Numerous fairs and festivals held throughout Oklahoma City explore the city’s diverse landscape, from its quiet waterfront setting along the Oklahoma River to the bustling downtown streets surrounding the capitol. In a place that still hosts live cattle auctions, it comes as no surprise that some city events celebrate the region’s rich American West heritage, including the treasured cultures and lifestyles of cowboys and local tribes. Some festivals also celebrate the city’s thriving artistic scene, a rich setting made evident by the flurry of eclectic museums and live music venues in the Bricktown neighborhood, the Paseo Arts District and the Civic Center Music Hall.
The Oklahoma State Fair is a week-and-a-half celebration in mid-September each year at the State Fair Park. Entertainment includes musical acts, particularly country music, as well as blues, jazz, hip-hop and marching bands. The event includes beauty pageants, local vendor exhibits, and livestock and bull-riding competitions. Test your steel stomach on a variety of carnival thrill rides and with an assortment of fried-food concoctions. Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival is a two-day event in mid-May at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Celebrate the Old West with pony, stagecoach and horse-drawn wagon rides. Chow down on some old-fashioned chuck-wagon grub while you listen to the sounds of live country music.
Established in 1967, Festival of the Arts is a week-long event that takes place in downtown’s Festival Plaza and Myriad Botanical Garden. The festival explores the works of nearly 150 artists from across the nation, including jewelry, photography and sculpture. Dance and music performances are held on the festival’s four stages, and more than 30 vendors serve their culinary concoctions. Paseo Arts Festival typically is held on Memorial Day weekend on the streets of the Paseo Arts District. Enjoy an array of foods from local chefs, take in dozens of musical acts, and peruse the latest creations by artists. The festival also has arts-and-crafts workshops geared toward children.
The two-day Bricktown Blues and BBQ Festival often takes place in late June on the streets of downtown Oklahoma City. Dance to the sounds of blues bands late into the night, including a number of local acts. As the name indicates, the family friendly event also has vendors on hand serving up hot barbecue and cold drinks. The Charlie Christian International Music Festival celebrates the work of noted jazz musician and hometown hero, Charlie Christian. The two-day, early-June event includes musicians from the worlds of jazz, gospel and blues. Past performances have been staged at the Frederick A. Douglass Auditorium in downtown. The festival also includes food and craft vendors.
DeadCENTER Film Festival is a five-day festival that celebrates cinema from around the world, from features to short films. Screenings may take place at various venues throughout the city, such as the IAO Gallery and Downtown Library, as well as outdoor showings on the Myriad Gardens Grand Lawn. Purchase an all-access pass for priority admission to screenings, panel discussions and the opening-night party. Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival is a three-day event in early June that celebrates local tribes. The festival highlights hundreds of performers, including American Indian dancers and storytellers. Peruse booths that showcase culinary demonstrations, hand-made jewelry and children’s activities. The event takes place at Remington Park racetrack 10 minutes north of downtown Oklahoma City.
