Bob Childers’ Gypsy Café, Oklahoma’s largest homegrown songwriter festival, announces its 2026 date will be Sunday, April 12th, the day following the Boys from Oklahoma concert at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Proceeds benefit Oklahoma music creators in need through the festival’s organizer, Red Dirt Relief Fund, as well as Cardinal’s Love for the Homeless and other nonprofits serving the Stillwater community.
According to Red Dirt Relief Fund Executive Director Katie Dale, “The phenomenal success of Boys from Oklahoma is a testament to the power of Red Dirt music and the impact Red Dirt artists make in Oklahoma. They literally helped start this nonprofit that has since delivered over $1 million in emergency financial assistance to their fellow Oklahoma music creators. We are so excited to be part of the weekend celebrating this full circle moment.”
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, there will be a free Gypsy Café outdoor stage at Eskimo Joe’s offering a preview of what fans can expect on Sunday including performances from local songwriters, Eskimo Joe’s famous cheese fries and other food offerings, full bar and vendors. This stage will be open from 11am-5pm for fans of all ages warming up for the Boys from Oklahoma concert at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Sunday, April 12th, more than 75 Oklahoma songwriters will play 45-minute acoustic song swap sets staggered across five local music venue stages. A GA wristband allows fans to venue hop, catching their favorite artists. There will be a full-band Brunch show and “After Dark” afterparty held at the recently reopened Wormy Dog Saloon. The acts for these events and the full festival lineup will be announced in February 2026. Programming will run from 11am to 11pm.
The festival will provide a free shuttle running a loop around the general admission venues from noon-7pm.
2026 venues:
Pre-Sale General Admission tickets good for entry to all festival venues are $30 through January 31, 2026. Wormy Dog Brunch, Gypsy Café After Dark, and Reserved seating add-ons range from $20-$150.
Join us to showcase your brand as a sponsor, donate to our silent auction, volunteer at the festival or request a media credential by emailing katie@reddirtrelieffund.org.
Don Morris was honored in memoriam for his work in Red Dirt music that spans more than four decades. Morris, who passed away August 8, 2024, was a staple in the Tulsa music scene after starting the Science Project band with Tom Skinner and Gene Williams in 2000. His warmth and generosity resonated as he played bass for the Brandon Jenkins Band and the Red Dirt Rangers. Morris was known for his kindness, humility, openness, and his ability to lift others up with his words and actions. He was a cheerful supporter of the Red Dirt Relief Fund from its inception and performed at countless festivals for the cause.
The Restless Spirit Award was presented to Morris’ partner, Becky Gragg, by Brad James (Science Project), John Cooper and Brad Piccolo (Red Dirt Rangers) at the Grand Casino Main Stage at Eskimo Joe’s. The Award, named for Childers’ song with the same name, is given by the Red Dirt Relief Fund in recognition of a musician who has impacted the Oklahoma red dirt music community. Morris joins a prestigious and beloved litany of Restless Spirit Award honorees:
Jimmy LaFave (2017), Brandon Jenkins (2018), Randy Crouch (2019), Steve Ripley (2020), Jim Paul Blair (2021), Chad Sullins (2022), Jake Flint (2023) and Monica Taylor (2024).
Take a trip down memory lane and check out some of our past festivals and their highlights.
