Festival Of The Arts Weekend Events Expected To Draw Huge Crowds

The Festival of the Arts is taking over Bicentennial Park this week in Oklahoma City.

The annual summer event was canceled last year, then postponed in April.

Between 90,000 and 100,000 people are expected to check out the event every day. 

Some vendors claim to be well stocked in preparation for this summer’s festival season, after months in lockdown. 

Drummer and instrument maker Akeem Ayanniyi said he made the most of his downtime. 

“I couldn’t go anywhere, so I ended up just working in my workshop,” he said. 

But he’s glad to be back out selling his musical instruments. 

“It’s fantastic, every time I’m out I’m having a blast,” he said. 

By painting tropical colors, artist Daphne Covington has captured the crowd’s attention. 

“I got here at 7:30 this morning and I’ve already had a great show, so that should say something,” she said. 

155 artists are lined around the park through Sunday. 

The Oklahoma Arts Council has planned music, food trucks, and take-home crafts for the kids. 

“They are thrilled to be back on the road again, they miss each other, we miss each other. They’ve been home, working on their craft, and so they’re well stocked,” said Kaycee Nolting, arts council co-chair. 

Bricktown bicycle patrols are on hand but they’re biggest concern is the heat. 

“They’re out here really for, to help people, if they need directions, anything they might need, but if they need to take enforcement action, they can do that,” said Lt. Michael Roof. 

Roads will be blocked off for the arts festival from Main Street to Robert S. Kerr, and then Lee to Hudson Avenue. 

This is a packed weekend downtown, there will also be road closures around Scissortail Park. 

OKC Pride Alliance is hosting Pride Fest at the park this Friday through Sunday. They are expecting nearly 100,000 people.