Oxford visitors and residents can experience interesting and enjoyable events year-round. Varying with the season, these events include musical and dramatic performances, festivals, lectures, arts and craft shows, brown-bag lunches, amateur athletic competitions, and Southeastern Conference (SEC) sporting events.
Spring Festivals & Events in Oxford
Oxford Conference for the Book
Held at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, the conference includes notable authors, editors, publishers, educators, and book lovers giving addresses, panel discussions, and readings to celebrate reading, writing, and books along with the practical concerns of the publishing world upon which the literary arts depend.
Double Decker Arts Festival
Held in Courthouse Square in downtown Oxford on the last Saturday of April each year, the Double Decker Arts Festival is named for the town’s highly visible and beloved authentic English tour bus, the festival draws more than 50,000 people to celebrate and enjoy music by a dozen groups, food presented by more than 30 vendors, and the work of over 100 artists.
Double Decker Spring Run
Over 2,500 runners from the region come together for a 10K run, 5K run, and a Kids Fun Run through the university campus and downtown to kick off the Double Decker Arts Festival.
Thacker Mountain Radio
This live broadcast showcases prominent writers who read from their works between sets by local musicians. The broadcast is done in spring and fall at Square Books in downtown Oxford.
Summer Festivals & Events in Oxford
Summer Sunset Series
A series of free informal concerts produced by the University of Mississippi Cultural Events Committee at 7:00 pm each Sunday evening in June. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, food, and beverages.
LOU 4th of July Fireworks
Oxford’s most beloved annual fireworks extravaganza is orchestrated by the Chamber of Commerce, and is held in partnership with the City of Oxford, Lafayette County, and presenting sponsor NE Sparc. This unforgettable fireworks show is held at 9 pm on the evening of the 4th of July at M Trade Park in Oxford.
Fall Festivals & Events in Oxford
University of Mississippi Homecoming Game and Parade
Ole Miss homecoming game and annual parade. Check with the Ole Miss Alumni Association for a schedule of activities.
Oxford Lafayette Chamber Golf Classic
Tee off at the Chamber Golf Classic featuring activities like a boozy putting challenge, unforgettable longest drive competition, door prizes, contest holes, and a chance to win a car!
Winter Festivals and Events
Christmas Parade
The City of Oxford presents the annual Christmas Parade on a Monday, in early December. The theme changes each year.
The parade is held in downtown Oxford in the square starting at 6:30 p.m. There are floats, bands, and other entries in the parade. The event is free and open to the public.
Holly Jolly Holidays
From November to January, you can enjoy ice skating and holiday cheer in Oxford at Holly Jolly Holidays.
Santa visits the Oxford Sware in November and appears four times at the Old Armory Pavilion.
Enjoy the Peppermint Trail, featuring special holiday treats and promotions.
Oxford Tour of Lights
Use our Oxford Tour of Lights map, which we update yearly, to find the neighborhoods and homes with the best Christmas light displays in Oxford.
Oxford Film Festival
Screenings are held at The Lyric Theater in Oxford. Filmmakers from around the world come to screen their works alongside those of local filmmakers. Participants have included Academy Award winners and nominees, Independent Spirit Award nominees, and filmmakers popular on the film festival circuit.
