Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat

Jul 14, 2022

 

Summertime is finally here. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the kids are out of school. This is the time of year when families can get together and enjoy some fun outdoor activities while taking advantage of the warm weather and long days. Here are some fun local festivals and events taking place this summer for your family to enjoy in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, area.

July 16 — Taste of Summer

Image by Jenny Smith is licensed with Unsplash License

This year is the 20th anniversary of Broken Arrow’s Taste of Summer festival. The gala features all-you-can-eat Blue Bell ice cream, live entertainment, and a marketplace featuring various food and merchant vendors. There is also a kids’ zone with activities and crafts for children.

Taste of Summer takes place at the Central Park Community Center in Broken Arrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 16. Admission is $8 per person at the gate, and children 2 and under are free.

July 29 — 31 — Slamboree Truck, Car & Bike Show

Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Slamboree Truck, Car & Bike Show, one of the Midwest’s largest car shows. Visitors can see hundreds of cars, trucks, street rods, rat rods, and motorcycles. Judging for the event takes place throughout the day on Saturday, and awards are announced Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Slamboree Truck, Car & Bike Show is held at the Tulsa Raceway Park, 3101 N. Garnett Road. Proceeds from the event benefit Toys for Tots and other charities. Spectator passes start at $10 per day.

Aug. 12 — 13 — Woodcarving & Folk Arts Festival

The Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers Association sponsors the Woodcarving and Arts Festival in the Broken Arrow Rose District. Observe wood and folk art displays, see live crafting demonstrations, and participate in seminars during this hands-on event. Featured arts include woodcarving, weaving, stained glass, jewelry, quilting, beading, and more.

The event is held at the Broken Arrow Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 13. Admission is free.

Aug. 25 — 27 — Blue Whale Comedy Festival

This summer, get ready for a rollicking fun time at the Blue Whale Comedy Festival. Performances include stand-up comedy, improv, podcasting, music, and more. The festival headquarters are at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St. in Tulsa, and events will occur in various venues throughout the Tulsa Arts District. Tickets start at $50 for a day pass.

Sept. 10 — 11 — Artfest

Tulsa’s Artfest is a fine art show and sale sponsored by the  German-American Society of Tulsa. Explore drawings, paintings, sculptures, and many other types of art during this two-day event while listening to a live performance by a local musician. Artfest is found at the GAST Center, 1429 Terrace Drive, in Tulsa. The show takes place on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Sept. 18 — Tulsa Fairytale Ball

Kids will be delighted to join the Disney Princesses at the Tulsa Fairytale Ball and participate in activities like storytime, singing and dance lessons, crafts, and meet and greet opportunities. Children can wear their favorite princess dress or costume, and bring cameras to capture many photos since the kids have the chance to meet every Disney Princess at this interactive event.

The ball is held at the Mike Fretz Event Center, 11545 East 43rd St., Tulsa, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

Sept. 24 — Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival

Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival is a three-day event that travels throughout the United States, honoring local K-12 teachers and serving up delicious barbecue. The fair’s menu includes ribs, brisket, fried fish and shrimp, and barbecue or fried chicken. Nibble on tasty cornbread and select from side dishes like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Between bites of savory barbecue and other tasty fair food, enjoy musical performances from legendary musicians each day of the event.

The festival arrives in Broken Arrow on Sept. 24. Friday at 8 p.m., attendees can see performances by Tiffany, All-4-One, and Taylor Dane. Saturday showtimes start at 4 p.m. and include performances by artists After 7 and Morris Day. Sunday’s lineup begins at 3 p.m. and includes tribute bands honoring Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye.

Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival is held at Events Park, 21101 East 101st St., Broken Arrow. Tickets start at $20.

Sept. 30 — Oct. 2 — Broken Arrow Rose Festival

Wrap up your summer fun by attending the Broken Arrow Rose Festival from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. This free family-focused weekend extravaganza features roses, art, and music, and ends with a kite flying demonstration.

Friday and Saturday’s events are held on Main Street in the city’s beautiful Rose District. Enjoy talented street performances over the weekend, observe the sidewalk-chalk art contest, and sample many tasty treats from food trucks and vendors. Main Street shops are open during the festival. The celebration wraps up on Sunday at the BA Event Park. Children can decorate free kites at the Kids’ Zone over the weekend for Sunday’s kite-flying finale.

Sept. 30 — Oct. 1 — Chalk It Up! An Art Festival

Chalk It Up Art Festival is a traditional event during the Broken Arrow Rose Bowl Festival. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, artists begin working on their chalk art on festival streets. They work until 8:30 p.m., with festival activities occurring around them, then pause for the evening. Artists resume at 9 a.m. Saturday morning and finish by 2 p.m. The artwork is judged Saturday afternoon, with winners selected in the following categories:

  • Best 3D art (by age group)
  • Best interpretation of theme (by age group)
  • Best use of materials (by age group)
  • People’s Choice
  • Best in Show

Adults color a 10’x10′ area and children ages 6 to 11 color a 6’x6′ square. Teams of up to four people may participate.

The team at Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT hopes that this guide to local events helps you find something fun to do this summer in Broken Arrow. Let us know what festivals you attend and share any upcoming events that we might have missed.