From its creation in 1929 as a shopping center, the Paseo Arts District has evolved into a staple of Uptown OKC, now featuring fine dining, boutiques, and countless art galleries.
The neighborhood’s iconic vibrant color palette and Spanish-style architecture have remained intact through the years, making it a distinctive pocket of the city. Filled with both new and longstanding establishments, it reflects a blend of past and present Oklahoma City.
That sense of continuity is part of what makes the annual Paseo Arts Festival such a draw, returning for its 49th year May 23 through 25 and once again spotlighting the creative community that has shaped the district for decades.
Artists from across the country travel to Oklahoma City to showcase their diverse work, ranging from painting and ceramics to jewelry and mixed media art. More than 85 artists are featured this year alongside food vendors and live performers, creating an environment where visitors can discover new work while reconnecting with artists that return year after year. Small locally owned businesses that line the Paseo remain open throughout the weekend, feeding off the steady stream of foot traffic. The festival acts as an entry point into the district, encouraging visitors to return long after the weekend ends.
For Amanda Bleakley, the executive director of the Paseo Arts Association, that long-term relationship between the event and the district is intentional. The goal is not only to create a successful weekend, but to sustain a cultural hub within a rapidly growing city.
“It’s crucial to keep the arts and culture at the forefront because it’s too easy for it to get lost in the growth of the city,” Bleakley said.
And, as Oklahoma City grows, so does the Paseo. . While the first festival dates back to the late 1970s and the Paseo Arts Association became a nonprofit in 1981, much of the district’s visible expansion has taken shape over the last decade. City investment, including streetscape improvements and revitalization efforts, has helped the area evolve into what it is today.
Even with that momentum, the festival remains rooted in consistency and care. Each year, Bleakley approaches the event with the same goal of improving what came before, whether through infrastructure, programming, or the overall visitor experience.
“We’re always trying to make it better so people have a really good experience and want to come back,” she said.
That mindset shows up in both large and small ways. Over time, the festival has expanded from just a handful of sponsors to nearly 40, while also refining amenities that make the experience more accessible and enjoyable.
Behind the scenes, the scale of the event continues to grow as well. This year alone brought in more than 300 artist applications through a national jury system, where artists are evaluated by medium-specific jurors to ensure both quality and variety. The process is competitive, but intentionally so, helping to maintain the standard the festival has become known for.
“We’re known for being an art festival for artists,” Bleakley said. “We want them to feel welcome and have a good experience so they go tell other artists about it.”
That reputation has helped expand the festival’s reach beyond Oklahoma while still maintaining a strong connection to local creators. The result is a balance of returning artists and new voices each year, keeping the event fresh without losing its identity. Volunteers also play a significant role in shaping that experience. From assisting with logistics to directly supporting artists, their presence is essential to the festival’s success and overall atmosphere.
One of the festival’s defining features remains its accessibility. Unlike many large scale art festivals, the Paseo Arts Festival is free to attend, allowing a wider range of people to engage with the work on display.
“It’s expensive to put on an event like this,” Bleakley said. “But we want to make sure it stays accessible.”
That accessibility is part of what gives the festival its community driven feel. It is not limited to collectors or industry insiders, but instead welcomes anyone willing to explore, whether that means browsing booths, stepping into galleries, or simply spending time in the space.
The Paseo Arts Festival continues to resonate not because it aims to be the largest event in the city, but because it remains grounded in something more personal. It is a reflection of the community that built it, sustained by the people who return to it year after year, and shaped by the artists who continue to give it life.
