Bee-Line to the Hive

|Enjoy Oxford|All, Events, Fun, Outdoors, Spring Events

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the City of Oxford will host a full day of outdoor fun and celebration inspired by the modern beehive invented by Lorenzo Langstroth, AKA “The Bee Man of Oxford” (Boen) at Miami University. This day is packed with two exciting events: O.A.T.S. n’ Honey 5k/10k and the Oxford Bee Festival. Visit the event page for more details!

Event Source

Pt. 1) O.A.T.S. & HONEY 5K/10K Race

5k/10k runners on the Oxford Area Trails

Join us for the O.A.T.S. n’ Honey 5k/10k, starting at 9:00 AM at Leonard Howell Park, Oxford, OH. The Oxford Area Trails (OATS) will begin to offer an active way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Run, walk, or buzz along the paved path to beat an old record, or achieve a personal goal! Register for the race here (register here). Whatever you do, be sure to take in the sounds of nature along the way. Online registration is open until 8:45 am on 4/12/25.

Pro tip: Visit the bird blind and pollinator garden on your route!

O.A.T.S. & Honey 5K and 10K maps

Both routes will begin and end at Leonard Howell Park.

OATS & Honey 5k map starting at Leonard Howell Park and turn around at the state route 73 underpass.

OATS & Honey 10k map starting at Leonard Howell Park and turn around at Peffer Park

O.A.T.S. & Honey Race Merch:

Pt. 2) Oxford Bee Festival

“The Oxford Hive” mural by Joe Prescher

After the race, the buzzing festivities will continue at the Oxford Bee Festival in Uptown Parks (Oxford Memorial Park), starting at 1:00 PM. Celebrate our essential pollinators with family-friendly activities, honey tastings, educational booths, and local vendors. Plus, the festival stage at the pavilion will be buzzing with live music all day!

Live Music Lineup

Coming Soon!

Activities

Join us for a day filled with sweet music to buzz around while you enjoy buzzworthy fun! Stay tuned for updates! (dropdown list)

– Inflatable tree slide
– Wildflower bounce house
– Mini Putt-Putt Course
– Connect Four, Cornhole, & Gaga Ball
– Selfie-station flower arch at “The Oxford Hive” mural