16. Festival Of The Arts
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 270-4848
Description: This festival is produced by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and is known as Oklahoma City’s rite of spring. Typically held the third week of Apr, this event has garnered national attention as a premier event. Locally, it’s known as a great place to stop, get a bite to eat for lunch or dinner, and enjoy the sounds of free music and the sites of downtown. For more detailed information, see “The Arts” chapter.
17. Hopabaloo
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 424-3344
Address: 2101 NE 50th St.
Description: In 2003, the Oklahoma City Zoo starting holding this event on Easter Sun and it has gained in popularity over the years. The fun begins with a brunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Canopy Restaurant with the Easter Bunny. At 1:30 p.m. an egg hunt for children three and under begins. The egg hunt for four-year-olds begins at 2 p.m. and the five-year-olds get their chance starting at 2:30 p.m. Each egg hunt is limited to 100 participants.The egg hunts are free with paid zoo admission. Zoo admission and brunch costs $14 for adults and $12 for seniors 65 and up and children 3 to 11. Children two and under eat free. Advance reservations are required. Zoo Friends receive a 10 percent discount.
18. Jungle Gym Art Party
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 424-3344
Address: 2101 NE 50th St.
Description: Held at the Jungle Gym Playground at the Oklahoma City Zoo, children 11 and under discover art through a variety of activities, such as cookie decorating, storytelling, and more. The 30,000-square-foot playground was made possible by thousands of volunteers, individual donors, artists, civic organizations, and businesses. The Jungle Gym is a gift to the community from the Junior League of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Oklahoma Zoological Society. Attendance varies depending on the weather. The event is held outside and is held rain or shine. Both children and adults are welcome. The event is free with paid admission to the zoo.
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 2501 Jenkins Avenue
20. Oklahoma Centennial Horse Show
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 948-6704
Description: Want to see a real horse show? Then head for the Oklahoma Centennial Horse Show. Held at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, the show holds live performances that are actually the horse show division competitions themselves. A very colorful horn blower calls each division into the arena. Occasionally, live musicians play on Fri night while the horses compete.This event has been held since 1988 and is run by volunteers. All proceeds benefit the Coffee Creek Riding Center for the Handicapped in Edmond.Approximately 2,500 people attend per year. Admission and parking is free.
21. Party For The Planet
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 424-3344
Address: 2101 NE 50th St.
Description: Feeling up to a party? Head for the Oklahoma City Zoo and celebration of Earth Day. Leap into action and discover the importance of conserving wildlife and wild places. Held in honor of Earth Day, zoos and aquariums across the United States and Canada host this event, making it one of the largest Earth Day celebrations in North America. Families will enjoy fun activities, crafts, live entertainment, giveaways, and more.The event is held outside on the Global Plaza and takes place rain or shine. Free with zoo admission.
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 1251 N. Broadway
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 6421 Avondale Dr. #207A
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
25. Armed Forces Day & Shriners Parade
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 671-2815
Description: This parade started back in 1985. Del City and its chamber work together to organize this event every year. The parade starts at the intersection of I-40 and Sunnylane, goes south to Southeast 29th, then turns east and ends at Linda Lane. The route is about 2 miles long.Over 100 groups or individuals participate in the parade. In the past, Congresswoman Mary Fallin and the mayor have attended. There is always a large contingent of military officers, shriners, military equipment, classic cars, and community groups and businesses that march in the parade. Dance groups perform. A car show runs in conjunction with the parade.An estimated 1,000 people attend.
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 1700 NE 63rd St.
27. Downtown Edmond Arts Festival (Edmond)
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 249-9391
Description: Over 100 artists exhibit at this fine-arts festival held in downtown Edmond. This event has been held since 1979. Guests can visit artists and their booths as well as enjoy delicious food from 20 food vendors. Foods visitors can enjoy are onion blossoms, Indian tacos, catfish, German food, pizza, fried pies, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and onion fried burgers. Those who are interested can enjoy wine tasting from some of the Oklahoma wineries. To read more information about this event, see “The Arts” chapter.
28. Edmond Jazz And Blues Festival
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (405) 830-8902
Description: For the Edmond Jazz and Blues Festival, guests bring their blankets and lawn chairs to Stephenson Park and settle in to hear some jazz and blues music on Memorial Day weekend. Past performers include Snake Shakers, Chris Hicks Band, the Civilized Tribe, Garrett “Big G” Jacobson, and Pinkie.While attendees may bring their own picnic suppers and drinks, food vendors are available and sell pizza, cinnamon rolls, funnel cake, Indian tacos, caramel apples, and more. Arts and crafts vendors display their wares as well. Admission is free.
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 2145 NE 36th St.
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Category: Annual Events & Festivals