What's On in Oxford This Weekend: 7 Go-To Sources for 2025
- Tom Lynch
- Nov 27, 2025
- 13 min read
Oxfordshire buzzes with energy every weekend, offering everything from world-class theatre and historic tours to intimate live music gigs. But with so many options, knowing where to look for the most current and comprehensive listings can be a challenge. Are you searching for a high-energy tribute act in a local venue like Northcourt LIVE, a last-minute comedy night, or a family-friendly museum exhibition? To help you cut through the noise and plan your schedule, we have compiled the definitive guide to finding out what's on in Oxford this weekend. This curated roundup focuses on the seven most essential and reliable sources for event information.
We cover everything from official destination planners and major theatre box offices to hyperlocal aggregators and specialist music promoters. Whether you are a local resident in Abingdon looking for a rock show or a visitor planning a packed itinerary, this list provides the direct links and practical insights you need. Each entry details the platform's strengths, who it is best suited for, and offers tips to make booking your tickets seamless. This guide is your shortcut to planning less and experiencing more of what Oxford and its surroundings have to offer.
1. Paul Robins Promotions: The Heart of Abingdon's Live Music Scene
For those searching for high-energy, authentic live music when considering what's on in Oxford this weekend, Paul Robins Promotions is an essential first stop. Operating as the exclusive promoter for The Northcourt LIVE in Abingdon, this platform is the definitive source for some of the UK's most acclaimed tribute acts. It’s the perfect choice for anyone whose ideal night out involves singing along to timeless rock and pop anthems in an intimate, standing-room venue with an incredible atmosphere.
Just a short journey from Oxford city centre, the website offers a meticulously curated programme that prioritises quality and authenticity. The roster frequently includes officially endorsed tribute bands, such as Hi-on Maiden, who are the only tribute act in the world officially endorsed by Iron Maiden themselves. This commitment to excellence ensures that every performance is not just a concert, but a genuine and powerful live experience.
Why It Stands Out: A Curated Experience
Unlike generic ticketing sites, Paul Robins Promotions focuses exclusively on its own events at The Northcourt LIVE. This specialisation allows for a superior user experience, offering a direct and secure channel to book tickets with complete confidence. The website is clean, easy to navigate, and provides real-time updates on ticket availability, a crucial feature given that many popular shows sell out months in advance.
Key Features and Practical Benefits
Exclusive Ticketing: The website is the only official online seller for Paul Robins Promotions events, guaranteeing secure, legitimate ticket purchases without the risk of third-party mark-ups or scams.
Top-Tier Roster: Expect world-class tributes to legends like Queen (The Bohemians), Coldplay (Ultimate Coldplay), and Pink Floyd, alongside special seasonal events such as 'We Rock Christmas' and 'RockFest Evil'.
Real-Time Availability: The platform clearly displays ticket status, with prominent "Low Tickets," "Sold Out," or "Returns Available" notices, helping you make timely booking decisions.
Community Atmosphere: The focus on a single, intimate venue fosters a strong community vibe, making it ideal for groups celebrating special occasions or for music fans who return time and again for the electric atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Booking
Given the high demand, advance booking is essential. To avoid disappointment, sign up for their newsletter or follow their social media channels for announcements on new shows and on-sale dates. As a primarily standing-room venue, be prepared for an energetic evening on your feet; if you require seating, it is best to check event-specific details or contact the venue directly about accessibility.
Visit the website: https://www.paulrobinspromotions.com
2. Daily Info (Oxford)
For anyone searching "what's on in Oxford this weekend", Daily Info is an indispensable local institution. It's a long-running, independently managed guide that has served as the city's go-to event aggregator for decades. Its strength lies in its comprehensive, hyper-local focus, capturing everything from major theatre productions at the New Theatre Oxford to intimate gigs in Jericho pubs and community-led events that national platforms invariably miss.
This platform offers a no-frills, utilitarian interface that prioritises speed and information over a glossy design. This simplicity is its superpower, allowing you to quickly scan listings across categories like theatre, music, comedy, and family activities without distraction. It's especially useful for discovering student-run plays, college choir performances, and niche club nights that give Oxford its unique cultural flavour. Many consider it an essential planning tool, as this overview of Oxford event sources also highlights its value.
Key Features and User Tips
Daily Info is completely free to use, with no sign-in or subscription required to access its event listings. While it typically links out to official venue or ticketing websites for purchases, meaning booking fees can vary, its core service is providing the most complete picture of local happenings.
Editor's Picks: Look for the highlighted "Editor's Pick" selections on the 'What's On' page for curated recommendations.
Printable PDF: A standout feature is the weekly printable A4 'What's On' sheet. Download it and stick it on your fridge for an old-school, at-a-glance weekend planner.
