Paseo Arts Festival returns but with new date

Photo credit: Paige Powell

Memorial Day weekend usually ushers in the busiest time of year for the Paseo Arts District. For decades the Paseo Arts Association (PAA) has brought nationally acclaimed artists from all over to be a part of Paseo Arts Festival. Last year, due to COVID-19 the PAA initially rescheduled and eventually cancelled this long-standing OKC tradition. This year, the PAA is happy to announce the return of the festival, but with a few changes. 

The most obvious change is the festival that usually runs throughout the Memorial Day weekend  has been pushed back to Labor Day weekend on September 4 through 6. This careful decision has been made in the light of the evolving situation that surrounds the global pandemic and its developments. The PAA puts the safety of its community, volunteers, performers, vendors and the over 60,000 festival goers above all else. The festival will also adhere to the most current health and safety guidelines regarding Covid19 and make adjustments as necessary. Updates on how the community can support Paseo Arts District businesses and regarding all other PAA programs can be found online at thepaseo.org and on the district’s social media pages.

The hope of the PAA is to bring back to life the festival, which not only is an iconic OKC event, but their largest annual fundraiser as well. Last year, the cancelling of the event forced the PAA to make nimble changes and pivot many of their funding strategies to keep things going. Due in large part to the hard work, diligence, and ingenuity of their staff of two, they still found a way to make 2020 a success for the Paseo. 

The festival itself is a celebration of not only the Paseo District but of OKC itself. Voted Best Free Entertainment in the Oklahoma Gazette’s 2020 Best of OKC, it is obvious the festival has a special ambiance all its own. At this celebration of art and culture nestled in the cozy streets of the Paseo one can find 100 nationally acclaimed artists, more than 50 musicians, and a sampling of some of the best local food vendors. Catch the festival September 4 through 6.

For more information visit thepaseo.org or call (405) 525-2688. For daily details, follow us on Instagram @paseoartsdistrict, Facebook @paseo.artsdistrict and Twitter @PaseoOKC.