OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival will return for its second year on Sept. 12, bringing comic creators, artists, families and fans together at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center for a free celebration of comics, manga and visual storytelling.
Known as OCAF, the family-friendly event combines the atmosphere of a comic convention with the arts education programming offered by Oklahoma Contemporary. Organizers are expanding the festival this year following a strong inaugural event that attracted nearly 1,200 attendees in 2025.
The festival will give visitors opportunities to meet dozens of Oklahoma comic creators as well as established artists and writers from across the United States. Workshops, panels, drawing activities, a film screening and other programs are also planned.
Comic Creators From Across the Country to Attend
Among the scheduled creators are Rob Guillory, known for Chew and Farmhand; Gavin Guidry, whose credits include The Flash, Action Comics and Uncanny X-Men; and Jeffrey Brown, known for Hulk Teach and Star Wars: Darth Vader and Son. Additional creators are expected to participate.
Oklahoma Contemporary views the festival as an extension of its broader effort to connect the public with different forms of contemporary art and creative expression.
“Hosting the Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival at Oklahoma Contemporary is a meaningful extension of our mission to celebrate creativity in all its forms. Comics sit at the intersection of visual art, storytelling, design, and popular culture, and this festival creates an open, joyful space where artists, readers, and families can come together. We’re proud to partner with Oklahoma’s Arts Foundation and to welcome new audiences into the arts center through a medium that is both deeply personal and widely accessible.” Trent Riley, Executive Director Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.
OCAF Builds on Strong First-Year Attendance
The inaugural Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival in 2025 drew nearly 1,200 attendees and featured 54 exhibiting comic creators and artists.
The event also offered 11 panels and hands-on workshops, providing participants with opportunities to learn about illustration, comics and the broader creative process. Organizers said the turnout demonstrated strong interest in comics and visual storytelling across Oklahoma.
For its second year, OCAF is preparing a larger celebration with additional artists and expanded educational programming.
One of the additions will be the open-drawing Comics Lab, where mentors will be available to work with participants. The festival will also screen The Illustrator: The Art of Steve Erwin.
Another scheduled event, the Creating Comics in Oklahoma panel, will focus on the process of producing comics and offer practical tips for creators interested in publication.
Festival Focuses on Artists and Fan Interaction
Direct interaction between artists and visitors is a central part of the festival. Attendees can meet creators, discuss their work and learn more about the techniques involved in producing comics and graphic novels.
An attendee of the inaugural festival described the opportunity to meet a professional comic artist as a highlight of the event.
“My son is a massive graphic novel and comic book fan. We were shocked to meet one of his favorite Batman artists at the festival. To talk with him and learn about his process, as well as leave the festival with a signed piece of art for my son was amazing. I also could not get over the diversity of art and artists, and I was so surprised by the amount of animal and wildlife related art and comics, which now adorn my office at WildCare Oklahoma.” Inger Giuffrida, Executive Director, WildCare Oklahoma.
Family Activities and Food Options Planned
In addition to creator appearances, OCAF will offer workshops designed for both children and adults, making the event accessible to experienced comic fans as well as visitors discovering the medium for the first time.
Comic character cosplayers will also be part of the festival, with designated opportunities for visitors to take photos.
Food will be available from Quincy Bakery and Cafe, along with on-site food trucks during the event.
With free admission, an expanded lineup of creators and additional educational activities, the second Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival aims to build on its successful debut while strengthening Oklahoma City’s growing community around comics, illustration and visual storytelling.
