Mayfest 2011. (Plus, a giveaway.)
Posted by Tasha on May 18th, 2011 in Arts and Theatre, Festivals, Food, Free Stuff to Do, Kids and Families, Music, Nightlife, Shopping
UPDATE//Congrats, Jessica! You won the Mayfest prize package. Thanks to everyone for playing, and enjoy the festival!
What do 120 artists, a mobile art bus, professional cloggers, a geological dig, 75 performers, something called a nacholupa and downtown Tulsa have in common?
Answer: The 39th annual Tulsa International Mayfest. And it’s going on in downtown Tulsa this weekend.
Google Tulsa’s Mayfest and you’ll soon figure out that a lot has been written about this mainstay springtime festival that has taken over the heart of downtown Tulsa each and every year since the early ’70s. So rather than belabor what has already been said, I thought I’d give you all a quick tour of some of the things going on at Mayfest 2011 that have me chomping at the bit for the festival to open tomorrow morning.
And then I’m going to give some cool Mayfest stuff away to one lucky TDT reader.
But first, how about that tour?
Mayfest Cool No. 1: Bike Valet with Tulsa Hub
Useful trivia: Tulsa Hub is a local non-profit bicycle resource and bicycling advocacy organization promoting action transportation and human-power initiatives. This year at Mayfest Tulsa Hub will offer a no-charge secure bicycle valet, and they’ll showcase bicycle art and engineering projects, too. Look also for info on local bicycling activities, educational opportunities and vehicular-cycling consciousness. Steer those handlebars to 3rd & Main to secure your bike at Mayfest.
Mayfest Cool No. 2: Youth Art Gallery
The Youth Art Gallery, which can be found in the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (at 3rd and Cincinnati), will display art from over 500 talented students of Tulsa County at this year’s Mayfest. That’s a lot of youth art, y’all. The YAG will be open Thursday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.
Mayfest Cool No. 3: Local Food Talk in the Invitational Gallery
Thanks to Tulsa Green Drinks, the Invitational Gallery will host Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food, a panel discussion with Green Country farmers on Saturday at 6pm. Look also for vendors from the Cherry Street Farmers Market, who will take questions about the importance of sourcing food locally. It’s all free and open to the public. You might want to pick up some wine from Blue Coyote Winery, based in Adair, Okla., afterward – they’re providing the 2011 Mayfest private label wines this year, and they’re available by the bottle or by the taste.
Mayfest Cool No. 4: Green Gallery, PaperView
Tulsa continues to go green (Mayfest does, too), and this year’s Mayfest specialty gallery will showcase art created in the spirit of our future as good citizens of the Earth. More than 20 Tulsa artists have created works made with reused, repurposed or recycled paper, and they’ll be featured at this year’s Green Gallery. The opening reception of this show is Thursday night, from 5-7pm, and it’s is free and open to the public – be sure to stop by and check out the work of Tulsa blogger and artist Marty Coleman, the creator of The Napkin Dad. Find it in the Park Centre Building, at 525 S. Main Street. The gallery will be open and available Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday – Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.
Mayfest Cool No. 5: Live Music, Performing Arts
75 performances. Three stages. A host of local and regional bands and acts, ranging from alternative rock to troupes of professional cloggers. How can you lose?
Mayfest Cool No. 6: KidZone
We’ve all seen the Mayfest KidZone before, but this year, it’s built to be bigger and beefier. Kids can create art projects, chase bubbles, draw with sidewalk chalk, play catch in the park and listen live music on the KidZone Stage. Plus, there’s a fossil dig tent this year. No, really. A fossil dig. And kids can take home what they find there. Win. Find it all at 6th and Main.
Mayfest Cool No. 7: Art in Motion. Literally.
The Mayfest KidZone will feature a live painting of a 35-foot Tulsa Transit bus by students of the Tulsa Girls’ Art School on Saturday. Find this piece of moveable art at the H.A. Chapman Centennial Green; it all begins Saturday beginning at 11am.
