OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Arts Council Oklahoma City proudly announces the 60th Annual Festival of the Arts, returning to Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City April 23–26, 2026. Presented by MidFirst Bank, and Inasmuch Foundation, and Devon Energy, the Festival marks six decades of bringing world-class visual, performing, and culinary arts together in the heart of the city.

For 60 years, Festival of the Arts has been Oklahoma City’s annual rite of spring — a tradition that blends art, music, food, and shared community experience into four unforgettable days.

“The 2026 Festival marks a true milestone as we celebrate six decades of a beloved tradition,” said 2026 Festival Co-Chairs Sarah Frank and Richard Forshee. “These 60 years of unforgettable Oklahoma memories reflect 60 years of world-class art and music, incredible food, and the coming together of our community each spring. The Festival holds a special place in our city’s story — from first works of art purchased to marriage proposals under the trees of Bicentennial Park. We are honored to help lead this anniversary year and cannot wait to see what new memories are made.”

This year’s commemorative poster features Greg Erway’s painting Tender Season, depicting a Scissortail Flycatcher perched on a blooming redbud tree — a visual tribute to Oklahoma’s state bird, springtime renewal, and the spirit of Festival season.

Visual Arts

The 2026 Festival will feature 144 juried Plaza Artists from across the country, joined by local participants in the Emerging Artist Program — a two-year professional development initiative guiding new artists into successful careers. On Saturday, the Youth Art Sale will spotlight artists ages 8–18, showcasing the next generation of Oklahoma creatives.

Festival grounds will also feature large-scale community contribution art pieces, inviting attendees of every age to become part of the creative process throughout the weekend.

A highlight of this anniversary year is the Fresh Paint mural competition, where emerging public artists create large-scale works live on site. The completed murals will be unveiled in advance of the Festival at an OKC Thunder home game on April 5, with public voting determining the winner. The award presentation will take place at Festival’s opening ceremony on April 23 at 11:00 a.m., celebrating both artistic excellence and Oklahoma City’s growing public art landscape.

Performing Arts

Over 100 live performances will take place across two stages during the four-day celebration, featuring music, dance, and multidisciplinary acts representing a wide range of genres. A special anniversary highlight will include a featured performance by Oklahoma City Ballet.

Pop-up Art Moves performances will once again activate the Festival grounds, adding surprise and energy throughout the park.

Culinary Arts

International Food Row will offer more than 20 food booths, along with additional carts and trucks throughout Festival grounds, presenting an expansive selection of local favorites and global flavors. With new vendors joining returning favorites, attendees can expect one of the most diverse culinary lineups in Festival history.

A Cultural and Economic Milestone

“Sixty years of Festival of the Arts represents more than an event — it reflects Oklahoma City’s cultural growth and creative spirit,” said Angela Cozby, Executive Director of Arts Council Oklahoma City. “For six decades, this Festival has helped define our downtown identity, support working artists, and generate significant economic impact for local businesses. This anniversary year is a celebration of how far our city has come — and a reminder that when we invest in the arts, we invest in community vitality.”

Festival of the Arts is made possible by more than 500 volunteers and Arts Council Oklahoma City staff, who work year-round to produce one of the nation’s premier arts festivals.

Learn more by visiting: ArtsCouncilOKC.com/foa_volunteer/

Festival Hours

Thursday, April 23: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, April 24: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Road Closures

Road closures will begin on April 10th at 8:00 a.m. and conclude on May 4th by 5:00 p.m. 

- Walker Avenue: Closed to northbound traffic from Colcord Drive to Robert S. Kerr Avenue and southbound from Robert S. Kerr to Main Street. However, the Arts District Parking Garage will remain accessible via Walker Avenue and Latting Circle. 

- Lee Avenue: Closed to northbound traffic from Main Street to Couch Drive, with alley access maintained, and fully closed to both north and southbound lanes from Colcord Drive north to Couch Drive. 

- Colcord Drive: Closed eastbound from Shartel Avenue to Walker Avenue. 

- Couch Drive: Closed from Walker Avenue west to Lee Avenue and east to Hudson Avenue. 

- April 19th to 28th Only – Couch Drive and Latting Circle closed from Park Ave to Walker Avenue 

Festival parking will be available in the Arts District Garage south of City Hall, with additional paid parking options throughout downtown Oklahoma City. OKC Streetcar service will be free of charge during Festival weekend.

Angels & Friends Celebration

The Angels & Friends Celebration will precede Festival on Wednesday, April 22, from 4–8 p.m., offering early access to shop the art, live entertainment, culinary experiences, and an open bar — all supporting Arts Council OKC’s year-round arts education and community programs.

For more information, visit ArtsCouncilOKC.com/festival-of-the-arts/angels-friends-celebration/

If you would like to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Tigert, Communications Director, at Dtigert@ArtsCouncilOKC.com

For more information about Festival of the Arts, contact Arts Council Oklahoma City at 405-270-4897 or visit ArtsCouncilOKC.com.

Festival of the Arts images are available for media and partner use.

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, Gardner Tanenbaum, and Inasmuch Foundation, along with our Official and Associate Sponsors who help sustain this 60-year tradition.

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 arts outreach programs that impact underserved populations. Each year, Arts Council OKC programs reach nearly one million residents and visitors.