From Vision To Reality: The Exciting Debut Of Tulsa’s 918 Day Festival

918 Day will feature music, discounts, and Mayor GT Bynum's tour, marking his last celebration in office. The first 918 Day Festival will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18th 2024, 8:06 am

By: News On 6, Chinh Doan

TULSA, Okla. -

September 18th is a special day for Tulsans, dedicated to celebrating the city's unique spirit, known as 918 Day.

This annual celebration has been growing for six years, and this year, the 918 Day Festival is making its debut.

The festival will showcase Tulsa's rich culture and community spirit in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.

The inaugural 918 Day Festival will feature a diverse array of events, from music and dance performances to a bustling lineup of over 90 vendors.

Emceeing the event is News On 6's Chinh Doan and Tony Williams, also known as Mr. Greenwood. They stopped by the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to talk about the festival.

Tony Williams, who played a key role in organizing the festival, shared his inspiration for the event.

"Last year, after being a guest speaker at 918 Day, I was looking for something to do and couldn't find anything to do," Tony explained. "I wanted to change all of that so I reached out to Morgan Phillips with the Downtown Partnership and I pitched the idea. She was excited to do it."

Chinh echoed Tony's excitement and praised his vision. "It's been awesome to see that conversation turn into something that is happening today. It's going to be amazing and I'm looking forward to the years to come as well."

This year's festival is particularly significant as it marks the final 918 Day celebration for Mayor GT Bynum as mayor, who started the tradition six years ago.

The event will highlight Tulsa's diverse community, including a variety of local vendors and performers. One vendor, who moved from Mexico during the pandemic, shared her gratitude for Tulsa's welcoming spirit and the growth of her business thanks to the city's support of small enterprises.

The 918 Day Festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chapman Green, located at 600 South Main Street.

The event is free and open to the public, promising a lively evening filled with music, food, and the chance to meet the people who make Tulsa great.