Downtown Oklahoma City will be packed with color, regalia and artwork on August 1-2, when the 40th Red Earth Festival returns to the Oklahoma City Convention Center for a two-day juried market, dance showcases and film screenings celebrating Indigenous art and culture. Organizers expect a busy weekend of booths, performances and awards as artists and collectors from across the country converge in the heart of the city. The milestone year is set to spotlight longtime contributors to Native arts alongside youth programming and community events.
Festival schedule and tickets
The festival schedule on the Red Earth site lists a VIP shopping hour at 9 a.m. Saturday, with general admission opening at 10 a.m. both days and extended programming on Saturday. Tickets start at $15 for a single day, and two-day passes are available. As detailed by the organization, the weekend also includes a Friday evening Awards Celebration at Will Rogers Theatre. Visitors are encouraged to review the festival site for the full schedule, artist directory and ticketing options.
What to see at the market
The Oklahoma City Convention Center describes the Red Earth Festival as one of the country’s premier Native art markets, featuring more than 130 Indigenous artists working in painting, jewelry, sculpture, beadwork, textiles and pottery. The weekend schedule includes live dance showcases, competitive dance brackets, Indigenous film screenings and a Red Earth Youth Art Awards presentation, according to the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Much of the activity will be concentrated inside the festival’s main art market hall so visitors can move easily between booths and demonstrations.
Honored artist and awards
Red Earth has named Choctaw artist Jane Semple Umsted as the 2026 Honored Artist, a selection organizers say reflects the festival’s focus on storytelling and craft. "Jane Semple Umsted’s work represents a lifetime of dedication to Indigenous art, history, and education," Chelsey Curry said in a press release via Red Earth. The Festival Art Awards Celebration will recognize outstanding artists with juried prizes, including the Grand Award and President’s Award.
Getting there and previews
Chelsey Curry also previewed the event on KOKH’s Living Oklahoma segment, sharing tips for collectors and families ahead of the weekend, as reported by KOKH. The Convention Center location keeps most programming indoors, which helps with Oklahoma’s summer heat, and attendees should expect a busy floor during peak hours. If you are hoping to shop for award winners or specific artists, arriving early during the VIP hour could make it easier to navigate the crowds.
Why this year matters
The 40th anniversary puts a fresh spotlight on Red Earth’s decades-long role as a major platform for Native artists in Oklahoma and beyond, and the organization has received public recognition at the state level for its cultural contributions. Coverage of the group’s recent recognition at the Capitol noted Red Earth’s influence on arts and education across the state, helping explain the draw for collectors and cultural institutions. For the latest artist listings and tickets, visitors should check the festival’s official pages before heading downtown.
