Exciting April Oklahoma Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

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April in Oklahoma is a vibrant time, filled with events and festivals that showcase the state’s rich culture, diverse music, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-attend events happening across the Sooner State this April.

Medieval Fair of Norman

📅 Dates: April 4-6, 10 AM – 7 PM
📍 Location: Reaves Park, Norman, OK
🎟 Admission: Free (Parking $10, cashless, no prepay)

Step into the past at Oklahoma’s largest medieval-themed festival! Enjoy jousting, human chess, minstrels, and costumed performers. Explore nearly 200 artisan booths with handcrafted goods, watch live demonstrations, and savor delicious medieval fare. Held annually since 1977, this family-friendly event is packed with entertainment, games, and educational exhibits.

🐕 Leashed dogs allowed, but not encouraged due to crowds.
⚔️ All weapons must be peace-tied; no sales to minors.

More details & schedules: medievalfair.org

Crawfest VII in Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Experience the vibrant spirit of Louisiana right in the heart of Oklahoma at Crawfest VII.

Dates & Times:

• April 4, 2025: 4 PM – 11 PM
• April 5, 2025: 11 AM – 11 PM

Location:

• Downtown Tahlequah, centered around Kroner & Baer Pub at 200 N. Muskogee Ave.

Highlights:

• Cajun Cuisine: Indulge in authentic Cajun dishes, with approximately 6,000 pounds of crawfish consumed in 2024—a number expected to rise this year.
• Live Music: Enjoy nonstop live performances throughout the festival.
• Contests & Activities: Participate in the Crawfish Eating Contest and explore various games and activities suitable for all ages.
• Vendors: Discover a variety of food and merchandise vendors offering unique items.

Tickets:

• Entry to Crawfest is free.
• Advance purchase of crawfish meal tickets is recommended to save money and ensure availability. Each meal includes 2 lbs of seasoned Louisiana boiled crawfish with corn, potatoes, Breaux sauce for dipping, and a non-alcoholic drink.

Additional Information:

• The festival is organized and hosted by Linney Breaux’s Cajun Eatery and Kroner & Baer Pub, with support from sponsors, Tour Tahlequah Organization, and Tahlequah Main Street Association.
• For lodging options and to explore the vibrant community of Tahlequah, visit the festival’s lodging page.

For more details, meal tickets, and the entertainment schedule, visit the official Crawfest website.

Dogwood Days Festival

📅 Dates: April 4-5, 2025
📍 Location: Downtown Idabel, OK

Celebrate spring in Idabel at the Dogwood Days Festival! Enjoy craft vendors, children’s games, live entertainment, and delicious fair food beneath blooming white dogwood trees.

🎉 Festival Highlights:

• Friday Night: Mr. & Mrs. Dogwood Days Pageant, crawfish boil, and a lively street dance.
• Saturday Fun: 5K race, pancake breakfast, live music, golf, and cornhole tournaments.

This beloved tradition offers family-friendly fun all weekend. After the festival, take a scenic drive through Hochatown or Beavers Bend State Park to admire the native dogwoods in full bloom.

Artesian Arts Festival

The Artesian Arts Festival celebrates First American culture through diverse art, music, dance, and food. The art market highlights stunning paintings, intricate basketry, handcrafted jewelry, sculptures, metalwork, beadwork, textiles, and pottery from talented First American artists nationwide.

Artist booths fill Artesian Plaza, next to the Artesian Hotel and Spa in downtown Sulphur. Visitors can enjoy live music and captivating First American dance performances throughout the day.

Date & Time:

• April 5, 2025: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location:

• West Muskogee Avenue, between the Artesian Hotel and Casino and the Chickasaw Visitor Center, Sulphur, OK.

Highlights:

• Art Market: Explore diverse visual art forms, including paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, metalworking, beadwork, textiles, and pottery, all crafted by talented First American artists.
• Live Performances: Enjoy musical entertainment and First American dance demonstrations throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in various activities suitable for all ages.
• Food Trucks: Savor a variety of cuisines from local food vendors.

