Things to Do in Tulsa in September 2026: Fall Events, Festivals & Local Favorites
By Linda Smalley, Tulsa Realtor & Certified Residential Specialist with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors
September is one of my favorite times of year in Tulsa. As summer begins to wind down, the temperatures start to become more comfortable, football season gets underway, and Tulsa's calendar fills with festivals, live music, art, food, cultural celebrations and family-friendly activities.
Whether you are a longtime Tulsa resident, new to the area, or considering buying a home in Tulsa, September is a wonderful month to get out and experience what makes our community so special.
From First Friday Art Crawl and Symphony in the Park to the Tulsa Greek Festival, La Fiesta de Tulsa, Route 66 celebrations and live music, there is something happening almost every weekend.
Here are some of the top Tulsa events to put on your September 2026 calendar.
September 2026 Tulsa Events at a Glance
September 4 – First Friday Art Crawl & Symphony in the Park
Kick off September with one of Tulsa's favorite monthly traditions: First Friday Art Crawl in the Tulsa Arts District.
Galleries, studios and museums open their doors for an evening of art, creativity and community. According to Visit Tulsa, the September event will also feature Symphony in the Park at Guthrie Green, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy live orchestral music in an outdoor setting.
First Friday Art Crawl is a great way to experience downtown Tulsa while exploring galleries, restaurants and local businesses.
When: Friday, September 4
Where: Tulsa Arts District and Guthrie Green
Time: Approximately 6–10 p.m. for the September event
September 5 – Tulsa Football
College football returns to Tulsa in September, and that means another opportunity to experience the energy of game day.
The University of Tulsa opens its home schedule at H.A. Chapman Stadium on September 5 against Oklahoma State, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m.
Whether you're cheering from the stands or enjoying the atmosphere around campus, football season is an important part of the fall experience in Tulsa.
September 11–13 – Broken Arrow Rose Festival
Just a short drive from Tulsa, the Broken Arrow Rose Festival returns September 11–13.
The 2026 celebration will combine the Rose Festival with Chalk It Up! and Rose Kites Over Broken Arrow, creating a weekend filled with art, community activities and family entertainment.
If you're exploring the Tulsa metro area, Broken Arrow is worth a visit—and it is also one of the communities many Tulsa-area homebuyers consider when looking for more space, established neighborhoods and suburban amenities.
September 17–19 – Tulsa Greek Festival
One of Tulsa's longest-running cultural celebrations returns September 17–19.
The 66th Annual Tulsa Greek Festival will celebrate Greek heritage, food, music and dancing while also recognizing the historic connection between the festival and Route 66's centennial year.
Festival highlights include Greek favorites such as gyros, souvlaki, baklava and loukoumathes, along with traditional music, folk dancing, church tours and shopping.
When: September 17–19
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1222 S. Guthrie Ave.
Admission: $5; children under 12 free
For food lovers, families and anyone interested in Tulsa's diverse cultural traditions, this is a September event worth adding to your calendar.
September 18–19 – Route 66 Celebrations
2026 is a particularly exciting year for Tulsa because Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Tulsa has a special connection to the Mother Road, and September brings several opportunities to experience Route 66 history and culture.
On September 18, Circle Cinema will host an Oklahoma premiere of “Route 66: The Main Street of America,” with filmmaker John Paget and historian Michael Wallis scheduled to attend.
For anyone interested in Tulsa history, architecture, classic cars, local businesses or the evolution of the city's neighborhoods, Route 66 provides a fascinating way to explore Tulsa.
September 19 – La Fiesta de Tulsa
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at La Fiesta de Tulsa 2026 on September 19.
The event will feature a community festival and parade celebrating Hispanic culture and the many contributions of Tulsa's Hispanic community.
Events such as La Fiesta are one of the reasons I love living and working in the Tulsa area. They provide an opportunity for residents to celebrate different cultures while bringing neighbors and families together.
September 19 – Redbud Rumble
If you prefer an active weekend, check out Redbud Rumble on September 19.
The event returns for its third annual celebration and is listed as a free Tulsa-area event.
