serious pedigree to the stage. Collectively, they have worked with an extraordinary roll call of artists, including Amy Winehouse, Gregory Porter, Michael Bublé, Jamie Cullum, Sting, Van Morrison, Robbie Williams, Shirley Bassey, Jools Holland and many more. Blending classic jazz warmth with modern flair, Timeless Voices of Jazz offers a beautifully polished tribute to one of music’s most expressive and enduring traditions.
Between The Covers Live!
Tuesday 06 October 2026
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
Book lovers and crime fiction fans can celebrate the enduring brilliance of Agatha Christie when Between The Covers Live! comes to Oxford Playhouse. Hosted by Amanda Ross, this special live event marks the 50th anniversary of Christie’s death and explores why the “Queen of Crime” remains the bestselling novelist of all time, with more than two billion books sold in over 100 languages.
Amanda will be joined by a stellar line-up including Ben Miller, Lucy Foley, James Prichard and Nigel Havers for a fascinating evening of conversation, memories and literary insight. Expect discussion around Christie’s influence, favourite Poirot and Miss Marple stories, and Lucy Foley’s new Marple novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, written with the blessing of Agatha Christie Limited. With book signings also planned, it is the perfect night out for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Dirty Dancing
Tuesday 06 to Saturday 10 October 2026
New Theatre Oxford, 24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG
Get ready to have the time of your life when Dirty Dancing comes to New Theatre Oxford from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October 2026. Set during the summer of 1963, this much-loved stage adaptation follows Frances “Baby” Houseman as a family holiday at Kellerman’s resort turns into a life-changing journey of music, movement and first love. When she meets charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle, Baby is drawn into a thrilling world of late-night parties, rock ’n’ roll and dancing that is a long way from the world her parents expect her to inhabit.
As Baby steps in to help Johnny with an important dance routine, the pair are thrown into intense rehearsals where their connection deepens and romance begins to blossom. With all the passion, drama and iconic moments fans know and love, Dirty Dancing brings the hit film to life on stage with sizzling choreography, unforgettable music and plenty of heart. Whether you know every line or are discovering the story for the first time, this is a nostalgic, feel good night out that promises romance, rhythm and irresistible energy.
Groovetown
Saturday 10 October 2026
Fat Lil’s, 64 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BS
GrooveTown returns to Fat Lil’s in Witney, bringing another night of feel good music and dance floor energy. After a busy summer, the event comes back to its home venue with a line-up of DJs serving up funky house, nu disco and uplifting party sounds designed to keep the room moving.
Known for its lively atmosphere and loyal crowd, GrooveTown is all about good music, good people and a proper night on the dance floor. Tickets are available through the event link, with early booking offering the best prices, so it is worth securing a spot sooner rather than later for what promises to be another popular night at Fat Lil’s.
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican 2006-2026: The 20th Anniversary Tour
Saturday 10 October 2026
The Mill Arts Centre Spiceball Park Road, Banbury , OX16 5QE
The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican bring their gloriously daft 20th Anniversary Tour to The Mill Arts Centre. Formed in Barnsley in 2006 by frontman Scott Doonican, this cult favourite folk-comedy band have spent two decades building a reputation for anarchic live shows, outrageous humour, immaculate hair and an unmistakable line in colourful knitwear.
Far from a traditional folk act, the Doonicans specialise in “Bar-Stewardizing” famous songs, transforming them with satirical comedy lyrics and performing them on folk instruments. Scott is joined by his fellow Doonicans – Alan, Dave, Mo-Jo and the Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Rickenbacker Doonican III – for a night of singalong silliness, dancing, laughter and tank-top-fuelled chaos.
One Night in Dublin
Sunday 11 October 2026
The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BS
Irish music fans can enjoy an evening of laughter, song and good old-fashioned craic when One Night in Dublin returns to The Kenton Theatre. This lively new show follows Danny, a whiskey-loving fisherman with a golden voice, as he makes his way home from sea in search of a pint, a singalong and a night with friends at Murphy’s Tavern – though his straight-talking wife Rosie may have other ideas.
With award-winning musicians, live fiddle and accordion, the show is packed with much-loved Irish classics including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey in the Jar, The Wild Rover and Galway Shawl. Featuring songs associated with The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Fureys, The Saw Doctors, Flogging Molly, Nathan Carter and more, One Night in Dublin promises two hours of high-energy music, warmth, humour and feel good Irish spirit.
The Upbeat Beatles
Friday 16 October 2026
The Theatre Chipping Norton, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NL
Beatles fans can follow the Fab Four’s extraordinary journey when The Upbeat Beatles come to The Theatre Chipping Norton on Friday 16 October 2026. Known for their powerhouse vocals, crisp harmonies and tight musicianship, the band have earned a reputation as one of the most exciting Beatles tribute acts around, bringing warmth, energy and a real sense of fun to every performance.
