Tulsa Mayfest will return in 2026 on a slightly smaller scale as organizers work to keep the longtime festival alive following a change in venue support.
According to Ken Busby, executive director of the Route 66 Alliance, Tulsa Mayfest 2026 will take place May 29–30 near downtown business district and will coincide with the Capital Cruise during the Route 66 Centennial Celebration.
Organizers with the City of Tulsa say they have been working to preserve the annual event after the University of Tulsa withdrew its support earlier this year.
What to expect in 2026
The festival will feature two music stages, one during the Capital Cruise tailgate on May 29 and another on the day of the cruise. Busby said the Campbell Hotel will also host a youth art gallery throughout the month of May.
The “Capital Cruise” will mark the start of events for the Route 66 Centennial. Registration for drivers is $15.
Looking ahead to 2027
Busby said organizers see 2026 as a transition year and hope to bring Mayfest back to Tulsa’s Chapman Green in 2027 with a larger footprint.
“Our plan is to bring it back to the core of downtown in 2027,” Busby said. “We’ll have two music stages, one at the tailgate party on the 29th and another during the cruise on the 30th. We’re excited to be part of that because of the attention surrounding the car cruise and the Guinness World Record attempt. As we transition in 2026 and celebrate the Route 66 centennial, we’re looking ahead to a full Mayfest in 2027 during the third week of May.”
What is Tulsa Mayfest?
Tulsa Mayfest is Tulsa’s signature spring festival, typically featuring more than 100 art vendors, live music, and food from local and regional vendors. The free, family-friendly event highlights Oklahoma artists, musicians and culinary offerings in downtown Tulsa.
This article was originally published by KOTV (News on 6). You can see the original story here.