Editor's note: The University of Tulsa holds the broadcasting license for KWGS.
After stormy skies and financial strains in its first year operating Mayfest, the University of Tulsa is enjoying a festival with clear weather and a wealth of art and music.
Mayfest lasts until Sunday afternoon throughout the Tulsa Arts District. It features nearly 200 local and juried artists, 50 live performances on four stages and literary events through Switchyard Festival.
Tulsa's flagship arts festival comes after a week of severe weather — something Mayor G.T. Bynum pointed out at the festival kickoff Friday morning.
"There’s literally birds chirping and clear skies," Bynum said. "It’s going to be an amazing weekend."
TU acquired the Hardesty Arts Building and the festival in February 2023. The festival was made possible last year by a last-minute donation.
TU president Brad Carson said organizers have made good use of the extra time.
"This year, we had a whole year to get after it. So we have more of a chance to bring kind of our expertise to it," Carson said.
Carson mentioned the former Hardesty Arts Building — now dubbed 101 Archer — is a focal point of the festival this year.
"This is the first time it’s really been the center. We have a lot of activity — art on the first floor, kids’ things on the third floor. So come to 101 Archer and see it," he said.
The full Mayfest schedule can be viewed here.