Deep Filtering: Use the filters to narrow down events by day, type, or specific venue to quickly find what you're looking for.
Why It's a Top Choice
While larger ticketing sites focus on major commercial events, Daily Info excels at showcasing the true breadth of Oxford's vibrant scene. It’s the best resource for spontaneity and for discovering hidden gems, making it a must-visit when planning your weekend activities.
Website: https://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/whats-on
3. Eventbrite (Oxford – This Weekend)
For those looking for a modern, mobile-first solution to the question of "what's on in Oxford this weekend", Eventbrite is a powerful global platform with a surprisingly deep local presence. It serves as a self-service hub for event creators, meaning its listings are incredibly diverse. You can find everything from guided walking tours and professional development workshops to pop-up supper clubs, niche club nights, and free community gatherings all in one place.
Its primary strength is the sheer variety and immediacy it offers. While other platforms might focus on established venues, Eventbrite is the go-to for independent organisers, small businesses, and community groups to promote their events. This makes it an excellent resource for discovering unique, one-off happenings and securing tickets for smaller-scale activities that might not be listed elsewhere, with instant e-ticket delivery straight to your phone.
Key Features and User Tips
Eventbrite is free to browse, but individual event tickets are set by the organiser, and platform booking fees often apply at checkout. However, it also features a huge number of free events that simply require registration. The user interface is clean, image-led, and optimised for quick booking on mobile devices.
Pre-Applied Filters: The link below takes you directly to the Oxford page with the "This Weekend" filter already active, saving you time.
Category Exploration: Use the filters for categories like 'Food & Drink', 'Music', or 'Community & Culture' to uncover events that match your specific interests.
Save and Follow: If you create a free account, you can "like" events to save them for later or follow specific organisers to be notified of their future listings.
Why It's a Top Choice
Eventbrite excels in capturing the dynamic, grassroots side of Oxford's event scene. It's the best platform for last-minute planners and those seeking experiences beyond traditional theatre or big-name gigs. If you're looking for a pottery workshop, a tech meet-up, or a charity fun run this weekend, you are more likely to find it here than anywhere else.
4. Skiddle (Oxford)
For those whose weekend plans revolve around live music and nightlife, Skiddle is an essential bookmark. As a major UK-centric ticketing platform, its dedicated Oxford section is heavily focused on gigs, club nights, and festivals. It's the go-to resource when you’re looking to find out what's on in Oxford this weekend in terms of touring bands, renowned DJs, and special events at key venues like the O2 Academy, The Bullingdon, and Oxford Town Hall.
Skiddle excels at providing a streamlined, efficient user experience for securing tickets to high-demand events. The platform consolidates all necessary information, such as line-ups, set times, and venue details, into a clear, easy-to-navigate format. This direct approach makes it particularly strong for quickly finding and booking tickets for everything from intimate indie gigs to large-scale club nights, a point reinforced in this guide to finding live music events. Its primary strength is its specialisation in the music and clubbing scene.
Key Features and User Tips
Accessing listings is free, but you will need an account to purchase tickets directly through the platform. Skiddle's booking fees are transparently displayed at checkout, and many events offer mobile e-tickets for convenience.
Genre and Date Filtering: Use the powerful filters on the Oxford page to narrow down events by music genre, specific date, or venue to quickly find your ideal night out.
Waiting Lists: For sold-out events, look for the "remind me" or "waiting list" feature. This gives you a chance to get tickets if more are released or put up for official resale.
Artist Alerts: Follow your favourite artists to receive notifications when they announce a show in or near Oxford, ensuring you never miss out on tickets.
Why It's a Top Choice
While other platforms offer broader cultural listings, Skiddle is unparalleled for its depth in live music and club culture. If your weekend plans involve a dance floor or a mosh pit, it provides the most direct and reliable way to discover events and secure tickets, making it a crucial tool for any music lover in Oxford.
5. Experience Oxfordshire (Official DMO)
For visitors planning a trip or residents looking for a curated guide, Experience Oxfordshire is the official destination management organisation (DMO) for the county. Its "What's On" section serves as a high-quality, visitor-friendly calendar, making it an excellent starting point for anyone searching for "what's on in Oxford this weekend" with a focus on cultural highlights and major attractions. The platform excels at presenting a polished view of the area's offerings, from special exhibitions at the Ashmolean Museum to guided city tours and family-friendly festivals.
Unlike hyper-local aggregators, this website offers a selective, almost magazine-like curation of events. The interface is clean and image-led, designed to inspire rather than simply list. It’s particularly useful for planning a well-rounded weekend that incorporates not just city-centre activities but also excursions into the wider Oxfordshire countryside, covering everything from Blenheim Palace events to happenings in the Cotswolds. This broader scope makes it ideal for building a complete itinerary that captures the best of the region.
