India Association of Oklahoma (IAOK)
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THANK YOU, OKLAHOMA!
IFAF 2026 Was a Resounding Cultural Celebration
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PILLARS
An event of this scale is only possible through collective passion, culture, and dedication. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made IFAF 2026 an extraordinary celebration of unity.
Our Wonderful Guests
To the thousands of attendees, families, and neighbors who joined us at Scissortail Park: thank you for bringing your radiant smiles, warm energy, and enthusiasm for Indian culture.
Vendors & Food Partners
To our hardworking culinary teams, chefs, traditional fashion boutiques, henna artists, and commercial partners: thank you for serving incredible cuisine and crafting a bustling bazaar along the Promenade and Great Lawn.
Cultural Pavilion Teams
To our regional community associations and volunteers representing 10 diverse states across India: thank you for curating museum-grade exhibits, authentic handlooms, artifacts, and living traditions.
Performers & Artists
To the hundreds of dancers, musicians, choreographers, and workshop leads spanning every generation—from our enthusiastic little ones making their stage debut to master classical and regional folk artists: thank you for sharing your heart, grace, and storytelling on the Main Stage.
Selfless Volunteers
To the dedicated volunteers registered across our Stage Operations, Arts & Crafts, Guest Relations, Info & Tickets, Parking, and Park Logistics teams: thank you for your selfless service from dawn setup to evening pack-down.
Sponsors & Donors
To our visionary corporate sponsors, community benefactors, and individual patrons: your generous financial contributions and in-kind resources made free park admission and grand stage production possible.
SPECTACULAR LIVE PERFORMANCES
Over 7 hours of non-stop classical, folk, and contemporary music and dance lit up the Scissortail Park Main Stage. Thank you to our 150+ talented performing artists!
Classical Dance & Melodies
Mesmerizing performances showcasing India's sacred artistic traditions—featuring graceful Bharatanatyam, intricate Kathak footwork, and soulful Carnatic vocal and instrumental sets.
Regional Folk Showcases
High-energy regional ensembles representing cultural societies from across the Indian subcontinent, including vibrant Gujarati Garba, thunderous Punjabi Bhangra & Giddha, and Maharashtra’s Lavani.
Bollywood Beats & DJ Night
An unforgettable dusk celebration featuring dynamic youth dance troupes, viral Bollywood choreographies, and an electric community open-lawn dance party to close out IFAF 2026.
COMPETITIONS & COOKING WORKSHOPS
From show-stopping home-cooked regional delicacies to high-energy stage showdowns, thank you to all our amateur chefs, workshop participants, and brave eating challengers!
Indian Cooking Competition
Passionate home chefs presented incredible regional culinary creations evaluated on taste profile, authentic flavors, texture, and visual presentation.
- Sweet & savory culinary categories
- Evaluation under final review
- Official results posting soon
Live Cooking Workshop
A packed live masterclass unlocking the secrets of tempering whole spices (tadka), crafting regional gravy bases, and balancing traditional flavors.
- Hands-on live culinary demonstration
- Traditional spice pairing & layering tips
- Full-capacity attendee participation
Desi Eating Challenge
A thrilling main-stage spectacle testing speed, stamina, and spice limits in front of a cheering Great Lawn festival audience.
- Timed spicy showdown on the Main Stage
- Electric crowd energy & live cheering
- 2026 Champion crowned
INTERACTIVE ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Hundreds of festival attendees and families engaged in ancient Indian craft traditions, folk arts, and live calligraphy at Scissortail Park. Thank you to our artisan instructors and volunteers!
