Oklahoma City 2027 Festival of the Arts

Overview

Celebrating its 61st year, Festival of the Arts is the flagship event of Arts Council Oklahoma City and a vital fundraiser supporting year-round programs. Ranked #23 nationally by Sunshine Artist Magazine, it welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually and generates an average of $1.83 million in art sales each year. The festival features two performing arts stages, international cuisine, extensive children's programming, and hands-on activities for art lovers of all ages.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: September 27, 2026
• Artist notification letters: November 12, 2026
• Signed contracts and booth rental fee due: December 22, 2026
• Visual artist check-in: April 20–21, 2027
• Festival dates: April 21–25, 2027

Location & Hours

Held at Bicentennial Park and Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. Wednesday (VIP Preview); Thursday 11 am–9 pm; Friday–Saturday 11 am–10 pm; Sunday 10 am–7 pm.

Eligibility & Entry Standards

Open to all artists. Work must be original in concept and made by the hands of the exhibiting artist. Festival focuses on creative vision and work quality.

Media Categories

Two-Dimensional: Water Media Painting (watercolor, acrylic, gouache); Oil Media Painting (traditional oil, casein); Drawing/Digital/Printmaking; Photography; 2-D Mixed Media. Three-Dimensional: Sculpture; Jewelry. Reproductions are prohibited for painting, but original printmaking in limited editions is accepted.

Application & Jury Process

Submit exactly six high-quality images: five of different original artworks in your applied-for medium, one of your booth display (no people, no signatures or identifying markers). Include an Artist's Statement (maximum 300 characters) describing technique, materials, and creative expression. A missing or nonconforming statement results in disqualification. Three jurors conduct a blind jury review based on work quality and show balance. Selections are made by combined average scores into accepted, waitlisted, and rejected categories.

Fees & Booth

Booth rental fee is $150 (due December 22, 2026). Fee includes use of exhibit space and provided electricity.

Art Sales & Commission

Artists handle sales via POS or online application. Festival retains 20% commission on all art sales and collects/remits sales tax. Artist's 80% portion is distributed by direct deposit within 10 business days after the festival. Commission sales for later delivery are allowed per Artist Contract. Arts Council Oklahoma City is updating the sales process; final details will be provided before arrival.

Additional Opportunities

• Angels & Friends VIP Program: Pre-festival celebration April 21 (4:30–8 pm) generates first sales; artists must open booths by 4 pm to participate. Pre-event sales historically exceed $150,000.
• Young at Art Mart: Optional educational project for children ages 5–12 to purchase art ($1–$5). Artists donate pieces; no commission charged.
• Sculpture Park: Optional garden of sculptural works in abstract and traditional styles featuring stainless steel, colorful metals, and outdoor materials. Sculpture artists accepted for booth space are eligible to apply.

Post-Festival

Art sales checks distributed by direct deposit within 10 business days after the festival ends.