7,200 attend Red, White & Blue Fest to grow celebration in Newcastle
The City of Newcastle welcomed an estimated 7,200 celebrants to Veterans Park for the 2026 Red, White & Blue Fest and to mark America’s 250th Birthday.
The event also showed it has had a steady increase in attendees.
City of Newcastle Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Marks said this year was an evening of family entertainment, live music, and local business offerings. He said it was one of Newcastle’s biggest community celebrations.
The event’s popularity can be marked statistically. Since Marks has been Director of Parks & Recreation, the Red, White & Blue Fest has grown from year-to-year. He said in 2022, there were 2,500 people counted within a 1,000-square-foot radius of the Newcastle Library building. In 2023, there were 4,800 attendees. This increased to 6,000 in 2024 and then 6,800 in 2025. As noted, there were 7,200 this year.
“We have had big jumps of people and I’m excited for the future of this event,” Marks said.
He said, “The event featured more than 60 market vendors and 14 food trucks, giving attendees a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities throughout the evening.”
The celebration began with a performance of the National Anthem by Maddie Claypool, setting the tone for an evening honoring America’s 250th Birthday. Families had a variety of activities including inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, a bucking bison ride, interactive stage games, and other family- friendly entertainment, as well as a patriotic fireworks finale. Marks said there were also live performances by John Allen and Drive.
• photos by Circle House Media Caroline (photo left) was the 2026 Rock, Paper, Scissors Champion at the Red, White & Blue Fest. She is with Newcastle Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Marks. Some of the competitors in the Great American Unwrap are pictured (photo center) onstage. They, from left, are: Scarlet, Levi, Thor, Lexine and Jennifer. The Last One Standing competition champion, pictured with Marks in photo right was Kayleigh.
“They kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening and helped create an energetic atmosphere leading into the fireworks show,” Marks said.
Marks said the City of Newcastle extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose support helped make this year’s event possible. They include: Snow Enterprises (Star Sponsor), Triton Foundation Repair (Stripes Sponsor), Pioneer Telephone, Newcastle Casino, OEC Electric & Fiber, First National Bank & Trust, Community Bank of Newcastle, Contemporary Family Dentistry, Tinker Federal Credit Union, C & H Contracting, Boing City Party Rentals, Mosquito Joe’s, Gravity Oilfield Services, BAR Roll Off, Sooner State Bank, Circle House Media, and Oklahoma Apparel.
“This event represents what makes Newcastle such a special community,” Marks said. “Seeing thousands of families gather together to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday was an incredible experience. Events of this size are only possible because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, public safety personnel, elected officials, and everyone who chose to spend their evening celebrating with us.”
The City also recognizes the tremendous effort of the Newcastle Parks & Recreation Department, whose weeks of preparation and long hours before, during, and after the event helped ensure a successful celebration.
As well, they said that special thanks go to the Street Department employees who assisted with event operations, and the Newcastle Police Department for providing security and assisting with traffic control. They also helped reunite lost children with their families.
The City also thanks Newcastle Fire Department, Emergency Management, and EMS personnel for monitoring the event and responding to heat-related and other medical incidents throughout the evening.
The City said these events bringing the community together could not be carried out without the continued support of the Newcastle City Council. Because of the community support, the tradition of the Red, White & Blue Fest continues to grow and create lasting memories for Newcastle and area families, Marks said.
He said, “Planning for the 2027 Red, White & Blue Fest is already underway as the City continues its commitment to providing high-quality community events for residents and visitors alike.”
