The 2026 Oxford Science and Ideas Festival Programme

IF Oxford returns as a vibrant, inclusive festival where you, your family and friends can get hands-on with science, meet experts and explore big ideas through a huge range of activities like comedy nights, performances and talks.

The 2026 Festival Programme is Live!

This year marks the 35th science and ideas Festival in Oxford, with most events still Pay What You Decide. Browse, filter, search and book online now to get planning your autumn leisure time, or download a PDF of the programme and bookmark pages to curate your own Festival.

Download the programme (PDF, 15 MB)

Arts, performance and conversations

Ponder the sky at a contemporary staging of John Ruskin’s 1884 lecture with a night at the museum (24 Oct); get your brain bamboozled by illusions (18 Oct), meet Amazing Animals over half term (27 Oct) and stop a zombie outbreak (31 Oct) before the Festival finishes.

Follow colours found in glass, from metals and minerals, to stained glass and jewellery enamelling; have a Bullingdon double-bill on truth and relationships; and pick up a new skill in computer coding or paper folding.

Check out your favourite Festival Zones and explore inventions, experiments and demonstrations with the whole family, with most events Pay What You Decide.

Join in solo, bring your friends or come along with family

Whether you’re new to the Festival or if it’s a mainstay of your year, IF Oxford is that familiar safe place to add your voice to Oxford’s global village. Our Festival is built on the energy of the community—help spread the word and catalyse someone’s curiosity.

If you’re not yet following the Festival on social media, you can subscribe to @oxford_if to get the latest updates on #IFOx2026 via Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and Eventbrite

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building on 35 years of connections

at events for everyone across Oxford and beyond

Download the IF Oxford 2026 digital programme – and spread the word !

We’re looking forward to seeing you this October!