7 reasons to head to the Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, MS, April 22-23

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If you‘re looking for a weekend to head over to Oxford, Mississippi, we’ve got seven reasons why April 22-23 needs to be it. You’ll find something for everyone, including music, sports, art and even patio dining. Keep reading for all the details. 

The Double Decker Arts Festival is such a big draw, it’s reason enough to head to Oxford the weekend of April 22-23. It’s the 25th anniversary of this award-winning FREE festival that typically brings in over 65K attendees for a celebration of food, music and the arts.  

Why the name? Oxford’s red double-decker bus, imported from England back in 1994, serves as the inspo and the centerpiece of the two-day shindig, which takes place on the historic Courthouse Square. 

Ready to get out of town + have some fun? Book yourself a place to stay in Oxford today.

1. Hear fantastic music

*The place to be* for toe-tapping fun during the weekend is the Ole Miss Student Activities Association Stage. Here’s the full lineup, and we’ve pulled out the top three acts you need to see.

Brett Young, Friday, April 22, 9PM

From Ole Miss baseball pitcher to beloved country crooner, Brett Young is a hometown favorite who’s captured the hearts of fans everywhere. His music combines honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound. After racking up seven consecutive #1 hits, Rolling Stone deemed him “one of country’s most consistent radio stars.”

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Saturday, April 23, 6:30PM

After a day of checking out all that Oxford has to offer, bring in the evening with New Orleans jazz and funk sensation Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Feast your ears on sounds ranging from brass bland blare and deep-groove funk to bluesy beauty and hip hop/pop swagger. 

The Revivalists, Saturday, 8:30PM

Last, but certainly not least, is The Revivalists, who take the stage at 8:30PM Saturday, April 23. Their trophy case includes a Billboard award nomination, two iHeartRadio Music awards and Billboard’s Top New Rock Artists of 2017.

Renowned for their powerful live performances, soulful alt-rock anthems and their distinct mix of classic styles of American music, this eight-piece ensemble includes pedal steel guitar, unique two-drummer setup, horns and more, all led by the incredible voice of front man David Shaw.

2. See beautiful art

Last we checked, there are 145 vendors and counting in the artist showcase. Juried by a panel of local artists, you know it’s gonna be good. Here’s some of the variety that’ll be on display: 

• Drawings
• Glass
• Jewelry
• Mixed media
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Pottery
• Sculpture

3. Head to the family-friendly Square Fair

Families, Square Fair is for you, with fun rides and games to keep the kids happy.

When: Saturday, April 23, 10AM-5:30PM
Where: Chancery Building parking lot on North Lamar (across from Graduate Oxford)
Cost: $20 wristband for unlimited rides

4. Grab a bite of Oxford’s local flavors

With options ranging from food trucks to booths for local restaurants, you’re sure to find something to satisfy the palates of everyone in your group. 

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll be able to find, all from local vendors, and many will be offering a specialty item unique to the event: 

• BBQ
• Pizza by the slice
• Roast beef sandwiches
• Snow cones

5. Watch Ole Miss play Mississippi State Thursday, April 21-Saturday, April 23

Mississippi State and Ole Miss are in-state rivals, which means the atmosphere will be electric inside the Oxford University Stadium from Thursday-Saturday.

Where: Swayze Field | University Place + University Avenue
When: Thursday, April 21, 6PM | Friday, April 22, 6:30PM | Saturday, April 23, 3:30PM
Get tickets

6. Catch a rare spring football game on Saturday

The annual Ole Miss Grove Bowl will be happening at noon on Saturday, April 23, giving football fans who can’t wait ‘till fall something to cheer for. Bonus: you don’t even need a ticket to this free event.

Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, 6 All American Drive, Oxford, MS 38655
When: Saturday, April 23, noon
Admission: FREE!

7. Enjoy Oxford’s many patio dining options

Oxford has patio dining options galore—we’ve written about a number of them before, and you can check out even more of them here. 

While the Festival is completely free, you’ll need to book yourself a place to stay. Check out Visit Oxford MS’s Where to Stay page, AirBnb or VRBO listings for a weekend to remember. 

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