“A long time ago, the locals figured out that Thursday nights are our weekend,” actress and Oxford resident Elise Fyke said.
For long-time Oxonians and University of Mississippi students, Thursday evenings in Oxford have become one of the most cherished nights of the week, offering no shortage of activities. Here is a Thursday night itinerary featuring some local favorites that promise good food, exciting events and fun times.
5 p.m. – Dinner at South Depot Taco Shop
An early dinner on the Square is always a good time, and meeting friends at South Depot Taco Shop, 1004 Van Buren Ave., is a great start to the weekend. Who could say no to pulled pork nachos with queso on the side?
6 p.m. – Thacker Mountain Radio Show at The Powerhouse
Stroll through the Square to get to your next destination: The Powerhouse at 413 S. 14th St. Here,
the weekly Thacker Mountain Radio Hour features live music from an in-house band and guest
artists, plus a reading from and interview with an author. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., so if you
would like a seat closer to the front, skip the Square walk and get there early.
Many people enjoy listening to the radio show in their cars, but to experience it live with every sense is a treat. Thacker is the perfect place for students to experience a different side of Oxford’s creative culture.
“It’s seeing old friends, and enjoying new experiences, writers and music (is) just a fun time,” Fyke said. “It feels very collective and homey.”
The weekly talent lineup and location can be found on the Thacker Mountain Radio website.
7 p.m. – Bingo at Moe’s BBQ
After a lovely time at the immersive radio show, take a walk to Moe’s BBQ, 311 S. Lamar Blvd., and enjoy a few rounds of bingo. Get there earlier and pick your seat at the Penny Bar downstairs or enjoy a table upstairs at Moe’s. It is $5 per bingo card, and the prizes range from Moe’s merchandise to flat screen televisions.
Psychology graduate student Sydney Wicks described his ideal bingo night.
“I get two boards, some chicken fingers or some type of food to start things off and get ready for the game,” Wicks said. “It’s just a fun, casual bingo night with friends and sometimes strangers that you become friends with later.”
7:30 p.m. – Board games at The Growler
The Growler, 265 N. Lamar Blvd., is a relaxed beer garden off the Square that allows patrons to have a quiet and intimate conversation with their friends. Play some board games, grab a drink or just have a lively chat.
8 p.m. – Dessert at Yaya’s Frozen Yogurt
Yaya’s, 100 Courthouse Square, is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try the original tart yogurt flavor topped with strawberries and Snickers bites — you will not regret it.
8:30 p.m. – Late-night music at the Lyric or Proud Larry’s
Check out venues such as the Lyric Theater or Proud Larry’s for live music performances. Most of the time, you will need a ticket prior to Thursday night for the Lyric, 1006 Van Buren Ave. You could also head over to Proud Larry’s, 211 S. Lamar Blvd., and pay at the door. Expect a $5 fee if you’re under 21 years of age. Live music is a great way to cap off your time at the Square.
10 p.m. – Snack run at chicken-on-a-stick
After an evening of fun, your belly may be in need of a small snack. Head to one of the Chevron gas stations north and south of the Square for some of the world’s best gas station fried chicken (on a stick). It’s an Oxford tradition for a reason.
And that is how you have a Thursday night in Oxford.
