If there’s one event that truly captures the flavor, the character and the beating heart of Okmulgee, it’s the Pecan Festival. And this year – just in time for crisp autumn air, changing leaves and golden memories the beloved tradition returns with a theme that says it all: “The Throwback Year.”
Mark your calendars now for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11, when downtown Okmulgee and the Claude Cox Omniplex will transform into a celebration of all things sweet, savory, nostalgic and neighborly. With more events than ever before and a renewed commitment to honoring the roots of our town’s traditions, the 2025 Okmulgee Pecan Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable two-day affair – and you’re invited.
— The Taste of Tradition The heartbeat of Saturday morning’s festivities has always been the Pecan Bake-Off, and this year, it’s being elevated to center stage – literally and figuratively.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, contestants from all over Okmulgee County (and beyond) will bring their homemade masterpieces to the Claude Cox Omniplex, each recipe showcasing pecans as the star ingredient. Whether it’s a pie passed down through generations, a new twist on pecan pralines, or a butter-laced bundt cake that melts in your mouth, the entries promise to delight judges and visitors alike.
But don’t just bake for the ribbon – bake for the legacy. As part of this year’s celebration, all first-place winning recipes will be published in the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance in full color, offering hometown glory and sweet validation for our county’s most talented bakers.
Entry categories include:
• Bread
• Cake
• Candy
• Cookie
• Pie
• Other All submissions must be homemade and highlight pecans as a main ingredient. Entry check-in takes place from 9-9:45 a.m. on Oct. 11, and judging begins at 11:30 a.m.
— Friday Night Frenzy
It wouldn’t be Pecan Festival weekend without the now-legendary Bed Races, held Friday night on Main Street. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., these rolling spectacles of teamwork and silliness feature teams of four runners and one rider pushing themed, decorated beds toward victory. Past entries have included pirate ships, princess castles, superhero beds – and even one fashioned to look like a giant pecan pie.
Prizes will be awarded for Fastest Team, Best Costume and Most Creative Design. Teams are encouraged to register early and bring their A-game – and their helmets!
Immediately following the bed races, from 8-11 p.m., the Street Dance wraps the evening in vintage charm. With music echoing around the courthouse square, food trucks parked along the sidewalks and families dancing under string lights and stars, it’s a picture-perfect reminder of what makes Okmulgee so special.
— Morning Feast & Cornhole Challenge
The sun will rise Saturday morning over a bustling Omniplex as the smell of pancakes fills the air. Beginning at 8 a.m., the Pancake Breakfast invites festival- goers to fuel up before a full day of adventure. Just across the lawn, the Cornhole Tournament brings teams together in lighthearted competition – with trophies, bragging rights and plenty of laughs up for grabs.
Whether you’re tossing bags or flipping flapjacks, it’s the kind of start that sets the tone for a perfect fall day.
— Chrome & Class
Saturday’s Car Show is more than a display of vintage vehicles – it’s a journey through the decades. From Model A Fords to 1970s muscle cars, the show honors the artistry and pride of car culture. Participants can still register their vehicles for a chance at winning prizes in various categories, including Best in Show, Best Paint and Best Era Original.
— New This Year: All-Day
Circus Entertainment
In a dazzling addition to the festival lineup, this year introduces circus-style entertainment all day Saturday. Roving performers, from jugglers and stilt walkers to acrobats and illusionists, will entertain guests of all ages on the festival grounds.
At 5 p.m., the Circus Main Event kicks off, promising a theatrical show of stunts, lights and laughter. It’s free to all festival- goers and sure to become a new family favorite.
— Fish Scramble & Cow Pie Bingo: The Quirky Classics At 2 p.m., the fan-favorite Fish Scramble returns, inviting brave children (and adults) to try their hand at catching slippery fish in a shallow tank. Bring your towels – it gets wet, wild, and wonderfully chaotic.
Later in the day, test your luck with Cow Pie Bingo – a rural staple with hilarious results. Festival staff will grid off a field, assign square numbers to ticket holders and then let a real cow do its business. If the cow drops on your square, you win a cash prize! It’s a tradition that never fails to spark laughter and you have to see it to believe it.
— Sizzle & Smoke: The Steak Cook-Off Calling all grillers! From 12-2 p.m., the Steak Cook-Off will turn the Omniplex into a carnivore’s paradise. Backyard pit masters and seasoned chefs alike will compete for top honors, with steaks judged on tenderness, flavor, and presentation.
Winners will walk away with trophies – and maybe a few secrets to the perfect sear.
— Cruise Night Finale
After the day’s excitement, the festival winds down with the ever- popular Cruise Night back on Main Street beginning at 6 p.m. Classic cars, hot rods, trucks and custom bikes roll through downtown in a gleaming parade of horsepower and history.
— Volunteers Wanted
To bring this ambitious festival to life, the Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s helping with the bake-off, guiding cars into place, manning the vendor booth tables or serving pancakes, there’s a role for everyone.
If your civic group, church, youth organization or business is interested in lending a hand, email executivedirector@okmulgeechamber. org or visit the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
— See You There!
Whether it’s your first Pecan Festival or your fifteenth, this year’s “Throwback” theme is the perfect invitation to come home – to your town, your roots and your memories.
We’ll see you Oct. 10-11 in downtown Okmulgee and at the Claude Cox Omniplex for two days of joy, laughter, food and community.
Bring your lawn chairs. Bring your camera. Bring your appetite. But most of all – bring your heart.
Because this is Pecan Festival Time, and it’s going to be sweeter than ever.
— Okmulgee Pecan Festival Sponsors Golden Pecan Sponsor • Muscogee Nation — 1980s Legacy Sponsors • Tate & Lyle
• WorkReady Okmulgee — Retro Nut Sponsors • College of the Muscogee Nation
• Harlan Ford
• One Fire Casino
• City of Okmulgee — Deep Fork Pecan Sponsors • Western Sun Federal Credit Union
• Anchor Finance Services
• Patrons Bank
• Regal Car Sales & Credit
• Pine Properties
• Aspire Health — Savory Shell Sponsors • Windy Chevrolet
• College of the Muscogee Nation
• East Central Electric
• Ecolink
• Mabrey Bank
