Festival of the Arts

Arts Council Oklahoma City's flagship event, the Festival of the Arts is now in its 60th year. This fine art show draws over 500,000 visitors annually and averages $1.8 million in art sales. Ranked #23 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2024, the Festival is a fundraiser for Arts Council Oklahoma City's programs and initiatives, rooted in the mission of "Bringing the Arts & Community Together." The event takes place April 22-26, 2026 at Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City, featuring two performing arts stages, international cuisine, extensive children's programming, and hands-on activities.

The Festival retains a 20% commission on all art sales and collects and remits all sales tax. Artists receive their 80% portion via direct deposit within 10 business days following the festival. The booth rental fee is $150, due December 22, 2025. The VIP Preview Event on Wednesday, April 22 (4-8 pm) generates over $150,000 in sales before opening to the public. Artists must submit exactly six images: five of different original artworks and one booth display image. Work must be original in concept and made by the hands of the exhibiting artist.

Media categories include water media painting, oil media painting, drawing/digital/printmaking, photography, 2-D mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, wood, and fiber. Three jurors conduct a blind jury process based on quality of work and show balance. Additional opportunities include Sculpture Park for accepted sculpture artists and the optional Young at Art Mart educational project for children ages 5-12.