Time-honored Tulsa Festival, Mayfest, Reimagines Event with Route 66 Celebration
“Mayfest: Road Trip” Brings Art, Music and Community to Route 66
Organizers have announced plans for Tulsa Mayfest 2026 and 2027 to hit the open road with a Route 66–inspired celebration, turning historic landmarks and iconic stretches of the Mother Road into stages for art, music and local creativity during the weekend of May 15-17.
During the traditional Mayfest weekend, May 15–17, Mayfest will present the Local Art Market at Mother Road Market, showcasing regional artists, activating the Route 66 corridor with visual art and maker culture.
Anchored by Tulsa’s legendary Route 66 corridor, Mayfest: Road Trip, connects multiple events throughout the month, inviting residents and visitors to experience the spirit of the open road through live performance, visual art, and youth creativity.
The journey continues at the historic Campbell Hotel, a Route 66 landmark, which will host the Mayfest Student Art Gallery every Saturday in May. The gallery will feature artwork from local students in a professional setting, celebrating the next generation of artists along one of America’s most storied highways. Kids’ music will play throughout the day, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere inspired by classic road-trip energy.
Mayfest Road Trip concludes with high-energy performances at Expo Square as part of the Capital Cruise, where organizers will manage entertainment on the Tailgate Stage on May 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a live performance stage along Route 66 as part of the Route 66 Capital Cruise, active Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Alongside these efforts, the team is exploring additional activities to be rolled out in subsequent phases. By blending historic locations, local artists, youth creativity, and live music, Mayfest: Road Trip honors the legacy of Tulsa’s traditional Mayfest while creating new memories for today’s travelers and community members.
For Mayfest 2027, the festival will return to the Main Street in the Deco District after being held in the Tulsa Arts District from 2019 to 2025. Organizers plan to usher in a new era for Mayfest with a stronger focus on both visual and performing arts.
