Experience Oklahoma’s vibrant fall festivals, where family fun, rich cultural traditions, and breathtaking autumn landscapes come together. From hot air balloons to Bigfoot sightings, Oklahoma has something for everyone.
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Oklahoma comes alive with a vibrant array of fall festivals. From the scenic beauty of Robbers Cave State Park to the high-flying excitement of the Poteau Balloon Fest, these events offer a perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and seasonal delights. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Oktoberfest celebrations, fascinated by Bigfoot legends, or simply looking to enjoy the harvest season with family, Oklahoma’s fall festivals have something to offer every visitor.
Here are our top five picks for family-oriented events this fall.
Robbers Cave Fall Festival
Location: Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton, OK
Date: October 11-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 70,000
Theme: Nature, History & Family Fun
Set in picturesque Robbers Cave State Park, the Robbers Cave Fall Festival celebrates the area’s natural beauty and rich history. This three-day event offers a wide range of activities for all ages, making it a must-visit for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitors can explore over 200 arts and crafts booths featuring handmade goods from local artisans. From pottery and jewelry to woodwork and textiles, there’s something for everyone. The festival also features a vintage car show, showcasing classic automobiles from across the region, and a chili cook-off where participants compete for the title of “Best Chili in Oklahoma,” with a grand prize of $1,000.
Live music fills the air throughout the weekend, with performances by local favorites like the Red Dirt Rangers and the Turnpike Troubadours. For the adventurous, guided hikes through the park offer stunning views of the fall foliage, while kids can enjoy carnival rides, pumpkin decorating, and hayrides.
Poteau Balloon Fest
Location: Poteau, OK
Date: October 18-19, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000
Theme: Hot Air Balloons & Family Entertainment
The Poteau Balloon Fest is one of Oklahoma’s most visually stunning fall events. Held at the LeFlore County Fairgrounds, this festival features colorful hot air balloons that light up the sky with races, tethered rides, and evening balloon glows.
Beyond the balloons, the festival offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Thrill-seekers can experience the excitement of monster truck rides and mud pit races, while music lovers can enjoy live performances by local bands like Mountain Smoke and Horseshoe Road. The festival also hosts a variety of food trucks serving everything from barbecue to funnel cakes.
For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, and pumpkin bowling. The event concludes each evening with a spectacular fireworks display that typically stars once it gets dark, around 10:00, providing a perfect ending to a day filled with adventure.
Tulsa Oktoberfest
Location: River West Festival Park, Tulsa, OK
Date: October 17-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 60,000
Theme: Bavarian Culture & Festive Fun
Tulsa Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture that brings the flavors, sounds, and traditions of Germany to Oklahoma. This four-day festival, recognized as one of the top Oktoberfests in the U.S., features authentic German beer, food, music, and dance.
Visitors can indulge in classic Bavarian dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, paired with traditional German beers from brands like Warsteiner and Paulaner. The festival’s beer garden is a popular spot, offering a wide selection of brews served in authentic steins. Daily keg-tapping ceremonies, led by local celebrities such as Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, kick off the festivities with a splash.
Music and dance are at the heart of Tulsa Oktoberfest, with performances by the renowned polka band Alpenmusikanten and traditional Bavarian folk dancers. For a bit of fun, visitors can participate in costume contests, wiener dog races, and stein-holding competitions. The festival also features a Kinder Platz (Kids’ Zone) with rides, games, and crafts, making it a family-friendly event.
Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show
Location: Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK
Date: November 8-10, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Folk Art & Nature
Nestled in the beautiful Beavers Bend State Park, the Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show is a celebration of traditional folk art, music, and craftsmanship. This festival provides a unique opportunity to experience Oklahoma’s rich cultural heritage in a stunning natural setting.
The event features over 70 craft vendors demonstrating skills such as blacksmithing, candle making, and wood carving. Visitors can purchase handmade items like quilts, pottery, and jewelry, each reflecting the artisans’ dedication to their craft. The festival also includes traditional food tastings, where guests can sample homemade jams, breads, and other local delicacies.
Live folk music is a central part of the festival, with performances by regional acts like The Steelwind and The Cherokee Maidens. Nature walks and wildlife exhibits allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna, while children can enjoy activities like pony rides and storytelling sessions. For those looking to relax, the festival offers hayrides through the park’s colorful fall landscape.
Honobia Bigfoot Festival & Conference
Location: Kiamichi Mountains, Honobia, OK
Date: October 4-5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: Bigfoot Lore & Outdoor Adventure
The Honobia Bigfoot Festival & Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that combines folklore, outdoor activities, and scientific inquiry. Set in the remote Kiamichi Mountains, this festival draws Bigfoot enthusiasts and curious visitors from across the country.
The festival features presentations by renowned Bigfoot researchers, including Dr. Jeff Meldrum, who will discuss the latest findings in Sasquatch studies. Attendees can participate in guided forest walks, where local experts share tips on tracking and spotting Bigfoot. The event also includes storytelling sessions, where residents recount their own encounters with the elusive creature.
In addition to its focus on Bigfoot, the festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, and a Bigfoot-themed scavenger hunt. The event’s highlight is the Bigfoot costume contest, where participants compete for a $500 prize.
Live music by local bands such as the Kiamichi Bluegrass Band provides entertainment throughout the festival, while food vendors offer traditional fair fare with a local twist, including fry bread and smoked turkey legs.
Planning Your Visit to Oklahoma’s Fall Festivals
Oklahoma’s fall festivals offer a diverse array of experiences, from the cultural richness of Tulsa Oktoberfest to the outdoor adventure of the Honobia Bigfoot Festival. To make the most of your visit, consider booking accommodations in advance, as these events often draw large crowds.
For those attending the Beavers Bend Folk Festival, nearby Broken Bow offers luxury cabins nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, providing a perfect retreat after a day of festivities.
No matter which festival you choose, Oklahoma’s fall celebrations promise unforgettable experiences filled with culture, nature, and community spirit.
