OXFORD, Miss. – The second Pop Up Oxford will kick off Saturday, January 20th, and continue through Saturday, January 27th, with events and programs celebrating Oxford's rich cultural scene. The idea stemmed from discussion within the Visit Oxford office about how to generate more visitation to Oxford during an otherwise slow time of year.
Pop Up Oxford was born through the idea of a Chautauqua, an adult education movement that began at the beginning of the 20th century and brought together culture and entertainment in various formats including lectures, events and programs. Pop Up Oxford will encompass the idea of the Chautauqua 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 collaborated 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. Pop Up Oxford highlights so many different things that Oxford has become known for culturally and offers something for everyone," said Director of Visit Oxford, Mary Allyn Hedges.
The week-long cultural celebration will begin Saturday, January 20th, with the Small Hall Songwriter's Concert featuring live performances by various musicians and a cash prize at 1107 Van Buren (Steve McDavid Law Firm). On Sunday, January 21st, the Hotel Hop will run from 5 to 9 p.m., making stops at Graduate Oxford, Courtyard Marriott, The Inn at Ole Miss, and Chancellor's House for tapas and drinks, with transportation provided by the Double Decker Bus. To purchase tickets for this event visit, www.HotelHopOxfordMS.com.
"Pop Up Oxford is going to be a great event reminding everyone of all the amazing things Oxford has to offer. 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," said Nadia Thornton, assistant general manager for The Inn at Ole Miss.
On Monday, January 22nd, The Southern Foodways Alliance will host a party in conjunction with the newly released "Guide to Cocktails" book by Sara Camp Milam, managing editor at the Southern Foodways Alliance and Jerry Slater at Big Bad Breakfast from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The cocktail books will be available for purchase at this event, and Sara Camp 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 by visiting www.PopUpOxfordMS.com.
Pop Up Oxford will continue on Tuesday, January 23rd, with the free monthly Oxford Art Crawl from 6 to 8 p.m., ending 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 will be taken until November 15 through the website listed on www.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