News Summary
The Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, MS, celebrated its 28th year with a successful weekend filled with music, art, and community involvement. Held on April 26, 2025, the festival featured over 100 artists and numerous live performances, drawing massive crowds and reinforcing community ties. Highlights included performances by Grace Potter and other notable acts, and community races engaged thousands. The festival stands as a testament to Oxford’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Oxford’s 28th Annual Double Decker Arts Festival Thrives Amidst Music, Art, and Community Spirit
The 28th annual Double Decker Arts Festival successfully concluded in Oxford, Mississippi, over the weekend, attracting large crowds and showcasing the talents of more than 100 artists. Held on April 26, 2025, the event featured an array of artistic displays, live musical performances, and community activities, reinforcing the town’s vibrant cultural landscape.
During the festival, the Nicholas Air Stage came to life with nearly a dozen musical acts, surprising initial skeptics with the positive response from attendees. Many audience members, unfamiliar with the line-up, expressed enjoyment for the diverse array of performances. The festival kicked off with a concert headlined by Grace Potter, who captivated the crowd following an introduction by Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin. Other notable musical performances included Cedric Burnside, Seratones, Water Liars, and Cimafunk.
The Double Decker Arts Festival also included a series of community runs, with around 2,400 participants in the Double Decker Spring 5K and 10K races, alongside a dedicated Kids Fun Run. Frank Holiman of Carrollton claimed victory in the 5K with a time of 18:43, while the top female runner was Brenna Smith from Oxford.
Attendees enjoyed perfect weather throughout the weekend, facilitating large turnouts at the festival. Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen reported that the event went smoothly, with no significant incidents reported. Mayor Robyn Tannehill took to social media to celebrate the festival’s success, highlighting the strengthened community bonds and the appreciation for local arts.
Artistic Showcase
The festival was not only about music but also provided a platform for a variety of artistic expressions. Artists showcased their works through sculptures, pottery, paintings, prints, handmade candles, and woodworks. Stacy Kiehl, an interdisciplinary artist from Memphis, noted the welcoming atmosphere at her first Double Decker Festival, where she sold handmade toys and art. Sculptor J.W. Burch displayed his unique welded sculptures made from repurposed tools, while potter Zach Doyle, participating for the first time, shared his handmade pottery and candles with festival-goers.
Community Impact
The success of the Double Decker Arts Festival resonated beyond just an entertaining weekend; it played a crucial role in reinforcing community ties among Oxford residents and visitors alike. Attendees, including university students and local families, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience local talent and creativity. The festival served as a reminder of the city’s commitment to celebrating and supporting its local artists while fostering a sense of togetherness within the community.
Background Information
The Double Decker Arts Festival has become a beloved annual tradition in Oxford, showcasing not just talent but also the entrepreneurial spirit of local artists and community members. The festival is organized by Visit Oxford, the city’s tourism department, which aims to highlight the cultural and artistic offerings of the area. Each year, the event draws visitors from surrounding areas and contributes to Oxford’s reputation as a hub for arts and culture in Mississippi.
As the festival continues to grow in popularity, it reaffirms Oxford’s commitment to celebrating the arts and bringing together people from all walks of life.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: Double Decker Arts Festival Photos
- The Daily Mississippian: Oxford Community Packs the Square for Double Decker
- WTVA: Double Decker Arts Festival is a Go Despite Rain Threat
- The Daily Mississippian: Double Decker 28 Rocks the Square
- Oxford Eagle: Veteran Artist Returns to Double Decker
- Wikipedia: Arts Festival
- Google Search: Double Decker Arts Festival
- Google Scholar: Double Decker Arts Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arts Festival
- Google News: Double Decker Arts Festival
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
