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.
Rocktoberfest
The popular fall off-road event returns to the rock-crawling area below Pensacola Dam in Disney for a full weekend of off-road fun.
Cabaret Around the World
Enjoy an evening of “Cabaret Around the World” at Playmakers in Grove, including a silent auction. The party begins at 7:30 p.m.
Bernice Fall Craft Fair
A fall craft fair featuring Indian tacos, treats for kids, and face painting at the Bernice Community Building. Sponsored by the United Cherokee Alliance.
OU–Texas Watch Parties
Catch OU–Texas with fellow fans at either of these Grand Lake watch parties:
- The Anchor at Shangri-La: 2:00–6:00 PM
- Alpha Bar, Grove: 2:30–6:00 PM
🪕 Old Time Gathering Music Festival & Contra Dance
Old-time music and contra dancing come to Har-Ber Village Museum in Grove. This traditional roots-music gathering is part of the 2026 Grand Lake Summer Music Festival Series, presented by Grand Lake Festivals, Inc.
More info: grandlakefestivals.com · (918) 786-8896
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.
🛶 Grand River Dam Paddle
A scenic paddle race on the Grand River below Pensacola Dam welcoming canoes, kayaks, pedal drives, stand-up paddleboards, and paddlers of all skill levels. Race options have included a Kids 1K, a 5K, and an 11.5-mile long course through one of northeast Oklahoma's most beautiful stretches of river.
Visit grandriverdampaddle.com for updates on the next event →
🎵 American Heritage Music Festival
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
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
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.
Sumners Big Meat Run
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.
🎣 Cherokee Casino Grand Lake Big Bass Bash
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.
🎸 Grand Jam on the Water
A full weekend of high-energy live music at Duck Creek — come by land or by boat. The Friday night pre-party kicks off at Blind Swine with an overnight raft-up, followed by the main event on Saturday at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina. Grand Jam has featured some of the most talented artists in country and Americana, with past performers including Taylor Hunnicutt, KC Johns, Covington Creek Band, Lickitty Split Band, and Ava Grace. A beloved Grand Lake summer tradition.
🎄 Christmas Light Boat Parade
Decorated boats parade across the lake in this beloved holiday tradition.
🎆 Duck Creek Fireworks
Grand Lake's most legendary Independence Day celebration — running every July 4th since 1946. Hundreds of boats gather on Duck Creek as the sky erupts over the water in one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Oklahoma. Often paired with a stunning air show featuring WWII warbirds and military aircraft. Always free — no tickets.