Two Days of Music, Workshops, Storytelling, Writing, and Family Fun Scheduled for July 10-11 in Okemah – Best of all, it’s free!
The Woody Guthrie Coalition is excited to announce the return of the WoodyFest Children’s Festival, a free two-day celebration of music, creativity, education, and family fun taking place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, during the 29th annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Oklahoma.
Designed to inspire young musicians and writers, the Children’s Festival offers a variety of interactive performances, educational workshops, hands-on activities, and family-friendly entertainment. Programming will take place throughout downtown Okemah and at Okemah City Park, providing opportunities for children and families to learn from and engage with artists while celebrating the enduring legacy of Woody Guthrie.
Children’s Festival musical programming includes Children’s Open Mic sessions, Children’s Stage performances, and appearances by beloved Oklahoma artists Red Dirt Rangers, Harper Valley Hypocrites, and Sorry Darlin’. Saturday evening will feature a special performance on the Pastures of Plenty Main Stage by Jonas Lee, winner of the Children’s Songwriting Contest.
Educational workshops and classes will once again serve as a foundation of the festival experience. Oklahoma teaching artist Trey Hays will present interactive storytelling and music programs that combine percussion, dance, movement, and imagination to engage young audiences. An accomplished author, artist, and performer, Hays has performed across Oklahoma and throughout the United States, encouraging children to participate, create, and connect through music and storytelling. Hays is a recipient of the Governor’s Arts award and a Leadership Arts Oklahoma Class XIII graduate.
Youth musicians can once again participate in a Harmonica Class led by Oklahoma songwriter Joe Baxter. A fourth-generation Oklahoman and seasoned WoodyFest performer, Baxter is known for his prolific songwriting career spanning more than three decades and eleven original albums.
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation will present “All You Can Write Is What You See: Honoring Our Veterans,” a special two-day creative writing workshop led by Oklahoma artist RT Valine and Woody Guthrie Center. Inspired by notes Woody Guthrie scribbled beneath the original handwritten lyrics of “This Land Is Your Land,” the workshop explores observational writing and storytelling through lyrics and prose. Participants will examine current events, learn about Guthrie’s life and work, and create original pieces of writing based on their own experiences and observations.
Workshop sessions will take place Friday, July 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions but may attend either independently. Children who participate in the workshop will have the opportunity to perform on the Pastures of Plenty Main Stage on Saturday evening.
Families can also enjoy free activities at Okemah City Park on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include water slides, snow cones, hot dogs, art stations, and additional family-friendly attractions.
Children’s Festival Locations
Mosaic Grind Coffee Shop
215 W. Broadway
Okemah, OK 74859
Benson Media Center
202 S. 3rd Street
Okemah, OK 74859
Okemah City Park
Ash Street & S. 2nd Street
Okemah, OK 74859
The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (July 8-11, 2026) celebrates the life, music, and legacy of Woody Guthrie in his hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. The festival features nationally recognized performers, educational programming, workshops, community outreach events, and family activities designed to inspire generations of artists and storytellers.
Children’s Festival programming is made possible by The Philip Landers Association, The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation, The Truck Shop, American Exchange Bank, and Clearwater Enterprises. Additional support for children’s festival programming can be given with raffle ticket purchases now through the festival. Tickets can be purchased now through the festival at the Mosaic Grind Coffee Shop and Okfuskee County History Center. Drawing will be Saturday, July 11th, at the Pastures of Plenty main stage.
Please visit woodyfest.com/kids for complete children’s festival information and woodyfest.com for schedules, ticket packages, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship information.
