Mark your calendars, Oklahoma City — the Festival of the Arts 2026 is coming back to downtown OKC, and this year it’s extra special. The beloved community celebration hits a major milestone with its 60th annual edition, taking place April 23–26, 2026 at Bicentennial Park. Best of all? Admission is completely free, making it one of the most family-friendly events of the entire spring season in Oklahoma City.
What Is the OKC Festival of the Arts?
For six decades, the Festival of the Arts has been Oklahoma City’s signature celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Produced by the Arts Council Oklahoma City, this four-day outdoor event transforms downtown’s Bicentennial Park into a vibrant showcase of visual art, live performances, international food, and hands-on activities for every age. It stretches from Lee Avenue east to City Hall, and from Colcord north to Couch Drive — so there’s plenty of room for the whole crew to spread out and explore.
This year’s 60th anniversary edition promises to be the biggest yet, drawing art lovers, families, and curious first-timers from across the Oklahoma City metro and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or bringing your kids for the first time, the Festival of the Arts delivers something genuinely magical that you won’t find anywhere else in Oklahoma.
Dates, Hours & Location
The Festival of the Arts 2026 runs Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26 at Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City. Here’s the daily schedule so you can plan ahead:
Thursday, April 23: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, April 24: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 26: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday morning is a great time to arrive if you want a more relaxed, crowd-friendly experience. The earlier start at 10 a.m. gives families a head start before the midday rush, and you can still catch plenty of performances and browse all 144 artists at your own pace. For full event details and updates, check the official listing on Visit OKC.
Art, Performances & Entertainment
The heart of the Festival of the Arts is, of course, the art itself. This year, 144 local and national artists will display their work across the festival grounds — paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. You’ll be able to meet the artists, hear their stories, and yes, purchase pieces to take home. It’s one of the best opportunities all year to buy directly from the creators.
Beyond the galleries, three live stages will host more than 300 performances over the four days, featuring musicians, dancers, spoken word artists, and other performers of all kinds. Street performers will also roam the grounds, so expect surprise moments of delight around every corner. Nearly all of the performing artists donate their time, making this an incredible showcase of Oklahoma talent at its finest.
The Festival of the Arts is also featured on TravelOK, Oklahoma’s official travel and tourism site, as one of the state’s top annual events — and after 60 years, that reputation is well-earned.
Kids’ Activities at the Festival
If you’re bringing little ones, you’ll want to head straight to the Children’s Art Field on the northeast lawn of City Hall, presented by SSM Health. Kids 12 and under can create a colorful handheld version of Oklahoma’s state bird in a completely free activity — no sign-up needed. There are also hands-on crafts like foam sailboats, pipe cleaner jewelry, and bug eye masks available for a small fee.
The Pottery Place, on the southwest lawn of City Hall, lets guests select, glaze, and fire their own clay pieces, with prices ranging from $5–$25 depending on what you create — a perfect take-home memory. Young art lovers should also check out the First Collector’s Club, a curated gallery just for kids ages 12 and under, with artworks priced as low as $1. And the Young-at-Art Mart is a children-only shopping venue where every piece is affordably priced.
MetroFamily Magazine consistently ranks the Festival of the Arts as one of the top family events in the OKC metro — and the kids’ programming is a big reason why.
Food: International Food Row & Local Favorites
The festival’s food scene is legendary in Oklahoma City. More than 20 carefully selected food vendors line the grounds each year, and the famous International Food Row is always a highlight. You can feast on Indian tacos, Brazilian dishes, Mexican street food, and classic festival favorites — all in one place. Local restaurants and chefs also participate in culinary demonstrations and free tastings, so come hungry.
Whether you’re grazing your way through the food row or sitting down for a full plate between gallery visits, the food alone is worth the trip. It’s a delicious cross-section of OKC’s vibrant culinary culture, served up in a gorgeous outdoor setting along the downtown skyline.
Admission & Parking
Admission to the Festival of the Arts is completely free — one of the best deals in Oklahoma City all year. Most activities are also free, with a small fee for select hands-on art experiences like Pottery Place and certain crafts in the Children’s Art Field.
For parking, the Arts District Garage, located just south of City Hall, is the most convenient option. There is also a lot available at 444 West Reno. Downtown OKC is also easily accessible via the OKC Streetcar, which is a stress-free way to avoid parking altogether — hop on near your hotel or a distant lot and ride straight into the action.
Make a Full Day of It: Things to Do Nearby
The festival is set right in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, putting you within easy walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions. After you’ve browsed the art booths, head over to Scissortail Park, OKC’s stunning 70-acre urban park just a short stroll south. It’s a beautiful spot to let the kids run, relax on the lawn, and take in views of the city skyline.
The OKC Myriad Botanical Gardens is also nearby and free to enter — a wonderful complement to a spring day downtown. If your family wants to extend the weekend, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is just blocks away and frequently offers free or discounted admission on festival weekend. For more inspiration on exploring everything downtown OKC has to offer, Visit OKC’s downtown guide is a great resource to bookmark.
The OKC Festival of the Arts 2026 is one of those rare events that’s genuinely fun for every member of the family — and with free admission, there’s no reason to miss it. Bring a blanket, come hungry, and get ready to discover Oklahoma City’s incredible arts community at its absolute best. Have a favorite memory from a past Festival of the Arts? Drop it in the comments below, and tag a friend who needs to be there with you on April 23rd!
