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.