Admission:

• Free and open to the public.

Parking:

• Free shuttle services will run throughout the day from designated parking areas:
  • Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Drive.
  • Wynnewood and 9th Street.
• The last shuttles will depart at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively.

Additional Information:

• The festival will proceed rain or shine. In case of severe weather, attendees will be directed to nearby shelters.
• For safety reasons, the following items are prohibited: glass items, controlled substances, alcohol, pets, tobacco products, and weapons of any kind.

For more details, including the full schedule of performances and activities, visit the official Artesian Arts Festival website

Tulips A Bloom Festival

Date: April 5
Location: Blackwell, Oklahoma
Experience the beauty of spring at the Tulips A Bloom Festival. Stroll through vibrant tulip displays, enjoy live music, and browse local vendors. Parade starts at 10:45 a.m. on Downtown Main Street. The Blackwell Middle School & High School Choir will be performing Saturday, April 5th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kay County Fairgrounds. It’s a picturesque event perfect for the whole family.

Spring Trader’s Encampment

Step back into the 1840s at the Woolaroc Spring Traders Encampment, a unique event that brings history to life amidst the scenic beauty of Woolaroc’s Mountain Man Camp near Crystal Lake.

Dates & Times:

• April 10-12, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

Location:

• Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
  • 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville, OK 74003.

Event Highlights:

• Historical Reenactments: Experience an authentic 1840s-style settlement with traders and reenactors from across the country.
• Artisan Demonstrations: Explore tents and tipis showcasing period crafts, with many items available for purchase.

Admission:

• Included with regular Woolaroc admission. No additional fees for the encampment.

Additional Information:

• Public Access: Visitors are encouraged to park and walk through the camp to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
• Contact: For more details, call Woolaroc at (918) 336-0307 or visit their official website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history come alive at Woolaroc’s picturesque Mountain Man Camp.

Festival of the Arts- April Oklahoma Events

Join the Oklahoma City community for the 59th annual Festival of the Arts, a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s cultural scene. The Festival of the Arts brings four days of creativity, entertainment, and delicious cuisine to the heart of downtown. Art lovers can browse hundreds of works from national and local artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. Multiple performance stages showcase live music, dance, and theatrical acts, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss the famous culinary arts row, offering an eclectic mix of local favorites, international flavors, and festival classics. With interactive art exhibits, children’s activities, and a vibrant atmosphere, this long-standing tradition is the perfect way to welcome spring in Oklahoma City.

Dates & Location:

• April 24–27, 2025
• Bicentennial Park, downtown Oklahoma City
  • The festival spans from Lee Avenue east to City Hall and Colcord Drive north to Couch Drive.

Festival Hours:

• Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Highlights:

• Visual Arts: Explore creations from 144 artists nationwide, featuring mixed media, jewelry, photography, and more.
• Performing Arts: Experience live music and dance performances across multiple stages, highlighting diverse talent.
• Culinary Arts: Indulge in a variety of flavors from food vendors serving up delicious, handcrafted dishes.
  A cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s cultural scene, the Festival of the Arts brings six days of creativity, entertainment, and delicious cuisine to the heart of downtown. Art lovers can browse hundreds of works from national and local artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. Multiple performance stages showcase live music, dance, and theatrical acts, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss the famous culinary arts row, offering an eclectic mix of local favorites, international flavors, and festival classics. With interactive art exhibits, children’s activities, and a vibrant atmosphere, this long-standing tradition is the perfect way to welcome spring in Oklahoma City.

Additional Information:

• Parking: Available at the Arts District Garage (south of City Hall) and the lot at 444 West Reno. Paid parking is also offered in various downtown lots and garages, with limited street parking around the event perimeter.
• Streetcar Service: The OKC Streetcar will provide free rides during the festival dates. The Library is conveniently located near the east entrance of the festival grounds.
• Go Green Initiative: As one of the largest eco-conscious events in the U.S., the festival utilizes compostable and recyclable materials at all food locations. Attendees are encouraged to use the recycling and composting receptacles available throughout the festival grounds.

