Oklahoma’s event calendar kicks into high gear during the month of May with an impressive roster of top-notch festivals, world-class fairs and small town celebrations. Whether looking for displays of local art, lively children’s games, time-honored heritage activities or simply scrumptious fair food, Oklahoma’s May events are guaranteed to satisfy the curiosity and fun-loving spirit of festival-goers from around the region and beyond. Browse through this brief sampling of the state’s must-see May events and rejoice in the month’s sunny weather with a cool glass of lemonade, a spin on a high-flying carnival ride and a wealth of Oklahoma entertainment.
Tulsa International Mayfest - Tulsa
Join over 350,000 visitors to the Tulsa International Mayfest, an outdoor celebration of dance, music and visual art in the heart of downtown Tulsa, and prepare to be entertained with extensive art displays, three stages of performance art and inviting indoor galleries. Bring the kids for the festival’s popular KidZone, a hands-on art activity area for children, or hit the vast food court for funnel cakes, gyros, Indian tacos and yummy ethnic food.
Paseo Arts Festival - Oklahoma City
Walk the streets of the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City during the annual Paseo Arts Festival and enjoy popping in and out of galleries and artist studios in this quaint community that resembles a Spanish village. A treasure trove of visual art, booths will line the streets offering displays that will include everything from painting and photography, to jewelry and ceramics. Enjoy live stage entertainment, cool drinks and delicious food during your visit.
Oklahoma Renaissance Festival - Muskogee
Surround yourself with the grandeur of Renaissance England with a trip to the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival in Muskogee. Held on the imaginative grounds of the city’s resident Castle of Muskogee, visitors to this much-loved festival are invited to rub elbows with King Henry VIII, Queen Margaret of Scotland and a bevy of other costumed performers. Meander through the village of Castleton while enjoying jesters, magicians, unique food and handcrafted items on display.
Italian Festival - McAlester
Help the citizens of McAlester celebrate the Italian heritage of the area by attending this year’s Italian Festival. Browse through one of the largest arts and craft shows in the state while feasting on delicious, fresh Italian specialties or bring the kids for pony rides, an obstacle course, midway games and more. No trip to the Italian Festival would be complete without a visit to the food tent, where over 900 pounds of meatballs and 800 pounds of Italian sausage are served each year.
Rooster Days Festival - Broken Arrow
Grab a corn dog or a serving of fried ice cream and join thousands of spectators along the streets of downtown Broken Arrow for one of the most dynamic parades in the state at the Rooster Days Festival. Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands, floats and vehicles weaving through the city and stick around for festivities that include children’s games, 20,000 sq. ft. of arts and crafts, carnival rides and plenty of food vendors.
Downtown Edmond Arts Festival - Edmond
Staged along the historic streets of Edmond’s charming downtown area, the annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival welcomes local and regional artists as they display works that include paintings, sculpture and pottery. Snack on everything from catfish to cotton candy as you peruse this year’s artistic offerings. Live entertainment and a variety of street performers will keep the energy flowing throughout the festival.
Chuck Wagon Gathering - Oklahoma City
Held at the renowned National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the annual Chuck Wagon Gathering sets the standard for family entertainment in May. Bring the kids for a jolly Old West show, covered wagon rides, storytelling and Western-themed crafts. While there, don’t miss the stage entertainment or the fabulous, authentic chuckwagon food.
Hungry for more in May? Read about May’s top food events in Flavorful Festivals: Top 15 Food Fairs in Oklahoma. The Stillwell Strawberry Festival, Prague Kolache Festival and famous El Reno Fried Onion Burger Festival are all featured!
