OKC Festival of the Arts kicks off event filled weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City's 58th Annual Festival of the Arts is kicking off OKC's event filled weekend, starting today April 25 through April 28 at Bicentennial Park.

Known as one of the more popular events from around the country, averaging nearly 750,000 people to attend, the festival provides four fun filled days with marvelous art, delicious cuisine, and fascinating entertainment from local performers.

This years festival however brings some changes to it. The event usually lasting six-days but this year it will be transitioning over to a four-day event to make it a more manageable schedule for both the artists and community members.

"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," says 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."

Those that are attending the festival will be able to see the wonderful artwork on display from 144 artists that come from around the country with 80 of which never having displayed their work at the festival.

The event will be fully cashless for the first time ever as both food vendors and artists will only accept transactions with cards, including Mastercard. There will also be kiosks set up, with no fees, that will allow attendees to transfer cash into their cards.

"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," said Cozby.

International Food Row, a festival favorite, will also see 22 lined up food vendors on both the north and south sides of Civic Center Music Hall, including a variety of options of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Vendors will range from Oklahoma classics, hearty or sweet treats, and even international style meals.

An expanded children's area will also offer interactive art activities for the families and their children. The activities will include children's art field, pottery place, face painting and more.

The youth art sale, which displays artwork from artist ages eight to 18, will also be taking place on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m and goes until 5 p.m.

Many different genres of music will also grace the stages with over 100 local artists — 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," said Pat Lewis, Festival of the Arts Co-Chair

If you're one of many interested in checking out the annual event the days and times vary from April 25 through April 28:

• 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.

Plan accordingly as road closures have already taken effect as of April 12 and will go until May 6 around Bicentennial Park.

Areas included:

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 at the Arts District Garage on the south end of City Hall and paid parking options throughout downtown OKC.

OKC streetcar will be free of charge during the entirety of the festival. The streetcar will stop at 112 N. Hudson Ave. which is located next to the festival grounds on the east end.