until 31 October
An Artful Craft
Exhibition Room, Bodleian Library, Oxford. Free admission
Featuring masterpieces from two of the greatest bookbinding collections of the 20th century: the Broxbourne Library and the Wormsley Library. The show will feature stunning bindings, ranging from medieval examples to contemporary masterpieces; from European to Islamic bookbinders; demonstrating both the art and the craft of bookbinding.
www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/about/exhibitions

until June 2010
Water Water Everywhere: Exploring Flooding on the Thames
River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames. £7, £5 children & concessions
Flooding has been affecting people’s lives for centuries - find out more about why it happens and how you can be prepared. The River & Rowing Museum have teamed up with the Environment Agency to tell you the real stories of people who live and work on the river. See the interactive flood wall of pictures and fascinating facts and find out if you live in a flood risk area.
www.rrm.co.uk

1 May–30 September
Across the Caucasus
Pitt Rivers Museum
A case display showing photographs and manuscripts from John F. Baddeley who became the St. Petersburg correspondent for the Standard (now Evening Standard) after visiting Russia for seven months in 1879.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

14 May–15 November
Carolyn Drake: Photographs of Central Asia
Pitt Rivers Museum, Long Gallery
Thursday 14th May 2009 to Sunday 15th November 2009 at 10.00 - 16.30 Tues-Sundays. Mondays 12.00 -4.30. Free.
Photographs from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by Istanbul-based documentary photographer Carolyn Drake.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

8 June – 12 September
Space, Science Oxford Live
A wide variety of events for all ages around the theme of Space.
www.scienceoxfordlive.com

12 June –4 October
Pitt Rivers Objects in Performance: Gérard Mermoz
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

12 June –4 October
Christ Church's collection contains a large number of drawings from the mid-sixteenth century. The importance of that period in art was only fully recognised in the twentieth century and with this recognition the treasures of Christ Church became focal points in the study of the era. Jacopo Pontormo's preparatory drawing for his Lamentation in the church of Santa Felicita in Florence is probably the most famous example of this kind. More than thirty drawings will be on display in this exhibition by artists such as Vasari, Salviati, Allori, Pontormo and many more.
Christ Church Picture Gallery
www.chch.ox.ac.uk/gallery

16 June–6 September
Current Exhibition: Compass and Rule explores geometry and design, uniting drawings, instruments, and books to reveal the world of the architect in England.
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk

4 July–13 September
Silke Otto-Knapp MAO
This is the first major exhibition in the UK of the London-based artist Silke Otto-Knapp. Devised as a single installation for Modern Art Oxford’s Upper Gallery, the exhibition presents twelve paintings produced by Otto-Knapp between 2005 and 2009.
www.modernartoxford.org.uk

9 July–5 September
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Oxford’s own Creation Theatre Company presents the classical comedy of mistaken identity at Saïd Business School.
www.creationtheatre.co.uk

21 July–20 September
The Oxford Sculptors Group Return to the Oxfordshire Museum Garden in Woodstock. They will be showing around 30 pieses of sculpture in a wide variety of styles and materials. The Museum Garden provides a great backdrop for the sculptures and a unique atmosphere and a restfull museum caf to plan the rest of the day in Woodstock. The exhibition has been designed to appeal both to lovers of contemporary work as well as more traditional subjects and styles. Materials used will include stone, metal and ceramics, and every piece unique or a limited edition, is for sale.
Woodstock Museum Garden
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/the_oxfordshire_museum

25 July – 18 October
Pedal Power at the Museum of Oxford
A portrait of cycling in Oxfordshire: past, present and imagined future. Historic photographs, including those of Henry W. Taunt and Lewis Carroll, intermingle with modern images. Exhibits include a penny farthing bicycle.
Download the poster
www.museumofoxford.org.uk

13 August–15 September
Observing Oxford
Art Jericho, King Street OX2 6DF (Cardigan St. off Walton St.). Wed-Sat 10.30am-5pm
artjericho.com

