Festival Of The Arts Opens In OKC After Pandemic Forces Cancellation In 2020, Postponement In 2021

It's opening day for one of the biggest events in downtown Oklahoma City every year.

Tuesday, June 22nd 2021, 7:30 am



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It's opening day for one of the biggest events in downtown Oklahoma City every year.

The Festival of the Arts is back! It's a little later than normal because the pandemic. The festival was canceled last year and postponed by a few months this year.

There will be more than 550 visual artists from across the nation applied for one of the 144 spaces available in the Plaza Artist area surrounding Bicentennial Park.

There are 12 mediums in the show, ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures.

Plus, more than 200 performers of all ages will showcase their talents on stage.

Kaycee Nolting is one of the volunteer co-chairs and she said there is something for everyone.

"Everybody has a little different feel and a different liking. If we can help you find your niche or find something beautiful for your home, let's be a part of it," Nolting said.

The opening ceremony is at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The event will be in-person and on livestream. Malcolm Tubbs, Thunder Game Day emcee, will be the host. This will be on the east steps of City Hall. 

Festival of the Arts dates are June 22 through June 27 at Bicentennial Park. The festival's hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

There will also be plenty of kids' activities.

This year, the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts food row will feature food trucks instead of tents. For 2021, festival officials made the decision to use food trucks in order to better accommodate crowd control. 

Arts Council Oklahoma City is asking people to please leave pets at home during Festival of the Art due to many concerns including pet and attendee safety, heat, large crowds and exposed art pieces.

The Festival of the Arts has been an Oklahoma City tradition since 1967. 

The festival site has been extended this year all the way to Hudson Street, creating more space for food vendors and performances. 

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