Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest OXFORD iS news and events

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

What's On

Part of the KAFKA24 season

Jitterbug

A captivating weekend of day to night FREE creative activities

Presented by the Cultural Programme and Trigger

Book Tickets

Friday 31 May - Sunday 2 June

Outdoor Event

Venue

Oxford University Parks, South Lodge South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3RF

Accessibility

  • BSL: British Sign Language Interpreted
Step into the Jitterbug and lose yourself in Gregor's bizarre and fantastical world. Inspired by Kafka’s timeless masterpiece, Metamorphosis, the Jitterbug tent stands as a marvel of transformation and discovery.

To celebrate Kafka’s Metamorphosis, from 31 May to 2 June University Park will be taken over by ‘Jitterbug’, an incredible and enormous inflatable bug tent created by award winning-artists, Trigger.

A free programme of day to night creative activities will take place inside the insect, with workshops and events for all ages: from talks, yoga and crafting to storytelling hosted by Story Museum and a drag cabaret extravaganza, with a brand-new collaboration between Oxford-based MC Rawz and aerialist Julia Sparkle.

This captivating programme will unfold within the epic Jitterbug structure, designed by the acclaimed Carl Robertshaw (Kylie Minogue, Stranger Things). Everything is free to attend, but booking is required for parts of the programme.

 

Plan your visit

Oxford University Parks, South Lodge South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3RF

Programme of events

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Feel your inner caterpillar transform into a zen butterfly in a morning yoga session! Get ready to wriggle, crawl, and stretch your way through poses led by our expert instructor.

Book your tickets here

 

Suitable for age 5+
Suitable for age 5+

Embark on a storytelling journey through the world of marvellous minibeasts! Meet Anansi the trickster spider, the snail who transformed into the moon and more. Crafts, games and lots of joining in for families to enjoy. Suitable for ages 5+

Book your tickets here

 

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Prepare to buzz with creativity! Join in for a hive-tastic crafting session and create bee-autiful accessories for the upcoming Bee Disco celebration. Craft, chat and get buzzing with excitement for a celebration like no other!

Book your tickets here

 

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Join some buzzy guests for a party that’s bound to create a hive of memories. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to our crafting session, you can still join us for a wiggle!

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 12+
Suitable for age 12+

Be inspired by this thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the themes and enduring influence of Franz Kafka’s literary works. Join expert panellists including University of Oxford Professor Carolin Duttlinger to delve into the ink-stained pages of Kafka’s stories and explore the mysteries and complexities of his writing.

Book your tickets here

Paid for performance (Age 14+)
Paid for performance (Age 14+)

International superstar Meow Meow graces us with a little taster of her Kafkaesque musical mayhem and 1920’s Weimar Berlin magnificence ahead of the world premiere of Arthur Pita’s brand new work with Edward Watson, Meow and composer Frank Moon in ‘A Hunger artist’ for Oxford’s KAFKA24 celebrations. Please note this is a paid event – tickets are £10.00

Book your tickets here

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Step into a world where tiny creatures go on big adventures! Gather round for some enchanting bug-themed stories read by special guests. there’s a whole kingdom waiting to be explored…

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 4+
Suitable for age 4+

Transform your wardrobe into a buzzing masterpiece, breathe new life into old clothes or dive into our collection of recycled materials to craft an outfit fit for a bug! Let your creativity soar and bug-ify your style in this insect-inspired costume workshop.

Book your tickets here

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Join this electrifying bug fashion show, where Bugify Me creations will take flight in a spectacular display of insect-inspired couture. Our esteemed panel of judges will crown the most stylish bug designs!

Book your tickets here

Kafka's Impact on Contemporary Art
Kafka's Impact on Contemporary Art

Join panellists including writer and University of Oxford Professor Barry Murnane as they delve into the profound influence of Kafka’s literary legacy on modern art. Explore surreal landscapes, existential themes and enigmatic characters as the panellists dissect Kafka’s enduring impact on creativity, expression, and interpretation.

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 12+

The power of music and dance with Mumo Creative
The power of music and dance with Mumo Creative

Experience a synergy of sound, movement and mindfulness in this workshop led by MuMo’s Creative Director, Roosa Leimu-Brown. Live music, dance and targeted exercises combine to boost strength, flexibility, and mental wellbeing.

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 8+

Suitable for age 14+
Suitable for age 14+

A double billed evening full of music, circus and Drag!

Dragademia: Dragademia, Oxford’s favourite Drag Show & Tell Event is excited to join the Jitterbug buzz. Hosted by America’s Queen of Hearts Saundra Lezzenbaum, this variety performance will showcase local drag artists taking on the themes of Metamorphosis, transformation inside and out, and bugs! How’s that for insectionality? The show will be capped off by a Q&A with the performers where we’ll discuss the transformational power of drag as an art form, political statement, and way of life!

Chrysalis:
Enter a world where music entwines with aerial artistry for this debut collaboration between Julia Sparkle and Rawz. Prepare to be captivated as melodies soar and acrobatics defy gravity, a mesmerizing fusion of sound and movement!”

Book your tickets here

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

Come and hang out with a groovy live stick insect! Get up close and personal, and learn how to better protect our miniature mates and build your very own habitat in a bug hotel workshop.

Book your tickets here

Suitable for all ages
Suitable for all ages

In this workshop, led by Oxford based art and nature project Fig Studio, you will be introduced to making seed bombs that can be used to disperse seeds – transforming landscapes into bug friendly environments!

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 8+
Suitable for age 8+

Get inspired by incredible aphids and weird wobbly worms as you delve into the world of creepy crawlies in this creative writing workshop. Unlock your imagination and then apply it to the page as you create fantastical stories of bugs, beetles and things that go buzz in the night!

Book your tickets here

Suitable for age 12+
Suitable for age 12+

Join inspiring panellists including anthropologist and University of Oxford Professor Eben Kirksey for an engaging discussion delving into the fascinating world of insects and their pivotal role in shaping our future. From sustainable food sources to biodiversity conservation, our expert panellists will navigate the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.

Book your tickets here

Partners

Recommended Events

Meow meow

Kafkaesque musical mayhem

Fri May 31

Jitterbug Tent

Stay in the Loop

Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest OXFORD iS news and events

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.