It’s all about the kids on April 29 as Kendall Whittier Main Street opens their event season with a child-focused Hispanic heritage celebration.
Los Festivales y Mercados: Día del Niño is set from 2-6 p.m. in Whittier Square at the corner of Admiral and Lewis. The event is free and open to the public, and chock-full of kids’ entertainment and activities as well as vendors who appeal to children – and adults – of all ages.
“Día del Niño celebrates the joys of childhood and reminds us adults to have some fun once in a while,” said Sydney Alison, KWMS Community Engagement Coordinator. “This is an event that we all would’ve loved as kids, and we’re looking forward to providing a safe space with fun, free activities for families to enjoy.”
Día del Niño is the first in a three-event cultural series called Los Festivales y Mercados. The series is designed to highlight Hispanic heritage and culture, and to support local entrepreneurs, artists and vendors.
“Día del Niño, traditionally celebrated in Mexico at the end of April, honors children and the wonderment of childhood,” Alison said. “At our version, we have a fun lineup of music, dancing, arts and crafts, and so much more, all for kids!”
Día del Niño kicks off with Papa Rap, an Arkansas-based bilingual children’s performer, who will be doing two sets – one beginning at 2 p.m. and the other at 3:45 p.m.
Legacy Foundation Creation Afro Latin Dance will perform from 2:45-3:30 p.m.. Another dance troupe, Ballet Folklorico Xóchitl, will showcase their skills from 4:30-5:00 p.m.
The day wraps up with performances from the Kendall-Whittier Elementary School Drum Club and Choir. Their performance starts at 5:15 p.m.
The Gilcrease Kids Zone (Zona de los Niños) features fun activities by both Gilcrease Museum and Gathering Place, a real firetruck from Tulsa Fire Department and a bounce house for kiddos. All activities are free.
Guests can capture memories with PicMe photobooth from 2-4 p.m., and kids can get their face painted couresty of TheMission Church from 2-5 p.m.
At the heart of every Los Festivales y Mercado event is the Mercado. More than 15 vendors are slated to attend, selling art, crafts, tasty treats and imports from Latin America.
Pepe’s Food truck will be offering delicious food at the event. Calaveras Mexican Grill across the street from the event will be open, as will other Kendall Whittier eateries and food trucks.
Los Festivales y Mercados is possible through Presenting sponsors Fowler Automotive and Rivas & Associates Law Firm, and Kids Zone sponsor Gilcrease Museum. Supporting sponsors for Día del Niño are Hispanic American Foundation of Tulsa and Robinson Properties.
Remaining events in the Los Festivales y Mercados series include the July 15, Kermes, a food-focused carnival-style event, and Día de la Independencia on Sept. 16, which celebrates independence days for Mexico and six other Latin American countries.
Vendor applications are still open for the July and September events. To apply to become a vendor, visit our website. Applications are available in English and in Spanish.
Kendall Whittier Main Street is a nonprofit organization that inspires the ongoing revitalization and growth of a historic and cultural neighborhood in Tulsa. KWMS works with businesses, property owners and community partners to create vibrancy in Kendall Whittier’s commercial areas. KWMS is a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District.
For more information about the Kendall Whittier Main Street, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com.
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