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Arts and Culture in McAlester, OK

Visual arts, historic attractions, entertainment and special events make McAlester a top destination for arts and culture.

By AJ Donahue on June 23, 2014

SOFA Art Gallery in McAlester, OK
McAlester / Michael D. Tedesco

Combining the comfort and hospitality of a small town with the intrigue of America’s historical heritage, McAlester is home to a wealth of artistic and cultural attractions.

Visual Arts

Showcasing some of the region’s most diverse shows, galleries and installations, Southeast Oklahoma Fine Arts Inc. is McAlester’s premier organizer of fine productions. Patrons can visit the SOFA Art Gallery located downtown for a look at the city’s most exciting visual arts exhibits.

Historic Attractions

McAlester’s historical roots run deep, which is especially evident when looking at the city’s reverence for the culture of the First Peoples. The Krebs Heritage Museum features information, exhibits and artifacts detailing the history of the native occupants and immigrants who worked together to build modern McAlester.

Elsewhere, the McAlester Building Foundation Inc. and the Tannehill Museum (open by appointment only) house relics, weapons and memorabilia from the region’s earliest inhabitants. The Pioneer Coal Miner Memorial and its on-site Wall of Memories stand as a testament to those who worked, and especially those who gave their lives, in the city’s mines. And, for those curious to learn more about the individuals who helped make McAlester what it is today, a visit to the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society will provide all the necessary answers.

Live Entertainment and Special Events

Visitors who want to experience some of the city’s live entertainment should check out the McAlester Community Theatre for upcoming stage shows and plays. The city also hosts special events and celebrations, notably the Movies in the Park series in beautiful Chadick Park, the annual Wild West Festival in historic Old Town, complete with staged gunfights and John Wayne impersonators, and the must-see, mid-May Italian Festival, where travelers can enjoy a taste of the old country.

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