Tulsa is gearing up for Welcoming Week 2025 with festivities starting this Thursday, according to a press release from the City of Tulsa. The city will be hosting a series of events from tomorrow to September 21, designed to celebrate the contributions of all residents, regardless of where they come from, and highlight the importance of a diverse and inclusive community.
The kickoff for the Welcoming Week will take place at the Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn on Friday, offering cultural performances, interactive activities, and resource tables for attendees. The theme for this year's Welcoming Week is "Stories We Share," an opportunity for residents, to find common ground and connections through shared experiences and interests, according to the City of Tulsa's official website.
One of the marquee events is the city's 50th naturalization ceremony, set to take place at City Hall Council Chambers tomorrow. "Mayor Monroe Nichols will welcome the newly naturalized citizens as the ceremony’s keynote speaker, with a particular focus on 9/11 remembrance," the City of Tulsa's press release noted. New U.S. citizens will also have the chance to register to vote and learn how to get involved with the City government.
Other highlights include the La Fiesta de Tulsa 2025: Festival & Parade on Saturday, characterized by a vibrant parade and festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day. The event, which is a joint effort by Global District, Tulsa Public Schools, and the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City, will feature the "Grito de Independencia" ceremony, given for the first time in Tulsa by the Consulate of Mexico. The Youth Basketball Clinic: "Little Desi Dribblers," set for Sunday, aims to introduce kids to basketball in a fun inclusive, environment. The University of Tulsa Women's Basketball will be hosting the clinic, which is free for boys and girls in grades K–6.
Following a week of cultural activities, educational workshops, and community engagement opportunities such as "Talking is Teaching" and "Understanding Higher Education," the week will draw to a close with the "Who is My Neighbor? Understanding the Immigrant Experience" workshop facilitated by Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION Tulsa). This event slated for next Saturday, invites participants to explore misconceptions and foster understanding across different communities. For more details and registration links, residents can visit the official City of Tulsa Welcoming Week page.
