The Most Epic Annual Events in Oklahoma: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Oklahoma may be known for its sweeping plains and cowboy heritage, but it’s also a state that loves a good celebration. From Native American powwows and cowboy rodeos to music festivals and cultural showcases, the Sooner State knows how to throw a party that captures its rich history, creativity, and community spirit.
Throughout the year, locals and visitors alike gather for events that showcase Oklahoma’s diverse culture, food, art, and music — all with that signature Southern hospitality. If you’re planning a visit or looking to experience something new close to home, this guide to the top 10 must-experience festivals in Oklahoma will help you discover where to find the state’s most exciting, colorful, and unforgettable annual events — all currently open and ready for you to join the fun.
Oklahoma State Fair – A Celebration of Tradition and Fun (Oklahoma City)
Every September, the Oklahoma State Fair transforms Oklahoma City into a world of color, sound, and excitement. Since its founding in 1907, the fair has become one of the largest and most beloved events in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
This massive celebration has something for everyone:
Thrilling rides on the midway
Award-winning livestock shows
Concerts featuring national acts
Exhibits celebrating Oklahoma’s agricultural heritage
Of course, no fair experience is complete without indulging in the food — think deep-fried everything, from Oreos to bacon, alongside local favorites like corn dogs and barbecue.
The fairgrounds also feature arts and crafts exhibits, kids’ activities, and cultural showcases, making it perfect for families and visitors of all ages. The Oklahoma State Fair captures the heart of what makes this state special — proud traditions, great people, and an unbeatable good time.
Red Earth Festival – Honoring Native American Heritage (Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes, and the Red Earth Festival celebrates their living traditions with breathtaking authenticity. Held annually in downtown Oklahoma City, this event is one of the most prestigious Native American cultural gatherings in the country.
The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade, featuring dancers in full regalia, drummers, and tribal representatives from across the continent. Visitors can enjoy:
Traditional dance competitions
Handcrafted jewelry and beadwork vendors
Native art exhibitions and storytelling sessions
Authentic food inspired by tribal cuisines
This festival isn’t just a spectacle — it’s an educational journey that invites everyone to appreciate Oklahoma’s Indigenous cultures. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, the Red Earth Festival offers a powerful, unforgettable experience filled with pride and beauty.
Tulsa International Mayfest – Art, Music, and Urban Energy (Tulsa)
When spring blooms in Tulsa, the city’s downtown streets come alive with art, music, and creativity during the Tulsa International Mayfest. This annual event, typically held in May, has been a staple of Oklahoma’s cultural scene for decades.
The festival showcases local and national artists, transforming the streets into a vibrant open-air gallery. Live music fills the air, featuring everything from jazz and folk to rock and country. Visitors can also enjoy:
Dozens of food vendors offering international and local cuisine
Kids’ zones and interactive art experiences
Street performers and live mural painting
With its lively atmosphere and community-driven energy, Tulsa International Mayfest perfectly captures Oklahoma’s artistic soul. It’s a must for anyone who loves creativity, music, and the spirit of downtown celebration.
Oklahoma Renaissance Festival – Step Into Another Century (Muskogee)
For six weekends each spring, The Castle of Muskogee becomes a gateway to another world. The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival is one of the most immersive events in the state, drawing visitors from across the region to experience life in the 16th century.
Expect to encounter knights in armor, jesters, minstrels, and merchants as you wander through the castle’s winding streets. Activities include:
Jousting tournaments and sword-fighting demonstrations
Themed feasts and mead tastings
Costume contests and parades
Live theater, comedy shows, and artisan crafts
Families love the kid-friendly adventures, while adults can indulge in themed taverns and evening entertainment. Whether you dress up or just come to explore, this festival offers pure escapism and joy in one of Oklahoma’s most unique settings.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Chuck Wagon Gathering (Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma’s Western roots run deep, and nowhere are they celebrated better than at the Chuck Wagon Gathering hosted by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Held annually in late spring, this family-friendly event combines cowboy culture, great food, and live entertainment.
The star attraction? The authentic chuck wagon cook-off, where teams prepare traditional cowboy meals over open fires using cast-iron skillets and wood smoke.
Visitors can also enjoy:
Rodeo demonstrations
Western music performances
Storytelling and cowboy poetry
Hands-on children’s activities
It’s a nostalgic, delicious journey into Oklahoma’s frontier history — one that will leave you appreciating the artistry and grit of cowboy life.
