Oklahoma City

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Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts

By Adam Knapp, About.com

© Arts Council of Oklahoma City

In Short:

An event with over 40 years of history, the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts lasts six days in downtown OKC at the Festival Plaza, Stage Center and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Visual artists from all over the nation combine with performance and culinary art to present an amazing Oklahoma event.

The festival also features activities for the entire family. There's face painting, poster artwork and pottery making for the kids as well as shopping, live performances and great food for the adults.

Location:

Held in downtown Oklahoma City, the Festival takes place in the area between Sheridan and Reno at the Festival Plaza, Stage Center and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The events are outside and inside throughout the Festival days.

Arts - Visual, Performance and Culinary:

An all-inclusive artistic event, the Oklahoma City Festival features much more than just visual art such as sculptures, paintings and furniture. There is also a wide variety of performance art with four stages of non-stop shows (get a full performance schedule). And that's not even to mention the incredible street entertainment.The Festival is placing a continued emphasis in 2009 on the International flavors of Food Row, and each food vendor is partnered with an area non-profit organization.

Returning treats include Papa’s Genuine Greek Foods, Gopuram Taste of India, Upper Crust Upside-Down Pizza and many more. You can find traditional favorites like Strawberries Newport, Indian Tacos, Coyote Chicken Sandwich, Baja Tacos, Tequila Bread Pudding and more.

For the Kids:

Don't worry; the kids won't be bored at this event. That's because there's so much specifically for the families. Getting involved in the creations they see, children can create posters, explore pottery creation and paint their faces. There's also a "Young-At-Art Mart" with very affordable artistic shopping only for the kids.

2009:

Admission to the 43rd annual Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts is free. It takes place from April 21st through April 26th, Tuesday through Sunday. From Tuesday to Saturday, hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other Information:

No pets are allowed at the festival. Donations can be made to the Arts Council of Oklahoma City online.

Performers wishing to apply for the Festival can do so by contacting the Arts Council. The application deadline for each year is typically in mid-December.

Nearby Hotels and Lodging:

  • Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
    One N Broadway Ave.
    Less than 1 mile
    Check Rates

  • Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel
    10 N Broadway Ave.
    Less than 1 mile
    Check Rates

  • Courtyard by Marriott
    2 West Reno Ave.
    Less than 1 mile
    Check Rates

  • Quality Inn Trade Winds
    1800 E Reno Ave.
    Approximately 2 miles
    Check Rates

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Oklahoma City

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