The moment you step onto the curved streets of Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District, you’re transported into what feels like a Spanish village from another era. Artists work behind picture windows while gallery visitors sip wine and browse original paintings just steps away.
This isn’t your typical strip mall arts experience. It’s a living, breathing creative community where you can watch pottery being thrown while jazz music drifts from nearby cafes.
Key Points
- Over 20 galleries and 80+ artists operate within walking distance in authentic Spanish Revival buildings from 1929
- First Friday Gallery Walk happens monthly from 6-9 PM with wine, music, and a block party atmosphere
- Memorial Day Arts Festival draws 60,000 visitors annually with two music stages and dozens of food vendors
- Historic Spanish Revival architecture features curved streets, stucco buildings, and clay tile roofs on the National Register of Historic Places
- Locally-owned restaurants offer everything from vegan fare to upscale dining with no chain establishments
- Prime location connects three cultural districts between NW 27th-30th Streets west of Walker Avenue
- Working artist studios provide immersive experiences where you can smell oil paints and see art creation in real-time
Galleries and Artist Studios Walking Tour Guide
Walking through Paseo feels different from other arts districts. You’ll find more than 20 galleries and over 80 artists packed into just two walkable blocks. The mix creates something special, some spaces work as traditional galleries where you browse finished pieces, while others operate as active studios where artists create work right before your eyes.
JRB Art at The Elms anchors the district from its historic home base. The Little Gallery, run by the Paseo Arts Association, features rotating exhibitions alongside permanent favorites like In Your Eye Gallery, Paseo Gallery One, and Prairie Arts Collective. Each space brings its own take on contemporary art, from traditional painting and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics.
The Working Studio Experience
Step into a working studio and you’re immediately hit with the smell of oil paints or the sound of pottery wheels spinning. These aren’t sterile retail spaces, they’re real creative workshops where you can watch mixed media pieces come to life or see local artisans crafting jewelry. Artists usually welcome questions about their techniques and inspiration, making each visit feel personal instead of just another shopping trip.
You can see 80+ artists’ work without moving your car once. The walkability factor sets Paseo apart from those sprawling gallery districts that force you to drive between locations. Everything sits within easy walking distance, letting you compare styles, meet artists, and discover pieces you never would have stumbled upon otherwise.
First Friday Gallery Walk and Memorial Day Arts Festival
First Friday Gallery Walk turns the district into a monthly block party. Every first Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, galleries keep their doors open late and pour wine while live music fills the streets. The vibe shifts from quiet browsing to community celebration as locals and art collectors mingle under string lights.
The Memorial Day Arts Festival is the district’s biggest annual blowout, running strong for over 45 years according to Visit OKC. Around 60,000 visitors flood the area during Memorial Day Weekend, creating completely different energy than the intimate First Friday gatherings. Two music stages anchor the festival while dozens of food vendors line the curved streets.
First Friday draws locals and serious collectors who love the relaxed pace and direct artist interaction. The Arts Festival pulls in regional tourists hunting for a weekend cultural experience. Both events show off the district’s versatility, intimate enough for real conversations with artists, yet powerful enough to handle massive crowds during peak times.
From Spanish Village to Arts Hub Since 1929
Developer G.A. Nichols established this area in 1929 as Oklahoma City’s first commercial shopping district north of downtown, originally calling it the “Spanish Village.” The distinctive Spanish Revival architecture features stucco buildings topped with clay tile roofs, creating an authentic Mediterranean feel that still defines the area today.
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes Paseo for its architectural significance. Unlike Oklahoma City’s rigid grid pattern, these two blocks curve gently, creating intimate courtyards and unexpected sight lines. Visual elements include curving streets, pastel stucco walls, and terra cotta details that transport visitors far from typical Oklahoma architecture.
Historic Preservation Meets Arts Evolution
Architectural preservation efforts that kicked off in the 1970s kept the district’s integrity intact while making room for its transformation from commercial hub to arts destination. The original Spanish Revival bones provide perfect gallery spaces; high ceilings, interesting angles, and natural light that makes artwork look incredible. Buildings that once housed shops now showcase contemporary art while keeping the historical character that makes Paseo special.
Local Restaurants and Nightlife Scene
Paseo’s dining scene mirrors its arts philosophy, everything is locally owned with zero chain restaurants cluttering the landscape. The Spanish village courtyards provide perfect settings for outdoor dining, while several venues feature live jazz or acoustic music that complements the artistic atmosphere.
Picasso Cafe offers vegetarian and vegan options in a casual setting with pet-friendly patios. Paseo Grill provides upscale romantic dining with private booths and curtains for intimate conversations. OSO on Paseo serves Baja-style tacos and tiki cocktails in a building that showcases notable architecture.
Frida Southwest specializes in Southwest cuisine while The Daley, their highly-rated whiskey and wine bar, draws serious cocktail enthusiasts. Red Rooster operates as a renovated neighborhood tavern focusing on local sourcing and farm-to-table principles. Most visitors combine dinner with gallery strolls, creating a complete cultural experience that stretches well into the evening.
Getting There and Getting Around the District
Paseo sits strategically between NW 27th and NW 30th Streets, west of Walker Avenue. This puts it north of the Uptown 23rd District and south of the Asian District, creating a cultural corridor that connects three distinct revitalized areas. The district’s connectivity makes it part of a larger cultural triad that showcases Oklahoma City’s commitment to historic preservation and arts development.
Parking relies mainly on street spaces and designated lots, which can get tight during popular events. The district maintains a high Walk Score compared to other Oklahoma City areas, making it genuinely pedestrian-friendly once you arrive. For First Friday events or the Arts Festival, arrive early or use ride-share apps since the narrow historic streets weren’t built for heavy traffic.
The centrally located position makes Paseo easily accessible from downtown Oklahoma City or suburban areas. Most visitors can explore the entire district thoroughly in a few hours, though many find themselves coming back repeatedly to catch different exhibitions or discover new artists who’ve recently opened studios.
How To Get To Five Star Towing From Paseo Art District
Driving Directions From Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK to 5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 – 15 min (5.9 miles) via N Classen Blvd and Exchange Ave.
Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK
Take Shartel Ave to NW 23rd St – 1 min (0.2 mi)
Drive along N Classen Blvd, Exchange Ave and S Agnew Ave – 15 min (5.5 mi)
Turn left, Destination will be on the right – 57 sec (407 ft)
5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
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