Discover Oxford: Parks, History and Culture

Oxford offers a range of reasons to plan a stay: At Oxford Lake, a walking trail, a fishing pier and a historic structure come together; in Downtown, architecture and culture take center stage. Performances and events are also possible highlights. When planning, consider which of these aspects interest you most, and check the relevant event details for specific dates.

Oxford Lake and the Parks

A 0.67-mile walking trail runs around Oxford Lake. The fishing pier offers another specific point of interest; the covered Coldwater Bridge, built in 1850, is also located at the lake. This means a short walking trail, a fishing pier and a structure with a long history can each appeal to different interests during a visit.

Oxford’s play areas also differ. Choccolocco Park has the fully accessible Boundless Playground. This description refers to the playground. Freedom Park has a children’s playground and a splash pad. For trips with children, these specific facilities may be worth considering when planning; each park has its own distinct features.

Historic Buildings in Downtown Oxford

The Downtown Historic Plaque Project marks 30 buildings constructed between the 1850s and 1969 with bronze plaques. The number may change as the project expands. The plaques highlight the buildings’ architectural style, construction period and historical significance. In this way, the project draws attention not only to the age of a building, but also to its design and place in history.

Another visible example of public art is the “Greetings from Historic Main Street Oxford” mural. It was installed in 2020 on the east side of the Thomason Grocery Warehouse. Downtown Oxford also has three historic churches. The historic buildings preserve the architectural charm of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Oxford Library building served as the center of Oxford’s literary and educational life for 32 years.

Performing Arts and Exhibitions

The Oxford Performing Arts Center combines a current cultural program with the building’s varied history. For more than a century, the building served Oxford first as a school, then as the seat of city government, and today as a regional center for the performing arts. The Center opened in May 2013 with a concert by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

The program includes Broadway performances, concerts, comedy, family entertainment and educational programs throughout the year. The Martin–Lett Gallery hosts several exhibitions over the course of the year. This brings together different formats: performances and concerts on one hand, and changing exhibitions in the gallery on the other. If a specific date is important to your trip, check the details of the relevant program in advance.

Events Throughout the Year

Simmons Park is the venue for special and annual events hosted by Historic Main Street Oxford. Christmas on Main is an annual holiday festival featuring open shops in Historic Downtown Oxford. Oxfordfest features arts and crafts, live music, food and activities for children, and takes place on the first Saturday in October. These offerings differ considerably: Oxfordfest combines several activities on a set day in October, while Christmas on Main is held as a recurring holiday festival.

Snow tubing is part of the Festival of Lights. Since seasonal program details may vary, it is worth checking the information for the relevant date. It is also a good idea to check the specific dates for the other events before traveling. This way, you can plan your stay around the cultural program, historic downtown or parks that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Jacksonville, Anniston.

Go to the regional travel overview: Calhoun County.