Oklahoma Best Food and Drink Festivals 

From savory barbecue to refreshing brews and delectable wines, these festivals promise a delightful immersion into the flavors of Oklahoma. Let's take a look at some of the best this state has to offer.

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Taste of OKC: February

 

The Oklahoma City Convention Center hosts an annual culinary event that showcases the best of the city's food and drink scene. Over 30 local restaurants and breweries participate, offering a diverse array of dishes and beverages for attendees to sample. Visitors can enjoy everything from gourmet bites to craft cocktails while exploring the flavors of Oklahoma City.

 

This festival features live music, creating an energetic atmosphere for guests to dance and socialize. In addition to the food and drink offerings, the event includes both silent and live auctions, adding an element of excitement and fundraising to the evening. All proceeds from the festival benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, supporting their mission to match volunteer mentors with children in need.

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Bixby BBQ & Blues Festival: May

 

A popular summer tradition draws thousands of BBQ enthusiasts and music lovers to the charming downtown area of Bixby to celebrate Oklahoma's finest smoked meats and blues music. The Bixby BBQ & Blues Festival, organized by the Bixby Rotary Club and sponsored by Hillcrest Hospital South, has become one of the region's premier food events in its 24-year history. While local pitmasters showcase their signature ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and homemade sauces, the festival's atmosphere comes alive with the soulful sounds of live blues performances echoing through the streets.

 

Families gather around picnic tables and lawn chairs while enjoying cold beverages, classic BBQ sides, and homemade desserts from local vendors. The festival features a spirited BBQ competition where teams compete for top honors in multiple categories. Community spirit shines through with the Rotary Club directing all proceeds to support local charitable initiatives and youth programs.

 

Tulsa Wild Brew: August

 

Every year, thousands of beer enthusiasts flock to Cox Business Center for one of Oklahoma's premier craft beer festivals, the Tulsa Wild Brew Festival. Local and regional breweries, including Marshall Brewing Company, Dead Armadillo, and American Solera, join forces with over 40 of Tulsa's top restaurants to serve unlimited samples to more than 1,500 attendees. The event features live music from local favorites like Weston Horn & The Hush and The Paul Benjamin Band on the main stage, while guests explore the diverse selection of over 100 craft beers and gourmet food pairings.

 

A special VIP area offers early admission and exclusive access to rare beer releases, paired with elevated culinary offerings from some of Tulsa's most acclaimed chefs. The festival's unique indoor setting provides a comfortable environment while supporting the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center's conservation efforts. The event's signature feature is the themed costume contest, where attendees and vendors dress according to each year's chosen motif, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere.

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Plaza District Festival: September

 

On the west side of Oklahoma City, this annual festival transforms 16th Street into a vibrant celebration of local arts, music, and culture. The Plaza District Festival showcases over 40 local artists and makers selling handcrafted items ranging from ceramics and jewelry to paintings and textile art. Food trucks and local restaurants like Empire Slice House, Oak & Ore, and The Mule serve up street tacos, craft beer, gourmet grilled cheese, and artisanal pizzas to approximately 15,000 attendees throughout the day.

 

Three stages host continuous live performances featuring regional bands and musicians, including Oklahoma favorites like Rainbows are Free, Jabee, and Horse Thief. Interactive art demonstrations allow visitors to watch artists work in real-time, while children enjoy face painting and hands-on creative activities in the dedicated kids' area. The Plaza Walls mural project serves as a striking backdrop for the festival, with new murals being painted live during the event and adding to the district's already impressive collection of street art.