Mayfest Cool No. 8: The Mayfest Mural
When you’re new in town, it’s probably not a good first gesture of goodwill to paint over a four-year progressive mural. But unfortunately, when the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Second Street became the Hyatt Regency, that’s what happened. The mural has been headed toward reinstallation since earlier this month, though, thanks to muralist William Franklin.
And Now: Win some Mayfest stuff.
Here’s what’s up for grabs, a package that’s sure to help you celebrate Mayfest to the fullest this year:
- A $50 gift card toward the purchase of art to be used during the festival;
- Two Mayfest t-shirts ($30 value);
- A signed Mayfest poster ($25 value).
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post about the first thing you like to cross off your list of stuff to do when you get to Mayfest. If you’ve never been, and after having read some in this post about what’s going on this year, tell us what you think you’ll tackle and use to start a tradition on this, your maiden voyage.
I’ll accept entries until tomorrow (Thursday) at 11am, when the festival will officially open, and I’ll announce the winner shortly after. Random.org will separate the really lucky from the not lucky enough.
May the force (and wishes for rain-free skies) be with you.
39th Annual Mayfest
When: Thursday-Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm
Where: On Main Street from 3rd past 6th
Cost: Free. Free!
MORE: Ask a Tulsa Celebrity: What’s your favorite Mayfest food (answered by Dewey Bartlett, Eric Himan, Chera Kimiko and Rick Couri, Julie Chin and Okie the Bull Shark at Oklahoma Aquarium).
Mayfest photo from Mayfest on Facebook. This post is sponsored by Tulsa International Mayfest.
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68 Comments to Mayfest 2011. (Plus, a giveaway.)
Casey Ferris
On May 18, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Oh my! I’ve never heard of this at all, pretty new to Tulsa. I want to try it all, but most important will be the fossil dig! My Dino loving 4 year old will live it!
Rachel
On May 18, 2011 at 7:01 pm
The KidZone sounds just perfect for my 3 year old – sidewalk chalk and bubbles are where it’s at.
Kristin
On May 18, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I will check out all of the interesting art for sale. Right after I see what kind if crazy food they have.
Misty Quinn
On May 18, 2011 at 7:04 pm
A taste of Blue Coyote Wineries Oklahoma Peach with a Seigi’s sausage(after having my first one at Oktoberfest I LOVE them) as I start perusing the art
Lindsey Neal
On May 18, 2011 at 7:05 pm
My favorite thing to do first at Mayfest is get an ear of that yummy roasted corn as well as a sample and baggie of glazed almonds or pecans… perfect for walking around and seeing art in the sun!
Sarah Lady
On May 18, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Excited to check out the variety of live music, my favorite at street festivals!
Mike B.
On May 18, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I can’t wait to park my bike, valet style!!
Lisa
On May 18, 2011 at 7:33 pm
This is my first Mayfest, so I’m looking forward to seeing it all!!!
DJ
On May 18, 2011 at 7:49 pm
I always start with food followed by music
Fiona
On May 18, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I always go for the food: TURKEY LEGs, lemonade, and FUNNEL CAKEs! But, after reading about the fossil dig, I think I will take my son there tomorrow, first. (Before all the yummy fried food.)
Racheal
On May 18, 2011 at 8:05 pm
I can’t wait to taste the Blue Coyote wine!
Beth
On May 18, 2011 at 8:26 pm
The food is first! Savory strudel and lemonade.
Amanda
On May 18, 2011 at 9:02 pm
I always see as much art as I can first; then when the kiddo
acts like he just won’t make it another moment, dive into the kids zone.
Then hit the music!
haley
On May 18, 2011 at 9:11 pm
The art vendors are always my favorite.
Marshall Baker
On May 18, 2011 at 9:23 pm
First thing for me and my wife is to hit up a funnel cake vendor.
