While there’s no shortage of things to do in Oxford for any interest, if the arts are your passion, We Are Your Type. From offbeat and local to renowned and global, Oxford is a mecca for unique talent that is sure to delight the music buff, the arts patron and the simply artistically inclined.
If it’s an evening of music you’re after, look no further than The Square, one of the many wonderful things about Oxford. Even if you haven’t planned ahead, odds are you can stumble on a great performance at any given time. But, if you’re a planner, be sure to check out The Lyric’s lineup in advance. For more local flair, pop in to almost any of the Square’s many restaurants and bars–like Proud Larry’s, Rooster’s Blues House and The Library–as many of these spots turn into venues for eclectic performances after the kitchens close. With a calendar peppered with both household names and up-and-coming performers each month, you never know what you might hear at one of these Oxford favorites.
For an arts experience that is authentically Oxford, make your way to Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, held every Thursday in the fall and spring. This locally produced–and nationally-renowned–show has played host to a truly impressive roster of musicians, as well as writers, over the years–and admission is free!. Looking to take a piece of the Oxford music scene home with you? Head to the End of All Music, Oxford’s independent record store and explore the racks and racks of expertly curated vinyl.
As home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford visitors can delight in many of Ole Miss’ artistic offerings. Located on campus, the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts stage is filled with plays, performances and presentations throughout the year. The university’s art department gallery, Gallery 130, often hosts exhibitions featuring the work of talented students. Off-campus, the Oxford Artist Guild Gallery and The Powerhouse Community Arts Center feature work from talented local artisans and are also home to inspiring lectures and exciting events, while The Square’s Southside Gallery showcases both local talent and international artists. A few miles away from The Square you’ll find Oxford Treehouse Gallery, a unique and inspiring gallery and living space nestled among—and on top of some—luscious trees.
If your travels bring you to Oxford in the spring, Double Decker Arts Festival is an incredible weekend celebrating arts, food and music. Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus that the city imported from England in 1994, this two-day affair is a regional favorite worth the trip in and of itself!
For the arts enthusiast, there’s no better spot to enjoy and be inspired than Oxford. Our rich history, unparalleled charm, and local flair infuse every facet of our arts, culture and community. From musicians and writers to painters and sculptors, Oxford visitors can expect to hear the unique voices of our artists beckoning throughout their visit–and perhaps calling them to return.