Get out there and celebrate the season with spring festivals and fairs

Spring is in the air, and while some say it's a time of romance and green grass, it's also about sweet festivals, fairs and art exhibits. Here's a look at what will be happening across the metro, now to the start of summer.

Montmartre Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival
April 1
More than 100 artists, musicians, vendors and exhibits will draw attendees to the annual Montmartre Sidewalk Chalk Festival, presented by Chickasha's University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. Adults and kids of all ages can enter the competition to chalk their best creation on a slab of sidewalk at the USAO Oval; prizes will be awarded. The chalking begins at 8 a.m. April 1. Admission is free, but the competition costs $10 to enter. Visit www.usao.edu. 

A Renaissance Feast
April 9
Take a step back into days of yore with the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's Renaissance Feast. The group will host a meal fit for a king from 7 to 10 p.m. April 9 at the IAO Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan. Be entertained by jesters and musicians while feasting with the king's court. Tickets are $60, and costumes are optional. Visit www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

Festival of the Arts
April 20-25
Since 1967, Oklahoma City has celebrated the arrival of spring with the Festival of the Arts. Located downtown at the Festival Plaza, Stage Center and the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the festival showcases arts of the visual, performing and culinary persuasions. More than 140 artists will exhibit their creations, along with nonstop street and stage performers. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 20-24, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 25. Admission is free. No pets are allowed. Visit www.artscouncilokc.com.

Norman Music Festival
April 24-25
Music is alive and well in the college town of Norman, and the third go-round of the festival reflects this spirit. On 12 stages, more than 50 bands will play at the now-two-day festival. The Dirty Projectors headline this year's gig, along with many other local and national touring bands. Admission is free. According to the Web site, the music begins at "7 p.m."?ish" April 24, and continues the next day. Visit www. normanmusicfestival.com.

May Fair Arts Festival
April 30-May 2
Norman celebrates its own arts festival beginning the first week of May. A variety of artists from across the nation will sell their work to an expected crowd of 25,000. Vendors will sell food while musicians and performers entertain attendees. The fair begins April 30 and runs through May 2. For more information, call 306-3271.

Downtown Edmond Arts Fest
April 30-May 2
Edmond's Second Street and Broadway Avenue is home to yet another art festival, taking place the first weekend of May. The Downtown Edmond Arts Fest offers an opportunity to view and purchase art while strolling Edmond streets. Vendor will sell food, while live entertainment will keep things hopping. The fest runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 30 and May 1, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2.

Prague Kolache Festival
May 1
Spring is a time to celebrate Czech culture in the small town of Prague. Besides the fruit-filled dessert it is named after, the Prague Kolache Festival also offers dance, song, food and crafts to people from around the globe. The festival symbolizes the importance of the Bohemian culture on which the city was founded. The festival is May 1. Visit www.praguekolachefestival.com.

KATT Fest
May 7
Rock fans can get their fill of tunes at this year's KATTFest. Sponsored by longtime local rock station 100.5 The KATT, the annual concert features Three Days Grace, Seether, Papa Roach and several other notable acts. The concert begins 3:30 p.m. May 7 at the Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 N.E. 50th. "Luke Atkinson

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