The 60th Annual Festival of the Arts will return to downtown Oklahoma City this spring, bringing four days of art, music, food, and entertainment to Bicentennial Park. The popular community event is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 26, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition that has been part of the city’s culture for six decades.
Visitors can look forward to a vibrant celebration that highlights visual arts, live performances, and culinary experiences, all set in the heart of Oklahoma City.
60 Years of Art and Community Celebration
The 2026 festival marks an important milestone as the event celebrates its 60th anniversary. Organizers say the festival has become one of the city’s most cherished traditions, bringing together residents, artists, performers, and visitors each spring.
Festival Co-Chairs Sarah Frank and Richard Forshee shared their excitement about the anniversary celebration. They noted that the event has created many special memories over the years, from people purchasing their first piece of art to memorable moments like marriage proposals under the trees of Bicentennial Park.
According to the organizers, the festival continues to represent six decades of world-class art, live music, great food, and strong community spirit.
What Visitors Can Expect at the Festival
Attendees can expect a wide range of activities throughout the four-day event. The festival will showcase artists from different backgrounds and offer performances from musicians and entertainers.
Highlights of the festival include:
- Visual art exhibitions from talented artists
- Live music and stage performances
- A variety of food vendors and culinary experiences
- Interactive activities and entertainment
The event aims to create a lively atmosphere where people can enjoy art, culture, and community together.
Festival Schedule and Hours
The Festival of the Arts will run for four days in April. Below are the official event hours:
| Day | Festival Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, April 23 | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Friday, April 24 | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, April 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead to make the most of the festival’s performances, art displays, and food offerings.
Road Closures During the Festival
Several road closures will be in place to prepare for and manage the event. These closures will begin on April 10 at 8:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until May 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Some of the major road changes include:
Walker Avenue
- Closed to northbound traffic from Colcord Drive to Robert S. Kerr Avenue
- Closed to southbound traffic from Robert S. Kerr Avenue to Main Street
- The Arts District Parking Garage will still be accessible through Walker Avenue and Latting Circle
Lee Avenue
- Closed to northbound traffic from Main Street to Couch Drive
- Alley access will remain available
- Fully closed in both directions from Colcord Drive 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
Additional Closure (April 19–28 only)
- Couch Drive and Latting Circle will be closed from Park Avenue to Walker Avenue
These changes are necessary to safely host the large number of visitors expected during the festival.
Parking and Transportation Options
Visitors attending the festival will have several parking and transportation options available in downtown Oklahoma City.
Parking options include:
- Arts District Parking Garage located south of City Hall
- Multiple paid parking lots across downtown Oklahoma City
To make travel easier, the OKC Streetcar will offer free rides during the festival weekend. This option allows visitors to move around the downtown area conveniently without worrying about parking.
A Long-Standing Oklahoma City Tradition
For 60 years, the Festival of the Arts has played an important role in Oklahoma City’s cultural scene. The event brings together artists, performers, food vendors, and community members to celebrate creativity and culture.
As the festival reaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, organizers hope to continue the tradition by creating new memories for families, friends, and visitors attending the event.
