'Center Of Universe Festival' Provides Big Boost For Tulsa Bars

Some showers and even a little thunder didn't stop the first ever "Center Of The Universe Festival." Organizers were hoping the downtown Tulsa festival draws tens of thousands again Saturday night, like it did on Friday.

7/19/2013 Related Story: Center Of The Universe Festival Kicks Off Downtown

The bands on the outdoor stages stopped performing at 11 p.m. Saturday. But it's what happened after 11 p.m. inside several bars and restaurants that kept music lovers downtown.

"It's been great for business," said Chris Finnerty, owner of the Yeti.

Businesses like The Yeti are seeing increased traffic into its bar for the Center Of The Universe music festival. It sits right next to the festival's main stage. But Saturday night, the Yeti also joined several other bars in a large downtown jam session.

"The infrastructure that's been built up in the Brady Arts District in the last few years has been phenomenal. I mean there're 14 restaurants, bars and clubs alone who are already hosting live music for the festival," said Jesse Boudiette with the COU Festival.

All the bands moved inside for their shows at 11 p.m.

"You can go outside and listen to great music, go inside listen to great music, and if we have any weather issues, people can go inside and stay dry if that's what they want to do," Boudiette said.

"There's so much down here that a lot of people, you know, it's growing so fast, that a lot of people don't know whats happening down here a lot of times," Finnerty said.

Chris Finnerty, who owns The Yeti, says the weather doesn't stop festival goers.

"You can come inside and get out of the heat, you know, grab a cold beer, whatever," he said.

"It's just a phenomenal experience, something that you're not going to see very often in this town, but we're happy to bring it to the community," Boudiette said.

Bar owners were ready for the crowds to be pouring in.

"The great thing about this festival is not only the concert going on, but as soon as they stop, all the bars kick up," Finnerty said.

Bars closed at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Besides the 14 bars participating in the indoor music shows, there were several outdoor vendors open throughout the night.