Each spring, downtown Oklahoma City transforms into an open-air gallery during Festival of the Arts, one of OKC’s most beloved annual traditions. Presented by Arts Council Oklahoma City, this four-day celebration of visual, performing and culinary arts marks its 60th anniversary this year. This year, the festival takes place April 23-26, and you won't want to miss it. Whether you’re coming for the art, the live entertainment or the legendary festival food, here’s your guide to making the most of the Festival of the Arts in OKC.
What to Eat
The Festival of the Arts is just as much a culinary event as it is an arts festival. Come hungry — you’ll find everything from savory global cuisine to decadent desserts and inventive fair favorites.
Local restaurants and family-owned businesses create a diverse, can’t-miss lineup each year. To give you a preview of what’s in store, here’s a look at last year’s award winners in categories including Best in Show, Best Savory and Best Sweet.
Jolas Kitchen, known for its authentic African cuisine, earned Best in Show. Wondervan Pops claimed Best Sweet — and nothing pairs better with a warm spring afternoon than a handcrafted frozen treat. Plus254 – A Taste of Africa, another local favorite serving authentic African dishes, took home Best Savory.
Pro tip: Come early or plan a weekday visit to beat peak mealtime lines.
What to See
Art lovers will find no shortage of inspiration at Festival of the Arts. Artists from across the country showcase work in a wide range of mediums, making it easy to discover something that speaks to your personal style.
This year’s festival features artists representing 30 different states, including 103 artists traveling from outside Oklahoma. The lineup includes 85 new artists alongside 59 returning favorites, offering a mix of fresh perspectives and familiar talent.
Browse ceramics, woodwork, fiber art, oil paintings, photography and mixed-media installations as you explore the festival grounds. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply enjoy admiring creativity in action, the visual art alone is worth the visit.
What to Experience
For four days, Festival of the Arts delivers nonstop entertainment and interactive activities in the heart of downtown OKC. Beyond the live music, dance performances and stage entertainment, the festival also offers hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Families won’t want to miss the Children’s Art Field, presented by SSM Health, located on the northeast lawn of City Hall. Kids 12 and under can create a colorful handheld version of Oklahoma’s state bird in this fun and free activity. Sensory-sensitive materials are available upon request.
If you’re feeling creative yourself, stop by Pottery Place, presented by Express Personal Services, on the southwest lawn of City Hall. Led by Colin Rosebrook and the artists of Paseo Pottery, this interactive experience lets guests select, glaze and fire their own clay pieces. Prices range from $5–$25.
Young art collectors can also start building their own collections at the First Collector’s Club, presented by Maguire O’Hara Construction. This special gallery is curated for children ages 12 and under, with artworks priced as low as $1.
Festivalgoers of all ages are invited to contribute to Creation Station, a collaborative project celebrating the festival’s 60th anniversary. Located just east of City Hall, participants can add their own mini masterpiece to a giant sketchbook celebrating six decades of creativity.
Another highlight is the Youth Art Sale, taking place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the northwest side of City Hall. Students ages 8–18 will display and sell artwork in a variety of styles, with every dollar going directly to the young artists.
Visitors can also check out the Fresh Paint Mural Project, featuring five murals created by emerging artists from OKC’s BIPOC community. Mentored by established muralists Tiffany McKnight and Maddie “Holatee” Sanders, the artists bring their unique visions to life on 8-by-8-foot murals.
Inspired by the large-scale artwork? Head over to Community Canvas, presented by the Artisans young professionals group. This collaborative mural invites festival visitors to fling, flick, splatter and spread paint across a shared canvas inspired by this year’s 60th anniversary poster.
