Without a solid plan on how to spend your 2026 Double Decker Arts Festival, you may waste time wandering, waiting in lines or missing out on amazing artists. The event, which will be held on the Square April 24-25, offers entertainment ranging from live music to shopping. Students at the University of Mississippi weighed in with their best tips on how to make the most of the weekend.
The easiest way to maximize one’s experience at the festival is to arrive early. This allows for optimal browsing; crowds are typically lighter, artists are more talkative and items you may want to purchase will still be available. Use the maps provided by @doubledeckerart on Instagram to navigate the festival efficiently.
Whitley Carraway, a sophomore allied health studies major, will be going to her second Double Decker this year. She advises students to get to the Square when tents open at 10 a.m.
“Get there earlier before the crowds, so that way you can actually walk around and see all of the tents,” Carraway said. “Getting there earlier, walking around, seeing tents and the art aspect of it is really interesting, even if that’s not your thing.”
Large crowds can make it difficult to tackle all of the booths that the festival has to offer. Other than art and food booths, there will be a variety of music performances and food truck options to fill your day.
Do not treat the festival as a single, long event; break it into smaller chunks. Morgan Eaton, a senior accountancy major, advised students to explore each part of the festival, especially the music and the races. The 5K race starts at 7:45 a.m., and the 10K race starts at 7:30 a.m., both beginning and ending at the Oxford YMCA located on North Lamar Boulevard.
The music will begin on Friday night with Penelope Road at 6:00 p.m., and conclude for Friday with Shane and The Smiths at 10 p.m. Art and food vendors open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and will close at 5:30 p.m. The music will continue at 11:30 a.m. with Annie and The Caldwells and conclude with the headliner, Wilco, at 10:00 p.m.
“Get there early, stay all day, do the run or walk if you can and get the full experience,” Eaton said. “Go see all the music, take a break and come back to enjoy the nightlife and the music.”
Decide ahead of time where and when you will eat. The lines get long fast. Try to eat earlier or later in the day to avoid long lines, and share food with friends to keep spending low. Be sure to bring hand sanitizer or wipes to limit spreading germs.
Natalie Molloy, a junior integrated marketing communications major, will be attending Double Decker for her third time.
“If you want to eat on the Square, try to get there early, or put your name in so that you don’t go hungry,” Molloy said. “Have fun, but be smart. With so many people around, it’s important to feel good so you can last all day.”
The headliner music performances bring out many attendees each year, and for good reason. However, acts by lesser-known bands are typically not quite as crowded and still entertaining. Make sure you look at the lineup before going to the festival, and pick out two or three must-see artists — at least a few of whom are not expected to draw out huge crowds.
There are also some must-have items to carry with you and stay safe. First, bring your own water so that you can stay hydrated without spending unnecessary money.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate because it’s such a long weekend, lots of things to do, bands and vendors to see, lots of time in the sun,” Molloy said.
Also, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and fans to keep your body cool and protected. If you anticipate taking pictures and videos, bring a portable charger to keep your phone battery going until the end of the day. Carry a small bag to store these essentials.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, since you will be on your feet for most of the day.
It can be difficult to find a place to relax and recuperate during such a lively festival. Take a midday break in the shade or leave the Square to find food and air conditioning. It is important to take breaks to fully enjoy the weekend.
Before you leave for Double Decker in the morning, consider transportation options, parking availability and nearby accommodations. Shuttles will be available for pickup and drop off at the South Oxford Center and Oxford High School for $5 per person, roundtrip. Establish a spot to meet up with your friends and family in case you get separated from them. For safety purposes, stay aware of your surroundings.
“If you can walk to the Square, walk. If you have friends who live near the Square, go to their houses in the morning, then walk. If you have to Uber, schedule your Ubers beforehand,” Molloy said. “Don’t even bother trying to find a parking spot on the Square. If you have to, try to park off the Square and walk from there. Driving to the Square is almost impossible, especially on Saturday.”
