McAlester, Oklahoma
Upcoming Events in McAlester Oklahoma
March
| 8 - 9 | 
Sam Wampler's Freedom Ford Pro Rodeo
- PRCA Pro Rodeo back in McAlester! Two Nights of Action! This is the largest winter PRCA rodeo in Oklahoma! Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bullriding. Tie-Down & Team Roping. Steer Wrestling and Women's Professional barrel racing.McAlester ProRodeo will have a Jumbo replay board, concert quality sound, PRCA Funny Man and rodeo clown Johnny Dudley, bullfighter, and champion cowboys and cowgirls; in non-stop unrehearsed rodeo action! Address: Southeastern Expo Center , McAlester, Oklahoma |
May
| 10 - 11 | 
Italian Festival
- Benvenuti alla Festa Italiana! Il Festival Italiano ha luogo alla fiera della contea di Pittsburg (centro dell'esposizione regionale e provinciale) sotto gli auspici della fondazione "Festa Italiana" di McAlester, Inc. - Fondazione caritatevole, senza scopo di guadagno. La festa Italiana si celebra ogni anno nel fine settimana (sabato e domenica), in occasione della giornata della rimembranza. Si celebra anche l'arrivo delle migliaia di italiani che all'alba del ventesimo secolo stabilirono la loro residenza nella parte sud-orientale del territorio dell' Oklahoma, per lavorare nelle miniere di carbone. The Italian Festival of McAlester, Oklahoma (USA), has been one of the finest annual events in Oklahoma since its inception in 1971. The Festival draws thousands of visitors to the fairgrounds of the Pittsburg County Expo Center for the two-day event. Join the many thousands who enjoy delicious Italian Food in the Food Tent and the Sandwich Tent, a variety of other foods from dozens of concessionaires, live entertainment for all ages, shopping among the hundreds of vendors, craft show booths and fine arts booths. Don't miss the most exciting weekend of Spring in the rolling hills of beautiful southeastern Oklahoma - only a pleasant May drive from Tulsa or Oklahoma City in Oklahoma, Fort Smith or Little Rock in Arkansas, Dallas or Fort Worth in Texas! Come join the fun as we celebrate and honour the living heritage of the many Italian families of the McAlester area in the heartland of America - you'll be glad you did! The Festival takes place each year at the county fairgrounds - the Pittsburg County Regional Exposition Center, which is located on the south side of U.S. 270 highway, about 4 miles west of McAlester. The entire complex of buildings and structures (and tents during the Festival!) is easily visible from the highway. The McAlester exit from Indian Nations Turnpike is less than a mile west of the fairgrounds. History of the Italian Festival The first Italian Festival in McAlester was held in 1971. It was the idea of Krebs restaurant owner Bill Prichard. He and his family have operated the "world famous" Pete's Place in Krebs for nearly 60 years. The festival was to honor and prolong the Italian heritage in this area of Oklahoma. The festival has grown into one of the largest festivals in the state, and features one of the largest arts and crafts shows in Oklahoma, as well as the delicious and freshly-prepared Italian food and tributes to Italian heritage. All the labor for the festival comes from volunteers. During the two-day event some twenty thousand people visit and enjoy, or take part in the festivities, which makes the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers all worthwhile. Many Italians came from Italy, through the Ellis Island point of entry in New York, to find honest, but hard, work in the often dangerous) coal mines. As the new immigrants achieved and overcame the obstacles in their new country, some saved up enough money to bring family from Italy to join them in Oklahoma. At that time McAlester was in Indian Territory, in the part controlled by the Choctaw Nation (one of the American Indian tribes commonly referred to as "The Five Civilized Tribes") - Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory were joined to create the brand-new State of Oklahoma in 1907. The Italian community in the McAlester area flourished and thrived and grew over the years. As the mines began to play out, the Italians in this area went into other trades and businesses, including the establishment of some of the finest Italian restaurants in America. Other nationalities were also represented in the immigrant tide that built up this region - notably Greeks and Russians in significant numbers. However, it was the Italians who marked this part of Oklahoma most indelibly and wonderfully - and that is the glorious heritage which we celebrate with The Italian Festival of McAlester. Ph: 918-423-5221 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 11 | 
