Popular Upcoming Events at Grand Lake

From fireworks over the water to fishing tournaments and community festivals, there's always something happening at Grand Lake O' The Cherokees in northeast Oklahoma. Here's your guide to the most popular upcoming events around the lake.

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Grand Lake O' The Cherokees has one of the most active event calendars in Oklahoma. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or you live here year-round, there's always something coming up — boat shows, fishing tournaments, poker runs, live music, and community festivals across Grove, Monkey Island, Langley, and Disney.

🎆 Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La — Independence Day 250th Celebration

Shangri-La Resort, Monkey Island  ·  Friday, July 3, 2026

Shangri-La goes all out for America's 250th birthday with a full day of celebration on July 3. The evening fireworks show lights up the sky over Grand Lake, visible from the resort's waterfront restaurants, docks, and boats all across the Monkey Island peninsula.

The day features food trucks, live music, and an exciting Alt Shot Horse Races golf event on the championship course. Live music runs all evening: Ryan Graham performs at Doc's Bar & Grill (6:00–9:00 p.m.) followed by DJ Brock at Eddy's Lakeside Bar (8:00–11:00 p.m.).

🎆 Horse Creek Fireworks

Horse Creek, Grand Lake  ·  Friday, July 3, 2026

Annual fireworks show at Horse Creek on Grand Lake.

🎆 Gran Tara Fireworks

Gran Tara, Grand Lake  ·  Friday, July 3, 2026

Annual fireworks show at Gran Tara on Grand Lake.

⛵ "Toby Keith Day" Raft-Up – Woodard Hollow

Woodard Hollow, Grand Lake  ·  Saturday, July 4, 2026  ·  12:00–4:00 PM

Tie up with fellow boaters in Woodard Hollow for an afternoon of music, fun, and patriotic celebration on Grand Lake. A fitting tribute on the holiday.

Popular Annual Events at Grand Lake

These events happen every year at Grand Lake. Dates for the next edition will be added as they're announced.

🎵 American Heritage Music Festival

Grove  ·  Second Weekend of June

Three days of American roots music at Snider's Camp and Har-Ber Village in Grove. Kicks off Thursday evening with a jam session party, followed by two days of performances and the Grand National Fiddle Contest featuring top fiddlers from across the country. Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

🌊 Toes in the Grand – Summer Kickoff Festival

Wolf Creek Park, Grove  ·  Second Weekend of June

Grand Lake's ultimate summer kickoff presented by the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce — four days of Thunder on Wolf Creek boat races, free live music on the Cherokee Casino Stage, a carnival, car/bike/truck show, YMCA 5K run, indoor market, and food trucks at Wolf Creek Park. groveok.org  ·  (918) 786-9079

Cinco de Poker Derby

Monkey Island  ·  First Saturday in May

The signature golf cart event on Monkey Island — a full day poker run across the peninsula, live auction, Kentucky Derby watch party, and a massive after-party at Big Shots. Raises money for WAAMI and the Toby Keith Foundation's OK Kids Korral. The 4th Annual was May 2, 2026. The 5th Annual returns the first Saturday in May 2027.

Event Recap & Details →

Sumners Big Meat Run

Disney, Oklahoma • Third Weekend in March

One of the largest rock crawling events in the country. A full week of extreme rock crawling competitions, trail runs, swap meets, and community in Disney. Events include the Battle of the Beaters, Knock Out Races, Viagra Trail Run, Nasty Girl (Bounty Hill) Run, and the Big Clean Run.

Full Big Meat Run Guide →

🎣 Cherokee Casino Grand Lake Big Bass Bash

Grand Lake O' The Cherokees  ·  First Weekend of June

One of the biggest bass fishing tournaments in the region, held every year the first weekend of June. Home of the $100,000 Bass! Presented by Cherokee Casino and McLarty Daniel Chevrolet, with weigh-in stations at Wolf Creek Park, Southwinds Marina, and Hammerhead Marina. Kids division available.

midwestfishtournaments.com →

🦅 Pelican Fest

Grove • Fall

Celebrating the annual migration of American White Pelicans to Grand Lake.

🎄 Christmas Light Boat Parade

Grand Lake • December

Decorated boats parade across the lake in this beloved holiday tradition.