Music and Arts

The music and arts scene in the South is legendary and Oxford is the pinnacle.

Musician performs to crowd at festival.

A Home for Artists

From William Faulkner to the Mississippi Blues Trail, music and the arts are an essential part of what makes Oxford so special. Some of the biggest names in the creative space have gotten their start right here. And with a supportive community, we’ll continue to be an artistic hub for Mississippi.

Take in a show or even start a band yourself. View exhibits or have your own work shown. No matter your tastes, you’ll have no shortage of options to entertain and express yourself.

We’re also located in the heart of one of the nation’s most exciting regions. Want to explore the musical heritage of rock n’ roll? Take a trip to Tupelo and see the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Have some free time on the weekend? Memphis, TN and its legendary Beale Street music scene is a short drive away.

 

Andrew Gardner and his band Mr. Neptoon performing at Proud Larry’s

Rockin' Opportunities

To grow as an artist, Oxford native Andrew Gardner needed to look no farther than his hometown. In his time at Ole Miss, the integrated marketing communications major found inspiration from supportive faculty and the room he needed to blossom into a musical juggernaut.

Andrew Gardner, IMC '22

Find your Scene

The Lyric Theatre at night

Local Jams

With venues like The Lyric and Proud Larry’s, we host a vibrant music scene. Local and internationally-renowned artists regularly perform in Oxford.

Exterior of SouthSide Gallery
Art installation at the UM Museum.

Artistic Legacy

Oxford’s artistic excellence is on display year-round. View the work of local artists at the SouthSide Gallery or get involved through the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

Thousands of attendees flood the Oxford Square during the Double Decker festival
A band plays during the 2022 Double Decker festival

Festival Fever

Every Spring, Double Decker takes over Oxford. A two-day celebration of music, food, and the arts, Double Decker is one of the region’s premier festivals.

The University of Mississippi Department of Music presents "An Ole Miss Holiday Concert"
Handel's baroque opera Alcina performed at the Gertrude C. Ford Center

On Campus

Get your artistic fill right here on campus. The Gertrude C. Ford Center hosts a wide variety of theatrical, musical, and educational events. Some are even performed by your fellow students!