Key Features and User Tips
Access to the Experience Oxfordshire events calendar is completely free. Bookings are typically handled by the partner venues themselves, so you will be redirected to the official attraction or theatre website to purchase tickets. This means booking processes and fees can differ between events.
Filter by Interest: Use the on-site filters to narrow down listings by categories like 'Family Fun', 'Exhibitions & Fairs', or 'Tours' to tailor the results to your weekend plans.
Explore Beyond the City: Don't just stick to Oxford. Use the website to find unique events in nearby towns like Woodstock, Abingdon, or Burford for a memorable day trip.
Check for Special Offers: The site occasionally features special promotions or packages tied to major events, which can offer good value for visitors.
Why It's a Top Choice
Experience Oxfordshire is the perfect resource for those who want a curated, reliable guide to the most significant cultural happenings. While it doesn't capture every grassroots gig or student play, it provides a trusted overview of high-quality, visitor-ready events, making it an essential tool for planning a polished and memorable weekend in and around Oxford.
6. Tickets Oxford (Ticketing hub operated by Oxford Playhouse)
For those planning a more structured weekend, Tickets Oxford is a central and highly trusted ticketing hub operated by the prestigious Oxford Playhouse. It serves as the official primary seller for a wide array of local promoters and venues, making it an excellent resource for finding what's on in Oxford this weekend, particularly within the classical, choral, and community arts scenes. Its strength lies in its curation and reliability, offering direct and secure booking for events that might not appear on larger, national platforms.
Unlike simple aggregators, Tickets Oxford is a full-service box office. This means you are purchasing directly from a local source that often manages the event's ticketing exclusively. The platform is particularly strong for discovering classical concerts at the Sheldonian Theatre, intimate university talks, choir performances in historic college chapels, and high-quality community theatre productions. The connection to the Oxford Playhouse gives smaller events a trusted platform and wider marketing reach, bringing many hidden gems to the forefront for local audiences.
Key Features and User Tips
As a primary ticket agent, Tickets Oxford handles the entire transaction, offering a level of customer support that aggregators cannot match. While a small booking fee often applies per transaction, this is clearly stated, and the ability to speak to a real person at a local box office is a significant benefit.
Human Support: If you have questions about an event, seating, or accessibility, you can phone or email the local box office for assistance.
Detailed Accessibility Info: Each event listing provides clear and specific accessibility notes for the venue, a crucial feature for planning.
Explore by Genre: Use the clear categories on the website to browse by type, such as 'Classical Music', 'Talks', or 'Family', to tailor your search.
Why It's a Top Choice
Tickets Oxford excels in providing a secure and supportive booking experience for a curated selection of Oxford's cultural events. It is the go-to platform for anyone wanting to book tickets for classical music, theatre, and community-led performances with confidence. The platform’s local expertise and direct relationship with venues make it an essential tool for accessing a core part of the city’s artistic life.
Website: https://www.ticketsoxford.com/
7. New Theatre Oxford (ATG Tickets)
For those looking for major productions and headline acts when searching for "what's on in Oxford this weekend", the New Theatre Oxford's website, powered by ATG Tickets, is the definitive source. As the city's largest commercial theatre, it attracts West End touring musicals, world-renowned comedians, internationally acclaimed dance troupes, and chart-topping musicians. The site provides a seamless experience for discovering and booking tickets directly for these high-profile events.
The platform is focused exclusively on performances at this historic venue, offering a polished and professional user interface. Unlike general listings sites, it provides detailed show information, secure primary ticketing, and venue-specific logistics like box office opening times. The captivating visuals at many headline acts are often powered by advanced LED video wall technology, providing dynamic backdrops and immersive effects. Its role as a premier performance space is further explored in this guide to local music venues.
Key Features and User Tips
As the official primary ticket seller, ATG Tickets guarantees secure and reliable bookings, though transaction fees typically apply. An ATG+ membership can be a cost-effective option for frequent theatre-goers, offering priority booking and fee reductions.
Premium Add-Ons: Enhance your visit by pre-booking extras like Ambassador Lounge access or ordering drinks directly to your seat for a more luxurious experience.
Book in Advance: Major tours and popular comedians often sell out weeks or months ahead, so planning is essential for must-see shows.
Check Seating Plans: Use the interactive seating map during booking to select your preferred view and ensure you get the best seats available for your budget.
Why It's a Top Choice
While its scope is limited to a single venue, the New Theatre Oxford website is the most reliable and direct way to access the biggest shows in the city. It excels in providing a professional booking process and clear communication for an exceptional night out, making it an essential destination for anyone wanting to see a major production this weekend.
