Looking for things to do this August? Well look no further than books, beats and a very good excuse not to go straight home.
Here’s your August round-up of events at The Covered Market.
We’ve got fantasy book clubs, open mic nights, live music and plenty of after-hours charm. Also keep in touch with traders event schedules directly as they often add to this line up after publishing.
Gulp Fiction Fantasy Book Club – The Obelisk Gate
Fri 7 Aug | 7pm, Gulp Fiction
Calling all fantasy lovers! Meet new people, chat about the books you love, and dive into The Obelisk Gate. Ticket includes a free glass of your choice and next month’s book. Tickets: £13
A Night of Music: Open Mic
Fri 7 Aug | 7–10pm, Central Square w/The Market Tap
Oxford’s most central open mic night. All musical styles welcome. Sign up on arrival and enjoy a laid-back evening hosted by Nash. Free
The Painting Social – Paint Matisse Florals!
Thurs 13 Aug | 6:30–8:30pm, The Market Tap
Join Together We Make for a relaxed, beginner-friendly painting workshop inspired by Matisse’s beautiful florals. Oxford artist Jodie Middleton (@joddlesdoddles) will guide you through the basics of acrylic painting to create your own piece. No experience needed. All materials provided. Tickets: £30pp
Mark Bowles in conversation – How Do People Stay the Same
Fri 14 August | 6:30pm, Gulp Fiction
Join Gulp Fiction for an event with Mark Bowles, centred on How Do People Stay the Same. General admission: £4 Students £3
Gulp Fiction Bookclub – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Fri 14 Aug | 7pm, Gulp Fiction
Meet new people and discuss books you love – tickets include a free glass of your choice and the book for next month.
Tickets: £13
Emma de la Querra live
Sat 15 August | 7–10pm, Central Square w/The Market Tap
Oxford-based acoustic covers artist Emma de la Querra brings pop classics from the 1970s to today to The Covered Market.
Free entry.
Market Tap Live!
Fri 21st Aug | 7pm, Central Square w/The Market Tap
A Night of Music, hosted by Nash. Monthly live music showcase to The Market Tap, with top local talent performing in the historic Central Square setting of the Covered Market. Free
The Embroidery Social
Thurs 27 Aug | 6–8pm, The Market Tap
Join Together We Make for a relaxed embroidery workshop with textile artist Jessica Ormerod (@theconstantthreader). Bring a simple image to work from and learn a range of stitches and techniques while meeting fellow creatives. No experience needed. £15 incl. materials, or £5 byo.
Conkers AW26 at Goodies
Thurs 27 Aug | 7pm, Goodies
Goodies welcomes Ollie, founder of Conkers, for a special evening introducing the new Autumn/Winter 2026 collection. See the new pieces, hear the story behind AW26, and chat to Ollie about the thinking, craftsmanship and care that goes into every piece. Free, spaces are limited. RSVP via goodiesoxford@hotmail.com or DM Goodies to reserve your spot.
PLUS WEEKLY REGULARS…
The Woolhound Social Stitch – Every Thurs 5:30pm & Sat 10am at Gulp Fiction
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony – Every Thurs | 6pm at Lula’s Ethiopian Café
Simpletons Quiz Night – Most Thurs | 7:30pm at Gulp Fiction