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.
Food Truck Friday: Creative Alliance Arts Festival
Grove's annual Arts Festival comes to Food Truck Friday on the Downtown Square. It's a free, family-friendly evening packed with creativity, community, and great food.
- 🎵 Live music by Pier Pressure
- 🌮 Many food trucks
- 🎨 Local artists & vendors on the lawn
- 😊 Face painters & family-friendly fun
Calling all artists — show off your work! Organization tables are welcome. Free admission.
Presented by the Creative Alliance. Info: creativealliance743@gmail.com
4th Annual Cinco de Poker Derby
The biggest Cinco de Poker Derby yet — 400+ participants expected for a full day of poker stops, prizes, and fun across Monkey Island. Bring your golf cart (or rent one) to cruise between all 5 stops + 2 wildcard stops. Professional poker dealers at every stop, a live painting by Christopher Mantle auctioned live on stage, and a massive after-party at Big Shots. Watch the Kentucky Derby at 5:45 PM on the big screen, then the live auction kicks off at 7:00 PM. VIP Experience package up for online auction now — bid before April 30th. Win a custom-built EZGO TXT golf cart (raffle tickets $25 each — no need to be present to win).
🚨 Derby Style Contests — Win $250!
👒 Best Derby Hat Contest — Audience judged at Big Shots. Bring the bold, the classy, or the outrageous.
🚗 Best Decorated Golf Cart — Judged by a hand-picked panel. Turn your cart into a rolling party.
Prize: $250 Shebang's Gift Card for each contest winner. Winners announced at Big Shots.
Benefiting: WAAMI (Women's Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island) & the Toby Keith Foundation (OK Kids Korral)
✈️ Fly-In Breakfast at Grove Regional Airport (KGMJ)
Fly in or drive in for an unforgettable morning at the airport! Whether you're a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a fun morning with the family — come hungry and leave inspired. Celebrating 10 years in the west side terminal building and introducing FlyHome Aviation, Grove's new full-service flight school and FBO.
- Delicious breakfast
- Airplanes on display
- Bounce house for kids
- $50 Discovery Flights
- Flight instructor meet & greet
- Activities for all ages
Questions? Contact Airport Manager Lisa Jewett at (918) 961-0837.
☠️ Pirates Poker Run
Ahoy! Grab your crew and hit the water for the Pirates Poker Run on Grand Lake — a fundraiser benefiting the Ketchum Back Pack Program. $20 per hand, paid at Cedar Port Marina. Dress in your best pirate gear for a shot at the costume contest prizes.
Check-in: 6:30–7:30 AM at Sharky's Bar with live music by Rockfisch. Bonus chip available with dinner at Sharky's on Friday night.
Poker Stops: Cedar Port Marina · Cherokee Marina · Arrowhead Marina · Sharky's Bar
- 1st Place: $300
- 2nd Place: $200
- 3rd Place: $100
- 1st Place: $300
- 2nd Place: $200
- 3rd Place: $100
⚓ 2nd Annual Marina Connection – Slip Renter Fair
Boaters on Grand Lake — this one's for you. The 2nd Annual Marina Connection brings together Arrowhead, Cherokee Yacht Club, Hammerhead, and Cedar Port marinas for a free slip renter fair at Hammerhead Marina (34988 Hammerhead Road, Vinita).
- Service department
- Sales associates
- Marina & club managers
- Accounting & registration/title help
- Fiberglass shop
- Service estimates & trade offers on the spot
- Appetizers & drink specials
- Soft drinks & snacks for kids
- Games & giveaways
- Boat show
- Mingle with other boaters
Vendors on site: TowBoatUS, Notable Outdoor, Mobile Concepts, Moss Seat Covers, The Coves Golf Course, GRDA, Grand Lake Cabins, BranamUP Boat Covers, Goldner Docks, Duratek Lifts, Brad's Custom Upholstery, All Seasons Patio, and more.
More info: (918) 937-4537
Lendonwood Gardens – Art in the Garden
Explore a unique outdoor art show featuring handmade paintings, jewelry, woodworking, quilts, prints, pottery, Native American crafts, and more. Enjoy a scenic stroll through Lendonwood's stunning gardens, shop creative displays, and taste treats.
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
🔥 Burning of the Socks – Wakesurf Season Kickoff
Say goodbye to socks and hello to flip-flop season! Burning of the Socks is the ultimate wakesurf season kickoff on Grand Lake, presented by Safe Harbor Harbors View. Free admission — come for the bonfire, stay for the music.
