{"id":2219977,"date":"2026-01-02T15:58:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2219977"},"modified":"2026-01-02T15:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:58:15","slug":"tulsas-2025-entertainment-boom-puts-oklahoma-in-the-national-spotlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/tulsas-2025-entertainment-boom-puts-oklahoma-in-the-national-spotlight\/","title":{"rendered":"Tulsa\u2019s 2025 entertainment boom puts Oklahoma in the national spotlight"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n TULSA, Okla. –<\/span><\/p>\n

As the year comes to a close, Tulsa is reflecting on a banner year for entertainment, with movies, television, music and live theater bringing national attention \u2014 and economic impact \u2014 to Oklahoma.<\/p>\n

From Hollywood productions to Broadway tours and legendary musicians, city leaders say 2025 marked a turning point for Tulsa\u2019s creative industries.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lowdown\u201d shines a spotlight on Tulsa<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

One of the biggest entertainment stories of the year was The Lowdown<\/i>, a television series created by Oklahoma filmmaker Sterlin Harjo.<\/p>\n

After filming the pilot in Tulsa in 2024, the production returned in 2025 to shoot the remainder of its first season. Tulsa locations and locally made music play a prominent role throughout the series.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been incredible,\u201d said Meg Gould, executive director for the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. \u201cNot only do you see all the gems of Tulsa and little secret gems that are hidden throughout the series, but you also get the gift of the music that is from Tulsa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The production also created jobs locally, giving Oklahomans a chance to work in an industry that has traditionally been centered on the coasts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get to wake up every day and go to your dream job, and it\u2019s right here in Tulsa,\u201d said Chris Gazaway, a production assistant on The Lowdown.<\/p>\n

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\n Tulsa actor reflects on filming a one-shot explosion scene in FX\u2019s The Lowdown episode \u201cThis Land.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

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October 20, 2025 11:27 AM<\/p>\n

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Collinsville opens city-owned film studio<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

The growth of film production in the region extended beyond Tulsa this year.<\/p>\n

Collinsville opened the first city-owned film studio in Oklahoma, betting big on local filmmakers and future productions.<\/p>\n

\u201cCollinsville may not be known to the rest of the country, but it will be pretty quickly,\u201d said Randy Wayne<\/a><\/span> of Rebellium Films.<\/p>\n

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\n Collinsville is building Emerge Studios, a first-of-its-kind, city-owned film studio that leaders say will be the largest in Oklahoma and the only municipally owned studio in the U.S.\n <\/p>\n

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August 27, 2025 01:34 PM<\/p>\n

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The Outsiders musical brings Broadway to Green Country<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Tulsa was also featured on the national stage with The Outsiders musical.<\/p>\n

The touring production launched with opening-night performances in Green Country, complete with a red-carpet premiere attended by cast members and fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so thrilled to be able to tell this story to people who care,\u201d said John Peterson, who plays \u201cBrill\u201d in the musical. \u201cWho care so much about the story. It feels very special.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n The national tour of The Outsiders Musical kicked off at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, bringing the iconic hometown story back to where it began. Cast members visited The Outsiders House Museum to connect with Tulsa\u2019s history ahead of the show\u2019s premiere.\n <\/p>\n

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October 8, 2025 08:52 PM<\/p>\n

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Music legends visit Tulsa<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Music was another major driver of Tulsa\u2019s national exposure in 2025.<\/p>\n

Bono and The Edge visited Cain\u2019s Ballroom to receive a prestigious award, drawing attention from music fans across the country. Bono even played a little air guitar and sang for spectators afterward.<\/p>\n

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\n U2\u2019s Bono and The Edge accept the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize in Tulsa, honoring their legacy of social activism and musical influence.\n <\/p>\n

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October 22, 2025 09:39 AM<\/p>\n

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The same month, Paul McCartney performed at the BOK Center, even taking time to enjoy views along the Arkansas River.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is a pretty groovy one,\u201d McCartney said in a now-famous social media video during his visit.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead to 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

City leaders say the momentum isn\u2019t slowing down.<\/p>\n

With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 approaching in 2026, Tulsa\u2019s Film and Music Office says major events, art installations and musical celebrations are already being planned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think 2026 is going to be pretty impressive,\u201d Gould said.<\/p>\n

Economic impact beyond the spotlight<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Officials say the increased attention is about more than recognition.<\/p>\n

The Tulsa Film and Music Office says film crews, touring productions and visiting artists are bringing real dollars into the local economy, spending money at Oklahoma restaurants, shops and businesses while putting the city on screens and stages nationwide.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n