OKLAHOMA CITY – Memorial Day Weekend brings back the Paseo Arts Festival, turning the historic district into a lively celebration of art, music, and creativity. Now in its 49th year, the free festival features more than 80 juried artists and local food.
Hosted by the Paseo Arts Association, the festival kicked off Saturday and continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with music until 10 p.m. and Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On a humid Saturday morning, with the sun breaking through Oklahoma’s spring clouds, local art lovers and visitors alike wandered through artists’ booths in search of a new favorite among ceramicists, jewelers, painters, sculptors, fiber artists, glass artists, photographers, and more. Additional festival shopping offers artisan soaps, candles, jewelry, and home goods.
For those who want to browse the artwork ahead of time, a selection of festival artwork is also available online.
A festival for the artists
This year’s official festival poster was created by Oklahoma City artist Sofia Arenas, a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans illustration, fiber art, and visual storytelling.
Her 2026 festival artwork captures the spirit of the Paseo Arts Fest through the district’s iconic Spanish architecture, music, color, and vibrant movement. Arenas said the inspiration was intentional, drawing from a lifetime of attending the festival and the details she’s observed over the years.
“I was inspired by what I think about whenever I think about the Paseo Arts Festival,” Arenas told Free Press. “The elements that I have in the design are people walking around, looking at art, people painting, and then, of course, the food and the music that goes on. It’s just very colorful.”
She drew from both childhood memories of visiting her grandfather’s home in the Paseo and her own cultural heritage. Proudly Guatemalan and Peruvian, Arenas incorporated nods to those roots into the design, including two butterflies inspired by the Guatemalan and Peruvian flags.
“It’s different parts of my life story,” Arenas said. “It feels very full circle.”
She said the experience has been exciting, and seeing her design on shirts and maps throughout the festival has been especially meaningful. After branching into a new style for the piece, she said the process taught her a great deal about her next steps as an artist.
Her design is available on T-shirts, tank tops, and screen prints at the merchandise tent.
All proceeds from the merchandise sales help fund year-round programming for the Paseo Arts Association, supporting gallery exhibitions, arts education, and events.
Free Press spoke with Amanda Bleakley, Executive Director of the Paseo Arts Association. She said the Paseo Arts Fest is particularly special because of the way it puts artists at the forefront.
“We are very much a festival for the artists,” Bleakley said. “That’s really important to us because our organization is about the arts community and supporting artists, so it’s important for us to do that in our festival.”
Edmond artist Sara Kay Michael was one of many local artists represented in the festival.
“Being a local artist in Oklahoma is amazing,” she shared with Free Press. “The local art community and the support here is honestly something so special.”
She said this is her fourth year as an artist in the festival.
“I do think it changed my life and the trajectory of my career,” Michael said. “I had never sold that much art in one weekend.”
She said the energy of the festival helps fuel her creativity.
“Oklahoma really shows up,” Michael said. “The Paseo is super special.”
Bleakley said she is always in awe at how people come together to make the festival possible. With the help of over 350 volunteers, it is the organization’s largest event.
“It’s really a community event,” Bleakley said.
Volunteer Paul Nesper said supporting the festival is one way he gives back to the local arts scene.
“We’ve got such a great arts scene in Oklahoma City that I want to continue to see it thrive,” Nesper told Free Press. “I think it’s important to use some of my time to help support it.”
Music, activities, and food for every mood
Around 20 food vendors are stationed throughout the district.
The main food court is located near the center of the festival, offering options like Big Biang Theory, Let’s Do Greek, Barbells & BBQ, and, for something sweet, Wondervan Pops. Beverage tents also serve soda, lemonade, local beer, and wine.
For families, the “Artists of the Future” area can be found at the North lot between Picasso Cafe and Paseo Pottery on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This area offers a chance for little ones to embrace their inner artist with sidewalk chalk, coloring pages, and necklace making. Plus, nearby, families can find facepainting, caricatures, henna, and more.
Dozens of musical acts perform on two stages throughout the weekend. Saturday’s performances launched with plenty of variety, pairing Sophia Massad’s standout vocals with the punk-fueled energy of Psychotic Reaction.
Multi-genre rapper Original Flow closed out the first night, marking the start of yet another lively Paseo Arts Festival.
On the South Stage, Sunday and Monday bring even more musical talent like The Harper Valley Hypocrites, Call Me Sparrow, and even a performance from School of Rock Edmond. Meanwhile, at the North Children’s Tent, acoustic evening sets continue with Darren Cipponeri and Jenna Mac on Sunday.
Planning your visit
Returning this year is a free shuttle service for the festival. Visitors can park at NW 25th and N. Western at the First Presbyterian Church and ride to the north entrance at NW 30th and Dewey. There are two shuttles, each holding 56 passengers, running on continuous loops from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Handicap and motorcycle parking is available at 30th and Dewey.
In the event of severe weather, organizers coordinate with the National Weather Service and local authorities. Leashed pets are allowed, and it’s not uncommon to see many pets out and about at the festival. However, only service animals are allowed on the shuttle.
For navigating to the festival, festival officials recommend using the address of “3024 Paseo.”
A district on display
Paseo Grill employee Mikey Rizzo said many Paseo employees look forward to the festival all year.
“It’s really cool to be able to showcase the district as a whole because it is just such a fun area with so much happening, whether it’s all the art or the book shop, or the restaurants,” Rizzo told Free Press.
He said the festival can serve as an important introduction for those less familiar with the Paseo Arts District’s mission, while also reminding longtime visitors of everything the historic neighborhood has to offer.
Through Sunday and Monday, the festival fills the district with color, music, and creativity, but long after the crowds disperse, the Paseo District continues to welcome art lovers, diners, and visitors year-round.
The 2026 Paseo Arts Festival runs through Memorial Day, May 25th.
For more, including a full lineup of artists, performers, and food, visit thepaseo.org/festival.
Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.
