The vibrant college town of Oxford, Mississippi, came alive on April 24–25 as the 29th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival welcomed an impressive 111,700 attendees for a weekend celebrating music, art and Southern culture. Presented by the University of Mississippi Museum and supported by Ole Miss Athletics, the free festival showcased nationally acclaimed performers including The War And Treaty and Wilco. Visitors and locals alike enjoyed a dynamic mix of culinary experiences and more than 150 regional artist booths, highlighted by this year’s featured artist, Allyn Fraser of Memphis, Tennessee.
“What an extraordinary weekend showcasing the creativity and spirit that define Oxford,” said Kinney Ferris, executive director of Visit Oxford. “The Double Decker Arts Festival continues to be a cornerstone event for our community, generating an estimated 18.9 million dollars in economic impact while creating a welcoming, memorable experience for everyone who visits.”
“We are deeply appreciative of the attendees, sponsors, artists and city partners whose collaboration and enthusiasm brought this year’s festival to life,” said Lee Ann Stubbs, Double Decker Coordinator. “Each year, the festival strengthens our sense of community, and we look forward to building on that momentum for next year’s 30th celebration.”
Festivities began Friday evening as Penelope Road, The War And Treaty, and headliner Shane Smith and The Saints energized the streets with live performances. On Saturday, the celebration expanded throughout the historic Courthouse Square, where more than 150 artists and food vendors lined the streets alongside the lively “Blue Delta Blues Alley” near The Lyric. The main stage featured a full day of standout performances, including sets from The Dip, Margo Price and headliner Wilco.
Now in its 29th year, the Double Decker Arts Festival continues to draw record-breaking crowds. Inspired by the iconic double-decker bus imported from England in 1994, the festival began modestly with a makeshift stage on the back of a pickup truck and a handful of vendors. Today, it stands as one of the region’s premier cultural events, welcoming more than 111,000 attendees annually and generating an estimated $18.9 million in economic impact for the destination.
About the Author
