Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma City’s beloved rite of spring is returning, with all the bells and whistles, to its traditional time of year!
The 56th Annual Festival of the Arts will take place April 19 – 24 at downtown OKC’s Bicentennial Park. After a pandemic-related cancellation and a one-time move to June, the Festival is back to its beloved spot on the Spring calendar.
Volunteer co-chairs Kristen Torkelson and John Semtner and their team of over 4,000 volunteers are working nonstop to ensure that Festival of the Arts will run smoothly.
“Festival of the Arts would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers,” said Torkelson. “They will devote countless hours of time and effort in the coming weeks to ensure Festival is a fun-filled event for the over 750,000 people who will attend.”
“Festival has long been a rite of spring and we are thrilled to once again return to April,” said Semtner. “Festival of the Arts is a staple in downtown Oklahoma City, and we are excited to continue the long history of volunteers giving back to the arts.”
“We’ve heard from so many people who did everything they could to support us through the pandemic, but who truly missed enjoying the spring season at Festival of the Arts.” said Executive Director Peter Dolese. “We are immeasurably excited to bring back the traditions Oklahoma City, and visitors from across the country, look forward to every year.
Along with over 250 visual and performing artists, the 2022 Festival of the Arts will feature the return of the traditional food tents. Additionally, an expanded family area on the east side of City Hall will offer entrainment, art projects and more for younger visitors just starting their lifelong love of Festival of the Arts.
“Festival of the Arts has always been about tradition, but it’s also about seeking new and better ways to do things every year,” said Festival Director Seth Lewis. “We’re confident this Festival will be one you don’t want to miss!”
The Details
Visual arts
144 talented visual artists from across the nation will line the streets. See the full list of artists HERE.
Each year, Festival co-chairs select one artist whose work will become the official art poster for the year. This year’s Festival poster art is Emerging created by M. Robinson, the collaborative name of artists Mary Ann and Michael Robinson Holmes, who are based out of Kansas.
“We have been participating in this Festival since 2015 and it is by far one of our favorites,” the pair said. “We cannot convey enough what an honor it is to even be a part of this event. But to be the featured artists, playing a significant role and having our design woven into the rich tapestry of this amazing Festival, goes well beyond anything we’ve experienced so far.”
Culinary Arts
The 2021 Festival of the Arts saw all food vendors operating out of food trucks, but this year, our 22 food vendors will be returning to the traditional food tents. Discover unique flavors created by culinary icons from across Oklahoma and beyond. From hand-pulled noodles to Indian tacos, to turkey legs and gyros, there is truly something for everyone and no shortage of delicious items to try. You can find a full list of food vendors HERE.
Performing Arts
Festival of the Arts will feature non-stop performances across three stages from your favorite local artists. These performances will offer a wide variety of entertainment options, including dancing, clogging, rock and roll, opera and everything in between. You won’t want to miss Art Moves Happy Hour Tuesday – Saturday at 5pm on the Main Stage! You can find the most up-to-date performance lineup HERE.
Children’s Activities
Our expanded children’s area will surround City Hall and offer endless entertainment and family fun for all. The Children’s Art Field on the northwest lawn of City Hall is the perfect spot for little artists to create their own masterpieces. The Pottery Place on the southwest lawn of City Hall will give you the chance to select, glaze, and fire your very own pot or vase. Festival of the Arts would not be complete without face painting, which you can find at the northeast corner of Bicentennial Park. The Young at Art Mart on the east lawn of City Hall will give kids a chance to start collecting art at an early age. Festival artists will offer artwork from $.50 – $5 in this area that parents are encouraged to let their children enter on their own. On the east lawn of City Hall, you can visit Creation Station, where you can add to the collaborative sculpture that grows and changes as the week goes on. On Saturday, April 23, you can visit the Youth Art Sale and purchase art from the next generation of Oklahoma artists. The one-day sale will feature a variety of pieces all created by artists between the ages of 8 – 18.
Parking
Parking will be available in the Arts District Garage located just south of City Hall, as well as the lot located at 444 West Reno.
Paid parking is also available in lots and garages located throughout downtown Oklahoma City and limited street parking is located around the perimeter of the event.
Streetcar Service
Parked far? No problem! OKC Streetcar will be free of charge April 19 – 24! The Library stop on the Downtown loop faces the east entrance to Festival grounds!
The MAPS 3 Modern Streetcar, known as the Oklahoma City Streetcar or OKC Streetcar, links important districts in and around downtown Oklahoma City. The streetcar will stop at 112 N. Hudson Ave, right next to Festival grounds on the east side.
Weather
The Festival is open rain or shine. When it’s raining is one of the best times to be at the Festival, as it’s easier to get up close to the art.
Artists, performers and menus are subject to change.
Please Leave Your Pets at Home
Festival of the Arts strict no pets policy is in place for the safety of the vendors, attendees, and your pet.
About Arts Council Oklahoma City
Arts Council Oklahoma City is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together through free or low-cost cultural events and a variety of arts outreach activities that impact underserved populations. Each year, Arts council events, programs, and services reach nearly one million Oklahoma City residents and visitors. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit artscouncilokc.com
