Sept. 13, 2026

Banjo Fest 2026: Live Music, Legends & The American Banjo Museum!

Banjo Fest 2026: Live Music, Legends & The American Banjo Museum!
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We are diving into one of the biggest music events in Oklahoma City: Banjo Fest 2026! Hosted right in the heart of downtown OKC's Bricktown district at the world-renowned American Banjo Museum, this three-day celebration (October 8–10, 2026) highlights America's adopted native instrument with live jams, workshops, and Hall of Fame inductions.

Housing over 400 instruments across a massive 21,000-square-foot facility, the American Banjo Museum features the largest collection of banjos on public display in the world—tracing the instrument's story from its roots in African history to minstrel, jazz, bluegrass, and modern acoustic styles.

Banjo Fest 2026 Weekend Highlights:

  • Thursday, Oct 8: Kickoff Welcome Reception & BBQ (6 PM–10 PM) followed by late-night "A Night at the Museum" jam sessions open to all skill levels.

  • Friday, Oct 9: Daytime workshops (10 AM–3 PM) leading into the formal Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel Venetian Room.

  • Saturday, Oct 10 (Main Event): Bricktown Banjo Bash from 12 PM–5 PM! This event is 100% FREE to the public across the museum and Bricktown venues, featuring pickers like Gary “Biscuit” Davis, Gavin Rice, Mark Johnson, Lucas Ross, and more. Wrap up the weekend with the Pizza Parlor Sing-Along Party (6 PM–9 PM) at the museum!

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Mark Johnson (Five-String Performance): Creator of "Clawgrass" and Steve Martin Award winner.

  • Howard Alden (Four-String Performance): Renowned jazz guitarist elevating tenor banjo.

  • Bill Dendle (Education & Innovation): Iconic jazz educator and performer.

  • Banjomania (Promotion): Pioneer group blending 4-string and 5-string styles.

  • David "Stringbean" Akeman (Historical): Early Bluegrass Boy and beloved Hee Haw star.

  • Brent Hayes (Historical): Early 20th-century world-touring virtuoso.

Visitor & Event Details:

Also discussed:

#BanjoFest2026 #OnlyInOKShow #AmericanBanjoMuseum #BricktownOKC #OklahomaCity #Banjo #DiscoverOKC #ExploreOklahoma #LiveMusicOKC #BluegrassMusic #JazzBanjo