- 🎵 Live music
- 👧 Kids zone — craft activities & inflatables
- 🍺 Beer garden
- 🛍️ Local vendors
- ⭐ VIP area
- 🔥 Traditional Burning of the Socks bonfire
VIP tickets ($50) and VIP Business Packages ($250) available — proceeds benefit Barefoot Wakes military family lake retreats.
📍 451107 E 320 Rd, Afton, OK 74331
Get VIP Tickets →Honey Creek Marina Memorial Weekend Fireworks Show
Anchor out on the water and experience a dazzling fireworks display over Grand Lake for Memorial Weekend! Followed by an after-party at Rooster's Bar & Grill.
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Food Truck Friday: Big Bass Bash Night
The Big Bass Bash kicks off! Celebrate with great food from Grove's top food trucks as anglers from all over arrive to compete for big prizes in the premier bass fishing tournament. Lively atmosphere and community energy before the tournament begins the next morning.
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Lendonwood Gardens – Fairy Festival
Step into a whimsical wonderland at Lendonwood Gardens, where fairies, magic, and nature come to life with enchanting activities for all ages. A perfect family outing on Big Bass Bash weekend!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
🌺 Mrs. Roper Romp on Grand Lake
Come and knock on our door! The annual Mrs. Roper Romp is a romp-and-roll pub crawl on Grand Lake — all for a great cause: Second Chance Pet Rescue. Grab your crew, dress in your best romper, and hit the water for a day of fun in the sun.
Schedule: Registration/package pick-up begins at 11:00 AM. First boats launch at 11:30 AM, last boat out by 12:30 PM. Precise Honey Creek location to be announced.
Registration includes: Entry to event · Water transport for the pub crawl · 1 drawing ticket · Goodie bag · Access to all festivities, closing ceremonies, door prizes & games
Competitions: Best Dressed Romper & Sassiest Romper — prizes awarded!
Also: Auctions · Raffles · Merchant prizes · Shopping sprees by land
- Early Bird (through May 7): $18.00
- After May 7: $25.00
Cherokee Casino Grand Lake Big Bass Bash 2026
One of the biggest bass fishing tournaments in the region! Fish for your chance at the $100,000 Grand Prize, plus $15,000 for 2nd place, $10,000 for 3rd, and 160 bi-hourly payouts. Hit an exact 6.48 lb. bass and win $65,000 toward a new truck!
Tournament Hours
Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day
Entry Fees
1 Day: $150/angler | 2 Days: $200/angler
Anglers 17 & under: Half price!
In-Person Registration
Friday, June 5: Cherokee Casino Grove, 12pm-7pm
Also available tournament mornings at weigh-in stations, 5am-7am
Kids Division
Special division for anglers 12 & younger with cash prizes and trophies!
Weigh-In Stations: Wolf Creek Park, Southwinds Marina, Hammerhead Marina Boat Ramp
Awards Ceremony: Sunday, June 7 at 3:15pm at Wolf Creek Expo Center (air conditioned!)
Early Bird Deadline: May 25th — Enter early for a chance at $2,000 in drawings!
American Heritage Music Festival
Hosted at Snider's Camp, this event kicks off Thursday evening with a jam session party, followed by two days of impressive performances and jam sessions at Har-Ber Village. Don't miss the Grand National Fiddle Contest featuring top fiddlers from around the country!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Toes in the Grand – Summer Kickoff Festival
Grand Lake's ultimate summer kickoff festival returns to Wolf Creek Park in Grove! Four days of boat races, live music, a carnival, a car and motorcycle show, a 5K run, and so much more. Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun on the lake!
Thursday, June 11
Boat Races – Practice Days
Carnival opens at 6:00 PM
Friday, June 12
Boat Races – Practice Days
Main Stage opens at 5:00 PM
Carnival opens at 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 13
YMCA 5K Run
Boat Races
Car & Motorcycle Show
Main Stage opens at 5:00 PM
Carnival Session 1: Noon – 5:00 PM
Carnival Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, June 14
Boat Races – Final Day
Schedule subject to change.
Contact: Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
(918) 786-9079
Boats, Brews & BBQs: Summer Luau at MarineMax Grand Lake
Kick off summer in style with a tropical luau at MarineMax Grand Lake! Enjoy island-inspired music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks while connecting with the local boating community. Whether you're new to boating or a seasoned pro, the MarineMax team will be on hand to show you their latest models and discuss financing, insurance, and service options.
