By John Dobberstein, Editor
Organizers of Scotfest Oklahoma, which has a long history of success and support in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, announced Monday the festival would be shuttered after this year.
The annual event will return in September at Broken Arrow Events Park to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture “one last time” with music, athletics, family activities and new experiences.
Scotfest executive director Kris Morrison said organizers will bring the long-running tradition back with a refreshed experience built around the traditions guests know and love Sept. 18-20 at the park, which is just south of where the Sunset Amphitheater is being built along 101st East Avenue S. The construction did force Scotfest to relocate to the Broken Arrow’s Central Park after the 2023 event.
Morrison said Monday the decision to cancel came after a long debate among board members and staff about the future of the event. He said it didn’t have anything to do with the amphitheater construction or any dissatisfaction with the site or support from the city.
The event had to be canceled in 2025 after their event trailer, carrying electronics, scaffolding, signage and other festival items, was stolen from a storage area in Broken Arrow. The trailer and all of the items was valued at $80,000. To date the items and trailer haven’t been located and no arrests were made.
Two additional overlapping local events last year year also created significant logistical challenges, including limited parking.
There was discussion for 2026 about raising prices or trimming back the event to save money but the board opted against that, Morrison said.
“We may have heavy hearts, but we plan to send Scotfest off with full glasses, loud pipes and one unforgettable final weekend,” Morrison said. “For 46 years, this festival has brought people together to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture, and while saying goodbye is not easy, we are committed to making this final year a celebration worthy of the community that built it.”
The three-day event will feature Highland athletics, piping and drumming, traditional dance, live music, clan heritage, food, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
New experiences planned for 2026 include Stones of Strength and a children’s scavenger hunt, giving longtime attendees and first-time visitors more ways to take part in Scotfest’s sendoff.
“Our goal is to give guests the strongest possible farewell experience,” said Steve Campbell, chairman of the board, in a statement. “Whether you have been coming for decades or have always meant to make it out, this is the year to be there.”
Founded in 1980, Scotfest has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable cultural events, welcoming thousands of people each year to experience Scottish heritage, competition, music, and hospitality.
Tickets and additional festival information are available at okscotfest.com.
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