Oklahoma City's 47th Annual Festival of the Arts set for April 23-28 in downtown

Doris Nelson and Ken Dobbins look at artwork in the South Hudson Gallery during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman Archives

Since 1967, the Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s Annual Festival of the Arts has been the city’s “rite of spring.” The 47th annual Festival of the Arts is set for April 23-28 and promises to continue this rich tradition. Event co-chairmen for the 2013 Festival of the Arts are Linda Whittington and Daniel Adams.

Every year, the Festival of the Arts attracts up to 750,000 people in six days. Free admission, amazing art, fantastic food, exciting entertainment and fun activities are all in store for visitors to enjoy at this year’s festival.

Visual Arts
The festival features nearly 200 artists from all over the U.S. This year’s poster artist, Kendra Baird, is from Charlotte, N.C. Several of the featured artists are from Oklahoma, representing the rich culture and talent of our state. Artists from a total of 27 states will attend festival. Special exhibits, like the South Hudson Gallery, around the grounds will showcase some of Oklahoma’s favorite artists, including Bert Seabourn and Desmond Mason. Click here for a complete list of 2013 festival artists.

Culinary Arts
Take a break from the visual and performing arts to enjoy all the fine food Festival of the Arts has to offer. International Food Row will feature old favorites like Indian Tacos, Strawberries Newport and Cajun King. New additions to this year’s International Food Row include Inca Trail Peruvian Restaurant, Temptations Food, Wong Key Asian Pacific, and Waffle Au Som. Each food vendor is partnered with a local arts-related nonprofit agency, so each bite goes to support the arts in central Oklahoma. Click here for a complete list of 2013 festival food vendors.

Performing Arts
Festival of the Arts has four stages of non-stop performing arts entertainment ranging in scope from the youngest elementary school performers to professional musicians. Festival will have one of the stages dedicated to our new program, Art Moves, presented by Devon. This stage will feature Art Moves artists and performers throughout Festival. More than 300 performers donate their time and talent to entertain Festival crowds. This year’s street performer is Derek McAlister. Derek’s performance is a combination of clown, mime, dance, and Chinese pole. He has performed across Europe, Canada, Australia, and Thailand. Click here for more information about performing arts at festival.