Double Decker: An Oxford Holiday

It’s spring in Oxford which means day parties, baseball, and DOUBLE DECKER! Locals and visitors alike love the Double Decker Arts Festival. April 26-27 is practically an Oxford holiday. It is a FREE, 2-day celebration featuring different food and art vendors, as well as live music all day long from local and traveling musicians. Plus, a really fun 5k race and a bit more challenging 10k race! The streets are shut off and packed with visitors, the shops and bars are hoppin’, and everyone is taking in the sights, sounds and sun. 

Double Decker Festival first came about after the famed double-decker bus was brought here from England in 1994. Originally, the music “stage” was just some old pick-up trucks and only a handful of art and food vendors participated. After 22, years of production, Double Decker attracts nearly 200 art and food vendors as well as more than 60,000 people a year from all over the region. Wow! 

Want to take a break from the crowd? Hit up The Graduate Hotel right off the square. Grab a bite at Cabin 82, The Graduate’s quirky lobby cafe designed to resemble the Neshoba County Fair. They serve up coffee as well as southern favorites for breakfast and lunch. Looking for cocktails instead? The Graduate is also known for their rooftop bar, The Coop. The Coop is a hot spot due to its gourmet bar bites, specialty craft cocktails, and, of course, the views of the square. It’s a perfect spot to watch the festival.

Another can’t miss stop is Oxford Floral. Since 1924, Oxford Floral has been a town staple. It’s right off the square so you don’t even have to leave. It’s easy to get in and out of, making it perfect for escaping the heat and the crowds for a minute. Another plus? All the goodies they have inside! A homemaker’s dream with gifts, gourmet foods, kitchen essentials, bath products, and decor items. Looking for a gift for an upcoming bride? Oxford Floral has a bridal registry for all your gifting needs.

PRO TIP: Thinking of visiting for the 27th annual fest this year? Plan accordingly! We’ve been blessed with sunny Double Decker weekends in recent years, so if you need it, wear sunscreen. Also, it gets hot that time of year so dress comfy and cool since you’re likely to sweat after enduring the heat all day.

Take advantage of the vendors - they truly are unique and won’t disappoint.