This weekend, we’re featuring two popular festivals for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll also find a spot to shop around and an opportunity to support a community. We hope you celebrate the last weekend of September in OKC!
CELEBRATE
23rd Annual Plaza District Festival | October 1
This Saturday is packed with live entertainment, food trucks, art programs and more. The Plaza District Festival will celebrate creativity and community through the diverse culture of Oklahoma City. Several live performance stages will be set up across the area, along with 30 different artist market vendors, where you’ll find unique pieces from local creators. Over 50 businesses and muralists will offer featured promotions and works of art throughout the day. If you have youngsters, head over to the Kid’s Area for chalk art, face painting and a bounce house.
Musical acts include headlining Stillwater indie rock band Colourmusic, who will lead the stage with five studio albums under their belt and a history of working with OKC’s The Flaming Lips. Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards will also perform, as well as other local artists such as Chloe-Beth, Audio Book Club, Chelsea Days and more, so prepare yourself to sing all night long. After the shows, grab a snack and something to wash it down from the food trucks and drink tents located throughout the Plaza District.
“Bringing our community together to support this amazing arts and culture district is so exciting to experience,” said Anna Farha, co-chair of the festival. “We have it all — from the Mural Expo to the artist market and two stages for music, there is something for everyone at our festival.”
This celebration of arts and culture is the Plaza District’s largest annual event, with over 30,000 attendees and a wide array of free activities.
“We strive to make the festival fun, diverse and inclusive every year, so we’re excited to share what we’ve come up with,” Farha said. “It’s the first year we’re featuring a stage of musicians that all have ties to the Academy of Contemporary Music at UCO, where our stage at the east end of the festival will showcase our Oklahoma talent. There will also be a drag and comedy show at The Press, which is a fun addition. We can’t wait to show off the district and everything else we have to offer.” 12–10 p.m., Plaza District, 1745 NW 16th St., OKC.
17th Annual Fiestas de Las Américas Festival | October 1
Visit Historic Capitol Hill this weekend as Calle Dos Cinco hosts its parade and street festival dedicated to the food, entertainment and culture of Oklahoma’s Hispanic communities. This celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month is filled with the vibrant colors, sights, smells and sounds of Latin American cultures. The Fiestas de Las Américas Festival will include a Parade of the Americas, Vendor Corridor, artisan market, Artist Alley, children’s area, Travel the Americas Experience and the Miss Fiestas de Las Américas Pageant.
The parade commences at noon with family activities and live entertainment following after. Headlining band Sonora Santanera La Nueva Sangre will kick off the festival’s assortment of performances, including music from Honduran singer Celia de Regalado. Sign up and save room in your stomach for the taco-eating contest, or grab a bite of featured arepas, tamales and empanadas from a dozen food trucks highlighting the delicious flavors of Latin American countries — over 13 of which are represented at the festival. Make sure to also check out the OCCC Capitol Hill Center art exhibit with works from local artists, or drink a glass at the Sip & Paint Experience.
The mission of the Fiestas De Las Américas is to unite Hispanic communities from Oklahoma City to celebrate and preserve their cultural influences. This massive celebration of Oklahoma’s Hispanic communities starts with the festival’s biggest parade yet. 12–9 p.m., Historic Capitol Hill District, SW 25th Street & Harvey Avenue, OKC.
SHOP
Midtown Walkabout | October 1
This biannual shopping event is a perfect kick off for the fall season, with promotions, activities and dining options throughout the Midtown District. Local merchants will offer in-store specials and discounts at the outdoor market. Grab some handcrafted artisan works and chat with local artists. Visit boutiques as well and snag some unique vintage items, along with a plethora of repurposed products. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., 1701 S Western Ave., OKC.
SUPPORT
24th Annual AIDS Walk | October 2
Come together at the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City to bring awareness and support care resources for those with HIV or AIDS in our community. Local vendors, live music and entertainment will be located on the Devon Lawn at the Myriad Gardens. At 2 p.m., the one-mile awareness walk will begin, where you can form your own walk team and raise funds for ongoing HIV and AIDS efforts in OKC. The AIDS Walk of OKC is a nonprofit that has distributed over $700,000 to local organizations, direct health services, community awareness and education. Register for the walk online and bring your friends to remember those lost and celebrate those living with AIDS or HIV within the community. Starts at 12 p.m., 301 W Reno Ave., OKC.
