Factory Obscura’s PARTY!
Factory Obscura has long been one of my kids’ favorite local spots — and mine, too. We always leave feeling more connected to each other and inspired to create. So when we heard about their brand-new immersive experience, PARTY!, we couldn’t wait to check it out.
Inspired by childhood sleepovers, blanket forts and the cozy joy of piling into a pillow-covered living room with your besties, Factory Obscura’s PARTY! is like a nostalgic love letter to childhood — but also a safe, soothing space for kids and adults to rest and recharge.
The exhibit was created by artists Krista Jo Mustain and Emily Madden, two fiber artists who collaborated for the first time to bring this joyful space to life. Their goal was to create a comforting “landing spot” for folks to experience joy, softness and a little bit of magic in a world that can sometimes feel heavy. And wow — mission accomplished.
A space to play and pause
The first thing we noticed were textures everywhere. From vibrant quilts and plush pillows to handmade cushions and a GIANT squishy fabric-and-foam blob (yes, that’s the technical term), the entire space begs to be touched. My kids, of course, were thrilled — and dove right in.
I appreciated how Factory Obscura’s PARTY! offers space for both movement and stillness — a rare combo that kept all three of my kids engaged in their own ways. If you’ve been through Mix-Tape, Factory Obscura’s permanent exhibit, you’ll feel right at home here with the familiar sense of immersive play. But the vibe in PARTY! is different. Ironically, it’s far more soothing — a soft, sensory-rich retreat that still invites exploration.
The kids started off bouncing between the different textures and spaces. Don’t miss the floor-is-lava game, which my boys immediately declared epic. Around every corner is something new to discover — individual pods designed for solo or buddy exploration, filled with colorful fabrics, interactive lighting and unexpected audio moments. One of their favorite finds was a quirky telephone that delivers a recorded message letting you know the pizza is hot — and so are the servers (cue uncontrollable giggles from my crew).
We really enjoyed talking with the artists (who were incredibly kind and generous with their time) about their process and materials. My kids, who’ve spent time sewing with their grandma, were fascinated to learn how much of the material — from foam to fabric — was sourced from estate sales, thrift shops or donated by community members. It turned the exhibit into more than just art — it became a story of reuse, creativity and collaboration.
My youngest even started planning how he could sew and build his own blob for his bedroom, which, as a parent, feels like the ultimate creative compliment. I love that this space broadens kids’ understanding of what art can be and encourages them to dream up their own.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience for me was how PARTY! holds space for feelings. The artists intended for the sense of nostalgia to remind visitors of the coexistence of joy and grief. PARTY! gently reminds visitors that we all – kids included – carry complex emotions, and it offers a cozy, welcoming space where those big feelings are right at home.
In the most delightful twist, our visit ended with the kids lying down together on the giant blog, staring up at the soft light and letting themselves just be.
Plan your visit
PARTY! is open now through Sept. 29, 2025 at Factory Obscura in downtown OKC’s Automobile Alley. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 4-17 and free for ages 3 and under. You can also pair your PARTY! experience with a visit to Factory Obscura’s permanent installation, Mix-Tape — always worth the trip, in my book. Pro tip: start with Mix-Tape and end with Factory Obscura’s PARTY! so you can wrap up your visit with a dose of calm and cozy, just like we did.
If you’re looking for a family outing that encourages creativity, connection and a little bit of calm — especially on a hot summer day — don’t miss this PARTY! My kids are already asking when we can go back.
