Yukon, Okla. (Sept. 24, 2025) — One of Oklahoma’s largest free cultural celebrations returns this fall with fresh energy and a vibrant new theme. The 59th Annual Oklahoma Czech Festival, hosted by Oklahoma Czechs, Inc., will take place Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, in Downtown Yukon.
This year’s theme, “The Art of Being Czech,” shines a spotlight on Czech culture as a living art form—woven into music, dance, food, crafts and traditions that have been proudly shared with the community for nearly six decades.
New Highlights for 2025
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Friday Night Kick-Off
For the first time, the festival opens Friday evening, Oct. 3, from 5 to 11 p.m. at N. 5th Street & Cedar Avenue near the Oklahoma Czechs Inc. building. Visitors can enjoy live performances and carnival rides, setting the stage for a festive weekend. -
Czech Art Theme Events
An Elementary Art Contest and a Czech Art Display will showcase creativity inspired by the heritage and artistry of Czech traditions. -
New Saturday Competitions
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Koláč (kolache) Eating Contest (1:30–2 p.m.)
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Kroj (traditional Czech garment) Modeling (2:30–3 p.m.)
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Beer Stein Hoisting Contest (3–3:30 p.m.)
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Festival Traditions Return
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Parade — Saturday at 10 a.m. on Yukon’s Main Street. Parade Center is located at 5th & Main Street.
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Food & Fun — Authentic koláče (kolaches), grilled klobásy (sausages), Czech souvenirs, vendor booths and carnival rides east of the Oklahoma Czechs Inc. building.
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Pivo (Czech beer) Garden — Featuring hearty Czech dinners (sauerkraut with pork, grilled klobásy, potatoes, beans and koláč) along with Anthem Brewing’s special Pilsner in a custom Oklahoma Czech Festival can and other beverages.
“The Oklahoma Czech Festival is more than a celebration. It’s a living expression of the traditions that have shaped our community,” said Kim Landes Rex, President of Oklahoma Czechs, Inc. “This year we’re especially excited to add new events and a Friday night kick-off while honoring the heritage that has kept this festival strong for nearly 60 years.”
Festival Information
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Dates: Friday, Oct. 3 & Saturday, Oct 4, 2025
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Times:
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Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 11 p.m.
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Saturday, Oct. 4: All day starting at 10 a.m. on Main Street
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Location: Downtown Yukon, Oklahoma (parade center at 5th & Main Street)
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Admission: Free and family-friendly
For more details, visit www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com or follow @oklahomaczechsinc on Facebook and @oklahoma_czech_inc on Instagram.
Czech Festival Glossary: Key Words to Know
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Koláč (koh-LAHCH) — A sweet pastry filled with fruit, poppy seed or cheese.
Plural: koláče (koh-LAH-cheh). -
Klobása (kloh-BAH-sah) — A Czech sausage, often grilled or smoked.
Plural: klobásy (kloh-BAH-sih). -
Kroj (kroy) — A traditional Czech folk garment, beautifully embroidered and worn during dances and parades.
Plural: kroje (KROY-eh). -
Pivo (PEE-voh) — Beer. The Pivo Garden serves Czech dinners and beverages, including a special festival pilsner.
Plural: piva (PEE-vah). -
Děkuji (DYEH-koo-yee) — “Thank you.”
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Prosím (proh-SEEM) — “Please” / “You’re welcome.”
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Dobrý den (DOH-bree dehn) — “Good day” (a polite greeting).
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Vítáme vás (VEE-tah-meh vahs) — “We welcome you!”
The Oklahoma Czech Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating the heritage and traditions of the Czech community in Oklahoma. Since 1966, Oklahoma Czechs, Inc. has hosted the Oklahoma Czech Festival to preserve and share the customs and heritage the Czech and Slovak immigrants brought from their homeland. Yukon is proudly known as the Czech Capital of Oklahoma and celebrates its rich culture throughout the year. For more information, visit www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com.
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