Riverwind Casino announces free festival Beats & Bites

NORMAN – This year marks Riverwind Casino's 10th year of business. To celebrate the milestone year, casino officials are inviting area residents of all ages to Norman's newest outdoor food truck and music festival: Beats & Bites.

The first of five Beats & Bites will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 9 in the casino's west parking lot.

The event is free and will be held once a month, beginning with the April date and continuing through Aug. 6. Riverwind has lined up a number of popular food trucks for each event.

In April, guests can purchase food and beverages from the following food trucks: Chef Ray's Street Eats; Dippin Dots; La Gumbo Ya Ya; Murphy's Cookshack; Parking Lot Party; Phill Me Up Cheesesteaks; The Candy Basket; A Latte Love Coffeehouse; and Kona Ice, all visiting from Oklahoma City. In addition, the Nacho Biznez food truck will arrive from Ada.

Jeremy Lizana, Riverwind's assistant general manager, said Beats & Bites is open to the public and it will offer a little something for everyone.

"As Riverwind moves into its 10th year of business, this is our way of thanking the public for their continued support." Lizana said. "We are excited to have our own festival that is open to the community and guests of all ages. I think visitors will be pleased with the food and local entertainment selections."

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the event and can bring umbrellas for shade. Pets and outside food and beverages are prohibited.

The entertainment lineup on April 9 begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Music will be provided by local red dirt artists The Justin Fox Band and Southern Company.

In addition to food and music, festivalgoers can visit vendors offering local merchandise, body henna, and face painting. 

Holly Bigby, owner of Phill Me Up Cheesesteaks food truck, said she is looking forward to being part of the new Norman event.

"We are excited to have this opportunity," Bigby said. "Our food truck will be at Beats & Bites from April through August. If you can't make it out to one, you have other opportunities to come by and try an authentic cheesesteak sandwich." 

Beats & Bites will also be held on May 14, June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6. Festival attendees who want to visit the Riverwind Casino during or after Beats & Bites are welcome, but those visiting the casino floor must be 18 years or older.

About Riverwind Casino:

Riverwind Casino offers more than 2,700 electronic games, 30 table games and 17 poker tables, providing plenty of heart-thumping action for gaming enthusiasts. The casino also includes an off-track betting lounge and several dining options. Riverwind employs nearly 1,000 full- and part-time individuals and contributes millions of dollars into the local and state economy. For more information, visit Riverwind Casino's website at www.Riverwind.com.