The award-winning Red Earth Festival, recognized as one of America’s top art festivals, opens Labor Day weekend with beautiful artwork, new events and special attention to ensure a Grand standard of Good Clean Fun. The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, located just minutes east of Oklahoma City Exit 178 on I-40 near Shawnee, will host the Red Earth Festival for the first time this year as central Oklahoma becomes a center of Native art and culture.

The Red Earth juried art market features original art by Native artisans in the beautiful Grand Casino Event Center. Festival guests will experience the artistic creations of some of America’s most celebrated artists as they offer their creations for sale, while Native dance presentations and consultations with art experts are featured during weekend celebration.

            The spectacular Grand Casino Hotel & Resort offers 262 rooms on 14 floors with layouts including Kings, Double Queens, Suites, and a VIP Floor. 

Popular “Ask the Expert” sessions are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 5 from 1-3 pm. for those interested in learning more about Native American artwork in their private collections. Experts in the fields of beadwork, basketry, pottery, cultural items, jewelry, painting, rugs and blankets will offer their knowledgeable opinions during the afternoon session. Guests are invited to bring up to three items for review during the private consultations included with the price of admission.

A special VIP Preview, scheduled Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9-11 am allows participants the opportunity to shop the Festival early before opening to the public. Artists will be ready with their individual displays including exquisite examples of contemporary and traditional paintings, beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, graphics and culture attire. Limited capacity is available and advance online reservations are required.

For those who might not be able to attend the Festival in person, a new Personal Shopper Program lets art buyers shop from home on FaceTime with a personal shopper volunteer. At-home shoppers can register online and schedule an appointment with one of our personal shoppers. Once scheduled, buyers can shop from the convenience of their telephone as our personal shoppers take them on a tour of spectacular art to view and purchase directly from the artist.

To ensure a “Grand standard of Good, Clean, Fun,” the Grand Casino Hotel Resort will provide manual temperature checks upon entry and require masks be worn throughout the property. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility, while all employees wear masks and gloves. A state-of-the-art air filtration system ensures the air inside the Grand Casino is ventilated and treated every eight minutes. Special attention has been given to the art market layout to ensure social distancing.

Red Earth has garnered numerous accolades through its 40-year history – setting the standard for many of today’s Native art shows. Red Earth was a finalist for the 2018 ONE Award for the Arts presented by the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits, and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association has twice named Red Earth Oklahoma’s Outstanding Event. A recent USA Today 10Best Reader’s Poll named the Red Earth Festival one of the Top Ten Art Festivals in America.

            The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association has awarded its Redbud Award for Oklahoma’s Outstanding Event to previous Red Earth Festivals, and USA TODAY has named the Red Earth Festival one of 10 Great Places to Celebrate American Indian Culture. The American Bus Association has listed the Red Earth Festival a Top 100 Event in North America placing it alongside such greats as the Indianapolis 500, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Calgary Stampede as one of the very best events.

Red Earth, Inc. is an Allied Arts member agency, an Adventure Road Travel Partner and is funded in part by the Chickasaw, Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Tinker Federal Credit Union, VisitShawnee, Communication Federal Credit Union, Funnel Design, and Oklahoma’s News 4.  Red Earth, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to promote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, a museum and fine art markets.

Reservations for VIP shopping require a $25 donation to Red Earth and can be made online. Daily general admission wristbands are  $15 per person at the door while all children under see are free with a paid adult.