Things To Do

O2 Academy, Oxford

190 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE, GB

Rating: 4.2 ★ (1654 ratings)

Details

Housed within an Edwardian building on the vibrant Cowley Road, the O2 Academy Oxford has a rich history of hosting live music, originally serving as a Co-operative party hall before becoming The Venue and later the revered Zodiac. It was as The Venue that Radiohead filmed the music video for their breakthrough single 'Creep'. Today, as the O2 Academy Oxford, it stands as one of the city's premier destinations for live music and club nights, building on the legacy of its predecessors. The venue attracts a strong calibre of international touring artists, thanks to its significant capacity and high-specification technical capabilities, and has welcomed a diverse array of acts including Ed Sheeran, Foals, Stereophonics, Ozzy Osbourne, and Hozier. Its location on Cowley Road places it in a lively area known for its global influences, independent shops, and the famous annual Cowley Road Carnival.

With a total capacity of 1,350 across its flexible performance spaces, the O2 Academy Oxford offers varied experiences for concert-goers. The main downstairs space can hold up to 1,026 people, providing an immersive atmosphere, while the more intimate upstairs room accommodates 436. This adaptability allows the venue to host a wide range of events, from major international bands and acclaimed DJs to emerging local talent. The venue is well-served by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby, and parking is available in the vicinity. Known for its integral role in Oxford's music scene, the O2 Academy continues to be a key cultural landmark, offering memorable nights out for both residents and visitors exploring the city's dynamic arts landscape.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Friday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 7:00 – 11:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 603880

Comments

Dave
20 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Attended the Frank Turner & the sleeping souls gig @ The O2 Academy Oxford 11/4/25, wow what a great gig!, Frank turner and his band always gives they all and we had a great time at a great venue, it was quite an I intimate gig as Frank Turner has played big stadiums and some big venues , also most of his band come from Oxford, so a bit of an hometown gig!.I would thoroughly recommend the O2 Academy in Oxford, the staff are so friendly and helpful and we are always feel safe when we have attended gigs in the past ( lots of them).If your into new bands the oxford venue is for you and is one of the best venues to see the latest under the radar bands before they play the bigger venues.
Jassen Payen
17 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Really impressive venue, very intimate, great views and great atmosphere. Can't wait to catch another gig here.
Adrian Cox
10 Jan 2026
4.0 ★
Attended as an Access customer,over all staff were fantastic, evening didn't start so well as we were left to queue for entry for 15 minutes, being disabled this was difficult, buy the time we went in I was having real problems! Once in though the area for us was great, although the view of the stage was severely compromised buy the bar, and also later in the evening there was no control over who entered the access area and ended up with people stood at the bar Infront of us! Also the trip to the toilets was difficult as had to cross the entire crowded floor to reach them. All in all though the venue was trying it's best with the situation it has. And a Massive thanks to the bar man who walked along every now and then to get any drinks required.
Lorraine Jackson
6 Jan 2026
3.0 ★
Protoje appeared at this venue last night as part of their UK tour.
The performance was fantastic and as expected. The atmosphere was filled with a happy, energetic and loving vibe.

The bar Staff were friendly and totally proficient in keeping a clean and tidy serving area and efficient service.

The security on the door were welcoming, friendly and so polite in carrying out the searches, giving directions and taking the time to ask if we had enjoyed ourselves and to come again soon!

My only issue with the place is the overpriced bar and filthy toilets.

Unfortunately this venue is not suitable for anyone with disabilities and their is a lack of adequate seating areas for those who can not stand for sustainable periods of time.

Having said all that, there is great line-up of artists performing in the coming months and the added advantage is that you can pay on the door at most gigs
Cassandra Hammond
2 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
We were a group of 3 50(ish) year olds and thoroughly enjoyed this event. We were able to access the bar and toilets without too much of a queue, the playlist was immense and we are looking forward to the next event.

Communications with the team was also so reassuring putting my mind at ease as i am disabled and measures were put in place to ensure i was able to enjoy myself as much as everyone else. Thank you O2 Academy :)

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