Up, Up, and Away in Muskogee: Hot Air Balloons
Only in OKlahoma Show
The Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival (formerly the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning) is back, and it’s kicking off a whole new chapter! Join us as we break down everything you need to know about this action-packed weekend at Hatbox Event Park. Muskogee Tourism Director Justin O’Neal highlights a massive focus on live music this year—pairing top-tier concerts with all the classic, high-flying family favorites you love. Whether you're taking to the skies, running a 5K among the balloons, or rocking out to Oklahoma's own country star Kaitlin Butts, this is an August weekend you won't want...
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Hidden Ozark Paradise: The Ultimate Spring-Fed Hideaway in Eucha, OK!
Only in OKlahoma Show
Welcome back to the Only in OK Show! Today, we are taking a trip down a bumpy dirt road to New Eucha, Oklahoma (pronounced YOU-chee!), tucked right at the edge of the Ozarks in the heart of Green Country. We’re exploring a Top 5% Airbnb guest favorite that sits on a breathtaking 1-acre, spring-fed pond where you can literally watch natural spring water gush right out of the hillside! Join us as we break down this incredible Oklahoma escape, including: The Bumpy Arrival: Why getting there is half the fun (and why you'll want a truck!). The Ultimate Water Setup: Free access to paddle...
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Sulphur’s Grand Oasis: The Artesian Hotel, Spa & Casino (Plus Local Coffee & Mountain Finds!)
Only in OKlahoma Show
This week on the Only in OK Show, we’re heading down to Sulphur, Oklahoma, to explore a true landmark: The Artesian Hotel, Spa & Casino! Originally built in 1906 as a hot spot for celebrities and politicians before a devastating fire in 1962, this historic jewel was reimagined in 2013 to blend vintage charm with high-end modern luxury. Sitting right across from the stunning Chickasaw National Recreation Area, The Artesian features 81 luxuriously appointed rooms, world-class amenities, and so much more. Here’s a look at what we cover in this episode: Luxe Accommodations: From...
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Tishomingo’s Hidden 5-Star Luxury | The Stay Golden Inn
Only in OKlahoma Show
Think you have to be in OKC or Tulsa to find ultra-luxury lodging? Think again! This week, we are heading down to Tishomingo, Oklahoma—a charming small town hiding one of the most stunning, five-star boutique stays in the state: The Stay Golden Inn. Located in a historic late-1800s brick building that once housed the town’s local newspaper, this stay seamlessly blends historical grit with modern glam. We're breaking down why this romantic, urban-loft experience in the heart of Johnston County deserves a spot at the top of your Oklahoma bucket list. Inside the Episode: The Suites: Whether...
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The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival with Queen Bailie Heston
Only in OKlahoma Show
Oklahoma summers are legendary, but there is one tradition that makes the August heat entirely worth it. This week on the Only in OK Show, we are breaking down one of the state’s most iconic, longest-running summer traditions: The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival! Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually and serving up tens of thousands of pounds of free, ice-cold watermelon, this massive community celebration is an absolute must-visit. We outline the entire August 2026 schedule, share essential insider tips for surviving the heat, and sit down for an exclusive interview with the newly crowned...
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Oklahoma’s Legendary Stuart Ranch: Chisholm Trail Roots to Modern Luxury Lodging
Only in OKlahoma Show
Take a trip down to southwestern Oklahoma as we explore Waurika to highlight Stuart Ranch—one of the state's oldest and most legendary ranches under continuous family ownership! With roots stretching all the way back to 1868 (long before Oklahoma statehood), Stuart Ranch has evolved from Chisholm Trail-era cattle driving to a thriving 21st-century powerhouse. Today, we trace their incredible journey from first-generation pioneer Robert Clay Freeny arriving in Indian Territory in 1838, all the way to current sixth-generation operator, Clay Forst. Stuart Ranch isn't just historic; it's...
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Exploring Arcadia: Route 66’s Hidden Gem | Arcadia Round Barn & POPS 66
Only in OKlahoma Show
Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with a trip to one of Oklahoma's most iconic hidden gems! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are diving deep into the tiny town of Arcadia, Oklahoma. Located just 15 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, this underrated spot has a population of less than 200 people, but it packs some of the biggest Americana imagery on the entire Mother Road. If you blink, you'll miss it—but you won't want to! We break down the ultimate Arcadia day trip itinerary, including: The Arcadia Round Barn: Discover the incredible history of this 1898 engineering marvel. Learn...
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Escape the Crowds: Hiking the Robert S. Kerr Botanical Area in Oklahoma
Only in OKlahoma Show
Looking for incredible mountain views, quiet trails, and total solitude in Oklahoma? In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are taking you deep into the Ouachita National Forest to explore a true hidden treasure: The Robert S. Kerr Arboretum, Memorial Nature Center, and Botanical Area. Tucked inside a massive 8,026-acre preserve, this tranquil spot is the perfect alternative to busier Oklahoma state parks. Located right off the famous Talimena National Scenic Byway (State Highway 1), just east of U.S. Highway 259 near Heavener and Talihina, the breathtaking ridge-line vistas start before...
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6 Creepiest Forgotten Tiny Jails in Oklahoma (The History of the Calaboose)
Only in OKlahoma Show
Ever taken a wrong turn on an Oklahoma backroad and stumbled across a tiny, random concrete block with barred windows? You might have just found a calaboose—one of the forgotten, turn-of-the-century neighborhood holding pens used before counties centralized their jail systems. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are diving deep into Oklahoma’s weird history and roadside attractions to highlight six of the coolest, creepiest, and most abandoned tiny jails scattered across the state. From DIY community projects to structures older than Oklahoma statehood itself, these tiny structures...
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Route 66 Neon Renaissance: Restoring the Historic Skyliner Motel in Stroud, OK
Only in OKlahoma Show
Stroud, Oklahoma is experiencing a massive neon renaissance! Thanks to the town's "Neon on Main" project, over 45 custom vintage signs are lighting up the corridor. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we dive into the crown jewel of this glowing history: the spectacular revival of the historic Skyliner Motel. Originally opened in the late 1950s by Jack and Lorene Tarter, this quintessential Route 66 motor court eventually went dark. Enter new owners Charles Palmer and Cody Paige. In 2025, they took the property down to the studs, fully upgrading the infrastructure while completely...
info_outlineThe Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival (formerly the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning) is back, and it’s kicking off a whole new chapter!
Join us as we break down everything you need to know about this action-packed weekend at Hatbox Event Park. Muskogee Tourism Director Justin O’Neal highlights a massive focus on live music this year—pairing top-tier concerts with all the classic, high-flying family favorites you love.
Whether you're taking to the skies, running a 5K among the balloons, or rocking out to Oklahoma's own country star Kaitlin Butts, this is an August weekend you won't want to miss!
📍 Event Details At-A-Glance
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When: Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22, 2026
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Where: Hatbox Event Park (4000 Border Ave / 640 S 40th St, Muskogee, OK)
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Gates Open: 5:00 PM nightly | Live Music: 7:00 PM nightly
🎈 Sky-High Attractions
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Nightly Balloon Glow & Fireworks: Watch the evening sky light up with colorful, glowing hot air balloons, followed by a grand finale fireworks display every single night!
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Tethered Balloon Rides: Take a mini-flight on-site during the festival for a bird's-eye view of the grounds (no reservations needed!).
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Chartered Rides: Want the ultimate adventure? Full-charter flights are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (call ahead to book).
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Up Up & Away 5K: Saturday morning (Aug 22) at 7:30 AM—run a scenic course surrounded by hot air balloons!
🎵 Live Music Lineup
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Friday Night (Aug 21): Oklahoma’s own Kaitlin Butts headlining, with special guests The Red Dirt Rangers.
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Saturday Night (Aug 22): New Orleans legends Dirty Dozen Brass Band, with special guests The Full Flava Kings.
🍔 Family Fun & Admission
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Free Kid Zone: Loaded with activities to keep the little ones entertained.
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Food & Shopping: Local food trucks and artisan vendors packed throughout the park.
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Admission: FREE!
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General Parking: $20 per vehicle (cash/card at the gate).
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Premium Parking: $30 per night or $55 for a Weekend Combo Pass (purchase online or at the Muskogee Civic Center Box Office).
🔗 Connect & Learn More
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Website: VisitMuskogee.com
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Phone: 918-684-6302
#OnlyInOK #VisitMuskogee #MuskogeeOK #OklahomaEvents #HotAirBalloonFestival #HatboxEventPark #KaitlinButts #RedDirtRangers #DirtyDozenBrassBand #ExploreOklahoma #OKTourism #FamilyFunOK