There’s a new Vibe in Edmond

What better way to welcome spring to Downtown Edmond than with a new open-air street festival? This innovative event will cultivate a diverse art scene while supporting local businesses.

VIBES puts a new spin on the traditional “art walk,” and businesses play a crucial role. It will span fifteen blocks in Downtown Edmond from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the first Thursday of each month (April through October). Edmond VIBES is free and highlights a variety of creative talent hosted in participating businesses. Attendees can enjoy 35 restaurants/retail shops, 65 visual artists, and 30 performing artists during all seven festivals.  

Edmond Fine Arts Institute stepped up to organize VIBES after a colorful group of art enthusiasts gave the idea wings to fly. “Everything about VIBES fits our mission,” said Shannon Price, executive director. “As a 501c3 arts nonprofit, our goal is to provide all Edmond residents with visual and performing arts opportunities. When we were approached by the VIBES committee to spearhead this event, it was a no brainer. We jumped at the chance to create a centralized art hub in Oklahoma that would feature talented artists, promote Downtown Edmond businesses, and provide families with free access to the arts each month.”

VIBES is a welcome addition to Downtown Edmond, according to these businesses.

Commonplace Books 

“To me, it is a great time in the life of Downtown Edmond with a wonderful mixture of new and old businesses,” said Ben Nockels, owner of Commonplace Books. “Our town is re-exploring itself and VIBES will activate Downtown Edmond on a regular basis in the evening which will help businesses thrive.”

Artist: Rae Stone is an art teacher and abstract painter who will be in their space at every VIBES event

Lulu & Lo’s Boutique

“VIBES is bringing a unique and fun experience to Downtown Edmond, said Lauren Frazier, owner of Lulu & Lo’s Boutique. “Visitors will get a chance to explore our downtown and support local businesses and artists at the same time.”

Artist: Aimee Eischen will be painting colorful abstracts and florals

Frenzy Brewing Company

“We believe VIBES will ignite Edmond’s downtown renaissance,” said Beth Conner, wife of Frenzy Brewing Company owner Matt Conner. “We already have artists and musicians booked for the first Thursday of every month from April through October.”

Artist: Calli Heflin focuses on multimedia political statements and founded a drawing lab with the OSU Horseman’s Association, where she demonstrated gestural drawing of horses.

Musician: Kyle Brewer is an Americana musician playing a fun combination of country and rock ‘n roll

Broadway Antiques and Market

“Since the Annual Edmond Arts Festival has moved to September, having VIBES beginning in April will bring new visitors to our amazing downtown retail and restaurants,” said Rebecca Crow, owner of Broadway Antiques and Market.

Artist: Polly Sharp is a landscape painter who will feature impressionist drawings

Plan to stroll, sip, and see while being entertained by creative visual and performing talents in Downtown Edmond at various businesses beginning at 5:00 pm on April 1st. Visit the VIBES website for more information on participants, times, and locations. For VIBES updates, performance schedules, artists, maps, and news, follow @edmondvibes on Instagram and VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays on Facebook.

VIBES is made possible with support from the City of Edmond, Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA), and dedicated community sponsors, including headline sponsor- Mercy Hospital, Chickasaw Community Bank, Edmond Electric, Citizens Bank of Edmond, Engel & Volkers Duncan Group, The Grant Group, Small Architects, and United Production Co.