India Association of Oklahoma (IAOK)
|
INDIA FOOD & ARTS FESTIVAL
Discover the Flavors, Colors & Traditions of India
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
DISCOVER THE FLAVORS, COLORS & TRADITIONS OF INDIA
SPECTACULAR LIVE PERFORMANCES
Non-stop classical music, colorful regional folk dances, and high-energy Bollywood showcases on the Great Lawn Stage.
VIEW LINEUPCOOKING CONTESTS & DEMOS
Interactive cooking classes, recipe challenges, and live culinary showcases with local home chefs.
SEE CONTESTSINTERACTIVE ART WORKSHOPS
Free hands-on craft stations: Tiger origami, Rangoli sand art, traditional bangles, and personalized Indian script calligraphy.
SEE WORKSHOPSSTATE CULTURAL PAVILIONS
Travel across 10 regional state booths honoring India's rich textiles, heritage landmarks, folklore, and indigenous crafts.
EXPLORE STATESARTISAN MARKETPLACE
Shop traditional fashion, designer jewelry, organic henna artistry, lifestyle gifts, and meet trusted local businesses.
BROWSE BAZAARAUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE
Savor authentic regional street foods, dosas, fresh biryanis, samosas, sweets, and craft cold brews along the Promenade.
EXPLORE FOODSPECTACULAR LIVE PERFORMANCES
Experience non-stop classical, folk, and contemporary dance and musical performances on the Scissortail Park main stage.
Classical Heritage & Rhythms
Mesmerizing classical dance forms and instrumental mastery representing India's sacred artistic traditions, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Carnatic melodies.
Folk Dances of India
High-spirited, colorful regional folk showcases from Gujarat to Punjab—featuring Garba, Giddha, Lavani, and thunderous live Dhol percussion.
Bollywood Beats & DJ Celebration
Dynamic group choreography, high-energy modern Bollywood medleys, and an electric community open-dance finale under the park lights.
COMPETITIONS & COOKING WORKSHOPS
Showcase your culinary talent, learn regional cooking secrets from master cooks, or cheer on the contestants in our high-energy eating showdown.
Indian Cooking Competition
Present your best signature Indian dish to our panel of judges! Entrants will be evaluated on authenticity, taste profile, texture, and presentation.
- Multiple sweet & savory categories
- Trophies & community recognition
- Advance online entry required
Live Cooking Workshop
A step-by-step masterclass demonstrating the art of tempering whole spices, regional gravies, and traditional home-style cooking techniques.
- Live demonstration & recipe breakdowns
- Q&A on spice pairing and technique
- Reserved seating for registered guests
Desi Eating Challenge
Take the stage and test your speed, spice tolerance, and appetite in front of the festival crowd! Always one of the most exciting events of the day.
- Live timed eating showdown
- Festival champion trophy
- Strict participant cutoff
INTERACTIVE ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Explore hands-on cultural craft stations and creative workshops designed for all ages throughout the afternoon at Scissortail Park.
Community Art Booth
Open hands-on walk-up craft stations celebrating Indian folk patterns and creative family fun:
-
Tiger Puppet & Tiger Origami: Commemorating IFAF 2026
-
Rangoli Art: Colorful geometric floor sand art
-
Traditional Bangles: Cultural adornment craft
-
Tie & Dye (Bandhani): Vibrant fabric pattern techniques
Indian Script Calligraphy
Discover the linguistic beauty and historical scripts of India through customized live lettering:
Madhubani Folk Art Workshop
An immersive masterclass exploring Bihar's ancient folk painting style, famous for eye-catching geometric patterns and nature motifs:
-
Traditional Technique: Learn authentic line-drawing & natural pigment styling
-
All Skill Levels: Guided instruction suitable for youth & adults
-
Festival Tickets: Requires 2 activity tickets (available at the info booth)
STATE CULTURAL PAVILIONS
Immerse yourself in India’s vibrant regional diversity. Visit 10 community-curated state booths along the Great Lawn showcasing authentic textiles, folk arts, historical exhibits, and native traditions.
Maharashtra
Warli tribal art, the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, traditional Paithani weaves, and the festive spirit of Ganesh Utsav.
Odisha
Intricate silver filigree (Tarakasi), ancient Pattachitra scroll paintings, Sambalpuri handlooms, and classical Odissi dance roots.
Gujarat
Mirror-work embroidery, vibrant Bandhani fabrics, brass handicrafts, and the rhythmic traditions of Garba and Dandiya Raas.
Tamil Nadu
Dravidian temple architecture, Kanchipuram pure silk traditions, Thanjavur art, and millennia-old classical Tamil literature.
Karnataka
Royal Mysore heritage, fragrant sandalwood crafts, Bidriware metal art, and world-renowned Channapatna wooden toy craft.
Kerala
“God’s Own Country” folklore: Kathakali facial art, snake boat races (Vallam Kali), fragrant spice trails, and Aranmula mirrors.
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
Lucknowi Chikankari needlework, Madhubani folk masterpieces, brass crafts of Moradabad, and profound literary heritage.
Punjab
Rich agricultural traditions, hand-embroidered Phulkari dupattas, iconic Punjabi Juttis, and the celebratory vitality of Bhangra.
Andhra & Telangana
Kalamkari block-print artwork, Pochampally Ikat textiles, Kondapalli carved wood toys, and classical Kuchipudi artistry.
Rajasthan
Palace architecture, colorful Kathputli string puppets, royal blue pottery, Jaipuri block-prints, and desert folk songs.
FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE & BUSINESS EXPO
Shop vibrant traditional attire, handcrafted jewelry, intricate live henna artistry, home decor, and meet trusted local businesses surrounding the Scissortail Park Great Lawn.
Marketplace booths flank the main stage and cultural pavilions on the east and west lawns.
