Tulsa Events and Festivals

(Tulsa, Oklahoma - OK, USA)

All through the year there are certainly more than just a handful of things to do around the city. Numerous theater events, concerts and festivals are often staged in the city, with the Brady Theater (the city's Convention Hall) enjoying its share of the action.

Opera lovers may like to note that the Tulsa Opera organization was established way back in 1948 and hosts three seasons each year at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. For something less classical and more family based, the Tulsa State Fair at the end of September has grown to become an enormous event and lasts just under a fortnight. Many of these events take place at the giant Expo Center, which is now often referred to as the QuikTrip Center and also stages various boat, gun and custom car shows.

Each year in early May, the Oklahoma Blues Festival is a major highlight, being followed in August by the Gatesway International Balloon Fest in the neighbouring town of Claremore (roughly 30 minutes away and to the northeast). The month of October sees another major happening in Tulsa, namely the Bavarian-themed Oktoberfest, which ranks amongst America's best and most well-supported, enjoying visitor numbers in the region of 400,000.

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

• Longhorn World Championship Rodeo - late January, featuring hundreds of riders from across North America along with acts and a Western Trade Show

February

• Tulsa Boat, Sport, and Travel Show - early February, a huge event showcasing all sorts of outdoor equipment and demonstrations

March

• Tulsa Indian Arts Festival, mid-March, celebrating Native American history and culture, with artists converging from all over the country

April

• Spring Garden Market - mid-April, held in scenic Woodward park and featuring a myriad of plants grown by local nurseries as well as craft stalls

May

• Tulsa International Mayfest - late May, involving an art expo, live entertainment, children's activities, a youth gallery and food from around the world
• Oklahoma Blues Festival - early May, boasting close to 100 bands spread over four stages, as well as food and craft stalls

June

• Amadeus Piano Festival - late June, two weeks of concerts, lectures and demonstrations
• Tulsa's Pride Festival and Parade - mid-June, attracting many gay and lesbian visitors to Tulsa

July

• Juneteenth - featuring live jazz, gospel and blues music played by both local and national performers as well as great food
• An Affair of the Heart of Tulsa - mid-July, a unique event enjoying the prestige of being one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the country

August

• Gatesway International Balloon Festival - early August, featuring over 100 weird and wonderful balloons, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and plenty of food stalls
• Greenwood Jazz Festival - late August, held in the charming Greenwood District, this popular jazz festival attracts talented musicians from across the country
• Powwow of Champions - mid-August, an annual event where over 100 Native American tribes come together to take part in cultural exhibitions and competitions

September

• Bluegrass and Chili Festival - early September, featuring live music, dance exhibitions and the famous chili cook-off
• Cherry Brook Art - late September, featuring live jazz and local artworks from over 50 local artists
• Tulsa State Fair - late September / early October, a major event with a huge range of fairground entertainment and shows, attracting around one million visitors, held at Expo Square

October

• Oktoberfest - late October, a huge event featuring loads of live entertainment, authentic German food and beer, arts and crafts, and children's activities

November

• Tulsa Run - mid-November, a nationally renowned run with a variety of distances on offer

December

• PSO Christmas Parade of Lights - mid-December, featuring brightly-colored floats, bands, drill teams and dancers