September is a great time to get outdoors in Tulsa, particularly as temperatures begin to moderate and fall activities become more comfortable.
September 25 – Hip Hop 918 at Guthrie Green
Music lovers have plenty to choose from in September.
On September 25, Hip Hop 918 will feature Grammy Award-winning Digable Planets at Guthrie Green.
Guthrie Green continues to be one of downtown Tulsa's favorite gathering places, with concerts, movies, festivals and community events throughout the year.
September 2026 Concerts & Live Entertainment
Tulsa's music scene is one of the city's biggest attractions, and September is packed with performances.
Some of the artists scheduled around the Tulsa area include:
- Terri Clark – September 3–4
- Gladys Knight – September 5
- Diamond Rio – September 11
- Buddy Guy – September 16
- Nelly – September 18
- Ann Wilson – September 19
- Sara Evans – September 25
Visit Tulsa's September event listings also include performances at venues throughout the city, from the Tulsa Theater and Guthrie Green to smaller music venues.
For larger touring performances, BOK Center is one of Tulsa's premier entertainment destinations, while The Tulsa Theater offers concerts in a historic downtown setting.
September at Tulsa's Museums & Cultural Attractions
September isn't only about festivals and concerts. It's also a great month to explore Tulsa's museums, gardens and cultural attractions.
Consider spending an afternoon at:
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Woody Guthrie Center
- Bob Dylan Center
- Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center
- Tulsa Botanic Garden
Philbrook's September calendar includes its Music at the Museum series, while Tulsa's Arts District provides an opportunity to combine museums, galleries, restaurants and live entertainment into one outing.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tulsa in September
If you're looking for activities the whole family can enjoy, September offers plenty of choices.
The Oklahoma Aquarium has its monthly Sensory Nights and September STEM programming, while the Tulsa Zoo has special events throughout the month.
You can also enjoy:
- Outdoor concerts
- Food truck events
- Art festivals
- College football
- Movies at Guthrie Green
- Cultural festivals
- Museum activities
- Outdoor walks and gardens
- Local farmers markets
September is an especially nice month to explore Tulsa's parks, trails and outdoor gathering spaces before the colder months arrive.
Why September Is a Great Month to Explore Tulsa
As a Tulsa Realtor and Certified Residential Specialist, I believe one of the best ways to understand a community is to experience it.
When I'm helping buyers search for a home, we don't just talk about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. We also consider how you want to live.
Do you want to walk to restaurants and entertainment in Midtown? Would you rather have a larger yard in a suburban neighborhood? Are you interested in being close to downtown arts and culture? Do you want easy access to shopping, schools, parks or the Arkansas River?
Events can actually help prospective homebuyers answer some of those questions.
Spend a Saturday exploring Midtown. Attend an event downtown. Visit a neighborhood festival in Broken Arrow or Jenks. Enjoy dinner along Route 66. Walk around an area you've been considering.
You may discover that a neighborhood feels very different in person than it does on a real estate website.
Discover Tulsa This September
September is a wonderful reminder of what makes Tulsa, Oklahoma, such a special place to call home.
From the arts and music scene to cultural festivals, historic Route 66, college football, outdoor events and family activities, there are countless ways to experience Tulsa this fall.
If you're already a Tulsa resident, September is the perfect excuse to discover something new in your own backyard.
And if you're considering a move to the Tulsa area, attending local events can be a great way to get to know the community and decide which neighborhoods might be the right fit for your lifestyle.
Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home in Tulsa?
I'm Linda Smalley, Tulsa Realtor and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors. I have a passion for helping buyers and sellers navigate the Tulsa real estate market with personalized service, local knowledge and professional expertise.
Whether you're searching for a home in Midtown Tulsa, Downtown Tulsa, Jenks, Broken Arrow, Owasso or another Tulsa-area community, I'd love to help you learn more about the neighborhoods and opportunities available.
Enjoy September in Tulsa—and discover what makes this community such a great place to call home!
Event dates, times, admission prices and performers can change. Check with the individual event organizer before attending. The September 2026 events referenced above were reviewed using current Visit Tulsa listings as of August 24, 2026.