Most people know that the Norman Music Festival features three-days of great music on multiple stages throughout downtown Norman, but did you know they offer an area for kids and families that is all their own?
Last year, my family had gone to the Norman Music Festival to see one of our favorite children’s musicians. We had never been to the festival before and were delighted by what we found. In addition to dancing to some great family-friendly music, the kids were able to get their hair sprayed rockin’ colors, partake in arts & crafts and explore the instrument playground in addition to many other activities. What is an instrument playground, you ask? It is an area set up with different instruments from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic that children are able to try out with the help of volunteers. I don’t know any children who don’t like making noise and what better way to make noise than with a big old trombone?
This year, the Wild Family Prairie Park looks to be a big hit once again. Music will include the Monty Harper, Alegria Real, the OU Steel Drum Band, and student showcases from Sonder Music and the Studio of the Sooner Theatre as well as the Manyawi! World Music Ensemble. While enjoying the sounds of music, children can participating in facepainting, rock star hairspray, the instrument playground (from noon-3pm), library fun, arts & crafts, hula hooping and more.
In addition to the children’s music and activities, the Dustbowl Arts Market is right next door where you can shop for unique handmade gift items and treasures.
A word of advice – outside food and beverages cannot be brought into the festival except for bottled water and baby/toddler food. We didn’t know that going in and learned it the hard way when our bags were checked on the way into the festival. There are concessions available for purchase right next to the Wild Prairie Family Park or you can enjoy a nice picnic outside the festival in nearby Andrews Park.
Your family is sure to love a FREE afternoon of music and fun in the fresh air!
What to do:
Saturday, April 27
- FREE Wild Prairie Family Park at the Norman Music Festival in downtown Norman (Gray St. between Crawford & Peters) features music, facepainting, instrument playground, library fun, activities and more. Noon-6pm. www.normanmusicfestival.com.
April 25-27
- FREE Norman Music Festival 6 in downtown Norman features three-days of music on multiple stages as well as concessions, Dustbowl Arts Market and the Wild Prairie Family Park. See website for schedule. www.normanmusicfestival.com.
