2023 Oklahoma Folklife Festival

The 2023 Folklife Festival will be held inside the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) on Saturday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

This festival is designed to engage visitors with opportunities to experience other cultures and traditions. Visitors are there to participate in the activities, not just observe. This community-wide event will celebrate and recognize what the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress has called “the everyday and intimate creativity that all of us share and pass on to the next generation.” This “creativity” will be represented at the Oklahoma Folklife Festival through dancing, singing, crafts, food, and more. Several educational resources and various craft opportunities for attendees of all ages will be offered during the festival. Food vendors will be on-site at the event.

The 2023 Oklahoma Folklife Festival will coincide with the annual Research Center Book Sale featuring thousands of rare and out-of-print books, magazines, comics, and vinyl records. Visitors can shop for collectibles, puzzles, and Oklahoma playing cards. The book sale is a great place to purchase reproductions of historic posters, maps, photographs, and much more.

Additionally, the OHC Museum Store will be selling items made in Oklahoma, book titles, and discounted items during the Folklife Festival. There is no admission required to visit either sale.

All proceeds from both sales help fund and support the missions and programs of the OHC and the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS).

Family memberships to the OHS will be on sale for a discounted rate of $50 on the day of the Folklife Festival. Learn more about the benefits of OHS Membership by clicking here.

This program is funded in part by Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH.

This project was supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord in 1982, Inasmuch Foundation supports charitable causes that enhance the progress and quality of life for all Oklahomans, particularly vulnerable children and families. Today, the foundation continues Edith’s rich legacy, connecting the community for good by championing journalism, education, human services, and community-focused initiatives.