When April rolls into Oxford, anticipation builds for the city’s most iconic event—the Double Decker Arts Festival. Now in its 29th year, the festival has become a defining tradition for the community, drawing thousands to the historic Square for a weekend filled with live music, regional art, and the unmistakable energy that sets Oxford apart.
Behind the scenes, however, the festival is anything but routine. Visit Oxford Executive Director Kinney Ferris describes the preparation as a careful balance between consistency and constant refinement. “It’s plug and play from years prior,” she said, “but we’re always tweaking things that didn’t go well.” That philosophy has helped sustain Double Decker’s growth while preserving the character that longtime attendees have come to expect.
A Festival That Keeps Growing
One important area of focus in recent years has been security and logistics. Though largely invisible to festivalgoers, the planning involved is extensive. Ensuring safety and managing the flow of thousands of visitors requires months of preparation and collaboration. “It’s not something people see,” Ferris noted, “but it’s there.” The goal is simply to create a space where people can gather freely and comfortably, even as the scale of the event continues to expand.
That growth presents its own challenges. The festival remains centered around Oxford’s historic Square, a setting that gives Double Decker its charm but also limits its physical footprint. “We’re somewhat landlocked,” Ferris explains. Still, organizers keep exploring new ways to maximize space—whether by rethinking layouts, or by identifying additional areas that could support vendors and performances in future years.
Despite its longevity, Double Decker is far from static. Organizers are already thinking ahead – not just to this year’s event, but to future milestones, including the eventual 30th festival.
A Standout Music Lineup
While logistics shape the experience behind the curtain, the festival’s heartbeat remains its music—and the 2026 lineup may be one of its strongest yet.
The weekend kicks off Friday, April 24, with a trio of dynamic performances. Nashville-based Penelope Road opens the evening at 6 pm, bringing a groove-driven blend of classic soul influences and modern energy. At 7:30 pm, The War and Treaty take the stage, delivering their signature fusion of gospel, country, and soul, powered by the electrifying chemistry of Michael and Tanya Trotter. Closing out the night at 9 pm, Shane Smith & The Saints offer a high-octane mix of country, folk, and roadhouse rock—an act known for its relentless touring and commanding live presence.
Saturday’s schedule expands into a full day of music, beginning at 11:30 am with Annie & The Caldwells, a family group from West Point, Mississippi, whose uplifting blend of gospel and soul sets an early tone of joy and connection. From there, the lineup moves fluidly across genres and regions.
Annie & The Caldwells – 11:30 AM SAT.
Austin trio The Animeros take the stage at 1 pm, weaving Latin rhythms with psychedelic soul, followed by Birmingham’s Mountain Grass Unit at 2:30 pm, a young band pushing bluegrass into new territory with elements of jazz, funk, and rock. By mid-afternoon, The Heavy Heavy bring a dose of retro-inspired rock and roll at 4 pm, channeling the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s while keeping their sound fresh and immediate.
As the evening builds, Seattle’s The Dip delivers a horn-driven blend of rhythm and blues at 5:30 pm, setting the stage for one of the festival’s most celebrated voices. Margo Price takes over at 7 pm, continuing her reputation as one of modern country’s most fearless and compelling artists. Finally, the weekend crescendos with Wilco at 8:30 pm, the legendary band whose genre-defying catalog and enduring influence make them a fitting headliner for a festival of this scale.
The depth of the lineup hasn’t gone unnoticed by those embedded in Oxford’s music scene. Talent buyer and Proud Larry’s owner Scott Caradine summed it up best: “When people ask me, who should I make sure to see this year, I would tell everyone—I think there is a great chance that every band on this year’s lineup will blow you away!”
For Ferris, the strength of the lineup lies not just in its star power, but in its balance. Established names share the bill with emerging artists, giving audiences a chance to discover new favorites alongside familiar ones. “We’re thrilled that we can say they were here with us at a free festival,” she says—a reminder of Double Decker’s accessibility and its commitment to offering high-caliber performances to all.
The Power of Partnership
Double Decker’s success depends heavily on community partnerships, and Ferris is quick to highlight the role of sponsors in making the festival possible.
At the forefront is Ole Miss Athletics, the festival’s presenting sponsor for more than a decade. In a gesture that speaks to Oxford’s collaborative spirit, the organization donates its naming rights to the University Museum—an arts institution that might not otherwise have the opportunity to sponsor such a large-scale event.
“I just think that’s really special,” Ferris says. “It’s kind of who Oxford is and the way we all work together.”
Other longtime supporters, including Nicholas Air, contribute to key aspects like the main stage, while a wide range of local businesses provide both financial backing and hands-on support. From banks and real estate firms to restaurants and service providers, the festival draws on a broad network of community involvement.
Some contributions are especially substantial. Catering from local favorite My Michelle’s keeps performers and crews fueled throughout the weekend, while companies like NE SPARC provide essential infrastructure such as internet access for festival operations.
Even unexpected partnerships have emerged. In the wake of a recent ice storm, cleanup contractor Debris Tech stepped forward to sponsor the festival as a way of giving back to the community—a gesture Ferris described as both surprising and meaningful.
Vendors from Across the Region
Art remains at the heart of Double Decker, and the festival’s vendor marketplace is a major draw. Each year, approximately 150 booths line the Square and surrounding streets, featuring artists and craftspeople from across the Southeast.
These vendors offer a wide array of handmade goods, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, textiles, and more. For many attendees, browsing the booths is just as important as the music.
Despite festival organizers continuing to explore ways to expand in the future, potentially adding new areas to accommodate the growing demand, the number of vendors has remained relatively steady due to space limitations. “We want our vendors to be successful,” Ferris says, emphasizing the importance of an environment where artists can thrive while contributing to the experience.
From sponsors and vendors to volunteers and city officials, countless individuals play a role in bringing the festival to life. That collaborative spirit is part of what makes Oxford unique, and it’s something visitors can feel as they move through the crowds.
Even areas like “Sponsor Row,” where businesses set up booths with information and giveaways, become part of the experience offering opportunities for discovery and connection.
Looking Ahead
As Double Decker approaches its 29th year, it stands as both a tradition and a living, evolving event. Organizers are already looking ahead to future milestones, considering how to expand and improve while staying true to the festival’s roots.
For now, though, the focus is on the upcoming weekend—on the music, the art, and the thousands of people who will gather in the heart of Oxford to celebrate.
“It’s worked this many years,” Ferris says. “And we hope to keep it going for a long time.”
With its blend of creativity and careful planning, the Double Decker Arts Festival remains a defining part of Oxford’s identity—a weekend when the city comes alive, and everyone is invited along for the ride.
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