Oxford This Weekend: 7 Event & Ticket Sources
Item | 🔄 Implementation complexity | ⚡ Resource requirements | 📊 Expected outcomes | 💡 Ideal use cases | ⭐ Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Robins Promotions | Low for attendees; Moderate for organisers (curated bookings) | Relies on promoter/venue production & in-person staff; limited capacity | High-quality, authentic tribute nights; frequent sell-outs 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Local classic rock/pop fans, group celebrations, intimate live nights | Officially endorsed tributes, curated roster, exclusive ticketing |
Daily Info (Oxford) | Very low — browse and plan | Minimal (web listing aggregator, free access) ⚡ | Comprehensive, up-to-date local listings including community/student events 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Finding small, grassroots or student-led events and weekend planning | Deep local coverage, editorial picks, printable weekly PDF |
Eventbrite (Oxford – This Weekend) | Low for attendees; Medium for organisers (self-serve) 🔄 | Online self-serve platform; instant e-tickets; fees may apply ⚡ | Fast bookings and wide late-availability inventory; variable event quality 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Last-minute finds across many event types; niche/one-off events | Instant checkout, large selection, organiser messaging |
Skiddle (Oxford) | Low — consumer-facing ticket purchases | Focused on nightlife/gigs; mobile tickets, resale/waitlists ⚡ | Strong live-music/nightlife coverage; quick ticketing for club and touring acts 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Nightlife, club nights, touring live acts and festivals | UK-focused live-music strength, clear event details, resale options |
Experience Oxfordshire (Official DMO) | Very low — browse curated listings | Visitor-focused curation; links to partners | Curated cultural itineraries and family-friendly options; county-wide reach 📊 ⭐⭐⭐ | Tourists, family days out, cultural itineraries across Oxfordshire | Official DMO credibility, broad county coverage, attraction highlights |
Tickets Oxford (Oxford Playhouse hub) | Low for buyers; Medium for organisers (contracted inventory) 🔄 | Box-office support (phone/email), accessibility info; limited inventory | Trusted primary sales for classical/community events; reliable customer support 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Classical concerts, choirs, community theatre, accessibility-sensitive bookings | Human box-office, clear accessibility notes, local trust |
New Theatre Oxford (ATG Tickets) | Low for booking; Venue-limited complexity | Venue-operated sales, membership perks, add-ons ⚡ | Reliable primary ticketing for major touring shows; professional venue experience 📊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | West End tours, headline comedians, large-scale theatre events | Secure primary sales, membership benefits, venue-specific perks |
Making Your Oxford Weekend Happen
Navigating the vibrant events scene in Oxford and its surroundings no longer needs to be a challenge. With the seven powerful resources we've explored, you're now fully equipped to discover exactly what's on in Oxford this weekend, from blockbuster theatre productions to intimate, high-energy tribute band gigs. Your search for the perfect weekend activity is now more focused and efficient than ever.
Tailoring Your Weekend Search
The key to unlocking a truly memorable weekend lies in using the right tool for the job. Your choice of platform will depend entirely on what kind of experience you're seeking.
For Hyper-Local, Comprehensive Listings: Daily Info (Oxford) remains the undisputed champion. Its no-frills, comprehensive approach makes it the go-to for everything from university talks to pub quizzes and community events. It’s the digital equivalent of a town noticeboard, holding countless local gems.
For Mainstream Concerts & Theatre: For those seeking major touring acts and West End shows, New Theatre Oxford (ATG Tickets) and Tickets Oxford are your primary destinations. These platforms offer seamless booking for the city's largest and most prestigious venues.
For Niche & Independent Events: Platforms like Eventbrite and Skiddle excel at uncovering unique, smaller-scale happenings. Think specialist workshops, club nights, independent music gigs, and food festivals that might not appear on the larger ticketing sites.
Maximising Your Event Experience
Once you’ve found your event, a little forward planning goes a long way. Always check the venue’s specific guidance on travel and parking, especially for city-centre locations where options can be limited. For those attending larger gatherings, such as festivals or major concerts, it's also worth considering public safety considerations for large events to ensure you are aware of crowd management and security protocols.
Ultimately, the best approach is often a combined one. You might start with the official Experience Oxfordshire site for curated inspiration, then dive into Daily Info for hyper-local colour, and finally secure your tickets for a high-octane tribute show via Paul Robins Promotions for a guaranteed fantastic night out. By blending these resources, you can craft a weekend itinerary that is perfectly tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule.
The dynamic cultural landscape of Oxfordshire is brimming with opportunities. All that's left is for you to dive in, explore the listings, and book your next unforgettable experience.
Ready for an unforgettable night of live music? For the best tribute acts covering rock and pop legends in an intimate venue with superb sound, check out the latest gig schedule at Paul Robins Promotions and secure your tickets for what's on in Oxford this weekend.