RSVP required.
Wolf Creek Park Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate America's birthday in style at Wolf Creek Park! A spectacular fireworks show over Grand Lake, free watermelon, awesome live music, and a feast of food trucks. A Grove tradition!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Grand Lake Fireworks in Disney
Grand Lake Fireworks, Inc. presents the annual fireworks spectacular between the spillways in Disney! This beloved community tradition lights up the sky over Grand Lake every year on July 3rd. Grand Lake Fireworks, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization, and every dollar raised goes toward the show.
This show permanently serves as a tribute to Mrs. Judy Barger of Disney, OK, whose deep affection for the people of Disney and the entire Grand Lake community inspired the creation of the Grand Lake Fireworks show.
Donations welcome! Mail checks to: Grand Lake Fireworks, Inc., PO Box 643, Disney, OK 74340
Duck Creek Fireworks
Grand Lake's most legendary Independence Day tradition — running every July 4th since 1946. The Duck Creek Fireworks show has grown into one of the most spectacular displays in the four-state region. As darkness falls, hundreds of boats gather on Duck Creek and the surrounding waters while the sky erupts overhead.
The day builds with excitement: WWII War Birds and F-16 flyovers roar over the lake before the main event, making this one of the most patriotic celebrations anywhere in Oklahoma.
Spark Plug Dinner: Donors of $1,000 or more receive a private invitation for two to the elite Spark Plug Dinner — hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, and dessert overlooking the show.
🎆 Monkey Island Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks visible from restaurants and boats around Monkey Island.
Cheeseburgers in Paradise Raft-Up
Tie up with fellow boaters for MarineMax Grand Lake's annual "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" Raft-Up! Enjoy grilled cheeseburgers, great music, and a relaxing afternoon on the water. A perfect way to connect with the boating community and enjoy an exclusive MarineMax Getaways! experience. Location TBD.
RSVP required.
Food Truck Friday: IHRA Drag Boat Show N' Shine
Get up close with some of the fastest boats on the water as they show off their power and style before race day. Meet the IHRA racers and their crews at this Food Truck Friday celebration.
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
IHRA "Battle on Wolf Creek" Drag Boat Races
Feel the adrenaline as north meets south and high-speed drag boats battle it out in this electrifying IHRA tournament on Grand Lake. One of the most exciting motorsport events of the summer!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Grand Jam on the Water
An incredible weekend of high-energy live music at Duck Creek — come by land or by boat. The 2026 lineup features some of the most talented female-led bands anywhere, all in one place.
Friday, July 24 – Pre-Party at Blind Swine on Duck Creek
- Lickitty Split Band
- Overnight Raft-Up
- Food, drinks, and good times
Saturday, July 25 – Main Event at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
- Covington Creek Band
- Tribute to the Troops & National Anthem by Ava Grace
- KC Johns
- Bikini Contest
- Taylor Hunnicutt
- Much more!
Food Truck Friday: Grove Sports Summer Benefit Rally
Support local schools while enjoying a fun-filled night of entertainment, great food from Grove's top food trucks, and community spirit. A Food Truck Friday event that gives back!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Bullfest at the Lake
Experience the thrill of professional bull riding, live country music concerts, mouthwatering food trucks, and unique vendor booths for a perfect end-of-summer bash at Grand Lake!
Presented by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
🎻 Jana Jae Fiddle Camp
Three days of fiddle music, instruction, and celebration as part of the 2026 Grand Lake Summer Music Festival Series. Presented by Grand Lake Festivals, Inc., this camp carries on the legacy of celebrating America's rich fiddle and roots music tradition.
Whether you're a player or just a lover of great music, the Jana Jae Fiddle Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience at Grand Lake.
More info: grandlakefestivals.com · (918) 786-8896
🪕 Old Time Gathering & Music Festival
Two days of old-time American music, heritage, and community — a fitting close to the 2026 Grand Lake Summer Music Festival Series. Presented by Grand Lake Festivals, Inc., this gathering brings together musicians and music lovers from across the region to celebrate traditional roots music at Grand Lake.
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.
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.
🦅 Pelican Fest
Celebrating the annual migration of American White Pelicans to Grand Lake.
🎄 Christmas Light Boat Parade
Decorated boats parade across the lake in this beloved holiday tradition.