Rabidfest

About Rabidfest

Formed in 2018 by Greg Brown and Mark Gibbs, Rabidfest 2026 runs in Oxford as a metal and hard-rock weekender. The 2026 edition takes place from 31 October to 1 November 2026 at The Bullingdon on Cowley Road.

The event works on a single-venue indoor format. All proceeds are donated to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

Lineup and Programme

The 2026 bill leans into metal and hard rock. Announced acts include Hacktivist, listed as Saturday headliner, and n0trixx, listed as Sunday headliner.

The Devolution Stage is named for the event. The programme centres on live metal and rock performances, with food, drink and merchandise available inside the venue.

Who Is It For?

Rabidfest is aimed at metal and hard-rock fans, while the official site also places casual live-music fans within its audience. Skiddle describes the event as family-friendly.

All ages are welcome. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times, and under-25s need ID to buy alcohol.

The Venue and Site

The Bullingdon, at 162 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1UE, is an indoor live venue on one of east Oxford’s main roads. Its venue specification lists 310 standing capacity for gigs, rising to 350 in club format and 420 for DJ setup only.

Facilities include official food, drink and merchandise vendors, a bar/cocktail bar, disabled toilet, portable ramp and a dedicated viewing area for wheelchair users. The venue also lists in-house sound and lighting systems.

Travel to Rabidfest

The Bullingdon sits on Cowley Road in Oxford, east of the city centre. London is 56 miles from Oxford, with Bristol 72 miles away and Birmingham 78 miles away.

• Nearest rail: Oxford Railway Station is approximately 2,418m from the venue; Oxford Parkway Railway Station is approximately 6,659m away.
• Road access: The venue is on Cowley Road, close to The Plain and St Clement’s junction area, with Bullingdon Road and Iffley Road also nearby.
• Parking: The Bullingdon lists ample parking behind the shops opposite the venue, plus local parking less than 50m away.