Pop Up Oxford Captures Town's Spirit with Week of Culture, Cocktails and Cool Tunes

The second Pop Up Oxford will kick off Saturday, Jan. 20, and continue through Saturday, Jan. 27, with events and programs celebrating Oxford’s rich cultural scene.
The idea for Pop Up Oxford stemmed from discussion within the Visit Oxford office about how to build up tourism during the slow winter months. It was inspired by the Chautauqua adult education movement that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing together culture and entertainment in lectures, events and programs.
Pop Up Oxford will reflect the spirit of the Chautaqua movement by hosting various events, speakers, exhibits and musical components, all of which Oxford has become known for in celebrating its literary, musical and cultural heritage—and all within a week’s time.
Visit Oxford has partnered with various organizations, attractions and events to create a week-long schedule of activities for visitors and locals.
“Visit Oxford is excited to collaborate with so many different organizations and events to bring people to Oxford during an otherwise slow time of year,” said Visit Oxford Director Mary Allyn Hedges. “Pop Up Oxford highlights so many different things that Oxford has become known for culturally and offers something for everyone.”
The week-long celebration will begin Saturday, Jan. 20, with the Small Hall Songwriter’s Concert featuring live performances by various musicians and a cash prize. The performance takes place at 1107 Van Buren in the building of the Steve McDavid Law Firm.

On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Hotel Hop will run from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., making stops at The Graduate Oxford, Courtyard Marriott, The Inn at Ole Miss, and Chancellor’s House for tapas and drinks. Transportation will be provided by the Double Decker Bus. You can purchase tickets for the event here.
“Pop Up Oxford is going to be a great event reminding everyone of all the amazing things Oxford has to offer,” said Nadia Thornton, the assistant general manager for The Inn at Ole Miss. “With the Hotel Hop to kick off the week, we look forward to showing tourists and residents in the area what incredible hotels we have. Every hotel has something unique to feature, and we look forwarding to sharing that.”
On Monday, Jan. 22, the Southern Foodways Alliance will host a party in conjunction with the newly released “Guide to Cocktails” by Sara Camp Milam, managing editor at the Southern Foodways Alliance, and Jerry Slater. The party takes place at Big Bad Breakfast from 6:30-8 p.m. The books will be available for purchase, and Milam will give a brief history of rum, its distillation process, and its role in drinks both classic and contemporary. Rum cocktails, as well as featured dips in the book, will be served. Tickets can be purchased here.
Pop Up Oxford will continue on Tuesday, Jan. 23, with the free monthly Oxford Art Crawl from 6-8 p.m., which ends at the Powerhouse with a Day for Art Party. Sponsored by Cathead Vodka, this event will feature the inaugural Oxford Art Awards recognizing the contribution of local artists and cultural organizations. Nominations for the awards were taken through November 15 at PopUpOxfordMS.com. The announcement of finalists and open voting will begin January 15, and the winners will be announced at the Day for Art Party. There will be live performances by local musicians, authors and performing artists, plus a chance to win a year of art event tickets. A donation of $10, which will support local art agencies, reserves a VIP ticket to the Day for Art Party with complimentary cocktails and treats.
Also on Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Ole Miss Men’s basketball team will play Alabama at 7:30 p.m. at the Pavilion.

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, world-renowned tapestry and rug weaver Mary Zicafoose will give a lecture at the University Museum at 6 p.m., with a reception to follow. Zicafoose’s tapestries and rugs span the globe from the corporate offices of Tenaska in Canada to the U.S. embassies on three continents. Her woven pieces blend cultural icons and symbols with a contemporary hand, creating powerful visual statements in fiber. The work and processes are a reflection of the artist’s superb craftsmanship and her ability to speak articulately through the use of color. Zicafoose’s work is on display at the University Museum through Feb. 3.

Also on Wednesday, Jan. 24, the national tour of “The Sound of Music” comes to the Ford Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Click here to buy tickets or call the Ford Center at 662-915-7411.
The week culminates with the Fiber Arts Festival from Thursday, Jan. 25, through Saturday, Jan. 27. This year marks the 8th annual festival, complete with a market preview Thursday, Jan. 25, from 3-5:30 p.m at the Powerhouse, followed by an opening reception at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 26, begins at 9 a.m. with a demonstration and talk with Zicafoose at the Powerhouse.
The Fiber Arts Festival classes will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including the Fiber and Yarn Swap beginning at 11 a.m. Friday ends with an evening reception at Oxford Treehouse Gallery.
On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Fiber Arts Festival Market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Powerhouse.

“We are so pleased that our eighth annual Oxford Fiber Arts Festival is being offered as part of Pop Up Oxford,” said Andi Bedsworth, the event’s coordinator. “With 16 vendors from eight states, 28 classes, children’s activities, lectures and receptions offered to celebrate traditional and modern fiber arts, there is sure to be something appealing to all ages.”
Pop Up Oxford rounds out the week on Saturday, Jan. 27, with tours at Splinter Creek, a new community located 10 miles west of Oxford where the homes are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Splinter Creek’s architect will be on hand, and there will be a bonfire to enjoy. The tours run from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
In addition to the tours at Splinter Creek, Malpaso Dance Company, based in Havana and founded by Osnel Delgado, will perform at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Prior to their performance, there will be a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment by the UM Faculty Jazz Quintet.
There are additional events still being planned in conjunction with Pop Up Oxford, so visit PopUpOxfordMS.com for the latest information or call the Visit Oxford office at 662-232-2477. For additional information on the Fiber Arts Festival, visit www.OxfordArts.com.
Participating hotels will offer a discount to their regularly priced rooms to encourage visitors to come and enjoy many of these events. Hotels will offer 10% off of a one-night stay, 15% off of a two-night stay and 20% off of a three-night stay. Mention “Pop Up Oxford” when booking.

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Special to HottyToddy.com from Visit Oxford