Summer is still blazing along, but with the long, slow July days coming to an end, Oxford will start buzzing as August arrives. The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) has a host of great art events lined up.
“We have the return of Hoka Days in August, which is a series of arts sampler events to inspire community members to explore our local arts organizations,” said YAC director Wayne Andrews. These events represent a community-wide experience focused on celebrating the wide range of talents and cultural opportunities found within our community and inviting the community to take a chance on new experiences.
Check out some of the Hoka Days highlights and mark your calendar for days that you’re feeling adventurous. (All events take place at The Powerhouse unless otherwise noted.)
► Punk Rock Flea Market (free, all ages)
Sunday, August 7, 5–8 pm
Southern Punk Archive presents the Punk Rock Flea Market featuring vendors and bands. Bands include Sweet Knives, Lipstick Stains, and Ten Crowns.
► MAC Listening Session (free)
Tuesday, August 9, 12:30–1:30 pm
The Mississippi Arts Commission will be hosting a listening session offering community members, artists, and arts organizations the chance to provide feedback and ideas on ways the Arts Commission can serve our community and Mississippi.
► Iron Bartender ($45/$40)
Friday, August 12, 7–9 pm
Iron Bartender is Oxford’s popular cocktail challenge that has become a regional convening of bartenders from across the state. The annual event provides randomly drawn spirits to bartenders who must craft a cocktail. Bartenders have the chance to win the People’s Choice Award voted on by attendees and a panel of celebrity judges votes. This year’s competition includes bartenders from Oxford’s own Uno Mas, McEwen’s, Bar Muse, and Jinsei, plus visiting bartenders from Harvey’s and Forklift in Tupelo. This event provides the funding for the Hoka Days free events. Tickets are on sale at www.oxfordarts.com.
► Spillit Slam (free)
Saturday, August 13, 7–9 pm
Spillit, the live storytelling event similar to The Moth, returns to Oxford’s Hoka Days. The winner of the event is invited to the Grand Championship in Memphis, where all the winners of Spillit events in Mississippi and Tennessee compete. Last year Kaye Bryant brought the Grand Championship home to Oxford. No experience is necessary to participate. Attendees are invited to drop their names in the hat, and if their name is drawn they share a (mostly) true story based on a common theme. This year’s theme is: So There I Was.
► Oxford Film Festival hosts Pulp Fiction (free screening)
Thursday, August 18, 6 pm
► Theatre Oxford hosts 10-Minute Plays (free)
Saturday, August 27, 6 pm and 7:30 pm
► Oxford on Skates (free)
Friday, July 29 & Saturday, August 28, 5–8 pm
The Old Armory Pavilion
Bring your own skates! The event features music and a family-friendly environment.
► The Odd Ball: Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary (ticketed event)
Friday, August 26, 7 pm, TBA
The month culminates with a celebration of the featuring live music by Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage. This project, organized by Leadership Lafayette, will feature cocktails, live music, and a weird celebration of the arts in Lafayette County.
