Oxford came to life during the 28th annual Double Decker Arts Festival, taking place April 25-26 and drew record crowds.
Presented by the University of Mississippi Museum and gifted by Ole Miss Athletics, the free music and arts festival welcomed 113,300 total attendees through the weekend with renowned musical talents such as Grace Potter and Houndmouth. Visitors and residents enjoyed a Southern showcase of culinary delights and more than 150 art vendor booths.
“What an incredible weekend for locals and visitors to come together and experience the strength of Oxford’s arts community,” said Kinney Ferris, executive director of Visit Oxford. “With an estimated economic impact of $18.7 million, the Double Decker Arts Festival remains not only a beloved celebration but also a powerful driver for our local economy – all while making Oxford feel like home to every visitor.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the attendees, sponsors, artists, and city departments whose dedication and passion made this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival truly unforgettable,” said Lee Ann Stubbs, Double Decker Coordinator. “We look forward to continuing this tradition and building even stronger connections within our community in the years to come.”
The festival kicked off on Friday as The Great Dying, The Band of Heathens, Ole 60 and headliner Charley Crockett filled the streets of Oxford with music. Continuing Saturday, the festival took over the entirety of The Square with more than 150 art vendors, food stalls and the “Blue Delta Blues Alley” beside The Lyric. At the main stage, attendees delighted in musical acts throughout the day from Cedric Burnside, Seratones, Water Liars, Cimafunk, The Record Company, Houndmouth and Grace Potter.
Special this year, head football coach Lane Kiffin surprised the crowd with an appearance on stage, introducing headliner Grace Potter and joining her for the Hotty Toddy chant. Video available here.
Every year, Double Decker Arts Festival draws in record-breaking crowds as it celebrates music and the arts. Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus imported from England in 1994, the festival began on the bed of an old pickup truck that served as a stage for music, with only a handful of art and food vendors. This year, the event drew 113,300 attendees and had an estimated economic impact of $18.7 million.