2024 McAlester Meatball Nationals Car Show in conjunction with the Annual Italian Festival
- It's time once again for McAlester's Meatball Nationals Car, Truck & Bike Show inconjunction with McAlester's very own Italian Festival located at the Southeast Expo Center on Highway 270 West. Registration starts at 8:00 am at the show (no pre-registrations). There will be all kinds of door prizes for car show entries and the trophies this year are unique to say the least…..yep….a plate of spaghetti, a meatball and a fork (all nonedible of course). Trophies will be awarded to the TOP 25 at 2:00 pm and there will be a special trophy awarded by the Re (king) and Regina (queen) of the Italian Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy everything the festival has to offer….great authentic Italian food, special events throughout the day, product booths and a lot more. Pick McAlester this year for a great hometown car show experience. See you there !!! Address: Southeast Expo Center, 4500 W US Highway 270 , McAlester, Oklahoma |
| 17 - 18 |
Armed Forces Day Celebration
- Two days of events dedicated to celebrating and honoring our Armed Forces on the third Saturday in May. Friday is the luncheon and memorial service at noon at the Expo Center. Saturday is the patriotic parade at 10am, followed by military displays and free hot dogs and drinks at Chadick Park. Address: Citywide , McAlester, Oklahoma |
| 25 |
Memorial Day Weekend Antique Show & Flea Market
- This annual event brings together young and old to visit the past and look at the beginning of McAlester. Huge event for bargain hunters and antique dealers. 9am-5pm. Address: Old Town Historic District , McAlester, Oklahoma |
July
| 4 |
McAlester Independence Day Firework Show
- Hotrods, Handlebars & Fireworks Car Show. Midway Games & Prizes Carriage, & Pony Rides, Giant Slides, Water Fun. & Musical entertainment! All fun & all free! 5pm-10pm. Address: Pittsburg County Fairgrounds, 2 miles W on Hwy 270 , McAlester, Oklahoma |
September
| 3 - 7 |
Pittsburg County Free Fair
- The Pittsburg County Free Fair is an annual fair showcasing 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock, art and more, usually held the first week following Labor Day. Peruse the fair's exhibit hall for art, photography, fabric and food exhibits. Other categories include science, model rockets, woodworking, forestry, wildlife, crop management, home gardening, farm exhibits and plenty more. The Pittsburg County Free Fair also features a carnival with popular amusement rides and a wide array of food vendors and concessions. Come to the Pittsburg County Free Fair and enjoy the annual horse show featuring halter and performance classes. Timed events include barrels, poles and stakes. All barns will be open during this event, allowing fair-goers to peruse a variety of livestock exhibits. Animals featured at this event include chickens, pigeons, rabbits, goats, cows, sheep and swine. Judging contests for livestock will take place during the run of the fair, and visitors are welcome to watch as participants attempt to clinch first place in their divisions. Address: Pittsburg County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 4500 West Hwy 270 McAlester, OK 74502 , McAlester, Oklahoma |
December
| 7 |
Christmas Parade of Lights
- Come out and enjoy the bands, floats, horses and of course Santa! Parade starts at 7:00 p.m. Reserved seating is available for purchase. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for parade entry or additional information. 7pm-9pm. Address: Downtown , McAlester, Oklahoma |
| 7 |
Holidays in McAlester
- Holiday festivities include a Charles Dickens Christmas Parade, $10,000 drawing, photos with Santa at the Chamber Office and the Lighting of the Tree (decorated by area students). Horse drawn carriage rides and waterfalls will delight visitors on the mile long strip of this very unusual lights display on Carl Albert Parkway (Hwy 270). Address: Downtown , McAlester, Oklahoma |