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A: Main
June 25, 2025
Culture, Concerts & Community Spirit
By PATRICK FORD Editor,

Every June, thousands of people gather at the Claude Cox Omniplex in Okmulgee for a four-day weekend of celebration, community and culture. The 2025 Muscogee Nation Festival beginning Thursday, is set to bring more than 40,000 visitors together for a vibrant blend of traditional games, national music acts, rodeo thrills, sports tournaments, arts and crafts, delicious food, carnival attractions and a whole lot of family fun.

Rooted in heritage and unity, the Muscogee Nation Festival first began in 1974 as a small celebration centered around a softball tournament and an all-Indian rodeo. Over the decades, it has evolved into a major cultural gathering for Muscogee citizens and a welcoming event for people of all backgrounds – with free admission to more than 25 activities, including live concerts, exhibitions, children’s activities and more.

More than just a festival, this annual event is a homecoming for many Muscogee families – who plan their summers around the festivities. It offers an unmatched opportunity to celebrate and share Muscogee culture through traditional games, art contests, exhibitions and ceremonial events – while also engaging the broader community with activities designed for all ages. — Parade Through Downtown Okmulgee

The 2025 Festival Parade, led by Chief David Hill and Second Chief Del Beaver, will travel through historic downtown Okmulgee at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. With this year’s theme, “Celebrating Tradition,” the parade will showcase tribal royalty and cultural pride.

— Star-Studded Concert Lineup Friday Night • June 27

• 7 p.m. – Stoney LaRue- A staple in the Red Dirt country music scene, LaRue will open Friday’s musical festivities with his signature blend of gritty vocals and heartfelt storytelling.

• 9 p.m. – Ashley McBryde – A Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, McBryde will headline the evening with a powerhouse performance of chart-topping anthems like “One Night Standards” and “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Known for her emotional depth and electrifying stage presence, she promises to deliver a show that fans won’t soon forget.

— Saturday Night • June 28

• 7 p.m. – Lance Gouge -This rising country talent brings fresh energy and authenticity to the stage with his heartfelt songs and growing fanbase.

• 9 p.m. – The Marshall Tucker Band – Legendary Southern rock icons will close out Saturday night with classic hits like “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song.” Their signature fusion of rock, country and blues will light up the night and set the stage for a spectacular fashion show featuring Mvskoke designers – followed by a brilliant fireworks display to end the day.

— Schedule of Events Thursday, June 26

• 11 a.m. – Living Legends | River Spirit Casino Resort

• 6 p.m. – Bull Bash (Bull Riding) | Bob Arrington Arena

• 6-10 p.m. – Fun Fair & Food Vendors | Claude Cox Omniplex

• 7 p.m. – Stompdance | North of Amphitheater — Friday, June 27

• 6 a.m. – Junior Olympics | Beggs High School

• 8 a.m. – Golf Tournament | Page Belcher Golf Course

• 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Fun Fair & Food Vendors | Claude Cox Omniplex

• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Foodways & Art Contest | College STEM Building

• 2-5 p.m. – Make & Take Arts & Crafts | Tent North of Amphitheater

• 6:30 p.m. – INFR Rodeo | Bob Arrington Arena

• 7 p.m. – Fastpitch Tournament Begins | Hawthorn Park & Jim Waller Sports Complex

• 7 p.m. – Live Entertainment | Amphitheater

• 9 p.m. – Ashley McBryde Headlines | Amphitheater — Saturday, June 28

• 7:30 a.m. – 5K | Main Complex

• 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Pickleball Tournament | Hawthorn Park

• 9 a.m. – Fastpitch, Volleyball & Horseshoes Tournaments Begin

• 10 a.m. – Festival Parade | Main Street, Downtown Okmulgee

• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Foodways & Art Contest | College STEM Building

• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Meet & Greet | Mvskoke Dome

• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Info & Resource Fair | Tent North of Amphitheater

• 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. – Fun Fair & Food Vendors | Claude Cox Omniplex

• 12-5 p.m. – Make & Take Arts & Crafts | Mvskoke Dome

• 4-6 p.m. – Legends Softball Reunion | Safe Space

• 6:30 p.m. – INFR Rodeo | Bob Arrington Arena

• 7 p.m. – Lance Gouge Performs | Amphitheater

• 9 p.m. – Marshall Tucker Band Headlines | Amphitheater • Following Concert – Fashion Show by Mvskoke Designers

• Following Fashion Show – Fireworks Spectacular — Sunday, June 29

• 9 a.m. – Fastpitch Finals | Jim Waller Sports Complex

• 11 a.m. – Worship on the Reservation | Mvskoke Dome (Doors Open at 10 a.m.)

– To learn more about the Muscogee Nation or to plan your visit, head to MvskokeTourism.com or MuscogeeNationFestival.com.

A: Main
Municipal, bond issues on ballot Tuesday
February 6, 2026
Early voting for Okmulgee County residents wishing to cast ballots in the Feb. 10 Election continues through 6 p.m. at the Okmulgee County Courthouse.On Election Day, which is next Tuesday, Feb. 10, r...
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A Month of Love
A: Main
A Month of Love
February 6, 2026
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate love in a unique and meaningful way - by taking part in a growing community tradi...
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A: Main
Commissioners weight county fairgrounds improvements
February 6, 2026
Okmulgee County Commissioners opened their Feb. 2 meeting with routine business, but the discussion quickly turned to long-term community investments - ranging from improvements at the county fairgrou...
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Anchor Glass facility hosts state, local officials
A: Main
Anchor Glass facility hosts state, local officials
February 6, 2026
The Anchor Glass Container manufacturing facility in Henryetta, which has been operating for almost 100 years and is home to one of the largest glass melting furnaces in the world, recently hosted a v...
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A: Main
OOCYS records review raises questions
February 6, 2026
In November 2025, The Okmulgee Times first reported on governance concerns surrounding the Okmulgee- Okfuskee County Youth Services (OOCYS) Board following the termination of Executive Director Dr. Sh...
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OCCJA Director responds during winter storm
A: Main
OCCJA Director responds during winter storm
February 6, 2026
During a recent winter storm impacting Okmulgee County, county officials and other volunteers were briefed by Okmulgee County Emergency Management as preparations were made to address hazardous condit...
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Editor Picks
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A: Main, News
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At 103 years old, VFW member of Post 539 Don Cotton of Henryetta still drives himself to the grocery store, walks on his own and recalls in great detail about his lifetime of memories during the Great...
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