Karen
On May 18, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Eat as much fried food as possible!
Brandon Scott
On May 18, 2011 at 9:46 pm
The first thing I grab is one of those fried potato concoctions, and head straight for the line that sells beer tickets.
Patricia
On May 18, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Find some amazing food. I have never been before!
I can remember as a child that year after year my family would go to the Petroleum Club for my mothers birthday in May. Almost every year Mayfest would be simultaneously going on. I would always peer out the tall building down onto Mayfest and think to myself, “Someday I am going THERE!!”
Carly B
On May 19, 2011 at 5:14 am
The first thing I like to do is walk around and look at all the art! I figure out what I can’t live without and then buy it! The food and music are definitely top of my list as well
Daniel
On May 19, 2011 at 6:06 am
My checklist:
#1) Walk the Art venue!
2) Eat BBQ
Nate
On May 19, 2011 at 6:53 am
A turkey leg should probably start my mayfest experience.
Brett
On May 19, 2011 at 7:13 am
Going through the senses: see art, hear music, taste food, smell…food, and feel rain.
Derek
On May 19, 2011 at 8:07 am
I always check out the food vendors. I’m a fat kid at heart. then it’s beer and music.
Lesley
On May 19, 2011 at 8:27 am
I always seek out my favorite music first and then find the best spots for people watching.
Jen Jacobs
On May 19, 2011 at 8:29 am
We love to decorate panda bears at St. Francis’ table first! And go to the balloon man
Amanda
On May 19, 2011 at 8:43 am
I’m going to take my kids on Friday. They have never been. I have 5 kids, and think they will really enjoy this. I can’t wait to see my 2 year old at the kids zone. My older ones will love the food and the art! My two oldest are leaving Monday for 2 1/2 months to spend time with their Dad. It will be nice to do something fun first!
Amy
On May 19, 2011 at 8:44 am
We have a newly acquired 6-year-old who’s never been to MayFest, so KidZone is gonna have to be my first stop this year. Can’t wait!
Candi Mohn
On May 19, 2011 at 8:46 am
Can’t wait to check out Kid Zone!
Amanda
On May 19, 2011 at 8:51 am
Easy- CORNDOG!
William
On May 19, 2011 at 9:06 am
Never any question – turkey leg.
Jessica
On May 19, 2011 at 9:20 am
I’ve never been to Mayfest, and I’m DEFINITELY going this year. I’m excited for all the art!
Shayla
On May 19, 2011 at 9:23 am
I am pumped about checking out the youth art! I also am pretty excited about the live music and walking around checking everything out! looooove mayfest!
Kelly
On May 19, 2011 at 9:23 am
1st… Beer
2nd… Art and Music
Peach
On May 19, 2011 at 9:25 am
The kids zone sounds awesome ~ our first stop!
Whitney
On May 19, 2011 at 9:26 am
I will be checking out the performances and also tasting some wine from the Blue Coyote Winery!
Sarah
On May 19, 2011 at 9:27 am
I will be the first in line at the funnel cake stand!
Ben
On May 19, 2011 at 9:27 am
The first thing I do at Mayfest: Eat Fried Food
Charla L
On May 19, 2011 at 9:29 am
Gonna Head to the Straight to the kid zone, with my favorite 3 and 6 year old for some SUGAR FREE ALL STARS!!! Cant wait for Sat!
Rachel
On May 19, 2011 at 9:29 am
Love Mayfest! This is our first year with a kid big enough to know what’s up, so KidZone’s first!
troy winger
On May 19, 2011 at 9:30 am
the food is always first then the art and music venues everyone have a great Mayfest!!!!
Kristie
On May 19, 2011 at 9:30 am
Been in Tulsa 5 years and never been to Mayfest…so I want to do it ALL!!!
Bill Day
On May 19, 2011 at 9:33 am
My daughter loves dinosaurs, so the fossil dig will be the top of our list!
