Oklahoma City Events and Festivals

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - OK, USA)

Oklahoma City has plenty going on year round, with many attractions, festivals, events and things to do being family oriented. Both Western and Native American influences on Oklahoma City have encouraged a diverse range of events, including everything from rodeos to the annual powwow.

Cowboys and girls will revel in delight at the sheer number of rodeo events that take place throughout the year in the Oklahoma City area, allowing visitors a glimpse into an otherwise unseen side of the city. Below is a list of the main events and festivals that have become part of the Oklahoma City calendar.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Opening Night - see the New Year in at Bricktown, where revelers meet to enjoy food, drink and a huge firework display
• International Finals Rodeo - mid-January, the International Pro Rodeo Association hosts the annual championship rodeo, where only the top 15 cowboys and girls compete in seven events for the prestigious title

February

• An Affair of the Heart - early February, showcasing arts and crafts of every variety, this is one of the largest annual arts and crafts events of the year
• Friends of the Library Book Sale - late February, held at the State Fairgrounds, this annual book sale is a great place to pick up bargain titles, magazines, CDs and DVDs
• WinterTales Storytelling Festival - early February, a three day storytelling extravaganza where listeners can enjoy evening performances, workshops and children's activities with some of the best storytellers in the nation
• Oklahoma Tackle Show - mid-February, a fisherman's delight, this is the place to pick up tackle at the largest fishing show in the Southwest

March

• Oklahoma City Home and Garden Expo - early March, attracting anyone with an interest in garden or interior design, here you will find ideas and inspiration for your home and garden

April

• Festival of the Arts - mid-April, see downtown come alive with the arts in this celebration of all things creative including music, food, sculpture and furniture
• Remembrance Service - April 19th, remembering the victims and survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma bombing, services are held at the National Memorial
• Southern Plain Farm Show - late April, showcasing farming equipment, this event attracts thousands of farmers who also participate in the event's scholarship competitions

May

• Stockyards Stampede - late May, including all things Western from gun fights and rodeos to face painting and other events, this event is fun for all the family
• Paseo Arts Festival - late May, the Hispanic streets of Paseo district are filled with art exhibitions, live entertainment and food stalls

June

• Charlie Christian International Jazz Festival - early June, a two-day outdoor affair, honoring Oklahoma born Charlie Christian, who became a jazz guitar legend
• Festival in the Park - early June, celebrating the arrival of summer with a lawn and garden sale

July

• Annual Water Garden Tour - mid-July, this event will appeal to all gardeners and landscapers who will enjoy touring the backyards of members of the Water Garden Society of Oklahoma as they open their gardens to the public to share ideas
• Indian Hills Powwow - the end of July sees the annual powwow, a three-day event that guarantees fun for all

August

• Freedom Fiesta - mid-April, commemorating the end of race segregation in public accommodation
• Run with the Bulls - late August, held at Stockyards City, consisting of a fun run where competitors stand the chance of winning a free T-shirt and breakfast
• Bullnaza - early August, held at the Ford Center, the championship competition includes 50 rodeo stars battle it out for a cash prize

September

• Oklahoma State Fair - mid-September, this 10-day event is one of the city's highlights and includes everything from ice skating displays and rodeo championships to motorcycle racing and nightly concerts
• Light the Night Walk - late September, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society organizes this annual evening walk to give hope to those suffering of blood cancers and raise money for the charity
• Arts Festival - early September sees the erection of five huge tents, which are then occupied by artists of every kind providing entertainment, activities and displays

October

• Head of the Oklahoma Centennial Regatta - early October, a weekend of rowing events as teams from universities around the country gather together to compete on the Oklahoma River
• Creepy Conservatory - late October, in keeping with Halloween tradition, this event hosted by the Myriad Botanical Gardens allows participants to get up-close to plenty of creepy crawlies hiding in the Crystal Bridge waiting to give you a fright
• Greek Festival - late October, a celebration of Greek culture, dance and food, with the chance to tour the Greek Orthodox Church

November

• Veterans Day - November 11th, services commemorating those who lost their lives in both WWI and WWII are held at the 45th Infantry Division Museum and include a helicopter flyover and distinguished guest speakers
• National Reining Horse Futurity - end November, the annual equestrian event includes horse sales, contests and a trade show
• OG&E Garden Lights - late November sees the switching on of the festive lights at Myriad Botanical Gardens to create a captivating winter wonderland

December

• Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas Ball - early December, an evening of family fun with Michael Murphey including food, entertainment and a visit from Santa
• Oklahoma River Holiday Parade - early December, this spectacular parade of illuminated boats along the Oklahoma River kicks off the festive season along with an impressive firework display