RSU Radio’s Guide to Oklahoma Music & Arts Festivals

Oklahoma is quickly becoming a hub for music and art festivities. With longtime festivals going strong, and new events popping up all over the place, RSU Radio is ready to give you the scoop on what to do in the coming weeks and months.

Tulsa International Mayfest: May 19 – 22
Downtown Tulsa

Do we really need to tell you about Mayfest? This annual festival is well-known for national art and craft vendors, local and national musicians, and a great atmosphere. Music includes performances from Band of Heathens, Cary Morin, Sam and the Stylees, Johnny Badseed and the Rotten Apples, Brandon Jenkins, and many others across three stages. You can find a full schedule of music, menus for all of the food vendors, and more information at www.tulsamayfest.org.

Elephunk Music Festival: May 20 – 22
Elephant Rock in Tahlequah

Elephunk is not your typical music festival. It was started by musicians who simply wanted to have a way to gather and share music with the people of Eastern Oklahoma. The festival takes place just off the Illinois River on beautiful Highway 10 near Tahlequah. Bands like The Dirty Mugs, The Last Slice, Quahlity Vibes, Finches in the Attic, Franke Lee, Jody Seabody & the Whirls, and more local and regional musicians. The event features on-site camping. More information is available at www.elephunkfestival.com.

Blue Dome Arts Festival: May 20 – 22
Blue Dome District in Downtown Tulsa

This event is centered on local visual artists. Hundreds of painters, printmakers, photographers, and artists from all types of media will gather downtown. Browse from tent to tent to see a variety artistic pieces from all over Oklahoma. The festival also features food trucks, live music, art cars, and family activities. Musicians include FM Pilots, Zach Short Group, Animal Names (formerly I Said Stop), Alan Doyle, Sugar Free AllStars, Dustin Pittsley Band, and more. Check out www.bluedomearts.org/

Rocklahoma: May 27-29
Pryor

2016 marks the 10th anniversary of this yearly rock festival. The event centers around some of the bigger names in modern rock over the three day weekend. This year’s headliners include Rob Zombie, Megadeth, Sevendust, Steel Panther, and other commercial radio rock bands. The event also features local rock and metal bands, and plenty of merchandise vendors. Find out more at www.Rocklahoma.com

Hop Jam: May 22
Downtown Tulsa

The Hanson brothers have had a much greater impact on Tulsa culture than their 90’s hits. The three musicians have continued to create music that has progressed with their ages. The third installment of this beer and music festival looks to be bigger than ever. The focus of the event is on the beverages, with over 60 breweries attending the festival, however, the biggest appeal to RSU Radio listeners might be the music. Headlining this year’s event is Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, Albert Hammond Jr. (of The Strokes), X Ambassadors, and Tulsa own master songwriter John Moreland. Oh yeah, general admission is free and all ages. You even have a chance to win a custom Hop Jam guitar, shaped like a hop flower, with benefits from the raffle going to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. More information at www.thehopjam.com.

FreakTulsa: June 17 – 19
Downtown Lounge in Downtown Tulsa

Prepare to get heavy with a full lineup of rock, punk, and metal bands at this festival. Artists include Senior Fellows, Silver Screen Monsters, Chainmail, Skeleton Farm, Sun Vow, and others spanning the genres of metal, sludge, doom, psychedelic rock, hardcore, and other heavy, muddy, dark sounds. Event info can be found at www.facebook.com/FreakTulsa. This event is 21+.

Later in the Summer, we’ll give you a guide to some late season festivals and events like Backwoods Music Festival, Claremore’s Bluegrass and Chili Festival, and Muskogee G fest.