11 things to do in Oxford: April 2024

It’s set to be an April filled with joy seeing this line-up of events. There’s such a variety of things to do and to enjoy across the county.

2024 continues to be full of fantastic events brought to you by our wonderful indie businesses. Tag Indie Oxford on socials and use #indieoxford if you’re out and about in Oxfordshire this month.

Here’s the Indie Oxford Events Edit for April 2024. >>

Free tours, arty workshops, folk music and more this Spring.

The Maker Space host a papercutting workshop on Monday 15 April, 9.30am – 3.30pm, with Christine Green [£75].

Master simple cutting techniques, design and cut a monogram using your initials and then design and cut a more detailed panel using lettering as a starting point.

Suitable for the complete novice, book here.

Amy Albright first started exhibiting at Sarah Wiseman Gallery in 2021. Her newest exhibition opens on 30 March and runs until 20 April.

Albright is fascinated by the place where water meets land, this boundary is where she finds harmony among the elements and inspiration for her hauntingly beautiful work. Based in Cornwall, her paintings in the new collection are inspired by the Helford River near Falmouth.

Modern Art Oxford invite you to join free curator-led tours of the current exhibition by Frieda Toranzo Jaeger: A future in the light of darkness.

Frieda Toranzo Jaeger’s intricately embroidered multi-panel paintings remix iconography from western art history with indigenous techniques to subvert and challenge dominant power structures and historical narratives.

Free to attend, booking necessary; Friday 12 April & Friday 10 May.

Join Pompette in the private dining room for a classical Alsatian dinner on Thursday 11 April.

Begin with a Wiedemann family tradition – a refreshing Picon Biere and snacks – then enjoy a tasting menu of six dishes inspired by Pascal’s familial roots, paired with wines from his favourite vineyards in the region.

Whether you’re a wine expert or budding enthusiast, prepare for a truly special exploration of Alsace wines, including a bottle or two from Laura and Pascal’s personal collection. Tickets are £125 per person, including a six-course tasting menu, six glasses of wine, a welcome drink, water, and service.

Mostly Books welcomes novelist Phoebe Stuckes in conversation on Friday 12 April, 6.30pm.

Stuckes’ debut, Dead Animals, is a short and sharp novel about a young woman who wakes after a house party with scratches and bruises – and a gap in her memory. As the violent truth comes back to her – a series of events she struggles to name – her anger grows.

Ellivase Hypnobirthing is launching a series of antenatal education courses at Seacourt Hall from 9 April.

Are you ready to be in control of your birth as you meet your baby, to be informed and empowered from bump to birth-day?

Emma has been trained by the Gold Standard of Hypnobirthing – KGH and is delighted to provide an interactive, fun class, topics will include, but not limited to – hormones, physiology of birth, options for place of birth, pain relief, preparing for a positive birth experience, the vital role of your birth partner and many more.

Sally Anne Stewart is a workshop exploring an introduction to linocut. It takes place on 16 April, 7pm at James Street Tavern [£50].

Suitable for beginners, those who have tried linocut in the past and would like to pick it up again, or anyone who just wants to immerse themselves in this wonderful art form for a couple of hours!

Oxford Art Market continues through the Spring on the following dates at James St. Tavern:

Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 March
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 April
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May

Showcasing the talent of local artists and helping to build the creative community in Oxford.

Sally Harris hosts a Weekend Mindfulness Retreat, 12 – 14 April, £170 – £325

It can be so tricky balancing caring for others and caring for ourselves. Many of us know exactly how to give comfort, support and kindness to other people when they’re struggling, but can’t seem to access those qualities for ourselves.

You’ll have the chance to connect with other kind-hearted people, take time for yourself in the beautiful surroundings of Brazier’s Park, and leave with a whole range of skills and techniques to draw on in everyday life.

Indie Oxford Canapes Party at Pompette on Wednesday 24th April.

This is an exclusive evening for Indie Oxford members and a chance to enjoy a feast of canapes in Pompette’s beautiful Private Dining Room.

Food includes:

• Ham & Manchego croquettes
• Comté gougères 
• Pissaladière 
• Endive, Roquefort & Spiced walnuts
• Fried Artichokes & Aioli
• Steak tartare & dripping toast

If you would like to join us, email Rosie to find out more about Indie Oxford membership – rosie@independentoxford.com.