A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Heyford

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Heyford, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Heyford

BMC & Leyland Show2

BMC & Leyland Show

at British Motor Museum

Discover legends of the historic British motor industry with hundreds of display vehicles from BMC, British Leyland and Rover Group at the British Motor Museum! Welcome to the BMC & Leyland Show; an unmissable event for all fans of classic British marques. We have a huge variety of vehicles on display covering everything from Morris Mini Minors to Rover 800s. Dive right into the show to check out your favourite makes and models, and meet like-minded petrolheads. Here, you can examine every panel and bolt on a Triumph TR7 or announce that you’re a big fan of Austin Allegro safe in the knowledge that there will be no judgement. This year also sees the 50th Anniversary of the Rover SD1 being introduced! After the success of last year's display celebrating 70 years since the Abingdon Works were set up, there will be another by the Abingdon Works Motorsport Celebration which, whilst not on the same scale, will embrace a range of cars that competed in rallies and events over three decades. On top of all that this event has to offer, entry to the Museum is also included in your show ticket, giving you access to our collection of over 400 classic British cars, and our brand-new feature exhibitions, Forza Horizon 6: The Experience and Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story. Join the huge number of classic British vehicles for just £13! This includes an entry pass to display your vehicle and gives admission for the driver and a passenger to the show, Museum and Collections Centre.

20.3 milesSun 12 Jul£13
Local gemSee the details
Community

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Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)3Free! (worth double-checking)

Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)

at Cornerstone Arts Centre

Join our Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling) class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Credit to Melek Ali Oglou for the images. Minimum age: suitable for children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times Free to attend, but booking encouraged as spaces are limited Ebru, or Marbling Art, is a traditional Turkish art form that involves creating colourful patterns on water, which are then transferred onto paper. These patterns often include flowers, lattice designs, and symbolic motifs such as crescents and moons. Join this interactive workshop to create your own beautiful, marbled patterns using this traditional technique. Once dry, you can take your artwork home.

21.7 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Workshops & Classes
African Drumming Workshop4Free! (worth double-checking)

African Drumming Workshop

at Cornerstone Arts Centre

Join our African Drumming Workshop class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Join Kato from Oxford Drum School for a fun, hands-on African drumming workshop. Learn traditional rhythms, develop your musical skills and experience the joy of making music together. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, these energetic sessions are free to attend, but advance booking is essential. The workshops are free, but reservations are necessary as spaces are limited. Parents/carers must stay with children throughout. Session 1: 10.10am–10.55am (School Years 1–3) Session 2: 11.15am–12pm (School Years 1–3) Session 3: 12.45pm–1.45pm (School Years 4–6) Session 4: 2pm–3pm (School Years 7+)

21.7 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Workshops & Classes
This is Floyd5

This is Floyd

at Cidermill Theatre

With 5 Star reviews, thousands of fans across the UK and a new theatre show for 2026, This Is Floyd celebrates the best of Pink Floyd’s music on their Through The Years tour. The band will continue a well-established tradition of attracting large audiences, young and old, highlighting the definitive versions of the iconic band’s classic and best loved songs. Join them on a captivating journey through the timeless classics that defined an era. From the ethereal “Echoes” to the haunting beauty of “High Hopes”, the performances are meticulously crafted to honour Pink Floyd’s legacy. The show includes custom designed thematic light shows, spectacular laser effects and the iconic circular video screen. Sit back and enjoy a moving experience, which will be truly unforgettable, as they pay homage to one of the greatest bands in history.

22.8 milesSat 11 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details
Community
Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course6

Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course

at Wheelwright's Bookshop

A two day course, covering all elements of lime pointing, ideal for anyone looking to learn about the use of lime; whether you’re a listed building owner, an architect, surveyor, or a builder who has not worked with lime previously. Course information: · You’ll learn the history and tradition of this craft, balancing theory and practical examples with demonstrations. · Uncover an in-depth knowledge of the lime cycle; from calcining to matured lime putty, manufacturing, conservation ethics and principles – plus on site practical examples. · We’ll address all aspects of proper lime pointing/repointing practice, from correct raking out & preparation, mortar choices and applications, to after care and finishing techniques. · You’ll also get the chance to do conservation repointing on a listed structure/building. On the second day of the course, we’ll produce a “Hot Lime” mortar used on site. Other useful information: · Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge · Lunch will pm. · An option to purchase tool bundle will be offered booking *The tool bundle is not compulsory you’re welcome to bring your own tools and PPE .However, you will need these items to effectively participate in this course. Tool bundle includes: · A stone pick (for raking out) · A plastic hawk and selection of pointing tools · Waterproof site gloves · Safety glasses · Sturdy site bucket · Sponge · Simple spray bottle · All other materials are included in course price

24.9 milesSat 11 Jul10:00
Local gemSee the details
Workshops & Classes
Youth Sundays7Free! (worth double-checking)

Youth Sundays

at One Planet Abingdon Climate Emergency Centre

Adults with children, families and young people are welcome!Lots of skills to learn and share! Come and enjoy the company of like minded young people. Let’s connect over board games,arts and crafts, food, music and an opportunity to discuss what matters to you in a safe and motivating space!No charge, all welcome!

17.2 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
Imprints of the Wild’8

Imprints of the Wild’

at The Gallery at the Guild

We hold a Meet the Makers event for each exhibition, giving you the opportunity to come and meet the creators behind the headline works on display in the gallery and discover their unique stories. These sessions are usually held on the first Saturday afternoon of an exhibition, with each exhibition usually showcasing 4 of our members as headline artists.

22.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
Eddie Martin Blues Trio9

Eddie Martin Blues Trio

at Jazz at the Tavern - formerly Taphouse

Widely known as "The Ambassador of British Blues," Eddie Martin is a multi-award-winning musician and a resident legend at The Old Duke. With over 17 acclaimed albums, Eddie is a master of the rack-harmonica and slide guitar, delivering a powerhouse performance that has earned him BBC Radio 2 sessions and the title of Best Solo Artist at the European Blues Awards.

23.1 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Live Music

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