Lawton Has Talent!

The City of Lawton Arts & Humanities Division is now accepting performer applications for the 2026 Lawton Has Talent competition benefiting the International Festival. Individuals aged 15 and older are invited to showcase their talents for a chance to perform live at McMahon Memorial Auditorium and compete for the $1,000 grand prize. Applications and talent submission videos must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Applicants must submit a completed performer application that can be found on SWOKarts.com, along with a 90-second video demonstrating their talent. Videos should be emailed to Arts@lawtonok.gov and must begin with the performer's name and talent. Selected performers will be notified in early October. It is free to audition; however performers or groups will have a fee of $50 for acts with only one performer and $100 for acts with more than one performer. Accepted contestants are required to attend a performer orientation on Saturday, Oct. 10, as well as all scheduled rehearsals at McMahon Memorial Auditorium from Nov. 3–6. The live Lawton Has Talent performance will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Cash awards will be presented to the top three performers, with $1,000 awarded to first place, $750 to second place, and $500 to third place. A Most Spirited Award will also be presented to the performer or group that sells the most tickets to the Nov. 7 event. Applications and additional information are available through the City of Lawton Arts & Humanities Division.