Tulsa

Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping �¯�¿�½cross the plain, inspires images of dust bowls and sagebrush, rodeos and cowboys. Very few realize how beautiful this state really is, especially the northeast section known as Green Country. Home to the city of Tulsa, rolling hills and green trees that fade into the horizon, and a cultural hub for the central southwest. Museums, art galleries, opera and theater are only some of the attractions here; but the real draw is the endless number of festivals this city has to offer.

The idea of associating cultural events with the state that inspired The Grapes of Wrath may seem to be an absurdity. But the truth is that Tulsa loves food, music, and celebrating, and will find most any reason to combine their passions into an amazing festival. So whether it’s an ethnic celebration, music fete, or homage to flowers, there are many interesting and fun-filled festivals to appeal to a multiplicity of interests.

Music
If you are interested in music, there are weekend long festivities drawing local, regional, and national talent for almost any genre imaginable. Bluesfest provides smoking music that touches your soul from such blues legends as Buddy Guy, BB King, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Reggaefest fills the air with Jamaican music and the streets with thousands of people. This nationally renowned tribute to Jamaica draws many a Rasta, including the Marleys, to this jammin’ time. 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. Jazz, blues, and gospel, along with Cajun cuisine are featured at Juneteenth. The historic Greenwood district is the backdrop for Tulsa’s Greenwood Jazz Festival. Spyro Gyra, Buckwheat Zydeco, and even Little Richard before he retired, all have served up hot jazz, made even better with some sizzling barbecue. 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!

Celebration
No matter what your ethnic background is, Tulsa has a celebration for that too! Oktoberfest brings polka bands directly from Bavaria (home of Germany’s Oktoberfest) and provides traditional German fare nonstop all weekend long. There are rides, a bier barrel race, and the chance to perform “The Chicken Dance” at least a hundred times! Not your average Oktoberfest, this festival has not only won awards nationally, but internationally as well! If your clan came from the Land of the Loch, then the Tulsa Scottish Games are what you’re looking for. Dancing, music, food, and of course caber tossing are essentials at this educational celebration. You will experience bagpipes, kilts, and perhaps Nessie herself! Of course, this state with such a large Native American population must offer a tribute to their heritage. The Pow Wow of Champions brings more than 100 Native American tribes together for an introduction to the culture, while offering traditional dance exhibitions. There are also festivals for Italian heritage, Cinco de Mayo, Greek Holiday, and many more.

Weekend Events
In addition there are several weekend long gatherings that are as much for the eyes as anything else. Mayfest is a family-oriented, open-air tribute to the arts and music. Over 250,000 people attend this four-day event that not only offers hundreds of artists displaying and selling their works, but also provides numerous stages for live music. As well as the performers on the stages, there are also several street performers providing entertainment throughout the day. Locally and nationally celebrated artists and musicians are drawn to this festival and there is also a children’s area for budding artists. The Gatesway Balloon Festival features over 100 hot air balloons. There is entertainment, arts and crafts, and food, and best of all this is not just an excuse to party – proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities.

Tulsa is referred to in the University of Tulsa brochure as “Festival City”. It celebrates almost every ethnic background, music genre, and artistic style you can imagine. Furthermore a short drive will take you to events for azaleas, rattlesnakes, and Mozart. There are two things that Tulsans know, food and music, and they will use any pretext to combine the two. The next time you are planning a trip, set your sights on Tulsa. And it doesn’t matter when you go, because there is ALWAYS something going on!