Enjoy Family Fun at the Annual Talihina Fall Festival Weekend in Oklahoma

The History of the Talihina Fall Festival

Nestled among the rolling hills and forests of southeastern Oklahoma lies the small town of Talihina. Every year as the leaves start changing colors, the community comes together to celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest at the beloved Talihina Fall Festival.

The festival first began in 1987 as a modest street fair organized by the Talihina Chamber of Commerce. A few craft vendors and food stalls lined the downtown streets while townspeople enjoyed local musicians who performed folk songs and bluegrass music on a small stage.

Growth Into a Popular Regional Event

Over the years through word of mouth, the Talihina Fall Festival gained more and more popularity throughout the region. In the early 2000s, several thousand people were attending from all across Oklahoma and neighboring states like Arkansas and Texas.

The festival expanded into Veterans Park with amusement rides, carnival games, and contests joining the arts, crafts, food, and music. Nonprofit groups began setting up informational booths to raise awareness for their causes. The Talihina Fall Festival became a beloved tradition for families across the area.

Music and Entertainment Today

Nowadays the Talihina Fall Festival takes place over an entire weekend in mid-October. An outdoor concert stage hosts talented musicians from across the Sooner State who play various genres like country, bluegrass and folk late into the evening after the craft fair and carnival concludes.

Festival-goers can tap their boots and swing their partners to classic and contemporary tunes. Inside the historic downtown Bank of Talihina building is a dance hall alive with music. There are also arts performances, magicians, face painters and more providing entertainment across festival grounds.

What to See and Do at the Festival

The Talihina Fall Festival has something for everyone in the family. From thrill rides to contests to craft shopping and concessions, it's a full weekend celebrating Oklahoman and Texoma heritage.

Carnival and Vendors

One of the main attractions is the carnival spread throughout Veterans Park. Thrill seekers can enjoy exhilarating rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl, Avalanche and Zero Gravity. Those wanting lower key fun can try their hand at carnival games to win stuffed animal prizes.

All along the midway are craft, food and activity booths. Shop for handmade quilts, original artwork, jewelry and more from local artisans and craftsmen. Fun activities include pumpkin painting, scarecrow making and pie eating contests.

Live Music and Dancing

The festival features stellar musical entertainment on two stages. Headlining acts in recent years pull in big crowds. Genres range from classic country and western to folk, gospel and bluegrass jams.

Inside the downtown dance hall, guest can show off their two-step and swing dancing skills. Or sit back and enjoy watching experienced dancers twirl across the large wood dance floor with the band playing into the night.

Delicious Fair Food and Drinks

From sweet to savory, spicy to greasy, you can find just about any kind of fried fair food your heart desires at the festival. Fan favorites include hand-battered corn dogs, giant turkey legs, funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar and fruit and loaded nachos.

Of course what would a fall harvest celebration be without pumpkin-flavored everything? Be sure to try the pumpkin spiced shakes, pumpkin pie milkshakes, pumpkin fried pies and other autumnal desserts and drinks.

Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of cold lemonade or fruit punch. For the 21 and over crowd, stop by one of the local nonprofit beer tents lining the streets downtown.

When and Where the Festival Takes Place

The Talihina Fall Festival happens every year on the weekend before October 31st Halloween. It's a way for the community to gather and celebrate the fall season together before winter settles in.

Festival Grounds in Veterans Park

Most of the rides, games, food and craft vendors are located downtown in Veterans Park. The park provides open space for the carnival setup and is within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

Stages for the concerts and dance hall are also based downtown, creating a fun and lively atmosphere each evening. Free public parking areas border the park for a short walk for visitors.

Small Town Charm

Talihina only has a population around 1,000 residents but blossoms with over 15,000 festival guests during the annual event. While crowded, the small town charm and welcoming atmosphere brings a warmth and community feel for all.

The festival carries on generations of heritage with homespun values and traditions. Around every corner are kind, friendly faces ready to help make your visit enjoyable. It hearkens back to simpler times when neighbors knew neighbors.

How To Get Tickets

Daily general admission tickets to the Talihina Fall Festival can be purchased at the gate during the festival weekend. However prices are discounted by purchasing advance weekend wristbands online ahead of time.

Online Orders and Will Call

Save money and skip the ticket booth lines by ordering wristbands early at SimplyCountryRanch.com. They have tiered pricing for single day passes or whole weekend bundles.

E-tickets can be printed at home or loaded to your mobile device. You can also select will call pick up at the festival entrance gate when you arrive.

Something for All Budgets

General admission, VIP, ride bundles and other ticket package options means there’s something for all budgets. Kids 5 and under get in free with a paying adult.

If planning to enjoy rides, games and food, purchasing a booklet of tickets can also help manage costs and allow trying more activities affordably.

Lodging and Camping

As an overnight guest during the festival weekend, be sure to make reservations early as hotels and campgrounds fill fast. Most require a 2 night stay minimum that covers Friday and Saturday evenings.

Area Hotels and Motels

Choices for local hotel and motel accommodations include national chains like Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Super 8 in nearby towns. Multiple bed options make them ideal for families and groups.

RV Parks and Campgrounds

Prefer camping outdoors under the stars? Area RV parks and campgrounds have electric and water hookup sites for RVs. Tent camping is also available for a primitive experience.

Some venues like Simply Country Ranch offer hotel-style lodges, cabins and glamping tents in addition to RV and tent sites. Enjoy resort amenities like a swimming pool, zipline, hiking trails, catch and release fishing pond, games and more.

Insider Tips for Attending

Check out these pro tips for making the most of Talihina Fall Festival weekend from longtime local fans:

Come Prepared for Weather

Autumn in Oklahoma can be unpredictable so pack layers. Morning can start out chilly before warming up midday then cooling off when the sun sets. Having jackets, ponchos and umbrellas handy ensures comfort.

Leave Pets at Home

Due to crowds, loud music and rides, pets should be left at home for their safety and comfort. Service animals are permitted.

Bring Cash

While some vendors accept credit cards, many only take cash payments. Having cash on hand means you don’t miss out on food, activities or impulse buys from a craft artisan.

Nearby ATMs have high usage on festival weekends. Avoid lines and fees by withdrawing needed money ahead of time.

Download Festival Map

Navigating the extensive fairgrounds and keeping track of stages, exhibits, food zones and more is easier with the help of the festival map. Download to your phone when available prior to opening weekend.