The 2025 Altus Spirit Festival brought high energy and hometown pride to Hoyt Shadid Park at the Altus Reservoir, drawing in families, friends, and visitors from across Southwest Oklahoma.
The two-day celebration kicked off on Friday, June 27, with vendors and festivalgoers arriving at 4 PM. Kids and families jumped right into the fun with bounce houses, water slip ‘n slides, and a sandcastle building contest that ran through the evening. By 6 PM, laughter echoed from the pie eating contest, and as the sun began to set, the field lit up with foam and music during the DJ-led foam party that ran from 8 to 10 PM.
On Saturday, June 28, the momentum kept going. The festival reopened at 4 PM, and the shoreline came alive with the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Spectators lined the water to cheer on creative and occasionally sinking entries. The hot dog eating contest brought the heat at 5 PM, followed by both an adult and child pie eating contest that had the crowd laughing and cheering. At 7 PM, Stetson Myers and Friends hit the stage, and the energy kept rising as Downtown Fever took over at 8:30 PM. With flashing lights and glow sticks bouncing and waving through the crowd, festivalgoers danced and sang along, soaking in every moment.
The night ended in true festival fashion with a stunning fireworks show around 10:15 PM. Bursts of color lit up the sky above the reservoir, each one brighter than the last. Families stood side by side, kids on shoulders, and friends gathered close, all looking up together. It wasn’t just about the fireworks. It was a celebration of Independence Day, of our city, and of the pride we share in calling Altus home. As the final spark faded, a sense of togetherness and gratitude lingered in the air, reminding everyone why Altus is such a special place to be.