The show charts The Beatles’ story from the early Cavern Club days through Beatlemania, their breakthrough in America, the psychedelic colour of Sgt. Pepper and the later brilliance of Abbey Road. With live music, narration and a full multimedia presentation, audiences can expect a hit-filled night packed with classics, nostalgia and the unmistakable sound of one of the greatest bands of all time.
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds
Saturday 17 October 2026
New Theatre Oxford, 24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG
Science fiction, rock music and theatrical spectacle collide when Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds comes to New Theatre Oxford on Saturday 17 October 2026 as part of The Spirit of Man Tour. Based on H.G. Wells’ classic novel and Jeff Wayne’s iconic musical interpretation, this live production brings the Martian invasion vividly to the stage with a dramatic prog-rock score, immersive effects and a story that has fascinated audiences for generations.
Set in Victorian England, the tale begins when strange eruptions are seen on Mars and a mysterious object crashes to Earth. What first appears to be a meteor soon reveals itself as something far more terrifying, unleashing a deadly alien force that spreads from Surrey across the country. As the narrator journeys through a devastated London in search of his girlfriend, he encounters fellow survivors and the chilling reality of a world under attack. With its unforgettable music and all-sensory staging, this is a thrilling live experience for fans of the album, the novel and epic sci-fi storytelling.
Aurie Styla – Maverick
Saturday 17 October 2026
The Mill Arts Centre Spiceball Park Road, Banbury , OX16 5QE
Comedian Aurie Styla brings his brand-new show Maverick to The Mill Arts Centre. Known for his natural charisma, sharp storytelling and infectious energy, Aurie returns to the road following his acclaimed 100-plus date worldwide tour, ready to take audiences through the next chapter of his life with plenty of honesty and big laughs.
Maverick picks up after The Aurator tour, at a point where life may look smooth on the surface, but the balance between wins and fails is not quite adding up. With his trademark warmth and humour, Aurie explores work-life balance, family, relationships, health and the everyday pressures that can throw everything off course. Familiar from shows including Richard Osman’s House of Games, Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club and The Stand Up Sketch Show, as well as his BBC Radio 4 series Tech Talk, Aurie is one of the UK comedy scene’s most exciting and engaging voices.
Faux Fighters – support from The Leon Daye Band
Saturday 24 October 2026
Fat Lil’s, 64 Corn Street, Witney, OX28 6BS
Foo Fighters fans can expect a loud, high-energy night when Faux Fighters return to Fat Lil’s in Witney on Saturday 24 October 2026, with support from The Leon Daye Band. Recreating the sound, look and atmosphere of a classic Foo Fighters show, the band bring all the big hits and fan-favourite tracks to a smaller, intimate rock club setting.
With a Dave Grohl lookalike frontman, roaring guitars and plenty of live energy, Faux Fighters deliver the next best thing to seeing the real band up close. Expect a packed night of anthemic rock, big choruses and a buzzing crowd at one of Witney’s favourite live music venues.
Michael Palin: In the Philippines
Untold stories and reflections from nearly 40 years of travelling the world
Sunday 25 October 2026
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
Michael Palin comes to Oxford Playhouse on Sunday 25 October 2026 with Michael Palin: In the Philippines, an evening of stories, reflections and behind-the-scenes insight from one of Britain’s most beloved travellers and broadcasters. Fresh from his latest television series and companion book, Michael takes audiences inside one of his most ambitious journeys yet, exploring the Philippines through stunning photography, rare filming moments and personal memories from the road.
Travelling from the energy of Manila to the beautiful islands of Palawan, the contested waters of the South China Sea and the communities of Mindanao, Michael reflects on the people, places and experiences that stayed with him long after filming ended. Warm, curious and full of quiet humour, the evening also looks back across nearly 40 years of travel television, sharing untold stories from the programmes and journeys that have shaped his extraordinary career.
The Carpenters Experience
Friday 30 October 2026
The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BS
Fans of timeless harmonies and beautifully crafted pop can enjoy a nostalgic evening when The Carpenters Experience comes to The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, on Friday 30 October 2026. Widely regarded as the UK’s leading Carpenters show, this polished production features the wonderful voice of Maggie Nestor alongside eight accomplished musicians, recreating the warmth, elegance and unmistakable sound of Richard and Karen Carpenter.
Audiences can look forward to a rich setlist of much-loved classics, including Close to You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Solitaire, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know and Only Yesterday. With silky vocals, delicate piano, seamless harmonies and a full live band, The Carpenters Experience is a heartfelt celebration of songs that still feel like old friends.
With so much happening across Oxfordshire this October, it is well worth turning your visit into an overnight stay or autumn break. Book accommodation in Oxford for easy access to the city’s theatres, restaurants and historic attractions, or explore the wider county with a stay in Henley-on-Thames, Witney, Banbury, Chipping Norton or one of the surrounding villages. From hotels and guest houses to cosy bed and breakfasts, country inns and self-catering cottages, there are plenty of places to stay while you enjoy a packed month of music, theatre, comedy and culture.
