Story and photo by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Native American art enthusiasts are invited to attend the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival, August 1–2, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, marking a highly anticipated return to downtown Oklahoma City.
This move is historically significant because it brings the festival back to the district where it launched in 1987, symbolizing a “homecoming” for one of the nation’s most respected Native American cultural events.
“‘Coming Home’ isn’t just our theme this year, it’s a feeling,” said Chelsey Curry, executive director of Red Earth, Inc. “For 40 years, Red Earth has brought people together to celebrate Native art and culture. Returning to downtown Oklahoma City honors our history and sets the stage for an exciting future.”
After moving to other locations in recent years, such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the event’s return to the heart of the city for its 40th milestone reconnects it with its founding legacy.
The festival brings together nationally recognized Native artists, cultural demonstrations, dance showcases, youth art exhibitions, and special anniversary programming for the weekend.
It features more than 130 Indigenous artists from across the country, presenting original works in painting, jewelry, sculpture, beadwork, textiles, and more. Visitors can explore the juried art market, meet artists, and view award-winning competition pieces in an expanded exhibition space. A VIP Shopping Hour on Saturday morning will offer collectors and early guests exclusive early access before the art market opens to the public.
Throughout the weekend, the festival will present dance showcases and competition specials, including the Women’s Fancy Dance Special on Saturday and the Men’s Fancy Dance Special on Sunday. These events highlight the artistry, athleticism, and cultural traditions of Native America.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to meet both 2026 Emerging Artist Award recipients, Georgia Adeline “Ushta” Harjo and Saralyn Chee, in person throughout the weekend. Their booths offer visitors the chance to engage with their work and see two distinct moments of artistic growth within the Red Earth community.
The festival’s 40-year rich history of promoting the traditions of Native American artists and dancers kicks off with the Festival Art Awards Celebration. Begin your festival weekend by joining artists, collectors, sponsors, and supporters at the celebration. Sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation, this separate, limited-seating, $35-per-person event kicks off the festival weekend at 6 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Will Rogers Theatre on North Western.
The Awards Celebration recognizes outstanding Native artists from across the United States. It features the presentation of the festival’s top honors, including the Kathleen Everett Upshaw Award, the Grand Award and the President’s Award.
Tickets can be purchased from the Red Earth Festival Ticket Site. Single-Day General Admission is $15 and is valid for either Saturday, August 1, or Sunday, August 2. Single-Day VIP Admission is $20 and includes exclusive entry to the VIP Shopping Hour on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A 2-Day General Pass is $25 while the 2-Day VIP Pass is $30. Children under age 5 are free.
The art market is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Red Earth’s mission extends beyond the festival, encompassing education, a museum collection, and fine art markets, all aimed at advancing understanding of and the continuation of Native American culture and arts.
Red Earth, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that promotes the rich knowledge of Indigenous and Native American arts, cultures and traditions through education, a premier festival, museum collections and fine art markets.
For more information about the Red Earth Festival, please visit www.RedEarth.org
