OKLAHOMA CITY — Memorial Day Weekend marks the return of a beloved Oklahoma City tradition: the Paseo Arts Festival. Now in its 48th year, the festival transforms the streets of the historic Paseo Arts District into a vibrant celebration of creativity.
Drawing thousands of visitors, the event features more than 90 juried artists from across the country, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Hosted by the Paseo Arts Association, the free festival kicked off Saturday, May 24, and continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with live music until 10 p.m., and Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Despite the chances of rain over the holiday weekend, cooler-than-usual temperatures drew large crowds eager to explore artist booths, sample local fare, and enjoy live performances. Attendees filled the streets with kids in strollers, dogs in colorful bandanas, and friends dining on Picasso Café’s patio, all set against the district’s signature colorful storefronts.
Festival artists are selected through a juried process, with categories spanning painting, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, jewelry, and photography. This year’s lineup includes Oklahoma ceramicist Paul Uhl, photographer Lonnie Valencia, and Texas-based fiber artist Janvier Ngamije, among others. For those unable to attend or anyone wanting a preview, a selection of artwork is also available online.
According to Amanda Bleakley, Executive Director of the Paseo Arts Association, more than 300 artists applied to participate this year.
“The festival has just gotten better every year by the quality of artists that apply,” she told Free Press in an interview.
The Paseo Arts Festival draws visitors across generations, and, in some cases, the artists, too.
Aztrid Moan has attended since she was four, but this year marks her first time showcasing art alongside her mother. Following in her mother’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Aztrid works in paper and acrylic, while her mother, Nicole Moan, is known for mosaics, tile, and her signature corsets.
Aztrid, who grew up around the festival, describes it as welcoming and community-focused, with a strong preference among attendees for bold, eye-catching art.
“I love this festival,” Aztrid Moan told Free Press. “It’s always so welcoming and community-based. I know a lot of the other artists here because I’ve grown up talking to them and everything, so it’s fun to go over to the booth and get some art from them.”
A Feast for the senses
Variety is the name of the game at the Paseo Arts Festival, with something for everyone across art, music, food, and activities.
Over 50 musical acts perform on two stages throughout the weekend, spanning acoustic folk, indie pop, jazz, hip-hop, and spoken word. Local favorites include Edgar Cruz, Sophia Massad, Original Flow, and Red Dirt Poetry. Evening performances give the festival a lively, block party vibe.
Gregory “Butter” Haunrich of the jazz group Butter and the Genre performed on the South Stage, showcasing the band’s eclectic style on opening day.
“I just love playing outdoors with my friends,” he told us. “Our band is very joyful, very happy, and has its own unique, wonderful sound.”
Around 20 food vendors are stationed throughout the district, with main hubs near the central court and South Stage, offering options like Big Biang Theory, Let’s Do Greek, Barbells & BBQ, and Wondervan Pops. Beverage tents serve soda, lemonade, local beer, and wine.
Gail Johnston, owner of the Happy Camper coffee and bakery van, was attending her first Paseo Arts Festival with her daughter. Stationed near the South Stage, they stayed busy serving coffee, tea, and scones.
“This is our first year here, and it’s super exciting,” Johnston told Free Press. “We have been busy since we started, and it’s been great. The people have been awesome and super kind, and we’re just having a good time listening to music and making coffee.”
For families, the Children’s Art Area at NW 29th and Paseo Drive is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free creative activities like spin art, sidewalk chalk, and coloring. Nearby, kids can enjoy face painting, henna, caricatures, and live performances.
Shaquice Muyanja and her daughter Nadia were among those enjoying the art and food. Shaquice, a longtime attendee, was excited to share the festival with Nadia for the first time.
“It has been a wonderful experience,” Shaquice Muyanja said. “We’ve had the arts of the jewelry and the paintings, but we also indulged in the culinary arts with lemonades and corn dog, and then we also enjoyed the musical art.”
A handmade market rounds out the offerings with artisan soaps, candles, jewelry, and home goods. Artist Holly Glenn, selling prints for the first time this year, said her sea turtle pieces were especially popular.
“This is my first year doing it, and so far, it’s been great,” Glenn said. “I’ve had a really awesome crowd and people looking at the art and buying a bunch of stuff.”
Planning your visit
New this year is a free shuttle service aimed at easing traffic in the narrow district. Visitors can park at First Presbyterian Church at NW 25th and N. Western and ride to the north entrance at NW 30th and Dewey. The shuttle runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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.
“If it just rains, we stay open,” Bleakley said. “It usually blows over and the fun continues.”
The Paseo Arts Festival is also the Paseo Arts Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting gallery exhibitions, public art, and arts education programs. Proceeds from drink and merchandise sales help fund year-round programming.
This year’s official festival poster, created by Oklahoma artist Matt Goad, features bold, geometric designs inspired by music, history, and nature. His 2024 design—layered mid-century-style shapes in vibrant colors—is available on T-shirts, tank tops, and limited-edition screen prints at the merchandise tent, produced by Curbside Apparel.
Erin Baird, a first-time volunteer, helped staff the merchandise booth and assisted visitors with donations. She’s one of over 450 volunteers who help bring the festival to life. Baird, who also teaches an artist workshop series in the district, said she was glad to give back.
“I just thought, I gotta give back,” Baird told Free Press. “I just love the Paseo Arts District and wanted to help out.”
Bleakley said she hopes the community spirit sparked by the weekend continues year-round.
“I want people to know that we have a fantastic festival and that they can return to Paseo throughout the year to experience our galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the beauty of the district.”
With its blend of creativity, culture, and community, the Paseo Arts Festival continues to be a vibrant celebration of the arts in Oklahoma City.
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.
