The 29th annual Double Decker Arts Festival is rapidly approaching, and officials have provided a closer look at the entertainment lineup and schedule of events on the Oxford square.
Double Decker, one of the most popular events in the college town, will run from April 24-25, featuring some of the finest foods Mississippi has to offer, live music, and everything art-related. A red double-decker bus imported from England in 1994 will once again be displayed as the centerpiece and inspiration for the two-day extravaganza.
Since the 2015 edition, organizers have selected a local artist to create the “official artwork” for the festival. This artwork is showcased on festival merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and light pole banners displayed around the square. This year’s distinguished artist is Allyn Fraser of Memphis.
With more than 25 awards to its name – including the 2025 Shining Example Award for Large Festival by the Southeast Tourism Society, 2025 Outstanding Event Award by the Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, and the 2023 Best Large Festival by the Mississippi Tourism Association – Double Decker typically attracts more than 100,000 attendees throughout the weekend.
Live music schedule
Friday
6 p.m. — Penelope Road
7:30 p.m. — The War And Treaty
9 p.m. — Shane Smith and The Saints
Saturday
11:30 a.m. — Annie and the Caldwells
1 p.m. — The Animeros
2:30 p.m. — Mountain Grass Unit
4 p.m. — The Heavy Heavy
5:30 p.m. — The Dip
7 p.m. — Margo Price
8:30 p.m. — Wilco
Other events
Oxford Micro Memoir initiative
Festivalgoers are invited to craft their own short memoir and workshop it with Beth Ann Fennelly, author of “The Irish Goodbye,” during a free special session on March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oxford‑Lafayette Public Library. The public can sign up for the class by clicking here.
Participants have the chance to win a $750 grand prize or a $250 runner‑up prize, sponsored by Visit Oxford, and selected writers will read their work from the stage at Double Decker. The initiative is organized by the Greenfield Farm Writers Residency at the University of Mississippi.
Southern showcase
The 2026 festival will spotlight a curated Southern experience that honors the Double Decker’s roots. Attendees can sample a wide range of Southern-style foods and browse more than 150 art vendor booths. The artist showcase will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kids Zone and Blues Alley
On Saturday, The Kid Zone will be in the Lafayette County Chancery Building parking lot from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Blue Delta Jeans Company will host the “Blue Delta Blues Alley” with a musical lineup beside The Lyric beginning at 10 a.m.
Coinciding baseball series
Double Decker will be happening during an Ole Miss baseball series — as is common. Visitors will be able to enjoy action on the diamond at Swayze Field that weekend, with Mike Bianco’s Rebels scheduled to host Georgia from Friday through Sunday.