Tulsa Oktoberfest – German Tradition with Oklahoma Style (Tulsa)
One of the biggest fall events in the state, Tulsa Oktoberfest transforms River West Festival Park into a celebration of Bavarian culture with a local twist.
With massive tents, live polka bands, and authentic German food, it’s one of the top-ranked Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy:
Beer gardens with both local craft brews and imported favorites
Bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and strudel
Carnival rides, games, and traditional competitions
Family-friendly entertainment and dancing
Tulsa’s event brings together the best of Oklahoma hospitality and European flair, creating a festival that’s equal parts party and cultural experience. Don’t miss the Bier Barrel Race or the MassKrugstemmen (stein-holding contest) for a taste of the fun.
Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts – A Celebration of Creativity
For over 50 years, the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts has been one of the most anticipated cultural events in the state. Held each spring in Bicentennial Park, this six-day festival celebrates visual, culinary, and performing arts in grand style.
Art lovers can browse hundreds of exhibits from national and local artists, covering everything from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media. But the festival’s appeal extends beyond art — it’s a complete sensory experience.
Expect to find:
Dozens of food vendors serving gourmet bites and local dishes
Live music across multiple stages
Interactive art installations and children’s activities
The festival’s motto, “A Celebration of the Arts, the Community, and the People,” perfectly captures its welcoming spirit. It’s a creative highlight of the year that truly represents the diversity of Oklahoma’s artistic scene.
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival – Celebrating an American Legend (Okemah)
In the small town of Okemah, music lovers gather each July to honor one of America’s greatest songwriters — Woody Guthrie, the folk icon behind “This Land Is Your Land.” The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, affectionately known as “WoodyFest,” brings together musicians, storytellers, and fans for several days of pure Americana.
The festival features:
Live performances by regional and national folk artists
Workshops, storytelling, and poetry readings
Tributes to Guthrie’s life, music, and activism
WoodyFest isn’t about glitz — it’s about community, authenticity, and passion. Set against the backdrop of small-town Oklahoma, the event captures the heart of the folk movement while celebrating the enduring legacy of one of its own.
Paseo Arts Festival – Creativity in the Heart of Oklahoma City
Held every Memorial Day weekend, the Paseo Arts Festival transforms the Paseo Arts District of Oklahoma City into a vibrant showcase of local talent. With its colorful galleries, street performers, and food vendors, this event draws thousands of visitors who come to celebrate creativity in every form.
You’ll find over 100 artists displaying their work, from ceramics and jewelry to painting and photography. The festival also features:
Live music across multiple stages
Interactive art for kids and families
Local food trucks and craft beer booths
The Paseo Arts Festival stands out for its neighborhood charm — you can stroll between exhibits, meet the artists, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere that defines Oklahoma City’s most artistic community.
Stillwater’s Red Dirt Music Festival – Homegrown Sound, Big Energy
Oklahoma’s music scene has deep roots in Red Dirt, a genre that blends country, rock, and blues with a uniquely local twist. The Red Dirt Music Festival, held annually in Stillwater, celebrates this sound with a weekend of high-energy performances from some of the biggest names in Oklahoma music.
Bands like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, and Jason Boland & The Stragglers have all played here, drawing crowds from across the state. The festival features multiple stages, great food vendors, and a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.
For those who love authentic music born from the heart of the plains, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Red Dirt live where it all began.
Azalea Festival – Spring’s Most Colorful Celebration (Muskogee)
Every April, Honor Heights Park in Muskogee bursts into bloom during the Azalea Festival, one of Oklahoma’s most scenic annual events. The park’s rolling hills and trails are blanketed with thousands of azaleas, creating a breathtaking natural display.
Visitors can stroll through 60 acres of gardens, enjoy live entertainment, and attend community events throughout the month. Highlights include:
The Garden of Lights display in the evenings
Food trucks and craft booths
Family-friendly activities like carriage rides and concerts
The Azalea Festival perfectly captures the beauty of spring in Oklahoma, offering a peaceful yet festive experience that appeals to nature lovers and families alike.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Spirit of Oklahoma All Year Long
Oklahoma’s festivals are more than just events — they’re reflections of the state’s vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and love for community. From the thrilling rides of the State Fair to the drumming rhythms of the Red Earth Festival and the music of WoodyFest, every celebration tells a story about the people and passions that make Oklahoma unique.
No matter the season, you’ll find something unforgettable happening somewhere in the Sooner State. So mark your calendar, grab your friends and family, and experience these legendary Oklahoma festivals for yourself. Because in Oklahoma, every event is more than just a gathering — it’s a celebration of life, culture, and community that stays with you long after the music fades.