Find Tons of Fun Activities in Oxford, MS

Courtesy of Sydney Fields

When the grandparents of Oxford resident Sydney Fields moved to town early in 2024, Fields figured she would see the retirees quite often. Instead, Fields found herself having to schedule time for them to get together. That’s because her grandparents are busy enjoying all the fun activities in Oxford and Lafayette County.

“They have to squeeze me into their social calendar. They are always doing something,” Fields says. “It takes no time at all for someone who moves to this community to plug themselves in and find things that interest them and make friends.”

Enjoy a Wide Variety of Fun Activities in Oxford

Indeed, with the University of Mississippi as the centerpiece, residents can enjoy a wide variety of fun activities in Oxford and Lafayette County, from a thriving cultural scene to a variety of sports events and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Fields, who is married with two young children, says the region is a wonderful place to raise a family.

“Oxford is really a big city in a small town,” says Fields, who remained in Oxford after graduating from Ole Miss in 2014. “It has that small town charm with a close-knit community, and it also has a rich culture. There are so many options when it comes to art, food, sports and entertainment, with all these wonderful events taking place. There’s just a little bit of everything. No matter what your interest, there is something for you in Oxford.”

Courtesy of Theatre Oxford

See the Sights and Shows

While the population of Lafayette County might be less than 60,000, there are nearly that many things for people to see and do in the area.

The list begins with the arts. For example, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council offers approximately 300 days of arts programs each year, including live performing arts shows, creative arts classes, culinary experiences, film screenings and festivals. Plays and other theater productions also can be enjoyed at Theatre Oxford, a volunteer-run organization.

The Oxford Artists’ Guild holds several events throughout the year showcasing a wide variety of work, representing mediums from woodworking to pottery. Artwork is regularly on display at the Southside Gallery as well as the Powerhouse Community Arts Center.

There is a fireworks show every Fourth of July, a Christmas parade each December – “That’s always a big hit,” Fields says – and a weekly community farmers market throughout the year.

Food and Fun Go Together Here

For those who just want to get outside and create their own fun, Lafayette County is filled with parks (enjoy the garden features and quiet lake at Lamar Park), trails (historically highlighted by the Bailey Woods Trail at the William Faulkner home Rowan Oak) and sports facilities (an event is held nearly every week at 75 acre mTrade Park). Meanwhile, the Back Nine restaurant has multi-sport simulators, featuring more than 15 games.

Another local restaurant that mixes food and fun is Booth’s Barbeque, which offers delicious smoked meats with a family-friendly patio and playground. For dessert, satisfy a sweet tooth at Ya Ya’s Yogurt and JustCakeIt!

Get Plugged In to the Community

Having so many entertainment options is reason enough for Fields to enjoy raising a family in Oxford-Lafayette County. But what makes the region truly special to her is that all this activity takes place in a close-knit community that is affordable and convenient.

Connections can be made through a variety of social clubs and organizations, such as Oxford Newcomers Club and Friends (which has been introducing people to the area since 1999) and Leadership Lafayette (which helps establish volunteer opportunities). In addition, the region is filled with safe neighborhoods and short commute times.

“We are so spoiled in Oxford because you are safe to walk anywhere, and the longest drive takes about 10 minutes,” Fields says. “And it’s really hard to find a stranger in this town. The community truly welcomes everyone with open arms and is willing to lend a helping hand. Oxford is just the best community to raise a family. It’s a very special place.”