Oklahoma Music Festivals
Music festivals in Oklahoma seem to be few and far between when you're talking about the good ones. We've rounded up a short list here of festivals in Oklahoma, and while it may not be complete list of Oklahoma music festivals, it definitely showcases the notable ones that we ourselves would consider attending.
#1) Backwoods Music Festival
The Largest Camping and Music Festival in Oklahoma - moved to Arkansas in 2018!
This is by far the best overall value for your money, although not in Oklahoma any more. (It’s now in Arkansas) This festival, born in Oklahoma, includes all types of music including electronic, folk, jam bands, future funk, dance, reggae, psychedelic rock, indie, blues, dubstep, and more. This cross-genre festival has an amazing enchanted wooded area called the Nirvana Woodlands littered with art and lighting installations. There are firework shows, an LED Ferris Wheel, and waterfalls. Backwoods has been around in some form or fashion for the last 13 years. Compared to Electric Forest, EDC, Wakarusa, Summer Camp, and others this festival has put Oklahoma on the map for those that travel the country looking for the most amazing events and biggest artists.
Where: Ozark, AR
When: April 20th-23rd
Why: Mountains, waterfalls, camping, Ferris Wheel, multiple stages, decorated art and lights in the woods, 150+ artists. The best way to spend your Weekend. Start your summer with a bang. If PLUR is a value you live by.
#2) Center of the Universe Festival
Tulsa’s Downtown Music Festival
This festival has become known as Tulsa’s music festival showcasing mostly rock, folk, and country artists. While this festival does not have camping it has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the state in terms of attendance by sheer location alone. Multiple stages are showcased throughout the downtown area and many side shows happen in the bars themselves. To many, this event may be described more as a series of concerts.
Where: Tulsa, Boston Avenue pedestrian bridge between Archer and First Street
When: July 24-25th
Why: Listen to 100+ bands including Rock, Soul, Punk, Pop, and Indie while you support the Brady Arts District and Tulsa Public Schools
#3) Rocklahoma
A Huge Rock-N-Roll Camping Festival in Oklahoma
Whip out your long hair and put your lighters in the air. This festival has some of the biggest names in rock-n-roll to grace it’s stages. The event is strictly rock, punk, and heavy metal. Forget about the art, this event is about beer and rock-n-roll.
Where: Pryor, Campgrounds on Rd 450
When: May 22-24th Memorial Day Weekend
Why: A good way to spend Memorial Day weekend if you like rock-n-roll. Enjoy camping and a famous rock-n-roll line-up
#4) Easter Island Festival
A Smaller Camping and Music Event in Oklahoma
This event has a little more than 30 artists on two stages. While not a huge event, the event is a good start to the summer season. It’s mostly grassroots local bands with a couple bands brought in from out of town annually. Mostly jam bands, folk, and country. This is a great way to tap into the local scene.
Where: Keetonville, Valley Park Sports Complex
When: April 9-12th
Why: Celebrate the birth of spring while camping and listening grassroots music by 30+ bands on 2 stages.