What's On in Banbury
Things to do in and around Banbury: events, days out and family activities, with the practical details.
Top story
Drayton Curry Taster: Free at Glebefields, 8 October 4pm
Free curry, naan and rice at Glebefields Care Home in Drayton, 4pm to 6pm on Thursday 8 October. Open to any age; ring 01295 738133 to say you're coming.
Dates for the diary
- On now to 1 Nov Brickworks at Banbury Museum
- On now to 31 Oct Pumpkin picking at Perry Tree Farm
- Wed 7 Oct In the Land of Eagles
- Thu 8 Oct A Taste of India: Curry Taster Afternoon
- Thu 8 Oct Rave On
- Fri 9 Oct Bicester Friday Market
- Fri 9 Oct The Sounds of Simon: the music of Simon and Garfunkel
- Sat 10 Oct Banbury parkrun
- Sat 10 Oct Banbury United v Stamford
- 14 to 17 Oct Banbury Michaelmas Fair
- Wed 14 Oct Sister Queens
- Thu 15 Oct One Foot in the Dark
More stories
Halloween
Banbury Halloween: Two Pumpkin Farms Open, £6 Entry
Perry Tree Farm in Adderbury is open now and Hadsham Farm from 17 October, both £6 entry. Halloween is a Saturday; here is what runs that week near Banbury.
Events
What's On in Banbury: Michaelmas Fair, Then Pumpkin Picking
The Michaelmas Fair fills the town from 14 October, two pumpkin farms open at £6, then half term crafts, Kidlington's fireworks and Remembrance Sunday.
Banbury
HMV Banbury: Free DJ Showcase From 1pm on Sunday 4 October
Chris D J King plays a free live DJ set at HMV in Castle Quay from 1pm on Sunday 4 October, the second day of the Banbury Canal Festival in the town centre.
Christmas
Banbury Christmas market: Winter Market, 28 and 29 November
Banbury Winter Market runs Saturday 28 November, 10am to 7pm, and Sunday 29 November, 10am to 6pm, with the lights switch-on and fireworks at 5pm on Sunday.
Christmas
Santa's grotto in Banbury: where to see him, with prices
See Santa free at Banbury's lights switch-on on 29 November, at The Mill's Dear Santa from 14 December for £18, or at Bicester's garden centre from £22.
Days Out
Broughton Castle is closed for winter: what is open instead
Broughton Castle's season ends on 30 September and only pre-booked groups can visit in winter. Rousham's garden is open daily for £10; Banbury Museum is free.
Half Term
Banbury October half term: 26 to 30 October, what's on
Half term is 26 to 30 October. Banbury Museum runs £4 crafts every weekday, Brickworks ends 1 November, and Upton House has £2 Halloween crafts.
Remembrance
Banbury Remembrance Sunday: parade 10.15am, 8 November
Parade from the Town Hall at 10.15am on Sunday 8 November, service at St Mary's at 10.45am, wreaths at People's Park at noon. Bicester's starts at 11am.
Christmas
Banbury panto 2026: The Mill's Dear Santa and The Snow Queen
The Mill's Christmas show is Dear Santa, 14 to 24 December, £18 with a Santa's grotto. The nearest panto is The Snow Queen at Chipping Norton Theatre.
Banbury
Banbury Pride 2027: 29 May Date, 30 Sept Meeting Has Passed
Banbury Pride returns on Saturday 29 May 2027. Anyone can help shape it at a public meeting in Banbury Town Hall, Wednesday 30 September, 7pm to 8.30pm.
Banbury
Banbury Canal Festival: Free, 3 and 4 October
The town council's biggest event of the year runs 11am to 5pm on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, free to enter, and a dry canal will not cancel it.
Banbury
Banbury Michaelmas Fair: 14-17 October, Roads Shut From 13th
Four nights from Wednesday 14 October. Bridge Street, Cornhill and part of High Street shut from 6am on the 13th; the signed diversions and parking are here.
Banbury
Banbury Fireworks: No Town Display, Kidlington Is On
Bodicote's display at Banbury Cricket Club has ended after 54 years. Kidlington's is confirmed for 5 November, gates 6pm, and Bicester has not set a date yet.
Banbury
Banbury Christmas Lights Switch-On: Sunday 29 November
Free in the Market Place, 11am to 6pm, with fireworks at about 5pm. Bicester switches on the Saturday and Kidlington on Thursday 26 November.