29 August–26 September
Universe comes to Oxford Park
Oxford University Parks, 7.45am - Dusk Daily
This September, as part of the International Year of Astronomy, Oxford University Parks is honoured to host From Earth to the Universe - a stunning collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views in our universe. The exhibition comprises twenty-eight 3 metre panels, each featuring images selected by the world's leading astronomers.
For more information, visit the website

1–13 September
Local Flavours Festival
Throughout September, the month of harvest, there will be many events going on across the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire – all celebrating their finest food and drink. Events will include farm, orchard and vineyard tours, celebrity chef cookery demonstrations and master classes, tours of cheese-makers and breweries, farmers’ markets and educational workshops.
www.local-flavours.net/

5–27 September
The Seasons
A stimulating and varied exhibition of paintings, sculpture and mixed media work by around 50 members of West Ox Arts. This  members exhibition takes place every September when the walls of the light and spacious gallery in Bampton are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.
West Ox Arts Gallery, Bampton
Info: westoxarts@yahoo.co.uk

7–8 September
St Giles’ Fair
Oxfordshire’s largest traditional street fair, first recorded in 1624. A wide variety of attractions, large and small, from traditional carousels to hair-raising rides plus music, food, coconut shies and more.
www.headington.org.uk/oxon/stgiles/fair

9–12 September
The Walworth Farce
Hilarious, horrifying and ferociously entertaining – an achingly tender insight into what happens when we become stuck in the stories we tell ourselves about our lives. Kicking off an extensive world tour here in Oxford, don’t miss this remarkable and compelling play by Enda Walsh.
www.oxfordplayhouse.com

10–13 September
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Properties range from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns and parish churches to Buddhist temples.
www.heritageopendays.org.uk

10–13 September
September Blenheim Horse Trials
One of the world’s premier three-day events and a fabulous opportunity to see some of the world’s finest riders and their horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular environment.
www.blenheim-horse.co.uk

12–13 September
Oxford Open Doors
Oxford opens its doors once again, encouraging local people to be a tourist for a day and to discover some of the city’s most interesting buildings and spaces, from the very well known to its hidden gems. With many new venues across the city taking part in this fun weekend there is something to interest everyone. There will be towers to climb, gardens to visit, vintage bus rides, cars and boats, guided walks and talks and hands-on activities as well as a celebration of Oxford’s canal. Free of charge for all the family.
www.oxfordopendoors.org.uk

14 September
Pitt Rivers Museum
A Haida Happening (in association with Oxford Open Doors 2009)
Visitors to the Pitt Rivers Museum will be able to get a taste of the vibrant cultural life of Haida Gwaii, Canada, during a Haida Happening, as our guests dance, sing and give gallery talks
More Information

13–17 September
Some Like it Hot!
A glorious exhibition by the British Society of Enamellers promoting excellence in the art of fusing coloured glasses onto precious and semi precious metals. Many exquisite pieces will be for sale.
The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
www.tomocc.org.uk

15–18 September
13th Theatre Co. presents 'The Hope Monologues' by Oxford writer Sheila Costello. Fed up with doom and gloom, 'The Hope Monologues' are 3 stories of how the human spirit triumphs over adversity and will also fill you with hope.
Newman Rooms, Old Palace, St Aldates (opposite Christ Church College)
Doors 7.00 pm performance 7.30 pm     
www.ticketweb.co.uk      

16–20 September
The Independent Woodstock Literary Festival
Now in its fifth year, the 2009 festival includes over 50 talks and events held in venues throughout the town of Woodstock.  As a festival partner, Blenheim Palace is the site of many of the talks, including the magnificent annual festival dinner.
www.woodstockliteraryfestival.com

17 September
Oxfordshire County and Thame Show
Thame Show is billed as The Greatest One Day Agricultural Show in the country. Every year we attract a gate of approx 20,000 visitors who come to enjoy themselves. There is something for all ages. We have competitions for Sheep and Cattle, Horses and Showjumping with some of the country's finest riders, a Premier Dog Show which attracts an entry of approx 1000 dogs of all different types and sizes. We also have a very fine Domestic Section displaying many exhibits. As well as all of this, we have a large Food Hall selling Local Produce, a Craft Hall with many crafters there to help and advise you, an indoor Shopping Mall and many Trade Stands selling a wide variety of goods.
www.thameshow.co.uk/

