Red Earth Festival 2026
Thank you for joining us for the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival, August 1 and 2, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This page includes key information for accepted artists, including booth payment, artist opportunities, booth setup, move-in, art competition check-in, hotel blocks, parking, artist support, and Festival schedule highlights.
Artist Action Items
Use the links below to complete important next steps for Festival weekend.
Schedule Your Move-In Time
All artists must schedule a move-in time before arriving. Move-in is by appointment only to help reduce congestion at the Convention Center.
Sign Up for Move-InPay for Your Booth
Accepted artists who have not yet paid for their booth can complete booth payment online.
Share Your Talents
Artists are invited to propose live talks, demonstrations, or presentations during Festival weekend.
T-Shirt Design Competition
Accepted Festival artists may apply to create the official 40th Anniversary Festival T-shirt design.
Art Awards Celebration
Registered artists with a purchased booth receive one complimentary ticket. Additional guest tickets are available for purchase.
Booth Information
Each artist booth will be set before artist move-in begins. Please plan your display around the booth setup listed below.
Included with Your Booth
- 10 ft. x 10 ft. booth space
- Black booth drape with red skirting
- Black and red pipe and drape
- One 8 ft. table
- Artist booth identification
Additional Tables
Artists who purchased an additional table will receive one extra 8 ft. table with their booth setup.
If you did not purchase an additional table, please plan for the one 8 ft. table included with your booth.
Booth Staffing
Registered artists or their approved representative must staff the booth during all official Festival hours.
Artists participating in the art competition must be present at their booth during the Festival.
Move-In and Check-In
Artists must select a move-in appointment before the Festival. Please review the options carefully, especially if you are entering the Art Competition.
July 30
Artist Move-In
Artist move-in will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 7:00 PM by pre-set appointment. Local artists and artists with larger setups are encouraged to move in on Thursday if possible.
July 31
Artist Move-In
Move-in will take place from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM by pre-set appointment. Artists entering the Art Competition must make sure their competition pieces are checked in by 12:00 PM.
August 1
Limited Hand-Carry Move-In
A limited Saturday morning hand-carry option is available only for artists who are not entering the Art Competition and have a very small setup. Artists using this option must arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, enter through the front entrance, park first, carry items in by hand, and be fully set up before VIP shopping begins at 9:00 AM.
Artist Parking
Red Earth is renting a parking lot near the Convention Center for artists who need parking during the Festival. Parking instructions and location details will be emailed before the event.
Art Competition Information
Competition pieces are checked in separately from booth move-in and may be dropped off beginning Thursday afternoon.
Competition Drop-Off Location
Competition pieces will be checked in separately from booth move-in.
Drop-off will be located in the front hallway of the Oklahoma City Convention Center near the main entrance.
Drop-Off Times
Artists may begin dropping off competition pieces at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 30.
All competition pieces must be checked in by 12:00 PM on Friday, July 31.
Using the Loading Dock?
Artists using the loading dock for booth move-in may still drop off competition pieces through the front entrance.
Competition check-in and booth move-in are separate processes.
Move-In After Noon?
Artists with a Friday move-in appointment after 12:00 PM can still participate in the Art Competition.
To do so, competition pieces simply need to be dropped off either on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning before the noon deadline.
Judging Times
- Youth Art Judging: 12:00 PM on Friday, July 31
- Adult Art Judging: 1:00 PM on Friday, July 31
Competition Reminder
Artists may compete in up to two categories and may submit up to two pieces per category.
Late competition entries will not be eligible for judging.
Art Competition Deadline
Artists participating in the Art Competition must have all competition pieces checked in by 12:00 PM on Friday, July 31. Adult Art Competition judging begins at 1:00 PM. Artists arriving after noon for booth move-in may still compete only if their competition pieces were checked in before the deadline.
Artist Aides Will Be Available
Trusted Artist Aides will be available throughout the Festival to help watch booths when artists need a short break. Additional coverage will be available during dance showcase times, when the hall may be louder and more active.
Festival Schedule Highlights
This general schedule is provided to help artists plan. A final detailed schedule will be shared closer to Festival weekend.
