The first ever Indie Oxford Day is a celebration of the brilliant independent businesses that make Oxfordshire such a special place to live, work and shop.
On Saturday 21 March 2026, we’re inviting everyone across Oxfordshire – residents and visitors alike – to shop, celebrate and support the independent businesses at the heart of our communities.
What is Indie Oxford Day?
Indie Oxford Day is a brand-new annual event created by Independent Oxford to shine a spotlight on the incredible indie businesses across the county. From beloved local cafés and independent retailers to creative studios, wellbeing practitioners and restaurants – this is a day to show them some love.
Independent businesses reflect the culture and interests of people in Oxfordshire. They make our towns, villages and city more interesting, more vibrant and more fun. When you shop indie, you’re supporting local businesses, local jobs and the local community.
How to Get Involved
There are so many ways to take part in Indie Oxford Day. Here are just a few ideas:
Shop local – choose an independent business for your morning coffee, lunch, or weekend shopping. Explore something new – browse our directory or map to discover indie businesses near you.
Celebrate an indie you love – share a recommendation with a friend, leave a review, sign up for a business’s mailing list, or follow them on social media. A small act of support can make a big difference.
Spread the word on social media – use #IndieOxfordDay on social media to share your favourite independent businesses and help us spread the indie love across Oxfordshire.
Try something new – many independent businesses will be hosting special events, activities, and offers in the week running up to Indie Oxford Day. Keep an eye on our events page and newsletter for the latest updates.
Download and share our resources – you can find social media graphics, posters, caption ideas and more in our resource hub
For Independent Businesses
Are you an independent business in Oxfordshire? We’d love you to be part of Indie Oxford Day, and you don’t have to be an Indie Oxford member…
Run an offer, activity or event of your own – tell us about your events or special offers by Friday 6 March so we can share them in our content, or simply join in the celebration on social media using #IndieOxfordDay
Not yet an Indie Oxford member? Find out about membership and join a community of over 180 independent businesses supporting each other across the county.
Why Support Independent Businesses?
Oxfordshire is home to over 180 Indie Oxford member businesses – and hundreds more independents across the county. When you choose to shop with them, the impact goes far beyond a single purchase.
Your money stays local, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and investing directly in the community. Independent businesses bring character and diversity to our high streets. They offer personal service, unique products and experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Indie Oxford Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes shopping indie so rewarding – and to discover new favourites along the way.
What’s On
- Indie Oxford Day HQ @ Common Ground Coffee – 21st March – 10:00-12:00: Meet the Indie Oxford team, catch up over a coffee, and talk about all things Indie Oxford
- GREEN DAY (not the band) @ Old Fire Station – 21st March – 10:30-13:00: Celebrating brilliant organisations in Oxford that offer alternatives to buying new and have a strong ethical and environmental focus; think repair cafés, thrift shops, libraries of things, seed swaps and crafts. There will be information tables, interactive and family-friendly activities and workshops throughout the morning
- Indie Oxford Day @ The Folly – 21st March – 18:00-22:00: Guided Tasting Menu & Wine Pairing with Daniel Richardson
- £5 pints @ The Market Tap in The Covered Market – 21st March – 10:00-22:00: just say “Indie Oxford Day” when you order, and then every pint ordered gets an entry into a lucky draw to win a £50 voucher redeemable at any of Tap Social Movement’s community venues
- 10% off @ Rebecca’s Home Sort – All March: Clients who book Home Sort sessions with Rebecca for the Spring (March, April, or May) will save 10% if they book before the end of the month
- Free candle at The Herberow Candle Co – All March: everyone who buys two large 250g gift boxed candles (£24 each) will receive a FREE 180g candle. This offer is available online and also at Summertown Market on 8th March
- Free Introduction to UV Resin Workshop – Amy Surman – 21st March – 14:00-16:00: This free workshop is to celebrate Indie Oxford Day and to launch this NEW workshop that’s being added to their programme.
- Free coffee with any main meal – The Handlebar Cafe and Kitchen – 21st March – From 12:00: Get a free coffee with any main meal to celebrate Indie Oxford Day
- FREE “lucky dip” gift plus an extra 5% off – Rainbow and Spoon Boutique – 21st March – All day: Get an exciting free lucky dip gift with every purchase, some are worth up to £20, and all are worth over £5. Plus, get 5% off your purchases if you can tell me 5 Independent Oxford members’ businesses you have visited during the week before Indie Oxford Day.
Stay Updated
Indie Oxford Day is coming together fast, with more details, events and participating businesses being announced regularly. Make sure you don’t miss a thing:
– Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates
– Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook
– Use and browse #IndieOxfordDay on social media
