Dreamland Festival Kicks Off In Greenwood With Tulsa’s Top Artists

The 2024 Dreamland Festival kicks off in historic Greenwood this weekend, organizers say.

It's a celebration of Tulsa's music, arts, and film scene on Black Wall Street.

Organizers say people are encouraged to come out and see the best Tulsa has to offer.

Steph Simon is the founder of Dreamland Festival and has put this on for nine years now. He said Tulsa has some of the most incredible artists.

Bringing it to Greenwood is especially significant because the Williams Dreamland Theater was located on Greenwood before being destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Simon says this festival is an interpretation of the theater. He also loves how talented this city is.

"I love how most people come not knowing how talented the city is, and they leave like, 'Oh my God, I did not know about this festival," Simon said. ""I did not know about these type of artists that come from the city and even the artists that I bring in from other cities here."

Simon said he has worked with several local partners, including McDonald's, to coordinate this festival. Michael Gentry, a McDonald's franchise owner, said he first met Simon at a concert and that his desire to help out with the Dreamland Festival grew from there.

Gentry said working with the Dreamland Festival has meant a lot to him.

"It’s part of our feeding and fostering community, and it’s part of the positive image and focuses on the strength, truth, and power by celebrating black excellence through arts, music, film, empowerment, and entrepreneurship," Gentry said.

The festival will feature something for the whole family, including performances, child entertainment, food trucks, and local vendors.

The festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. at Fulton Street Books and Coffee, and then picks back up again on Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon.