Diamond Daze Festival Set to Bring Two Days of Music, Food, and Family Fun

Thursday, April 9, 2026 — Sallisaw is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual celebrations, the 2026 Diamond Daze Festival. The festival is set to take place in downtown Sallisaw on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, with a full lineup of entertainment, vendor booths, local food, competitions, and community activities.

Friday’s festivities begin on May 1, with Main Street’s Indian Tacos being served downtown starting at 11 a.m., offering festivalgoers a delicious way to start the weekend.

The Diamond Daze Pageant will follow that evening at 6 p.m. inside the Auditorium, showcasing local youth and adding a hometown charm to the event.

Live music will keep the celebration going as Sonic Bom takes the Pocket Park stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Kanton Teen & The Penny Pickers, who will perform at 8:30 p.m. at Stage Park.

Children can enjoy the Kids Zone, open from 6–10 p.m., packed with inflatables and activities to keep them entertained throughout the evening.

The celebration resumes on Saturday, May 2, starting early with breakfast at the Masonic Lodge on Redwood Avenue, beginning at 7 a.m. Car lovers can head to the car show registration and setup, along with the swap meet setup, between 6:30 and 10 a.m.

For those looking to stay active, a Fun Run/Walk will take place at 8 a.m. at the Redbird Smith Clinic, followed by a 5K Wings Race at 8:30 a.m. Athletes can also participate in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sallisaw Middle School Gym on Ruth Street.

The morning continues with Native Games at the Sallisaw High School Complex, starting at 8 a.m., setting the tone for an entire day of entertainment, including:

10:30 a.m. – Ted Capps Band, Pocket Park

11 a.m.–4 p.m. – Children’s Zone, Choctaw Ave. West

11 a.m.–4 p.m. – Train Rides, Elm Street

11 a.m. – BBO Taster Kits on sale (Library Lawn), $10

12:30 p.m. – Wyatt Shumate, Pocket Park Stage

1 p.m. – Middle School Jazz Band, Stage Park

2 p.m. – Main Street BBQ Awards, Pocket Park2

–3:30 p.m. – Car Show Awards, Chickasaw Street

2:30 p.m. – Chet’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Stage Park (15-minute time limit)

2:30 p.m. – Bourbon Rain, Pocket Park Stage

4:30–6 p.m. – Mule Kick Reckoning, Stage Park

The festival will conclude with a highly anticipated performance from Drake Hyde, who will be taking to the Stage Park main stage at 7 p.m. Organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs to enjoy the evening concert comfortably.

In addition to this year's festival, vendors will now be set up on both Friday and Saturday of the event.

Diamond Daze Downtown has grown into one of Sallisaw’s signature events, offering a mix of live entertainment, family activities, competitions, and local flavors. Organizers say this year’s lineup reflects the community’s vibrant spirit and aims to bring families, friends, and neighbors together for a fun and memorable weekend.

With activities stretching from morning to night across both days, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come out and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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