Paseo Arts District to host annual festival News

artists from across the country.

Memorial Day weekend isn’t just an excuse to go to the lake.

All across the country, people decide how they want to spend this special holiday and honor the veterans who have given their lives serving in the armed forces. For thousands of Oklahoma City residents, the Paseo Arts Festival is how they will spend their weekend.

People who live in or around the area said this annual arts festival, hosted in the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City, is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Thousands of people will come to the largest fundraiser of the year supporting the Paseo Arts Association.

“We are extremely excited to be planning our annual festival for the Paseo Arts District,” said Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the association. “We see thousands of new people each year who get to enjoy everything the district has to offer.”

The festival is free to the public and attracts over 60,000 visitors every year. There are a range of art mediums and types that are showcased each year including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and pottery. This year’s showcase will feature more than 90 juried news.ed@ocolly.com

The event will also have 20 different food and drink vendors at the center of the festival, and host over 50 live performers on two stages including spoken word, dancers and music such as country, jazz and rock n’ roll.

The festival is family friendly and offers multiple children’s activities and play areas. The free children’s area on 29th and Dewey is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Monday until 5 p.m.

The Paper Play Theatre will also be open along with face painting, caricatures and henna. The festival, including art and food, will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with music going on until 10 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Leashed pets are also allowed on the festival grounds, and service animals are welcome on the shuttle that takes passengers to and from the free parking lot at NW 36th and Walker and the festival. The shuttle will run on a continuous loop and can hold over 50 people. There is also free parking in the surrounding neighborhood. The festival helps fund different art programs and events in the Paseo throughout the year. They take volunteers for the event, which can be signed up through their website. To volunteer or see a full list of performers and artists, please visit thepaseo.org/festival.