Exciting April Oklahoma Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
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.
Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show – April 1-4, 2026
Watch skilled riders and impressive horses compete at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show in Tulsa. The multi-day event takes place at Tulsa Expo Square and draws competitors from across the region.
Riders of all ages showcase their talents in a variety of equestrian classes and competitions. Spectators can watch precision riding, horsemanship events, and impressive displays of training and teamwork. The show highlights the athleticism and beauty of the American Quarter Horse.
Families, horse enthusiasts, and visitors can enjoy several days of exciting competition and western heritage. The event offers a great opportunity to experience Oklahoma’s strong equestrian culture up close.
Dogwood Days Festival
📅 Dates: April 4, 2026: 7 AM-7 PM
📍 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:
- 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.
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 9-11, 2026: 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.
Medieval Fair of Norman
📅 Dates: April 10-12, 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
Grand LIGHTS ON Ceremony – April 11, 2026
Celebrate a glowing piece of Route 66 history at the Grand LIGHTS ON Ceremony in Bristow, Oklahoma. The event marks the relighting of the tallest freestanding neon sign on historic Route 66.
Dark since the 1950s, this ten-story automobilia landmark has been fully restored. The project included brand-new neon and relocation to downtown Bristow along Route 66.
The celebration takes place at 9th and Main on April 11, 2026. The evening festival highlights small-town fun and community pride.
Visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, and family activities throughout the evening. A designated children’s area offers games and entertainment for younger guests.
Main Street will close to traffic from 5 to 9 PM for the event. Bring lawn chairs and gather with the community to watch the historic sign glow again. See other Route 66 celebrations here.
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 9-11, 2026: 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.
Crawfest VII in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Experience the vibrant spirit of Louisiana right in the heart of Oklahoma at Crawfest VII.
Dates & Times:
- April 17, 2025: 4 PM – 11 PM
- April 18, 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 6,500 pounds of crawfish consumed in 2025—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.
Herbal Affair & Festival – April 18, 2026
Celebrate spring at the annual Herbal Affair & Festival in downtown Sand Springs. This beloved event brings gardeners, food lovers, and families together for a lively day outdoors.
More than 150 vendors fill the streets with herbs, plants, garden supplies, and handmade goods. Visitors browse heirloom plants, culinary herbs, and decorative flowers throughout the market.
Food vendors serve a wide range of flavors, including BBQ, Greek, Mediterranean, and classic American dishes. Local wineries also offer tastings for visitors looking to sample regional selections.
Live music plays throughout the festival at the Charles Page Triangle stage. A family-friendly kids’ zone offers games, crafts, and hands-on activities.
The festival takes place in historic downtown Sand Springs near Broadway and Main Street. Admission is free, making it a perfect spring outing for the whole family
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 23–26, 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 23-25
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 24-April 26
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 24- April 25
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 Oklahoma event during the festival is the Red Fern Festival 5K, scheduled for Friday, April 24th, 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. Registration information may be found here.
For those interested in participating in the Miss Red Fern Pageant, registration information will be found on their page. 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 for unique handmade goods, savor regional flavors, and support the community while enjoying the festivities.
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