11 Best Things to do in Oxford in June (Summer Festivals)
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Exploring Oxford in June? These are the events you need to have on your radar.
June is an exciting month to visit Oxford: summer festivities are in full swing, there are plenty of celebrations planned for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, and the sun is (hopefully) shining.
From Shakespearean performances to crafty festivals, there are so many things to do in Oxford this month. Here’s a guide to our favourites.
Things to do in Oxford in June
Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee at One of Oxford’s Historic Pubs
Wherever you are in the UK, there’s no escaping the Platinum Jubilee – and Oxford is no exception.
It seems that Oxford’s pubs have most definitely got the memo. Bedazzled in bunting and serving up an excellent pint, there’s nowhere better to raise a toast to our Queenie.
Leading the pack is the Bear and Ragged Staff (one of our favourites, FYI). There’ll be plenty of special dishes and drinks throughout the four-day weekend for you to enjoy, as well as joyous music and all sorts of pomp to rouse the crowd.
Other top picks to drink on Jubilee weekend include The Turf Tavern and The Rickety Press.
Shake Your Hips at Flamenko! Festival
If you’re in need of a little taste of the tropics right now (we certainly are), Flamenko! Is the Oxford festival bringing all things salsa to the city. Whether you want to learn how to dance like a pro or have a go at playing guitar, this little festival is your best bet.
Indulge at Blenheim Palace Food Festival
Get ready to scoff delicious treats at the Blenheim Palace Food Festival as it returns for its 8th year.
Blenheim Palace grounds will be awash with tasty street food stalls, local bakeries, and places to grab a pint. Let’s hope that the weather plays ball and brings summery vibes to Oxford.
Not content with just gorging on treats? Get involved with a masterclass with the likes of pasta legend Gennaro Contaldo and mixologist Andy Clarke. Grab your tickets here.
Roll up, Roll up to Giffords Circus at Blenheim Palace
Giffords Circus will be lucky enough to call the beautiful Blenheim Palace home for a week in June, as they bring flips and tricks to Oxford.
Founded by Nell Giffords – who sadly passed away in 2019 after battling breast cancer – the circus has a distinct village feel, but expect all the usual clowns, animals, and juggling unicyclists to make an appearance.
Carpa! is their brand new show with a heavy focus on sights and sounds and it looks to be a treat for the senses. Tickets are about £20 and can be purchased here.
March in the Oxford Pride Day Parade
As part of the wider pride celebrations in Oxford (running between May and June), the Oxford Pride Day Parade looks set to be a joyous event for those in the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike.
The parade will be starting at Radcliffe Square from 12pm, so head there a little bit beforehand to mingle and get in the festive spirit. This is followed by a day of exciting events and talks before a live DJ kicks the street party off at 4pm.
You can find out more information, including the complete running order for the day, here.
Take a Stroll in the Warmer Weather
As the weather brightens, these beautiful walks in Oxfordshire are the perfect tonic for a busy lifestyle.
If you’re looking to stick to the city centre, the City Wall Walk is absolutely perfect. Starting at Folly Bridge, this jaunt takes you around the outside of where the medieval city walls stood hundreds of years ago – and you’ll even pass parts of the wall that are still standing.
If you’re feeling brave and fancy venturing a little further, the Minster Lovell Circular Walk never disappoints.
What could possibly beat charming Cotswolds villages, dramatic ruins, and nature at its very best? Answer: Nothing.
Party at Nocturne Live
How does a stellar line-up of big-name stars at Blenheim Palace sound? Pretty good, we think.
Nocturne Live is a four-day festival that will see the likes of Simply Red, Simple Minds, and UB40 take to the stage in a wonderful few days of totally chilled-out vibes.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, there’ll be a whole host of local food and drink vendors bringing some tasty treats to the palace grounds.
Enjoy Live Music at Flo and Glo Fest
Yet another music festival in Oxford this June is the fabulous Flo and GloFest – and we are so here for the summer vibes.
Flo Fest will take place during the day with free entry and an abundance of brilliant things to do, from local bands performing to delicious street food. Bring the whole family to this one.
Then, as the sun sets, Florence Park will be abuzz with brilliant DJs and live performances from a number of acts, including ZAIA, DJ Zen Luis, and Papa Nui, among plenty others. GloFest ends with an exciting laser show performance.
Watch Hamlet at Oxford Castle and Prison
Catching a dramatic performance of Hamlet in the equally-theatrical castle grounds is one of the best things to do in Oxford this June.
BMH Productions will bring the tragic tale, which follows Hamlet’s descent into madness after his father’s death, to the historic city this month. And we couldn’t be more excited.
This event is part of the wider Oxford Shakespeare Festival, which sees the venue hosting a brand-new production each month. And you’ve got A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear to look forward to over the summer, so you’re in for a treat.
Get Crafty at Handmade Oxford
Head to Waterperry Gardens towards the end of the month for a celebration of all things crafty, as Handmade Oxford returns.
The festival will boast a jam-packed programme of workshops, live demonstrations, and plenty of chances to peruse the latest craft gadgets and eco-living products. As well as this, there’ll be an array of artisan food and drink stalls, so you can replenish your energy before getting stuck into a workshop.
Marvel at Oxford Festival of Arts
After a rather disappointing couple of years (we’ve got Covid to thank for that), the Oxford Festival of Arts returns this June with a banging line-up.
Top picks include GAIA by Luke Jerram, a.k.a the huge (free!) moon installation that will be making a home in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and a special evening with Fran Lebowitz – the wonderfully controversial American author.
As well as this, there’ll be plenty of music, comedy, and live theatre in venues across the city. Check out the full programme here.
