The 17th annual Norman Music Festival opens Thursday, featuring local musicians, short films and more.
Since its start in 2008, Norman Music Festival has grown into a Norman staple, showcasing a diverse mix of local and regional acts across various stages in the heart of Norman. The festival has hosted a variety of acts over the years, with bands such as Japanese Breakfast and Portugal. The Man headlining in years past. Cody Giles, a Norman Arts Council member since 2018, says that this year will be as big as ever.
“The cool thing about Norman Music Festival is that it's a little bit different every year,” Giles said. “We're hoping to bring a big crowd to downtown Norman to help platform some really great musicians and some really amazing bands.”
The unexpected cancellation due to weather on the final day of the festival last year brought unique challenges to the team. Local businesses like Opolis banded together, offering “Tomorrow Fest” in response. These circumstances also offered the festival team an opportunity to reflect and prepare for this year’s event.
Giles said the cancellation was difficult financially, but the festival is backed by a variety of generous sponsors who believe in Norman Music Festival’s mission, leading to the event being “reborn” this year.
“It was kind of a gut punch, but it was also the right decision to make,” Giles said. “If there's anything that I could say about the NMF team, it’s that we're resilient.”
For the first time, this year's Norman Music Festival will start off with “NMF Flix/Okie Short Cuts” on Thursday, which will feature four short films from Oklahoma filmmakers and a Q&A.
“This particular partnership and film screening is new for this year,” Giles said. “We’re super excited to have some Oklahoma filmmakers here.”
Additionally, three music videos will be shown by artists including Warren Burns and Stepmom, who will perform at the festival.
Currently, the weather forecast predicts rain for this weekend. Giles emphasized that the team is “absolutely aware” of the forecast, and while Norman Music Festival is a rain or shine event, they are prepared if severe weather occurs.
Despite continued growth, Giles emphasized that the heart of the festival has remained the same — a free, community-focused celebration of music, creativity and the people who make Norman what it is.
“It's what it's always been, a really great place where people can come and listen to bands they might already know but also maybe find their new favorite band, as well,” Giles said.
Norman Music Festival will be held Thursday through Saturday. More information is available online and on the festival’s app. OU Daily will cover the event, including schedules, updates, band interviews and more.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Kylie Caldwell and Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.