For more details and updates, visit the official Festival of the Arts website.

Norman Music Festival– April Oklahoma Events

Norman Music Festival
Dates: April 24-26
Location: Downtown Norman

Experience three days of free live music at the Norman Music Festival, where local, regional, and national acts perform across multiple stages. From indie rock and hip-hop to folk and experimental sounds, the lineup caters to diverse musical tastes. Downtown Norman transforms into a lively hub with street performers, food vendors, and local art displays. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a fun weekend vibe, this festival delivers high-energy performances and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, known as the “Run to Remember,” is an annual event that honors those affected by the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Serving as the primary fundraiser for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the marathon fosters a spirit of unity and remembrance within the community.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Dates: April 25-April 27
Location: Oklahoma City

More than just a race, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a powerful tribute to those affected by the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Participants gather to “Run to Remember”, taking on a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, or kids’ run. The racecourse winds through historic neighborhoods, downtown landmarks, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial, offering an emotionally moving and inspiring journey. With cheering crowds, live music, and a strong sense of unity, this event honors the past while celebrating resilience, hope, and the spirit of Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon finishes at Scissortail Park, right in the heart of downtown, where the celebration begins! Runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters unite to honor the Run to Remember in a lively post-race atmosphere at the Finish Line Festival.

With 40 acres of open space, there’s plenty of room to relax, recharge, and reflect on your accomplishment. Refuel with plentiful food and drink options, capture memories at the official Memorial Marathon backdrop, and swap stories with fellow participants. Stretch out on the great lawn, soak in the moment, and grab some exclusive Marathon swag to commemorate your achievement!

Red Fern Festival- April Oklahoma Events in Tahlequah

Dates: April 25- April 26
Location: Tahlequah

The 17th Annual Red Fern Festival is set to take place in downtown Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on April 25th from 12 pm to 9 pm and April 26th from 9 am to 8 pm.
This cherished event honors Wilson Rawls’ novel Where the Red Fern Grows, which is set in the Ozark hills surrounding Tahlequah. The festival spans seven blocks and features over 150 arts and crafts vendors, gourmet food trucks, live music, and activities for all ages. Highlights include the Miss Red Fern Pageant, a rubber duck race down Town Branch Creek, and Hound Dog Field Trials. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, now attracting an estimated 30,000+ visitors from across the United States each year.

Red Fern Festival 5K Race

A notable April Oklhoma event during the festival is the Red Fern Festival 5K, scheduled for Friday, April 25th, at 6:30 PM CDT.

Runners of all levels are welcome, and participants can even run with their dogs, reflecting the canine theme of the festival. The race starts and finishes at Norris Park, amidst the festive atmosphere of food trucks and live entertainment. Early bird registration fees are $25 for the Fun Run and $30 for the 5K if registered before April 8th; prices increase thereafter. To guarantee a T-shirt, participants must register by April 8th.

For those interested in participating in the Miss Red Fern Pageant, registration for the 2025 pageant will be open from March 1 to April 12, 2025. The pageant focuses on expressing personality and personal style while developing confidence, stage presence, and communication skills for the youth in Cherokee County.

Whether you’re a fan of the novel, a running enthusiast, or simply looking for a lively weekend filled with activities, the Red Fern Festival offers something for everyone. Come and experience the nostalgic, small-town charm of Tahlequah while celebrating a literary classic.

Tips for Attending April Oklahoma Events

• Check Event Websites: Before attending, verify details for April Oklahoma events and any registration requirements.
• Plan for Weather: Oklahoma’s spring weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
• Arrive Early: Popular April Oklahoma events can draw large crowds. Arriving early ensures better parking and a more enjoyable experience.
• Support Local Vendors: Many festivals highlight local artisans, food vendors, and businesses, giving you the perfect opportunity to shop unique handmade goods, savor regional flavors, and support the community while enjoying the festivities.