When “music” and “Oxford” are brought up in the same sentence, the genres that spring to mind are unlikely to be punk or goth. Indeed, the city boasts a classical tradition, steeped in Oxonian history. While it may be small, however, Oxford’s alternative music scene is neither non-existent — nor irrelevant. Whether you’re well-versed in gig-etiquette, or a baby bat taking a first flight to gloomier skies, this guide should be a useful starting point for diving into what an alternative Oxford can offer.
1. RockSoc
The university’s Rock Music Society (not to be confused with the geology society, although they have been known to co-host pub crawls) is where you can find much of the student alternative community. The society hosts regular non-drinking and drinking events, and is by no means limited to rock music: welcoming fans of punk, goth, metal, and other subcultures. Recent highlights include a clothes DIY session, karaoke night, and consistent pre-drinks for goth, metal, and emo nights. If you’re looking for a platform from which to jump into other alternative music events, or to make friends in the community, you’re set.
2. Intrusion at The Jericho Tavern
Intrusion is to Oxford’s goth scene what a cave is to bats. Having recently moved venues to the Jericho Tavern, flock here on the first Tuesday of every month for a monthly gothic and darkwave DJ night. They are unlike your usual Plush Tuesday or Bridge Thursday: catch a “gothified” cover of “Pumped Up Kicks” or row the boat on the floor of their equally coveted metal night. Similar to other Oxford club nights though, part of what I love most is the time spent in the smoking area. Usually packed, the demographic of Intrusion extends beyond the student body to elder goths, making goth night a brilliant place to engage with the community. Warning: heed the dress code (no college puffers).
3. O2 Academy
Whilst it doesn’t exclusively cater to the alternative music community, the O2 Academy is a large and versatile space, hosting regular concerts and Oxford’s one and only emo night. Albeit intermittent, this night satiates everything fourth-wave emo, pop-punk, and any other subgenre that makes you part your fringe to the side. It is a staple for the people who encompass Oxford’s emo community (a grand total of four).
4. The Library
Snuck somewhere between Big Tesco and Cowley Roundabout, the basement of this independent pub was where many were introduced to Hyperstition: Oxford’s hyperpop night. Limited in capacity and hence recently oversubscribed, Hyperstition boasts a rotating lineup. Hyperstition’s previous events have gone from hosting nightcore and happy hardcore DJs to holding an ambient music night at Common Ground. The Library hosts a range of other events, from DJs to DIY music, and serves good food!
5. Truck Store
Record store/coffee shop/gig venue Truck Store is, to say the least, versatile. Whilst using the store as a Cowley Road study spot, keep an eye on the rotating notices for local gigs and other events. For instance, Truck Store is hosting the Hastings-based punk band Hot Wax, in light of their new album release on the 7th March.
6. The Bullingdon
It is difficult to avoid The Bullingdon. Proud host of Indie Fridays, Boogaloo, and Pink Pony Rave, the independent Cowley Road venue has also been a host of live music gigs for 20+ years. Keep an eye on the “What’s On” section of their website.
7. Rabidfest
If you can handle the crowd, check out Oxfordshire’s “only rock and metal festival”: Rabidfest. Hosting British and international bands, with the likes of Discharge, Divine Chaos, and Bound in Fear, the yearly festival is a must for established metal fans, and for anyone looking to check out the heavy live-music scene. Before the main event, catch a selection of warm-up acts in Oxford-based spots like the Jericho Tavern. Band applications to play at the 2025 festival are open on the Rabidfest website!
8. The Wheatsheaf
If clubbing or moshing aren’t your style, the Wheatsheaf (lovingly referred to as “the Sheaf”) is essentially an alternative pub. Commonly on the agenda of society pub crawls, and tucked conveniently behind the High Street, this pub is a wonderful social spot for a more casual evening out. It even has a jukebox…
9. Divine Schism
Oxford’s source for DIY live music shows, and “label with love,” Divine Schism platforms a range of artists that perform across the city. Hosting events at venues including (but not limited to) The Library, Truck Store, and Common Ground, you can catch performances in a range of genres. Their “Oh, Community!” event is running on the 22nd February, with performances split between The Library and The Bullingdon. Catch The None’s moody rock, the post-hardcore/noise trio Ritual Error, and a range of other acts!
10. Whiplash
Announced on the 6th of February, Whiplash is Oxford’s brand-new queer punk live-music night. Centering extreme genres of music, mutual aid and community-building, this night aims to not only platform marginalised artists but to ‘be a bridge between the music scene and activist organising.’ The first Whiplash event will be announced in the next few days– keep an eye on their Instagram!
11. Common Ground
As previously mentioned, Common Ground is the iconic Jericho coffee-shop-come-workspace by day and venue for all things arts by night. As a meeting place for the DIY arts community across Oxford, and host of Divine Schism shows, the space is also home to life drawing classes, creative sessions, and gigs. Check out their weekly events schedule, written on the blackboard outside Common Ground.
Whilst in no way an exhaustive list, this guide to locating Oxford’s alternative community should serve as a starting point to find your first foray into DIY live music or other subculture events. Do keep an eye on each venue’s social media and ‘What’s On’ website sections for an up-to-date list of goings-on!