Oxford Thrilled by Double Decker Arts Festival Featuring Music, Races, and Local Vendors

The Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, attracting thousands of visitors under sunny skies. The annual celebration showcased a vibrant mix of music, races, and local vendors, catering to diverse tastes and interests.

The festivities began on the previous night with a concert featuring popular acts such as the Band of Heathens, Ole 60, The Great Dying, and headliner Charlie Crockett. The event drew a large crowd, setting the stage for a successful weekend.

On Saturday morning, more than 2,400 participants took part in the Double Decker Spring 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run. Of those, approximately 1,800 registered for the 5K race, with nearly 1,600 completing the course. This year’s 5K saw an increase in participation compared to 2024, which had 1,547 registrants and 1,367 finishers.

In the 5K, Frank Holiman, 30, from Carrollton, emerged as the overall male winner with a time of 18:43. The top female finisher was Brenna Smith, 33, from Oxford, who completed the race in 21:31, placing ninth overall. The 10K race also showed growth, with 671 participants registering and 617 finishing, compared to 566 registrants and 527 finishers last year. Drew Roberts, 23, from Mobile, Alabama, recorded the fastest overall 10K time, while Kelsey Ray, 31, from Clinton, was the top female finisher, finishing 15th overall with a time of 41:36.

Festival Activities and Performances

The festival resumed its activities at 10 a.m. on Saturday, starting with a Best Dressed Pet Contest at 10:30 a.m. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed performances by artists such as Cedric Burnside, Seratones, Water Liars, Cimafunk, The Record Company, and Houndmouth. The headlining act, Grace Potter, took the stage around 8:30 p.m., introduced by the Ole Miss Rebels football coach Lane Kiffin, who engaged the audience with the Rebels’ cheer before her performance.

Community Participation and Safety Measures

The festival featured 19 food and art vendors, emphasizing local cuisine and fostering community spirit. Organizers from Visit Oxford, the city’s tourism department, will release attendance estimates later this week. Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen reported that the festival proceeded smoothly, with no major incidents. New safety measures were implemented, including a clear-bag rule and a ban on coolers, leading to only one arrest during the two-day event.

Expressing Gratitude for a Successful Event

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill expressed appreciation through social media for the efforts of the Visit Oxford team and local emergency services that contributed to the festival’s success. With its exciting lineup and strong community participation, the Double Decker Arts Festival continues to be a cherished event in Oxford’s cultural calendar, offering enjoyment and celebration for all.