Sports events have already begun for the 2025 Muscogee Nation Festival, which officially begins Thursday. Last weekend, softball, tennis and basketball tournaments took place around the area and more is in store this weekend.
— Junior Olympics
Due to ongoing renovations at Okmulgee’s historic Harmon Stadium, the 2025 Junior Olympics will be hosted at Beggs High School Stadium, beginning at 6 a.m.
— Pickleball
Pickleball – the fast-growing sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping-pong – will once again be a fan favorite at Hawthorn Park in Okmulgee on Saturday, June 28. The tournament welcomes both novice players (8 a.m. start) and advanced competitors (1 p.m. start) to compete in men’s and women’s doubles. Mixed teams will battle it out in the men’s division bracket.
— Fast Pitch Tournament
One week later, the competition ramps up as the Open Fast Pitch Tournament begins Friday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., continuing through Sunday, June 29, with 9 a.m. games. Games will be held at Hawthorn Park and the Jim Waller Sports Complex (Preston Fields).
The Fast Pitch event also features a special “50 & Over Legends Game” at 6 p.m. Saturday, which is open for coed sign-up at the registration table.
— All-Indian Rodeo The All-Indian Rodeo at the Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena will be June 27-28 at the Claude Cox Omniplex, this INFR automatic qualifier features events from bareback and saddlebronc riding to ladies’ breakaway roping, team roping and bull riding.
The rodeo opens nightly at 7 p.m., preceded by the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’ (6-7 p.m.). Morning slack events begin at 8 a.m., with top qualifiers vying for added prize money totaling over $100,000 across categories. — 5K & Fun Run
Fitness meets fun at the Muscogee Nation Festival 5K & Fun Run, taking place Saturday, June 28, at the Capital Complex. The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by a non-competitive fun run for all ages.
With a $250 cash prize awarded to the top male and female 5K finishers, the stakes are high – and so is the community spirit. Walkers, strollers and seasoned runners are all welcome, making it one of the most inclusive athletic events of the weekend.
Participants can register:
• Online by June 26 at runsignup. com/muscogeenationfestival5k
• By mail with payment made to Muscogee Nation Festival 5K, P.O. Box 580, Okmulgee, OK 74447 Race day sign-in ends at 7:10 a.m. sharp, so arrive early and stretch up.
-For full details on all events, schedules, forms and festival updates, visit www.MuscogeeNationFestival.com.
