The Paseo celebrates its 45th annual Arts Festival

To so many in our city, the sign that summer is just around the corner is the arrival of the historic Paseo Arts Festival. For decades this tight-knit eclectic neighborhood has taken to the tiny street of its namesake to celebrate what it does best, the arts. This year is the 45th installment of this street-party-meets-art-exhibition event. The festival is returning to its usual schedule and will be taking place on Memorial Day weekend, May 28 and May 29 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. with live music until 10 p.m., and on May 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

“We are thrilled to be back on track with our festival in the spring,” says Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association. “We had to temporarily move it because of COVID and it just feels better to be back in May!”

Hear more from Amanda about the Paseo Arts Festival on the AudaCity podcast

This festival boasts over 100 nationally-acclaimed artists, more than 50 performing acts, and 18 food and beverage options. The ever-popular children’s tent is enjoyed by kids of all ages and will continue to feature spin art machines along with other fun crafts. The adult kids aren’t left out of the fun either, especially with a plentiful selection of beer and wine offerings. All of this is easily accessible with free parking at the “Egg Church” (the old First Christian Church)  and shuttle service to and from the doorstep of the event.

The Paseo’s quirky four square blocks of Spanish Revival architecture are nestled into an otherwise quiet neighborhood. This artist’s haven is home to one of the largest concentrations of studio artists in the state. Their annual event is much more than just another festival, it is a community conviviality. The core of the dozens of volunteers needed to make the festival a success is made up of the artists, residents, and business owners of the Paseo itself. Working together with pride for “the street” as they call it, many a deep bond is created from serving side by side every year. Because of its tremendous local support, it is no surprise that the festival was voted Best Free Entertainment in Oklahoma Gazette’s 2021 Best of OKC.

The Paseo Arts Festival is the largest annual fundraiser for the Paseo Arts Association. The money raised through beverage and merchandise sales directly supports the mission of the 501(c)3 nonprofit and is used to put on Paseo programs and events provided to the community year-round.

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