Community Art Booth
A bustling hub of creativity where families and youth crafted vibrant handmade folk keepsakes throughout the day:
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Tiger Puppet & Tiger Origami: Handcrafted official IFAF 2026 festival emblems
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Rangoli Art: Traditional geometric floral sand art patterns
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Traditional Bangles: Custom silk-thread cultural adornment making
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Tie & Dye (Bandhani): Traditional fabric folding and resist-dye patterns
Indian Script Calligraphy
Master calligraphers introduced attendees to the rich linguistic tapestry and ancient classical alphabets of India:
Madhubani Folk Art Workshop
An immersive folk-painting masterclass teaching Bihar's centuries-old Mithila art style with traditional techniques:
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Ancient Techniques: Geometric line styling, eye motifs, and dual-line borders
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Hands-On Canvases: Each participant painted and framed an original Mithila piece
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Cultural Heritage: Celebrating natural pigments, peacocks, and life symbols
STATE CULTURAL PAVILIONS
A colorful journey through the heritage of the subcontinent. Thank you to our regional community associations and volunteers who curated 10 vibrant interactive cultural exhibits across the Great Lawn!
Maharashtra
Warli tribal art displays, the valor and forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, traditional Paithani pure silk weaves, and the festive spirit of Ganesh Utsav.
Odisha
Intricate silver filigree (Tarakasi), ancient Pattachitra cloth scroll paintings, Sambalpuri handlooms, and classical Odissi dance roots.
Gujarat
Mirror-work embroidery, vibrant Bandhani fabrics, brass handicrafts, and the rhythmic community traditions of Garba and Dandiya Raas.
Tamil Nadu
Dravidian temple architecture, Kanchipuram pure silk traditions, Thanjavur art, and millennia-old classical Tamil literature.
Karnataka
Royal Mysore palace heritage, fragrant sandalwood carvings, Bidriware metal craft, and world-renowned Channapatna wooden lacquerware toys.
Kerala
“God’s Own Country” folklore: Kathakali facial art masks, snake boat races (Vallam Kali), aromatic spice trade history, and Aranmula metal mirrors.
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
Lucknowi Chikankari delicate shadow needlework, Madhubani folk masterworks, brass crafts of Moradabad, and profound literary philosophy.
Punjab
Rich agricultural traditions, geometric hand-embroidered Phulkari dupattas, iconic Punjabi Juttis, and the celebratory vitality of Bhangra and Dhol.
Andhra & Telangana
Kalamkari hand-painted narrative artwork, Pochampally Ikat textiles, Kondapalli softwood carved toys, and classical Kuchipudi artistry.
Rajasthan
Fortress architecture, colorful Kathputli string puppets, royal blue pottery, Jaipuri floral block-prints, and desert folk ballads.
FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE & BUSINESS EXPO
Thank you to our incredible local entrepreneurs, traditional fashion designers, live henna artists, and community business partners who made the Great Lawn bazaar so vibrant!
Continue supporting the local small businesses, services, and craft artisans who partnered with IFAF 2026.
Mahim's Collections
Ethnic Apparel & Festive WearArsheen Fashion
Contemporary & Traditional Indian FashionThe Stop Shop
Apparel, Accessories & NoveltiesLabubu Lit Sales
Collectibles, Toys & Pop TrendsOKC Bazaar
Indian Grocery & JewelrySri Ganesh Collections
Sarees, Designer Kurtis & BanglesIshika's Variety
Traditional Wear & Fashion AccessoriesMera Sona
Fine Jewelry & Statement OrnamentsLovee Henna
Traditional & Modern Mehndi ArtHenna by AO
Bridal & Festive Henna DesignsMamta's Backstage Salon
Hair, Beauty Styling & Salon ServicesHenna by Ajwa
Custom Organic Henna ArtistryCommunication Federal Credit Union
Banking & Financial ServicesJay Tharian - Realtor
Residential & Commercial Real EstateTechnoloJay
IT & Tech ConsultingMTM Financials
Accounting, Tax & Wealth AdvisoryAffluent Allianz
Insurance & Financial PlanningRealtor Manish
Real Estate Investments & HomesPremier Martial Arts
Youth & Adult Martial Arts TrainingBrahma Kumaris Meditation
Mindfulness, Wellness & MeditationRenewal by Andersen
Premium Home Window & Door SolutionsOK Cricket Academy / OKC Strikers
Youth Cricket Coaching & Club ProgramsIAOK Festival Store & 360 Photobooth
Indian Dress-Up, Photos & SouvenirsFOOD & BEVERAGE STALL DIRECTORY
Thank you to our phenomenal regional restaurants, community food stalls, sweet makers, and local craft beverage vendors who served thousands of delicious dishes along the Promenade!
