Welcome Festival Artists
Thank you for scheduling your move-in time for the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival. Selecting a designated move-in time helps reduce congestion and keeps setup smooth and efficient for all participating artists.
Please Review Before Arrival
Artists may use the loading dock for large setups or the front entrance for small hand-carry setups. Please arrive at your scheduled time, check in when you arrive, and follow staff and volunteer directions.
Move-In Map
Please review the map below before arriving. It shows the main entrance, artist loading dock, and artist parking area.
Move-In Schedule
Move-in will take place by pre-set appointment. Artists must arrive during their assigned move-in time.
July 30
Artist Move-In
Artist move-in begins at 2:00 PM and continues until 7:00 PM by appointment. Local artists and artists with larger setups are encouraged to move in on Thursday if possible.
July 31
Artist Move-In Continues
Move-in continues from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM by appointment. Artists participating in the Art Competition must make sure their competition pieces are checked in by 12:00 PM.
August 1
Limited Hand-Carry Move-In
Saturday morning move-in is only available for artists who are not participating in the Art Competition and who have a very small setup that can be carried in by hand through the front entrance. Artists using this option must arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, park first, carry items in by hand, and be fully set up before VIP shopping begins at 9:00 AM.
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 with a later booth move-in time may still compete if their competition pieces are checked in before the noon deadline.
Art Competition Drop-Off
Competition pieces are checked in separately from booth move-in.
Drop-Off Location
Competition 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 may still participate in the Art Competition if their competition pieces are dropped off earlier on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning before the deadline.
Which Entrance Should You Use?
Please choose the entrance that matches the size of your setup.
Front Entrance
Best for artists with small setups, hand-carried items, luggage carts, wagons, or a small amount of inventory. Artists using the front entrance should park first and carry items in by hand.
Loading Dock
Best for artists with paintings, display walls, grids, booth fixtures, multiple boxes, heavy merchandise, or large items that would be difficult to bring through the front entrance.
Loading Dock Directions
Artists using the loading dock will enter through the gated loading area behind the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
How to Access the Dock
- Enter from S. Shields Boulevard.
- Turn onto SW 5th Street.
- Continue toward S. Broadway.
- Proceed to the gate for the Convention Center loading dock.
- Tell the gate attendant you are with Red Earth.
Where to Park for Unloading
Once through the gate, artists will be directed to pull up along the left side of the loading bay. Please unload as efficiently as possible so other artists can access the loading area.
Single-Level Move-In
This year’s move-in should be easier because the loading dock and exhibit hall are on the same level. Artists can move from the loading dock into the exhibit hall without using a freight elevator.
Move-In Instructions
Please follow these steps when you arrive at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
1. Arrive at Your Scheduled Time
Please do not arrive early for unloading. Scheduled move-in times help keep traffic moving and prevent delays for other artists.
2. Check In First
Artists should check in before unloading or beginning setup. Red Earth staff and volunteers will direct you where to go after check-in.
3. Unload Efficiently
Volunteers may be available to help transport materials to your booth. Please unload as quickly as possible so the next artist can access the unloading area.
4. Move Your Vehicle
After unloading, please move your vehicle to the designated artist parking area before beginning detailed booth setup.
Carts and Volunteer Assistance
Please plan ahead for moving your booth materials.
Bring Your Own Cart
A limited number of small carts and dollies may be available, but Red Earth cannot guarantee cart availability. Artists are strongly encouraged to bring their own cart, dolly, wagon, or other equipment.
Volunteer Help
Volunteers may be available to help transport items to your booth. Please note that volunteers are not guaranteed at all times, and artists should be prepared to move their own materials if needed.
Artist Parking
Beginning Friday, Red Earth will have a designated artist parking area available near the Convention Center.
Parking Location
Starting Friday, artists may park in the gravel lot at the corner of SW 7th Street and S. Robinson Avenue.
After Unloading
Once your vehicle is unloaded, please move it promptly to artist parking so other artists can access the loading area.
Booth Setup Reminder
Booths will be prepared before artist move-in begins.
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
Additional Tables
Artists who purchased an additional table will receive one extra 8 ft. table with their booth setup.
Tip for Local Artists
If you are local or have a large setup that may require extra time, we encourage you to move in on Thursday, July 30. This helps create a smoother process and leaves more room on Friday for out-of-town artists and art competition check-in.
Questions Before Move-In?
Please contact Red Earth if you have questions about your move-in time, booth setup, art competition check-in, or parking instructions.