RSU Radio’s Summer Guide to Oklahoma Music Festivals: Part 2

We continue our look at upcoming music and arts festivals across Oklahoma. 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.

G-Fest: June 16 – 18
Hatbox Airfield, Muskogee

This event is organized and presented by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee. The event features some big name headliners, such as Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Turnpike Troubadours. There are also plenty of local artists slated throughout the three day event. A tribute to Merle Haggard, who was scheduled to play the event before he passed away, is also planned. More info at www.gfestmuskogee.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+.

West Bend Block Party: Monthly
West Bend Green, Claremore Expo Center

This monthly event brings together the city of Claremore. Co-sponsored by RSU Radio, attendees will get to know their community over food and music. New musicians play each month. Food trucks provide a great place for dinner, desert, or maybe even some cheat day treats. This event is free and open to everyone. Families are encouraged to their kids for fun activities.

Movetet and Corpus Christie’s Jimmy Willden Band will play in June. July’s event will feature Kalyn Fay and The Belonging. Doc Fell & Co. and New York’s Band of Lovers will be at August’s event.

Woody Guthrie Folk Festival: July 13 – 17
Pastires of Plenty, Okemah

Woody Guthrie is a name that brings up big emotions to Oklahomans. The folk musician has a lasting legacy on the folk genre, songwriting, and political discourse. Organizers of this event bring bands to his hometown of Okemah for five days of local and national artists. Oklahoma artists such as Samantha Crain, Beau Jennings, Kalyn Fay, and Ali Harter will share the stage with regional and national touring acts. This event has roots back to 1998. More information at www.woodyfest.com.

Backwoods Camping and Music Festival: September 1-5
Tatanka Ranch, Stroud

This concert grew from a nonprofit event with local roots to a nationally talked about festival. Performers include a heavy stable of EDM artists, indie and jam bands, local music,

and more. Big Gigantic, Nahko and Medicine for the People, moe., Nero, and more headline the three day event. More information can be found at www.backwoodsmusicfestival.com.

Claremore Bluegrass and Chili Festival: September 8 – 10
Claremore Expo Center, Claremore

The Bluegrass and Chili Festival has bringing people to Claremore for decades. For 37 years, people have gathered for food, music, and other activities. Performances are free (parking is $10), and it is fun for the whole family. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. In addition to the food and music, there will be a car show and activities for the kids. More information at www.bluegrasschilifest.com/.