3 things you need know about the FAM Grand Opening, Sept. 18 & 19 - MetroFamily Magazine
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3 things you need know about the FAM Grand Opening, Sept. 18 & 19

photos courtesy First Americans Museum

by Lindsay Cuomo

Reading Time: 3 minutes 

It’s been years in the making and now the big day is almost here! The First Americans Museum is celebrating its grand opening Sept. 18 & 19.

Museum staff has collaborated with tribal volunteers and community partners to craft a culturally rich festival to commemorate the museum’s debut. The weekend features a full lineup of special events and programming for all ages including fashion shows, Native games, live performances and even fireworks on Saturday night.

Here are 3 things to know if you plan to attend the grand opening:

1. Activities vary each day.

The weekend kicks off with a grand procession of tribal representation from the 39 tribes represented in the museum, followed by remarks from tribal, city and museum leaders and special guests such as United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. Activities and experiences will be held throughout the museum grounds, both indoors and outdoors.

Dozens of performers will showcase a diverse lineup of Native artistry including music, dance, poetry and film. Families can taste Native foods, contribute to a community mural, listen to storytelling, see eagles from tribal aviaries and a lot more! With the variety of activities planned, be sure to check out the grand opening schedule so you won’t miss the activities your family will enjoy the most.

The celebration opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday and continues until 10 p.m. Activities resume on Sunday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

2. Expect a large crowd.

by Lori Duckworth

Organizers are anticipating nearly 5,000 people to attend each day. To accommodate a crowd of that size, parking will be off-site and shuttles will transport families to the museum grounds. Four parking lots have been reserved and proceeds from the $10 per vehicle fee will benefit Crooked Oak athletic and JROTC programs

  • 1450 S. Eastern Ave., OKC, OK 73129 (School campus)
  • 1700 SE 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (IBEW)
  • 1330 S Eastern Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (Garcia Tire)
  • 2201 SE 22nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (Crooked Oak Sports Complex)

Due to capacity limitations and to follow CDC event guidelines, entry into the galleries is not guaranteed during opening weekend and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you prefer a quieter, more traditional museum experience, consider visiting Monday, Sept. 20 when the $5 discounted admission will also be available. The museum will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 21 and reopen Wednesday, Sept. 22 during regular museum hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and kids 13 & over and $5 for kids ages 4-12.

3. Get your tickets in advance!

Admission for opening weekend is discounted to $5 per person (museum members and kids under 3 are free) and can be purchased exclusively through the museum’s website. Timed entry into the festival will allow families ample space to observe social distancing.

To learn more about FAM, check out our sneak peek article showcasing the museum’s unique focus, inaugural galleries and a multitude of amenities such as the FAM Store and full-service onsite restaurant serving tribally specific dishes and indigenous ingredients.

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