If the image of a bright red double-decker bus rumbling through the streets of Oxford conjures up visions of the centuries-old English seat of learning, that’s understandable. After all, the iconic red buses are a ubiquitous sight in Great Britain. But during spring, you’ll find the same thing in a university town much closer to home—in Oxford, Mississippi. There, a vintage double decker bus imported from the British capital to Oxford, Mississippi, serves as the namesake and centerpiece of the Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford’s two-day celebration of the art, music, and culture of the Southern renaissance taking place April 24—25, 2026. The festival, which started with just a handful of local art and food vendors and used the bed of an old pickup truck as a music stage, has evolved into a full-throated celebration of every cultural treasure Oxford has to offer, that draws 70,000 visitors annually to enjoy an unparalleled Mississippi artistic showcase.
“Having coordinated the Double Decker Arts Festival for Visit Oxford for the past ten years, it’s been incredible to see how much it has grown,” said Lee Ann Stubbs, Double Decker Arts Festival Coordinator. “What began as a fairly small event in 1996 has evolved into something people truly look forward to each year, drawing visitors from near and far. During the festival, you can see the impact throughout Oxford, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses welcoming an influx of guests.”
The 29th annual festival gets underway on the afternoon of Friday, April 24, crowds pack the Courthouse Square to the tune of free live music by bands including Shane Smith & The Saints, The War and Treaty, and Penelope Road.
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Live music in the Courthouse Square
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Over 150 artists put their talents on display
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rock climbing in the kid zone
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Sleddog's, one of many food vendors at the Double Decker Arts Festival
Saturday, April 25 is an all-day affair, that stacks the Square with more than 150 art vendors showcasing paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and more. Tasting stations set up around the Lafayette County Courthouse showcase Oxford’s impressive culinary scene. Some, like those hosted by Taylor Grocery, Sunday’s Best, Sleddog’s, MemPops, and Moe’s BBQ have become cult classics; others from newcomers including Oxford Creamery, Casa Mexicana, and The Tea are creating sensations of their own. There’s all-day live music, with iconic Chicago-based band Wilco at the top of Saturday’s ticket, with Margo Price, The Dip, The Heavy Heavy, Mountain Grass Unit, The Animeros, and Annie and the Caldwells also on the roster. A cleverly curated kid zone with bouncy houses, a rock-climbing wall, and other child-friendly activities ensures that everyone in the family has something fun to look forward to.
“While the economic benefits are clear, it’s also about the atmosphere the festival creates—encouraging people to explore the city, linger longer, and experience all that Oxford has to offer,” Stubbs added. “The Double Decker Arts Festival has become a beloved tradition and a point of pride for the community.”
The 29th annual Double Decker Arts Festival returns April 24—25, 2026. Visit doubledeckerfestival.com for complete schedule, artists’ and music roster, and information about places to stay.
