Northeast Oklahoma will host authors, filmmakers, actors and historians from October 28–31, 2026, for the annual Will Rogers Medallion Award celebration. The four-day event takes place across Tulsa and Claremore to highlight Western literature, history and performance.
The schedule begins Wednesday, October 28, with a free public book signing from 6–8 p.m. at the Claremore Museum of History. Attendees can meet writers including Kathleen O’Neal Gear, W. Michael Gear, Chris Enss, Bill Markley, Joni Franks, Harriet Lewis and Preston Lewis.
On Thursday, October 29, over 20 participating authors will visit schools across northeast Oklahoma to talk with students about research, writing and history. The organization is also donating cases of books to local school libraries as part of its literacy efforts.
Thursday evening features a public meet-and-greet at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. The event includes a screening of Little House Homecoming and a question-and-answer session with actor Dean Butler, who starred in Little House on the Prairie.
On Friday, October 30, the Craft of Writing the West Conference will run from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. Authors Anne Hillerman, Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear will present workshops covering character development, dialogue, historical research and publishing.
Friday evening continues at the resort from 7–9 p.m. with An Evening with Will, hosted by Tanner Messer of KVOO and Tess Maune of News On 6. Actors Bruce Boxleitner, Barry Corbin, Dean Butler, film authority Rob Word and family representative Jennifer Rogers will present readings and performances centered on the writings of Will Rogers.
Activities wrap up on Saturday, October 31, starting with the Will Rogers Days Parade in Claremore. The celebration concludes that evening with the Will Rogers Medallion Award Banquet at River Spirit Casino Resort.
During the banquet, Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Bruce Boxleitner and Barry Corbin. Country artist Clint Black will receive the Will Rogers Golden Lariat Award for his contributions to Western storytelling.
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