Oxford North hosts return of Oxford Science and Ideas Festival's flagship event

Science enthusiasts can get hands-on with an array of immersive experiments and demonstrations during half-term at the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival’s headline event.

IF Oxford involves an exciting programme of more than 100 events and activities for all ages across the city, aimed at sparking curiosity and conversation about science, technology and the future.

Taking place at Oxford North, the show-piece event ‘Zone ONE’, will deliver engaging science, creative and technology activities on Thursday 29th October, between 2pm and 7:30pm.

Zone ONE is designed for people of all ages to experience demonstrations and experiments firsthand, led by friendly experts and inventors. Zone ONE started in 2025 at the newly opened global innovation district, which welcomed hundreds of families to Fallaize Park and 2 Fallaize Street.

What to expect?

Activities in the interactive zone will include What on Earth? a session that offers people the chance to hold real pieces of asteroids, comets and even the Moon, and find out what they reveal about the solar system. Other activities include planet spotting, cosmic puzzles, poetry, insights into how food helps your body, drone football and robotic engineering.

Visitors can also enjoy a tailored performance of Orbit from Creation Theatre, via a guided outdoor digital journey around Olafur Eliasson’s landmark planetary sculptures; Your planetary assembly’ in Fallaize Park. Gathering stories from the eight planets, the Park becomes a walkable map of the Solar System, by bringing the illuminated glass polyhedrons to life. Scannable QR codes will be available to festival attendees, presenting video clips viewable on their phones, capturing the wonder of each planet.

Booking & Amenities

Taylors Oxford North will be open throughout the duration of the event, serving delicious sandwiches, salads, freshly made pasta, sweet treats and speciality coffees in The Red Hall.

Tickets are free, with an option for a charitable donation to the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival when booking. Please note guests must have reserved a ticket to attend.

Collaboration

Simon Ruck, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Zone ONE again at Oxford North in partnership with IF Oxford to build on the success of last year’s event.

“Zone ONE and Your planetary assembly in Fallaize Park inspire people with the wonder of science and they are an important part of our commitment to the arts, science and social value.

“The festival reflects the true purpose of Oxford North, allowing space for people to come together, connect and share experiences and we’re looking forward to welcoming our community again.”

Victoria Collett, Development Director of Thomas White Oxford, and chair of Oxford North’s public art steering group, said: “As part of our Engage programme, we are pleased to continue our strong relationship with IF Oxford and see the return of this joyous event at Oxford North.

“Zone ONE encourages conversations around science and innovation for the next generation, and it’s fantastic to connect young minds with knowledgeable experts to spark new ideas and interests.

“Children can discover innovative concepts through live demonstrations and participate in thought-provoking discussions with scientists, the perfect activity during half term.”

Dane Comerford, Director of IF Oxford, said: “Zone ONE is a central part of the Festival’s annual programme, to stimulate curiosity and engagement for young children and teenagers.

“Oxford North is an exciting innovation district where science will create solutions to the future’s biggest challenges and it’s a partnership based on our shared passion for science and inspiring the community.

“I’m delighted to be working in collaboration with the team at Oxford North again to bring this event to local families. With many different activities to choose from, there is something for everyone and we encourage people to come and try something new.”

IF Oxford is being delivered by the charity, The Oxfordshire Science and Ideas Festival, a local organisation, with a heritage of 35 years, dedicated to the development of a science and ideas festival in the region of Oxford.

More information and booking Zone ONE: https://if-oxford.com/event/zone-one-2026/