From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Open Streets OKC occupies sections of Uptown 23rd and The Paseo Arts District with more than 65 wellness-oriented groups offering free activities, dozens of food trucks, musical performers, childrens activities and more.
Open Streets OKC began in the fall of 2013 when a group who had been researching open streets events felt that Oklahoma City was ready to try something like this, said Carrie Blumert, manager of the Wellness Now coalition for Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
At the time, organizers had hoped a couple thousand people would attend.
But more than 20,000 came, she said, so we knew Oklahoma City was ready.
Last springs event drew 35,000 people. Now there are two Open Streets OKC events each year. The spring event encompasses a section of NW 23rd Street, part of N. Walker Avenue and The Paseo Arts District. The fall event happens on S. Robinson Avenue, from the Oklahoma River to SW 29th Street.
Blumert directs Open Streets and works with Prodigal, which co-manages the event and helps with operations. The Open Streets team focuses on making sure there is plenty of on-site signage, restrooms, parking and healthy offerings from the food trucks. Each truck must offer at least one healthy item in order to participate.
The event has two goals. One is to give people the opportunity to participate in physical activities that they may not otherwise try, and the second is to encourage active transportation like walking or biking, Blumert said.
Lisa Woodard, owner of This Land Yoga, 600 NW 23rd St., Suite 208, is participating Open Streets and plans a booth, demonstrations, free mini-classes and class pass giveaways.
I want people to know that yoga is for everyone, she said. Literally every person can do yoga and benefit from it.
A new feature this year is live music on Paseo Arts District stage at NW 27th Street and Walker Avenue.
We appreciate the relationships we have with Open Streets and Uptown 23rd and are excited about connecting the districts, said Amanda Bleakley, Paseo Arts Association director.
Many local organizations also provide free, fun activities. Oklahoma City Energy Football Club professional soccer team will bring inflatables and offer demos, Metro Technology Centers will lead Zumba classes, Oklahoma City University will hosts broom ball, Aalim Bellydance Academy will lead lessons and USA Softball will showcase an interactive display and activities.
We want people to feel zero pressure or worry whatsoever and just come enjoy the day, Blumert said.
Visit openstreetsokc.com.
Print headline: Easy Streets, This springs Open Streets OKC event includes live music and family-friendly activities.