The City of Tulsa will celebrate its immigrant and refugee communities during Welcoming Week, a celebration across our nation that brings immigrants, refugees, and long term residents together, that takes place during September each year. Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to showcase their values through events and initiatives that foster connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as belonging for all.
This year, the City of Tulsa is chosen to be the host of Welcoming America's Welcoming Week. An official Welcoming Week kickoff event will be held at the Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn on September 12, 2025 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Activities include cultural performances, interactive activities and resource tables.
If you would like to get involved in Welcoming Week events please email resilient@cityoftulsa.org.
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 11 a.m. – Noon
City Hall Council Chambers (175 E. 2nd St. S., Tulsa, OK 74103)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa & USCIS
The City of Tulsa will host its 50th naturalization ceremony. USCIS officials will administer the oath of allegiance and present the Certificate of Naturalization. Mayor Monroe Nichols will welcome the newly naturalized citizens as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. After the ceremony, the new U.S. citizens can register to vote and learn more about the opportunity to get involved in City government operations through Tulsa’s Authorities Boards and Commissions.
Friday, September 12, 2025, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn (2900 S. John Williams Way E. Tulsa, OK 74114)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa & Welcoming America
Tulsa is honored to be selected by Welcoming America as the host city for this year’s national Welcoming Week kickoff event. As a Certified Welcoming City, Tulsa has proudly participated in this celebration every year. Join us for the Welcoming Week Kickoff, a community celebration highlighting Tulsa’s diverse cultures and shared values. The event will feature cultural performances, interactive activities, resource tables, and opportunities to connect with neighbors from all backgrounds. Together, we’ll celebrate belonging and what it means to be part of a welcoming Tulsa.
Saturday, September 13, 2024, Parade: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Festival: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Hannah Hall, Tulsa, OK (1801 S. Garnett Rd., Tulsa, OK 74128)
Hosted by: Global District, Tulsa Public Schools and Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day in a unique and vibrant way at La Fiesta de Tulsa 2025: Festival & Parade. This annual event, organized by the Global District in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools and the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City, promises a day filled with culture, joy, and tradition. The celebration will kick off with a parade starting at Cooper Elementary, making its way to Hannah Hall, where the festival will continue with a multicultural celebration. Attendees will enjoy live performances, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities for all ages. The event will conclude with the traditional "Grito de Independencia" ceremony, which will be given for the first time in Tulsa by the Consulate of Mexico. This marks a historic and symbolic celebration of Hispanic pride and culture within our community. Learn more at www.globaldistrict.org/lafiestadetulsa.
Sunday, September 14, 2025, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Reynolds Center (3208 E. 8th St., Tulsa, OK 74104)
Hosted by: University of Tulsa Women’s Basketball
A free youth basketball clinic that is open to boys and girls in grades K–6 and will introduce kids to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, welcoming environment. Registration Link: http://bit.ly/4mCnxW2
Monday, September 15, 2025. Dinner: 5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Activities: 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Early Learning Works (3120 E. Seminole St., Tulsa, OK 74110)
Hosted by: Early Learning Works by Tulsa Educare
Early Learning Works invites families with children 0 through 8 years old to join us for this fun opportunity to TALK, READ and SING! This event includes a free dinner, a free book to take home, moving story time with music and more connection and time to enjoy a book with your child. Space is limited! Reserve your spot: earlylearningworks@tulsaeducare.org or (918) 779-6005. Parents must attend with their child(ren).
Tuesday, September 16, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
TCC Northeast Campus (3727 E. Apache St., Tulsa, OK 74115)
Hosted by: Tulsa Community College, Tulsa Higher Education Consortium, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools
Tulsa Community College, the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools invite immigrant and refugee students and communities to an event designed to share information on education opportunities available in Tulsa. We will discuss how to start or continue your journey toward earning a degree, which can lead to professional independence and economic mobility. Topics will include English as a Second Language (ESL), Graduation Educational Diploma (GED) or high school equivalency, and early education resources for families and caregivers. Light refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
7 N Cheyenne Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
Hosted by: inTulsa
Join inTulsa for an impactful workshop designed to empower Internationally Skilled Immigrants to start a new career, take the next step in their career journey, and expand their local network. This engaging experience will provide practical guidance on the American Work Culture and will feature dynamic speakers and panelists to help you stand out in today’s job market. We will begin and conclude with dedicated time for networking, providing you with opportunities to expand your professional network and build new connections while you enjoy light snacks and refreshing beverages. Register here: https://go.intulsa.com/welcome-week-2025
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
City Hall (175 E. 2nd St. S., Tulsa, OK 74103. 10th Floor South)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa Department of Resilience and Equity
Tulsa Professional Connector Program is a community-based program designed to link internationally skilled immigrants with local professionals and employers. Through this program, participants will expand their professional networks, integrate into Tulsa’s workforce and establish successful careers. This is an RSVP-only event. Please contact Saber Ahmadi at mahmadi@cityoftulsa.org.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10 a.m.
Church of Saint Mary (1347 E. 49th Pl., Tulsa, OK 74105)
Hosted by: Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION Tulsa)
Ready to unpack common misconceptions about immigration in the United States? Join our upcoming workshop for an engaging session that will clarify facts, foster understanding, and explore next steps to collaborate for the common good in Tulsa. Learn more at www.actiontulsa.org.
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at www.welcomingamerica.org.