Mahim's Collections
Ethnic Apparel & Festive WearArsheen Fashion
Contemporary & Traditional Indian FashionThe Stop Shop
Apparel, Accessories & NoveltiesLabubu Lit Sales
Collectibles, Toys & Pop TrendsOKC Bazaar
Indian Grocery & JewelrySri Ganesh Collections
Sarees, Designer Kurtis & BanglesIshika's Variety
Traditional Wear & Fashion AccessoriesMera Sona
Fine Jewelry & Statement OrnamentsLovee Henna
Traditional & Modern Mehndi ArtHenna by AO
Bridal & Festive Henna DesignsMamta's Backstage Salon
Hair, Beauty Styling & Salon ServicesHenna by Ajwa
Custom Organic Henna ArtistryCommunication Federal Credit Union
Banking & Financial ServicesJay Tharian - Realtor
Residential & Commercial Real EstateTechnoloJay
TechnologyMTM Financials
Accounting, Tax & Wealth AdvisoryAffluent Allianz
Insurance & Financial PlanningRealtor Manish
Real Estate Investments & HomesPremier Martial Arts
Youth & Adult Martial Arts TrainingBrahma Kumaris Meditation
Mindfulness, Wellness & MeditationRenewal by Andersen
Premium Home Window & Door SolutionsOK Cricket Academy / OKC Strikers
Youth Cricket Coaching & Club ProgramsIAOK Festival Store & 360 Photobooth
Indian Dress-Up, Photos & SouvenirsFOOD & BEVERAGE STALL DIRECTORY
Explore authentic regional street food, rich curries, snacks, and craft beverages along the Scissortail Park Promenade.
RELIVE THE MAGIC
Take a look back at the vibrant colors, incredible performances, and community spirit that make our festival unforgettable.
PLAN YOUR VISIT & PARKING GUIDE
Join us at Oklahoma City's premier urban park. Review complimentary lots, reserved visitor parking, street transit, and live festival maps.
Interactive Festival Grounds & Layout Map
Locate the Main Stage, Promenade Food Stalls (#51–#68), Ticket Counters (#50, #56), Restrooms (#43, #69), Cultural Booths (#15–#24), and Event Parking Lots.
Festival Location
Scissortail Park (Upper Park)
300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Festival Parking Lots
- P1 VIP & Vendor (SW 2nd & S. Harvey)
- P2 Volunteer & Sponsor (South of SW 2nd St)
- P3 Performer (East of S. Harvey Ave)
- P4 Visitor Paid #1 (Between Reno & SW 2nd)
- P5 Visitor Paid #2 (Between Reno & SW 2nd)
Public Parking & Transit
OKC Convention Center Garage: Located directly across from Scissortail Park on Mick Cornett Dr.
OKC Streetcar: Disembark at the Scissortail Park platform on the Downtown Loop for immediate walk-up access.
Street meter parking is also available across surrounding downtown OKC streets.FESTIVAL TICKETS & VISITOR PARKING
Beat the lines on festival day! Pre-purchase your festival tickets and reserved visitor parking passes online through the official IAOK Store.
IFAF 2026 Festival Ticket
General festival entry pass supporting live cultural performances, artisan exhibits, and park production.
IFAF 2026 Visitor Parking
Designated visitor parking pass for convenient park access during the festival at Scissortail Park.
PARTICIPATE & SUPPORT IFAF 2026
Support our festival through corporate sponsorship, community donations, and celebrating the dedicated volunteers bringing Oklahoma City's premier cultural flagship to life.
Volunteer Team
Volunteer applications for IFAF 2026 are officially closed! A heartfelt thank you to all 100+ community members and students who signed up to support stage management, guest relations, and park operations.
Event Sponsorship
Partner with the India Association of Oklahoma to gain prominent brand visibility across festival stages, digital channels, and event print collateral.
Community Donor
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit event, 100% of your tax-deductible donation directly supports stage production, artist travel, sound equipment, and keeping admission free.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PATRONS
IFAF 2026 is made possible through the generous support of our corporate sponsors, institutional arts partners, and community patrons.
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
Honoring the families, community champions, and individual donors whose generosity brings IFAF to life.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
IFAF is 100% volunteer-run. Deep gratitude to the dedicated team operating our stages, workshops, hospitality, and park operations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before arriving at Scissortail Park for IFAF 2026.
Is admission to the festival free?
Yes! Admission to Scissortail Park, stage performances, cultural exhibits, and free craft tents is 100% free and open to the entire Oklahoma community.
Is festival parking free or paid?
Parking is complimentary in Lots P1, P2, and P3 for designated VIPs, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and performers. General visitors can park in Lots P4 and P5 for $5. You can pre-purchase your visitor parking pass online via Square or the IAOK Store.
How do food & workshop payments work?
Most food stalls and ticketed workshops accept official IFAF tickets. Purchase ticket sheets using cash or credit cards at Ticket Counter #1 (Booth 50) or Ticket Counter #2 (Booth 56).
Is Scissortail Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Paved promenade walkways, ramp access throughout the Great Lawn, and accessible restrooms (Booth 43 and Booth 69) are available for all guests.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
Leashed pets are welcome in open lawn areas of Scissortail Park. Please ensure pets are kept on a standard leash and clean up after them promptly.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing lawn chairs, picnic blankets, sunscreen, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles to stay comfortable on the Great Lawn throughout the day.
Where do I go if I need assistance?
Visit the IAOK Volunteer & Info Station (Booth 55) along the Promenade for lost and found, event maps, volunteer check-in, or first-aid guidance.
What public transit options are available?
Take the OKC Streetcar (Downtown Loop) directly to the Scissortail Park stop. The OKC Convention Center Parking Garage directly across on Mick Cornett Dr. is also available for additional public parking.