As the summer heat gives way to the cooler temperatures of autumn, Oklahoma comes alive with vivid colors and festive celebrations from September through November. From arts and crafts markets to pumpkin festivals, there’s no shortage of exciting autumn adventures for locals and visitors. Coupled with stunning fall foliage destinations like the Talimena National Scenic Byway and Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma perfectly blends natural beauty and community spirit.
Robbers Cave Fall Festival
One of the highlights of the fall season is the Robbers Cave Fall Festival in Wilburton, Oct. 20-22. With more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, food and drink and thrilling amusement rides, the festival’s irresistibly vibrant atmosphere attracts over 80,000 visitors annually to the town of 2,334 residents. The Fall Foliage Cruise, a classic car and truck show, adds an extra touch of nostalgia and elegance to the event, showcasing about 500 pre-1986 hot rods, custom vehicles and restored classics.
Cordell Pumpkin Festival
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, the Cordell Pumpkin Festival is a perfect choice. Taking place Oct. 14 in the downtown square of New Cordell, this festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, from arts and crafts booths to live entertainment and a baking contest. Children can participate in games, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest to create lasting memories in a fun-filled environment.
Scotfest
Sept. 15-17 marks the 43rd year of Scotfest, a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture held in Broken Arrow. This exciting weekend festival serves visitors a range of activities with delectable food, crafts and captivating live music. The event also showcases the rousing Scottish Highland games, when more than 160 athletes compete in challenging events like the caber toss, Braemar stone, hammer throw and sheaf toss. Attend Scotfest to learn Scottish clan history, witness impressive performances by local and national musicians, experience Scottish and Irish dance demonstrations and enjoy traditional drumming and pipe band competitions. The festival also features Scottish craft vendors, educational sessions, workshops, wine and whiskey (or whisky, for the Scottish) tastings for adults and an array of children’s activities like sack races, three-legged races and the Scottish ring fling.
Oklahoma State Fair
The Oklahoma State Fair has grown significantly since its inception and has established itself as one of the nation’s leading state fairs. The fair boasts a plethora of attractions, including carnival rides, a family fun zone, a wine and beer garden, a barnyard birthing center, a frontier experience, Disney on Ice performances, a variety of delicious and inventive food options, thrilling Xtreme Bulls events, live music and much more. This year, the fair runs Sept. 14-24.
Fall Foliage Drives
To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Oklahoma in the fall, embark on scenic drives along the Talimena National Scenic Byway. The Talimena Drive is a 54-mile route through the Ouachita National Forest where you can witness breathtak – ing views of the fall foliage. Take advantage of turnouts along the way to admire the colorful forest and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
Located south of the Talimena Drive, U.S. Route 259 leads to Beavers Bend State Park, where you can experience the gorgeous hues of the changing leaves in towering trees amid pine forests.
Robbers Cave State Park, once a notorious hideout for legendary outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr, also offers a stun – ning location to witness the beauty of Oklahoma’s fall leaves. As you hike through the park’s trails, you’ll be surrounded by the picturesque Sans Bois Mountain Range. Marvel at the valleys adorned in the colors of autumn as you rappel down cliffs or explore the numerous scenic walking trails. For an unforgettable experience, embark on an equestrian journey through the park’s rolling hills and captivating bluffs, where you’ll witness a mesmerizing display of scarlet and copper-colored leaves.
For a truly beautiful fall spectacle, head to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. This nature-lover’s paradise holds a variety of trails, streams and lakes to explore. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lake of the Arbuckles, visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn about the region’s history and marvel at the awe-inspiring Turner Falls.
