List of the most popular and famous festivals in Oklahoma and the dates and locations in which the events take place.
For people who have never been to Oklahoma, the idea of associating cultural events and festivals with the state seems to be an oxymoron. Many think of the state as a dust bowl straight out of the Grapes of Wrath, where the only activities are rodeos and cow-tipping. Well this beautiful state offers not only fabulous scenery, but also many fascinating and fun-filled festivals to appeal to a variety of interests.
Tulsa is located in northeastern Oklahoma, in an area also known as Green Country. Rolling hills and lush green trees as far as the eye can see provide a stunning backdrop for this city that has become a cultural mecca for the central southwest. Not only does Tulsa have museums and art galleries and opera and theater, it is also a city that knows how to celebrate and will find any reason to!
Mayfest is a family-oriented, outdoor tribute to the arts and music. Over 250,000 people attend this four-day event that not only offers a "tent city" of artists displaying and selling their works, but also provides multiple stages for live music. Locally and nationally renowned artists and musicians are drawn to this festival and there is also a children's are for budding artists.
Bluesfest draws local, regional, and national talent for non-stop music over a two-day celebration. Expect to hear smoking music that reaches down into your soul from the likes of blues legends Buddy Guy, BB King, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
There is so much to do at the Bluegrass and Chili Festival. From music concerts, to dance exhibitions, to the fabulous chili cook-off your appetite for food and fun will surely be quenched! Even if you have never been a fan of bluegrass, this is worth checking out - it may just convert you.
The historic Greenwood district is the setting for Tulsa's Greenwood Jazz Festival. Hot jazz is served up with sizzling barbecue. Spyro Gyra, Buckwheat Zydeco, and even Little Richard before he retired, all have graced the stages.
Reggaefest has grown from a small gathering in a city park with a couple of bands to a nationally recognized commemoration of Jamaican music drawing thousands. The air is filled with reggae and the streets are filled with people.
Oktoberfest brings polka bands directly from Bavaria (home of Germany's Oktoberfest) and fills the air with traditional German fare for three straight days. There is a carnival, bier barrel race, and the chance to perform "The Chicken Dance" at least three times an hour! Not your average Oktoberfest, this festival has not only won awards nationally, but internationally as well!
Gatesway Balloon Festival is a weekend of family fun featuring over 100 hot air balloons. There is entertainment, arts and crafts, and food, and best of all this is not just a reason to party - proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities.
If the cookie cutter bands aren't your style, then check out the refreshing rock talent at Edgefest. An affirmation of alternative music, this draws famous names and thousands of listeners.
Tulsa Scottish Games are two days of complete immersion in the life of the Scots. Dancing, music, food, and of course caber tossing are elements of this cultural celebration. Bagpipes, kilts, and perhaps Nessie herself will highlight this event.
Jazz, blues, and gospel are featured at Juneteenth. Nationally renowned artists perform at this event sponsored by the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, while the Cajun style cuisine is fabulous!
Pow Wow of Champions brings more than 100 Native American tribes together. This is the ideal place to be introduced to the culture, while enjoying traditional dance exhibitions.
The Oklahoma Mozart Festival is a weeklong celebration of fine music that has been featured everywhere from public television to ESPN. There are orchestral and chamber concerts as well as lectures tours and workshops that make this one of the country's premier classical music events.
Not to be outdone by her sister to the east, Oklahoma City (and surrounding area) offers a number of diverse and fun-filled festivals herself! The Festival of the Arts showcases the works of over 250 artisans as well as offering live entertainment, children's activities, and great food.
Norman offers one of the only free Medieval Fairs in the country. Hundreds of thousands attend this journey through time with entertainment, arts and crafts, and demonstrations, as well as food, food, and more food. Smoked turkey legs, roasted corn, and handcrafted root beer are just some of the period delights you will find.
Rated by both CNN and USA Today as one of the top ten places to be to celebrate our nation's independence, LibertyFest in Edmond, Oklahoma, is a weeklong homage to our country. Attendance tops 125,000 for this event and includes entertainment, kites, road rallies, parades, food, and spectacular fireworks.
Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival is a world-class production drawing musicians from the international community, while support music for children through scholarships. There is food, a children's area, and of course, wonderful music.
A must-do for any folk music lover is the Deep Fork Music Festival in Chandler. Not only can you hear some terrific bluegrass, country, folk, blues, and traditional mountain music, but you are invited to bring your instruments and play along. This is festival is based in a campground, so bring your tent!
In addition, this state offers festivals celebrating almost every ethnic background, azaleas, rattlesnake hunts, and most anything you can imagine. There are two things that Oklahomans know, food and music, and they will use any excuse to put the two together. The next time you are planning a trip, make Oklahoma your destination of choice. And it doesn't matter when you go, because there is ALWAYS something going on!