Kimmi M
On May 19, 2011 at 9:35 am
The kid zone will be our first stop!
Diane
On May 19, 2011 at 9:37 am
Grab a beer, then scope the food and look for Wilson’s (mmmmm, bbq beef sandwich), then try to find my fav artist whose name i still do not know after all these years.
Melissa
On May 19, 2011 at 9:39 am
1st stop, grab a beer then get to walking. Love to see all the artwork.
Stephen
On May 19, 2011 at 9:41 am
Grab a colbeer and some grub.
Luke
On May 19, 2011 at 9:41 am
I always go for the food and then check out everything while snacking on the deliciousness
Callie
On May 19, 2011 at 9:42 am
I’m a foodie so my first stop is usually for a reuben sandwich!
Lindsay
On May 19, 2011 at 9:43 am
I’ve never been to Mayfest, so I’m going to check out all the visual artists’ stuff first. Can’t wait to see what the locals have to offer.
Becky L
On May 19, 2011 at 9:43 am
Get a cold beverage then enjoy a stroll around all the artist’s tents! I love to see all the creativity!
gina holloway
On May 19, 2011 at 9:49 am
Every year in the 3rd week of May we let our hair down, summon our inner creative mind,put on our sandals and head out to Mayfest for best people watching available in Oklahoma! The energy that encircles downtown is contagious and sets the mood for the entire summer. I am a long time Mayfester so along with listening to great music and eating Indian Tacos, life just doesn’t get much better.
Holly Embry
On May 19, 2011 at 9:50 am
My favorite thing to do is wander aimlessly- not just when I first get there, but for the whole duration of my stay really. Oh, and scout the place for belly dancers. I’m a huge fan of belly dancers.
Heather O
On May 19, 2011 at 9:52 am
The music is what it’s all about, for me, but the going around to look at all of the art is pretty cool too.
CHRIS
On May 19, 2011 at 9:53 am
FOOD!!! I CAN’T GET ENOUGH AT MAYFEST!
josh
On May 19, 2011 at 9:54 am
Usually the first thing I do is rock out to whichever band Star 103.3 brought in that year…although this was around 1995. I’m not sure if they still bring in the bands…
I’ve rocked out to Eddie Money, 38 Special, and Possibly 3 Dog Night, I can’t recall.
I love Mayfest for the MUSIC!
Alisa
On May 19, 2011 at 9:55 am
Find food! I guess I’m not alone in this!
Allison
On May 19, 2011 at 9:56 am
Thanks for this post Tasha!
Jacque
On May 19, 2011 at 9:58 am
I am looking forward to hangin gout with my neices and nephews in the kids zone like we do every year!!
The Napkin Dad
On May 19, 2011 at 10:01 am
Thanks Tasha for the shout out about the Green Gallery! Opening is Thurs. night 5-7!
Chad
On May 19, 2011 at 10:02 am
I’ll hit the Blue Coyote Wine Tasting first and then find myself a pretty painting.
david royse
On May 19, 2011 at 10:33 am
I can’t wait to get some good food!
Turkey leg and/or……………
David
mary lunsford
On May 19, 2011 at 10:37 am
Look at all the great art!
Mary
Becky
On May 19, 2011 at 10:38 am
I always make sure I know where the potty is. Because one of us always has to go at festivals.
Jackie Sauter
On May 19, 2011 at 10:45 am
My first stop will be for the FOOD! Give me a friend whatever on a stick, and I’ll be good to go!
Jackie Sauter
On May 19, 2011 at 10:52 am
*fried
I promise, I know how to spell!
Lissa
On May 19, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I love the art and it is everywhere and all about! That’s my first thing to do!
Elaine Faith
On May 19, 2011 at 2:30 pm
I have never been to Mayfest. I would like to check out the Art vendors first!!
Elaine
Valerie F.
On May 19, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Eat something fantastic on a stick, of course!