18–20 September
Music in the Abbey
Music in the Abbey returns for its twelfth year with a contrasting and interesting three day programme. The Festival will start with a wonderfully uplifting concert for all the autistic children of Oxfordshire. Further performances include a chamber recital of popular music by Mozart, English string music with the Four Seasons by Piazzolla with the addition of two tango dancers. The grand finale will mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Haydn, with a performance of his glorious Creation with the Orchestra of St John’s.
Dorchester Abbey
www.oxfordlieder.co.uk

19 September
Margaret Faultless directs The Oxford Sinfonia in Mozart and Haydn
Maggie Faultless directs The Oxford Sinfonia, and horn soloist Richard Watkins. Repertoire to include Mozart Symphony no 36 K425 Linz in C major, Mozart Horn concerto no 4 in E major K495, Haydn violin concerto in C major and Haydn Oxford Symphony no 92.
University Church of St Mary’s, Oxford
www.oxfordsinfonia.co.uk

19 September
Baroque Masterpieces
Virtuoso violinist Roland Roberts directs the City of Oxford Orchestra in the final concert of their Summer Season. Highlights include Vivaldi’s Autumn, Timothy Watts’ superb performance of Marcello’s Oboe Concerto, and two double concertos: Bach’s wonderful Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin, and Zipoli’s beautiful Elevazione with cellist Peter Adams. Pachelbel’s Canon completes a perfect baroque evening.
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
www.cityofoxfordorchestra.co.uk

19 September
Marcus Brigstocke
One of Britain's finest comedians and broadcasters, Marcus Brigstocke is taking his hotly anticipated new show, God Collar, on tour this autumn with a  show which promises to be as sharply observant and quick-witted as he is on our screens.
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
www.cornerstone-arts.org

19 September
Charlbury Annual Street Fair
Charlbury Street Fair is an annual event, always on the third Saturday in September which has been running for over half a century since September 1955. The purpose of the fair is to raise funds for the two community buildings in Charlbury, the Corner House and the Memorial Hall, both central to the town’s many popular clubs and societies.
More Information

19 September
Witches ladders and pierced hearts: Hidden objects from English houses in the Pitt Rivers Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum
A series of objects that were found hidden in English houses have been examined as part of the recently completed 'Other Within' research project. Chris Wingfield (Researcher)
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

24 September
Unexploded Stories
The UK’s leading company of dancers with learning disabilities take to the stage to confound expectations in a collection of intimate dance pieces fused together by passion, purpose, and a theme of dreams and desires. Unexploded Stories features new work imagined, choreographed and performed by the dancers themselves accompanied by live music from Ric Sanders (Fairport Convention) & Vo Fletcher.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
www.anjali.co.uk

30 September–3 October
You can hear some of the greatest pieces in the history of chamber music: from Bach and Beethoven to Berio and Cage as well as many other iconic composers and renegade iconoclasts. All opposed the conventions of their time - they rejected tradition and produced something new. Their work and vision continues to provoke and compel us to look at music and the world in new ways.
www.ocmf.net/01-2009-festival.html

1–3 October
Le Festival aux Quat'Saisons
Jocelyn Brown, Thursday 1st October 
Chloe Hanslip, Friday 2nd October
Bryn Terfel and Rebecca Evans, Saturday 3rd October
Now in its 18th year, Le Festival aux Quat' Saisons, created by Raymond Blanc, is well established, showcasing many internationally acclaimed artists from the worlds of opera, classical music and jazz. It is a unique gastronomic and musical extravaganza.
More information

1–5 October
Henley Literary Festival
This three day celebration of the written word is packed with ideas from novelists and historians to comedians and commentators. Among the forty authors appearing this year are BBC presenters Jeremy Paxman and Libby Purves, philosopher Alain de Botton and actress Diana Quick. There will be poetry readings on the river, creative writing workshops, events for children and a special tribute to the playwright John Mortimer at the Kenton Theatre.
Various venues, Henley-on-Thames
www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk

