From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the state’s largest festivals, the annual Double Decker Arts Festival returns to Oxford April 28-29.
“Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus that Oxford imported from England in 1994, the festival showcases Oxford as a tow that supports the arts and has grown to be one of the champion events in the region,” LeeAnn Stubbs, the festival’s coordinator, said. “Double Decker started with the bed of an old pickup truck serving as the stage for music and only hosted a handful of art and food vendors.”
Now, the festival takes over The Square every April as over 65,000 people gather to celebrate local music, arts, and food.
During this year’s rendition of the Tourism Association’s “Best Large Festival in Mississippi,” featured music acts will include Chapel hart, Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde, The Stews, the Mississippi Jazz Ensemble, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, Lissie, Blackberry Smoke, and Marcus King.
On top of the music, talented artisans from around the world will display their homemade paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, home décor, and more. Local vendors will be around serving food, while plenty of games and activities will be available to kids.
“Guests can expect a great lineup with some pretty incredible Grammy-winning musical acts,” Stubbs said. “We have 180 fabulous total art vendor booths and 20 wonderful food vendors. Our guests will love the musical talent, the beautiful artwork of talented artists, and the Kid Zone for children is always so popular and fun.”
The Double Decker Arts Festival is a free event. To learn more, visit their official website at doubledeckerfestival.com.