Festivals

This fall, Tulsans will have no shortage of events, including everything from film and beer festivals to blues and comedy.

Here are a few we recommend:

Tulsa State Fair: Enjoy carnival rides, games and attractions from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 at the Expo Square.

Tulsa American Film Festival: Returning for the fifth year from Oct. 9-13 at the Circle Cinema.

Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa: Savor authentic German beer Oct. 17-20 at River West Festival Park.

Tulsa Beer & Wine Festival: Get wined and dined on Nov. 2 at the Gathering Place.

Add these fall festivals to your calendar today.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is welcoming back familiar faces and new talent to the 2019 FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest.

On Friday, Aug. 9, Shiloh Steel kicks off the weekend. Later that evening, “Play It Loud” presents Mike Hosty and KALO, respectively.

Amanda Coffee Reynolds and Vince Vanlandingham and the Outlaws will perform on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, before Cade Foehner, a finalist on season 16 of “American Idol,” takes the stage at 9:30 p.m.

Spectators can enjoy tethered balloon rides and a stellar fireworks show in between the live entertainment.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

The Dunbar Heights Community and Citizen Potawatomi Nation are hosting a Shawnee-based Juneteenth community festival on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate freedom through education and economic empowerment.

The free event will start with a morning prayer and follow with a march from Dunbar Heights to the FireLake Arena where the festival will take place. The Ambassadors’ Concert Choir and The Ambassadors’ Children’s Choir will be performing along with other entertainment such as guest speakers, information career readiness workshops, step show routines, live music and a gospel jubilee.

For more information, visit www.juneteenthok.com and follow Juneteenth OK on Facebook.

– Kristen Fine, Jones PR

Oklahoma’s biggest balloon festival, hosted by Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is set to return to Shawnee Aug. 9-10. Festival-goers can expect a weekend of live performers, family-friendly activities, fireworks, a hunting and fishing expo, a 5K and a display of 25 hot air balloons.

Families can also enjoy a kids zone and petting zoo, a carnival open until midnight and tethered balloon rides beginning at 6 p.m. Entry to the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest costs nothing, and limited RV parking is available for $50 per night.

For event schedules, vendor information, directions and more visit FirelakeBalloonFest.com.

– Kristen Fine, Jones PR

Where can you see Disney on Ice, Xtreme Bulls, live entertainment, and a carnival all while eating delicious food? The Oklahoma State Fair, of course. Opening Thursday, Sept. 13, the state fair will be here for just 10 days so hurry and get tickets now.

Gate admission for adults is $12. Tickets for children ages 6-11 are $6 and cost nothing for children under the age of 5. Tickets are sold online, too.

The Oklahoma State Fair has special events going on throughout the 10-day event, such as the Band Day Parade Competition and the Oklahoma Cornhole Classic.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

Get into the fall spirit with the Plaza District Festival. On Sept. 29, the Plaza District in OKC will host their 20^th anniversary festival with art, music, food and retail offerings that are sure to excite. More than 50 artists and musical acts will be performing from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on NW 15^th Street between Classen and Penn Avenue.

This is a family-friendly event with a dozen activities and vendors catering to the community 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Plaza District online has more info and a full event list.

– Dustin Mascorro, Jones PR

The FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest will take place in Shawnee during the weekend of Aug. 10-11.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience beautiful balloon launches, kite performances, live entertainment, a carnival and a petting zoo for the kids. Balloon rides are also available for $250, but spots are limited, so sign up as soon as you possibly can.

An event schedule, complete with a list of the daily activities, can be found on the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest website. Should you have any questions, an FAQ page can be found there as well. See you at the festival!

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR

The Fireflight Balloon Festival will host its 2nd annual 5K at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center and FireLake Golf Course in Shawnee on Aug. 11 at 7 a.m. Participants are welcome to run or walk the race, and the top finishers will receive a Balloon Fest prize pack.

Registration costs $25, and the last day to register is Aug. 10 at packet pickup. Participants can only be guaranteed a T-shirt if they register on or before July 13.

Should you have any questions, please contact race administrator Leslie Cooper by phone at 405-481-0320 or by email.

– Carolyn Taylor, Jones PR