Tahlequah Main Street Association
Red Fern Festival '25
About the Red Fern Festival
Wilson Rawls' novel “Where the Red Fern Grows” was set in the Ozark hills in and around Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The classic novel tells the tale of an adventurous young boy who saves his money to travel to Tahlequah to purchase two red-bone hound hunting dogs, Old Dan & Little Ann. The first film was made in 1974, remade in 2003, and featured many locals from the Tahlequah community and surrounding areas. It’s only fitting that Tahlequah, OK hosts the Red Fern Festival.
The festival spans seven square blocks and hosts over 150 arts and crafts vendors and gourmet food trucks. There are many activities for all ages, including a 5K Run this year. The inflatables, petting zoo and kid's games naturally attract kids, while the showcase of live music attracts the young and the young at heart. There is an annual Red Fern Pageant that’s a hit with festival-goers and the rubber duck race through the Town Branch Creek is always a must. Coon Hunters come out to compete in the Hound Dog Field Trials to find out who’s top dog.
The Red Fern festival continues to grow each year both in size and in heart. What once started as an event of under 1,000 attendees has grown to an estimated 34,000+ attendees with people coming from all over the United States. The Red Fern Festival is presented annually by Tahlequah Main Street Association with the help of many sponsors and volunteers.
What should volunteers know about the location & parking?
The festival spans downtown Tahlequah on Muskogee Ave from Goingsnake Street on the North to Choctaw Street on the South. Muskogee Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic during the festival. Parking is available in many public parking areas downtown. Additionally, parking shuttle service is available from the NSU Library & Science building parking lots on Friday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am - 9:00pm. Limited handicap parking is available on the East side of Norris Park. All volunteers must check in for their shift at the Tahlequah Main Street Association office at 118 E Shawnee St.
The festival spans seven square blocks and hosts over 150 arts and crafts vendors and gourmet food trucks. There are many activities for all ages, including a 5K Run this year. The inflatables, petting zoo and kid's games naturally attract kids, while the showcase of live music attracts the young and the young at heart. There is an annual Red Fern Pageant that’s a hit with festival-goers and the rubber duck race through the Town Branch Creek is always a must. Coon Hunters come out to compete in the Hound Dog Field Trials to find out who’s top dog.
The Red Fern festival continues to grow each year both in size and in heart. What once started as an event of under 1,000 attendees has grown to an estimated 34,000+ attendees with people coming from all over the United States. The Red Fern Festival is presented annually by Tahlequah Main Street Association with the help of many sponsors and volunteers.
What should volunteers know about the location & parking?
The festival spans downtown Tahlequah on Muskogee Ave from Goingsnake Street on the North to Choctaw Street on the South. Muskogee Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic during the festival. Parking is available in many public parking areas downtown. Additionally, parking shuttle service is available from the NSU Library & Science building parking lots on Friday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am - 9:00pm. Limited handicap parking is available on the East side of Norris Park. All volunteers must check in for their shift at the Tahlequah Main Street Association office at 118 E Shawnee St.