OKLAHOMA CITY, April 11, 2024 — Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Festival of the Arts, presented by Inasmuch Foundation and MidFirst Bank, is set to return to Bicentennial Park from April 25 to 28.
A springtime tradition made possible by over 4,000 dedicated volunteers, Festival promises four days filled with remarkable art, delectable cuisine, and captivating entertainment from local performers.
“Since 1976, Festival of the Arts has been a staple in downtown Oklahoma City and this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever,” said Angela Cozby, Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Executive Director. “We’ve made foundational changes to Festival of the Arts, such as updating the hours and payment systems, that will significantly improve the quality of the event for both our artists and community members who enjoy Festival.”
One significant change is the transition from a six-day to a four-day event, responding to artists’ long-standing preference for a more manageable schedule.
“Artists have long advocated for a shortened timeframe, and the surge in applications from artists eager to showcase their work proves it was the right decision,” said Seth Lewis, Festival of the Arts Director. “We’re thrilled to welcome 144 talented fine artists from around the country to Bicentennial Park, including 80 who have never displayed their work in Oklahoma City.”
Cashless Event
For the first time in its history, Festival will be a fully cashless event, streamlining transactions for both patrons and vendors. All artists and food vendors will only accept cards. To accommodate this change, onsite kiosks will allow visitors to transfer cash into a card with no fees. Cards can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
“As we take Festival of the Arts into the future, enhancing and simplifying the Festival experience for our guests has been a top priority,” Cozby said. “Gone are the days of waiting in an Art Sales line to purchase art. Instead, every artist and food vendor will have their own payment machine, saving visitors time and energy once they decide to make a purchase.”
Learn more about the full visual artist lineup.
International Food Row
A popular Festival favorite is International Food Row, which will feature 22 food vendors lining the streets on the north and south sides of the Civic Center Music Hall. This year’s Festival features food trucks outside of City Hall and offers a robust selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
“Festival of the Arts is an event for the entire community, and it’s important for our menu to match the diverse food preferences of our guests,” said Jody McNally, Festival of the Arts Co-Chair. “Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a sweet treat, an Oklahoma classic or a dish with an international flair, we’re certain Festival will have the perfect option for you.”
Learn more about the full food menu.
Free Entertainment and Children’s Activities
Over 100 local artists will grace two stages throughout the Festival, presenting an array of performing arts genres, including rock, country, jazz, and dance.
“Our Main Stage, presented by Inasmuch Foundation and MidFirst Bank in the center of Bicentennial Park, and the Paycom Stage on the east side of City Hall, will host an impressive lineup of performers throughout Festival, and will be complemented by impromptu performances, magic shows, and pop-up concerts across Festival grounds,” added Pat Lewis, Festival of the Arts Co-Chair.
Alongside visual, performing, and culinary arts, families can expect an expanded children’s area, offering interactive art activities. Children’s Art Field, Pottery Place, Face Painting and more will surround City Hall, and the Youth Art Sale, on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., will feature works by budding artists aged 8 – 18.
Learn more about the most up to date performing arts schedule.
Angels & Friends Celebration
Angels & Friends returns to Festival of the Arts, preceding the Festival on Wednesday, April 24 from 4 – 8 p.m.
This year’s event combines Angels & Friends with Festi-First, a VIP shopping experience that provides guests with access to Festival before the public. Featuring live music, delicious food, an open bar, and raffle prizes including a $2,500 gift card to Festival.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online and at the event.
Festival Hours, Road Closures, and Parking
New in 2024, Festival of the Arts will be open longer on the weekends:
- Thursday, April 25: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday, April 26: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, April 27: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday, April 28: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Road closures will be in effect from April 12 to May 6, 2024, in select areas around Bicentennial Park.
Walker Avenue
- Northbound from Colcord Drive to Robert S. Kerr.
- Southbound from Robert S. Kerr to Main Street.
- Arts District Parking Garage will be accessible from Walker Avenue and Latting Circle.
Lee Avenue
- Northbound Main Street to Couch Drive with alley access.
- North and Southbound lanes from Colcord Drive north to Couch Drive.
Colcord Drive
- East from Lee Avenue to Walker Avenue
Couch Drive
- From Walker Avenue west to Lee Avenue, east to Hudson.
Festival Parking will be available in the Arts District Garage south of City Hall, with additional paid parking options in lots and garages throughout downtown Oklahoma City.
OKC Streetcar service will be free of charge during Festival from April 25 – 28. The library stop on the Downtown loop faces the east entrance to Festival grounds. The OKC Streetcar will stop at 112 N. Hudson Ave., next to Festival grounds on the east.
About Arts Council Oklahoma City
Arts Council Oklahoma City is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together through free or low-cost cultural events and various arts outreach activities that impact underserved populations. Each year, Arts Council OKC events, programs, and services reach nearly one million Oklahoma City residents and visitors.
About Festival of the Arts
Festival of the Arts, a production of Arts Council Oklahoma City, would not be possible without the support of our Presenting Sponsors: MidFirst Bank and Inasmuch Foundation, Official Sponsor: Devon Energy, and Associate Sponsors: Heartland, ICG, OG&E, M3t, Oklahoma City Thunder, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City Farmers Market, OKC Parks and Recreation Department, Ozarka Water Company, Paycom, S&S Promotions, Republic National Distributing Company, Toucan Productions, and Tyler Media.
Get Local News!