RELIVE THE MAGIC
Experience the colors, stage performances, and community spirit that make the India Food & Arts Festival unforgettable. Watch our festival highlights below while our production team edits the official 2026 cinematic recap!
FESTIVAL GROUNDS & VENUE LAYOUT
Thank you for joining us at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City! Explore the official 2026 festival grounds layout, parking plans, and public transit connections.
Official 2026 Festival Grounds Map
Reference the complete master layout: Main Stage, Promenade Food Stalls (#51–#68), Cultural Booths (#15–#24), Great Lawn Bazaar (#1–#38), and Event Parking Lots.
Park Venue
Scissortail Park (Upper Park)
300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Festival Parking Plan
- P1 VIP & Vendor (SW 2nd & S. Harvey)
- P2 Volunteer & Sponsor (South of SW 2nd St)
- P3 Performer (East of S. Harvey Ave)
- P4 Visitor Lot #1 (Between Reno & SW 2nd)
- P5 Visitor Lot #2 (Between Reno & SW 2nd)
Transit & District Garages
OKC Convention Center Garage: Located directly across from Scissortail Park along Mick Cornett Dr.
OKC Streetcar: Connected festival guests via the Scissortail Park platform on the Downtown Loop.
City street meter parking accommodated additional visitors throughout the weekend.SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL MISSION
The India Food & Arts Festival is powered entirely by community volunteer dedication, corporate partnership, and generous patrons. Thank you for making Oklahoma City's premier cultural flagship possible!
Volunteer Team
Our festival was brought to life by over 100 dedicated community members, youth leaders, and university students who managed stage logistics, guest relations, artist hospitality, and park cleanup.
Sponsor Appreciation
We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary 2026 sponsors whose generous backing ensured free festival admission. Interested in partnering with us for IFAF 2027? Inquire early!
Support IAOK
Donations directly fund year-round cultural programming, youth sports leagues, senior initiatives, and major community productions at Scissortail Park. All gifts are 100% tax-deductible.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PATRONS
IFAF 2026 is made possible through the generous support of our corporate sponsors, institutional arts partners, and community patrons.
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
Honoring the families, community champions, and individual donors whose generosity brings IFAF to life.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
IFAF is 100% volunteer-run. Deep gratitude to the dedicated team operating our stages, workshops, hospitality, and park operations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before arriving at Scissortail Park for IFAF 2026.
Is admission to the festival free?
Yes! Admission to Scissortail Park, stage performances, cultural exhibits, and free craft tents is 100% free and open to the entire Oklahoma community.
Is festival parking free or paid?
Parking is complimentary in Lots P1, P2, and P3 for designated VIPs, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and performers. General visitors can park in Lots P4 and P5 for $5. You can pre-purchase your visitor parking pass online via Square or the IAOK Store.
How do food & workshop payments work?
Most food stalls and ticketed workshops accept official IFAF tickets. Purchase ticket sheets using cash or credit cards at Ticket Counter #1 (Booth 50) or Ticket Counter #2 (Booth 56).
Is Scissortail Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Paved promenade walkways, ramp access throughout the Great Lawn, and accessible restrooms (Booth 43 and Booth 69) are available for all guests.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
Leashed pets are welcome in open lawn areas of Scissortail Park. Please ensure pets are kept on a standard leash and clean up after them promptly.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing lawn chairs, picnic blankets, sunscreen, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles to stay comfortable on the Great Lawn throughout the day.
Where do I go if I need assistance?
Visit the IAOK Volunteer & Info Station (Booth 55) along the Promenade for lost and found, event maps, volunteer check-in, or first-aid guidance.
What public transit options are available?
Take the OKC Streetcar (Downtown Loop) directly to the Scissortail Park stop. The OKC Convention Center Parking Garage directly across on Mick Cornett Dr. is also available for additional public parking.