2 October–31 January 2010
John Bradford, Pioneer of Landscape Archaeologys
Pitt Rivers Museum
This archive case display spotlights the groundbreaking use of aerial photography in landscape archaeology by former Pitt Rivers Museum archaeologist John Bradford (1918–1975). Bradford’s aerial images of Etruscan cemeteries, Italian neolithic sites and Roman centuriation, as well as sites in the UK, all formed the basis of his celebrated book, Ancient Landscapes (1957). The display also highlights how Bradford’s aerial reconnaissance work with the RAF in World War II led directly to innovations in this area of archaeological discovery.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

2–3 October
Que Linda
A weekend of workshops and performance celebrating song, music and dance from the Northern coasts of Brazil and Colombia. Explore the rhythms and dance of Maracatu at the Brazilian workshops on Saturday and join one of Colombia’s famous musical families, Los Colores de mi Tierra, in the workshops on Sunday – then take part in the showcase performance with the professionals on Sunday evening! Saturday workshops: family mask-making, Maracatu dance, song and shekere playing.
North Wall Arts Centre, Summertown
www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

3 October
Inside Diamond
As the largest science facility to be built in the UK for over forty years, the Diamond Light Source creates intense X-ray, ultraviolet and infrared beams to enable scientists to see the molecular and atomic detail of the world around us. Diamond’s doors will be open to the public, giving a rare opportunity to see inside the machine and to meet the scientists and engineers working at this cutting edge facility.
Diamond Light Source, Nr Didcot
www.diamond.ac.uk

3 October
Professor Bumm’s Story Machine
Professor Bumm and his assistant Doctor Whee invite you to the unveiling of their latest invention in this crackpot comedy of made-up madness. Mayhem, mirth and mess are guaranteed as the two eggheads race to turn words and ideas from the audience into new stories, hopefully with the help of their unpredictable new machine. Suitable for 7-12 year olds.
The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
www.themillartscentre.co.uk

3–24 October
The Mobile Edge
The Mobile Edge is the degree festival of the Oxford Brookes MA Interdisciplinary Arts programme. Fourteen artists bring together exciting new visual, sonic and performance art. Festival performances and events take place 2-5 October at venues across Oxford. The exhibition then continues throughout October at OVADA Galley, Oxford Town Hall, the University Botanic Garden, and the University Parks.
OVADA Gallery & other venues across Oxford
www.ovada.org.uk

4 October
Banbury Canal Day
A day of dance and folk music plus falconry, horse and cart rides, food and craft stalls, a beer marquee, workshops for the whole family and boat trips galore. Come along and see a magnificent line up of over thirty narrow boats. The theme for this year’s Canal Day is 'Ghosts and Ghouls' so expect to meet lots of friendly ghosts around the site, or why not go for the prize of Best Walking Ghost or Ghoul.
Banbury Canalside
www.banburycanalday.co.uk

9 October
Radu Lupu
Legendary musician and pianist, Romanian-born Radu Lupu, is regarded as one of the most magical performers of all time, regularly performing with major orchestras around the world. Lupu is a pianistic giant. Here his highly regarded interpretation of Schumann and Beethoven is coupled with Janáček’s enigmatic gem In The Mist.
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
www.musicatoxford.com

9–11 October
Apple Weekend
Celebrate autumn with Waterperry’s Apple Weekend. Taste up to fifty different varieties and get your mystery crop identified by the experts. Orchards tours, country crafts and food fair, special apple-themed menu in the Pear Tree Teashop and information and advice about growing fruit in your garden.
Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

10 October
Lau
Scottish musicians Kris Drever, Aiden O’Rourke and Martin Green are three of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Britain today, winners of the Best Group award in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2008 and 2009. Their infamous live shows are a must-see experience, with an energy and musicianship which is spellbinding.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
www.ocmevents.org

10 October
OX4 Festival
Taking place across seven venues the festival showcases an array of local talents emerging in cinema, comedy, poetry, art, theatre and music whilst also showcasing a truly unique part of Oxford - The Cowley Road
Various venues along the Cowley Road
www.thisistruck.com

