University of Tulsa Withdraws Sponsorship, Putting Tulsa's Iconic Mayfest Festival in Jeopardy

Community Divided Over UT's Decision and the Future of the Long-Running Arts Celebration

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a colorful Mayfest festival banner repeated in a tight grid pattern, creating a modern pop art representation of the event's essential elements.The vibrant colors and iconic imagery of Tulsa's Mayfest festival are celebrated in this pop art-inspired illustration, capturing the event's enduring spirit and cultural significance.Today in Tulsa

In a move that has left many in the Tulsa community concerned, the University of Tulsa (UT) has announced its withdrawal from sponsoring the city's iconic Mayfest festival. This decision raises questions about the future of the long-standing arts celebration, which has been a cornerstone of downtown Tulsa's cultural scene for decades. The festival's history is deeply intertwined with Tulsa's identity, making its potential loss a significant cultural blow.

Why it matters

Mayfest has been a beloved tradition in Tulsa for over 50 years, drawing an estimated 300,000 attendees at its peak. The festival's cancellation would be a major loss for the city's cultural and economic landscape, especially as Tulsa prepares to capitalize on increased tourism due to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. The community is divided over whether UT should have remained a sponsor or if the responsibility should fall on a broader coalition of local businesses and organizations.

The details

Mayfest traces its roots back to the 1970s and has faced challenges in recent years, including poor weather and the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19. The festival's most recent crisis came in 2023 when the nonprofit managing it abruptly dissolved. UT stepped in just three months before the event, with then-President Brad Carson declaring it a 'fantastic reality.' However, Carson's resignation two years later adds another layer of complexity to the story. UT Spokesperson Mona Chamberlain explained that the university's initial involvement was a 'rescue mission' and that it has now 'released the rights' to the festival, though it will maintain a presence in the Tulsa Arts District.

  • Mayfest traces its roots back to the 1970s.
  • The festival faced poor weather and the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19.
  • In 2023, the nonprofit managing Mayfest abruptly dissolved, leading UT to take over just three months before the event.
  • UT President Brad Carson made a statement about the university's involvement in 2023.
  • Carson resigned from UT two years later, in 2025.

The players

University of Tulsa (UT)

The university that previously sponsored and managed the Mayfest festival in Tulsa, but has now withdrawn its support.

Brad Carson

The former President of the University of Tulsa who oversaw the university's involvement in Mayfest in 2023.

Mona Chamberlain

The spokesperson for the University of Tulsa who explained the university's rationale for withdrawing its sponsorship of Mayfest.

City of Tulsa

The local government entity that is now acting as a 'convener' to find a new title sponsor for the Mayfest festival.

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What they’re saying

“What seemed like an insurmountable challenge in February has become a fantastic reality here in May.”

— Brad Carson, Former President, University of Tulsa

“When UT purchased the 101 Archer building three years ago, we agreed to support the 2023 Mayfest 50th Anniversary event, which otherwise would have been unable to continue.”

— Mona Chamberlain, Spokesperson, University of Tulsa

What’s next

The City of Tulsa is optimistic about finding a new title sponsor to ensure the Mayfest festival's continuation in 2026, the year of the Route 66 Centennial.

The takeaway

The University of Tulsa's withdrawal from sponsoring Mayfest has left the community divided over the festival's future. While some argue UT should have remained a community leader, others believe the responsibility should fall on a broader coalition of local businesses and organizations. Regardless, the festival's survival now hinges on the collective effort and support of the Tulsa community.