Hotel Information
Artists traveling to Oklahoma City are encouraged to book early. Hotel blocks have limited availability and reservation deadlines.
Fairfield by Marriott
Last day to book: June 30
Wyndham Grand
Last day to book: July 1
Courtyard by Marriott
Last day to book: July 1
Accepted Artist FAQ
These answers cover common artist questions. More detailed instructions will be emailed as Festival weekend approaches.
When will I receive my booth number?
Booth numbers will be shared after final booth placement is complete. Red Earth reserves the right to assign booth locations in the best interest of the Festival.
When can I sign up for move-in?
Artists must schedule a move-in appointment before arriving. Move-in will take place Thursday, July 30, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Friday, July 31, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM by appointment. A limited Saturday morning hand-carry option is available only for small setups by artists not entering the Art Competition.
Can I move in Saturday morning?
Saturday morning move-in is only for artists who are not entering the Art Competition and who can carry a very small setup through the front entrance by hand. Artists must arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and be fully set up before VIP shopping begins at 9:00 AM.
Can I still compete if my booth move-in time is after noon Friday?
Yes, but your competition pieces must be checked in by 12:00 PM on Friday, July 31. You may drop off competition pieces through the main entrance beforehand, then return later for your scheduled booth move-in.
Where do I drop off art competition pieces?
Competition drop-off will be in the front hallway of the Oklahoma City Convention Center near the main entrance. This is separate from booth move-in.
Will help be available during move-in?
Yes. Volunteers and Artist Aides will be available to assist artists during check-in and move-in, but availability may vary. Artists are encouraged to bring their own carts, dollies, or wagons if needed.
Where do artists park?
Red Earth is renting a parking lot near the Convention Center for artists who need parking. Specific parking information will be sent before the event.
Can I leave artwork in my booth overnight?
Red Earth will provide security at the facility, but each artist is responsible for their own property and insurance coverage.
What is included with my booth?
Each 10 ft. x 10 ft. booth includes black booth draping with red skirting, black and red pipe and drape, and one 8 ft. table. Artists who purchased an extra table will receive one additional 8 ft. table.
When can I move out?
The Festival closes at 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 2. Artists may not move out early, as early move-out may affect future Festival standing.
Increased prize money for 2026
Prize money has been increased for the 2026 Red Earth Festival Art Competition.
Award amounts
With these increased awards, artists have the opportunity to earn back their booth fee and more.
Competition details
This is an opportunity to showcase your strongest work, gain recognition, and compete for increased cash awards during our 40th Anniversary celebration. We look forward to seeing your best work in Oklahoma City.
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Terry and Dana Brown Grand Award
2026 AWARD AMOUNT: $1000The Terry and Dana Brown Award is one of Red Earth’s highest honors, presented in recognition of exceptional artistic achievement at the Red Earth Festival.
Named in honor of Terry and Dana Brown, this award reflects a meaningful commitment to supporting Native artists and celebrating excellence in Indigenous art.
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Kathleen Everett Upshaw Award
2026 AWARD AMOUNT: $800The Kathleen Everett Upshaw Award honors a lasting legacy of generosity and support for Red Earth and the arts in Oklahoma.
Through this award, Red Earth continues to recognize artistic excellence while honoring a legacy of giving that continues to uplift Native art today.
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President’s Award
2026 AWARD AMOUNT: $800The President’s Award is a distinguished honor presented in recognition of exceptional artistic achievement at the Red Earth Festival.
Selected by past and current Presidents of Red Earth, this award reflects the collective leadership and vision that have guided the organization over the years.
Important Festival Update
Shared Space for Art & Dance
This year, the Art Market and Dance Showcase will take place in the same main hall at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
To help you plan:
- Saturday: Dance performances will occur three times during the day lasting approximately one hour each.
Starting at 12PM, 2PM, and 3:30PM
- Sunday: Dance performances will occur twice during the day lasting approximately one hour each.
Starting at 12PM and 2PM
During these times, the space will be lively and may be louder than usual.
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We believe this shared experience will encourage more visitors to explore the art market while also enjoying the dances, bringing greater energy and attendance to both.