13–17 October
Hot Mikado
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing won’t want to miss Hot Mikado. Choreographed and directed by judging panellist Craig Revel Horwood, and based on The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan, the original catchy score is given a contemporary twist with swing, jive, a little gospel and some rhythm and blues thrown in for good measure.
Oxford Playhouse, Oxford
www.oxfordplayhouse.com

16–31 October
The Oxford Lieder Festival
The Oxford Lieder Festival (16 – 31 October) is the UK’s most prestigious annual celebration of classical song. It was started by the internationally renowned Oxfordshire pianist Sholto Kynoch whose aim ‘is to bring outstanding music talent to the city of Oxford to perform the finest song repertoire’.  This, the eighth festival, featuring rising stars of the music profession and singers feted on the international circuit, demonstrates that he is succeeding.
www.oxfordlieder.co.uk

17 October
The African Collections
Pitt Rivers Museum
Learn about African arms and armour and the histories and meanings of the African objects on display. Helen Adams (Special Projects Officer) and Jeremy Coote (Joint Head of Collections). In association with Black History Month.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk/

19 October
The Belcea Quartet
Beethoven String Quartet Op.18 No.3, Szymanowski String Quartet No.2, Beethoven String Quartet Op. 50 No.1
Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/index.php/jdp

5 November–14 February 2010
Oxfordshire Theatre Company presents Peach Boy – The Adventures of Momotaro, by Richard Hurford
Peach Boy, with its wonderful range of characters, fusion of puppetry and live performance, is a thrilling epic of growing up, friendship, daring deeds and comic misadventures. Based on a Japanese folk tale, the story follows Momotaro - the Peach Boy, and his struggle to find his place in a world that no longer believes in heroes. Accompanied by Dog, Pheasant and Monkey they must go on a quest to save the village from dastardly demons and marvellous monsters.
www.oxfordshiretheatrecompany.co.uk

5 November–14 February 2010
Dick Whittington and his Cat, by Ben Crocker
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Join Dick, a Cotswold lad, and his amazing cat, Tommy, as they venture up to London and on to exotic Morocco in this much loved tale of rags to riches. Not only do they face the wicked King Rat - but also bun fights, grumpy emperors and storm-tossed seas in a roller coaster adventure story, filled with fun, song, sweets and romance.
www.chippingnortontheatre.com

27 November–9 January 2010
Beauty and the Beast
Creation Theatre Company at the Mirror Tent, MINI Plant Oxford
The velvet canopies, mirrored roof and ornate pillars and booths will make the perfect setting for this unique take on the classic tale. The show will be performed ‘in the round’, with the action taking place on a circular stage in the centre of this amazingly opulent and unusual structure. The cabaret-style seating allows the audience to sit at individual candle-lit tables to watch the performance and enjoy refreshments.
www.creationtheatre.co.uk

4 December–17 January 2010
Jack and the Beanstalk
Oxford Playhouse
Get practicing your boos, hisses and cheers as our hero Jack goes on the adventure of a lifetime up to the top of the magical beanstalk. Packed full of crazy characters including a gargantuan Giant, an insanely animated comedy cow and the over emotional Dame Trott, Jack and the Beanstalkhas all the elements of a perfect pantomime; love, daring escapades, heaps of hilarious jokes and bucket-loads of music and dancing.
www.oxfordplayhouse.com

8 December–2 January 2010
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
New Theatre, Oxford
This smash-hit family favourite has been re-vamped and technologically advanced. With a cast and crew of over 100 (including 10 dogs), a full orchestra and stunning special effects this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children Jemima and Jeremy, Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the evil Child Catcher.
www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

17–20 December
Peter Pan
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
One of the most magical and enchanting tales ever told comes to life at Cornerstone in Blackeyed Theatre’s professional production of Peter Pan. This is a family Christmas show jam packed with original live music, audience participation and JM Barrie’s timeless characters. The perfect Christmas treat for children of all ages and anyone who doesn’t really want to grow up!
www.cornerstone-arts.org