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To support our artists, we encourage you to use these performance windows as a chance to take breaks. Trusted Artist Aides will be present throughout the festival, with additional coverage during dance times, so you can step away from your booth if needed and know your space is being watched over.
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We appreciate your partnership in making the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival a welcoming and dynamic celebration of Native art, dance, and culture.
ART EXHIBIT BOOTH GUIDELINES
- Registered artists or representative must staff booth during all official Festival hours of operation.
- At the opening of the Festival, each artist must display at least eight (8) original works of art for sale.
- No animals are allowed in exhibit booths, except service dogs.
- Any artist who misrepresents himself/herself or his/her work to Red Earth, Inc. or who does not abide by the terms and conditions as set forth in these Guidelines will be removed from the Festival and will not be eligible for a refund. Cancellation of Booth space will not be refunded, transferable or credited to the next year.
- All artists must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the event, and in a manner that does not embarrass or reflect negatively on the Red Earth Festival and its participants.
- Red Earth reserves the right to prohibit the sale of any item or items deemed inappropriate without refund of booth payment.
- Red Earth provides security at the facility. It is the responsibility of the registered artist to maintain adequate insurance coverage for the possessions and property in their booth. Red Earth will not be responsible for any loss due to theft, accident, or act of nature.
- Use of drugs, and/or smoking by artists/exhibitors in the Festival is prohibited.
- No Walk-in booths are available.
- No stores or dealers are allowed.
- If you are a “no show” or move out early, you jeopardize your standing in the Festival the following year.
- Red Earth has the right to remove an artist from the Festival who fails to comply with the Festival Guidelines.
- Red Earth reserves the right to assign artists locations in the best interest of the Festival and reassign booths due to artist cancellations or no-shows.
ARTWORK RULES AND STANDARDS
- Artists must display original works of art for sale, created by the registered artist who occupies the booth. All items displayed for sale in booth must have been handmade by the registered artist. Artists cannot sell work made by someone else.
- All work must be properly represented to the buyer. All items displayed must be for sale and clearly priced. All artworks must bear the hallmark (signature, mark, or stamp) of the artist.
- To participate in the Art Competition the artist must be present at their booth during the entire Festival.
- All art is subject to evaluation by Red Earth representatives throughout the Festival. Red Earth representatives may request that any items not meeting established standards be removed from display. If asked to remove an item, please do so immediately.
- Artists cannot display or sell any items that contain materials derived from animals which are considered endangered or might otherwise be considered in violation of Federal or Oklahoma state laws. Absolutely no sale or display of prehistoric or culturally sensitive artifacts. Display or sale of ceremonial objects is strictly prohibited.
- Manufactured, imitation or commercial kits and molds are strictly prohibited. No imported, manufactured, or mass-produced items, such as mouse pads, coasters, magnets, mugs, t-shirts, candles, etc. For clarification, please contact the Red Earth office in advance of the show.
- Pottery: Commercially produced pottery, slip molds, or greenware are strictly prohibited. Hand-coiled or wheel thrown are acceptable. Kiln-fired pots and pots made or decorated with commercial materials must be properly identified. No mass-produced items.
- Jewelry: Only handmade jewelry may be sold. Natural turquoise does not need special labeling. Stabilized turquoise and synthetic opal must be properly labeled. No simulated turquoise, imitation stones, or machine-made components (except findings) can be used. All jewelry must bear the hallmark (signature, mark, or stamp) of the artist.
- 2-Dimensional Work: Paintings, drawings, graphics, and photography must be framed, matted, or shrink-wrapped.
- Paintings: Prints – Giclee and Limited-edition prints, signed and numbered by the artist, may be sold, and displayed in no more than 30% of the booth space. Note cards and calendars that include your artwork are acceptable. For clarification, please contact the Red Earth office in advance of the show.
- Weaving & Textiles: Rugs, blankets, belts, and purses must be handmade. All natural yarns and dyes are acceptable. Synthetic or acrylic yarn must be properly labeled. No products commercially produced kits or patterns.
For clarification, please contact the Red Earth office before the show.