Lake Thunderbird has long been the place to spend a summer weekend in Norman. Whether you're out on the water, hiking the trails, or relaxing at the campground, there's always a reason to make the trip. August 21-23, you can add one more.
The Liqui Moly Pro Watercross National Tour is making a stop at Lake Thunderbird, bringing professional personal watercraft racing to Norman for a weekend of high-speed competition. Hosted in partnership with Norman Sports, the event makes Norman one of just a handful of stops on this year's national tour.
If you've never seen watercross in person, expect quick races, tight turns, and plenty of spray as riders navigate a buoy-marked course just offshore. Racers compete in multiple heats throughout the day, so there's always something happening on the water. Grab a chair, find a spot along the shoreline, and enjoy the show.
The Road to Havasu National Tour brings racers from across the country together to compete for championship points throughout the season before wrapping up with its finale in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. For spectators, it's a chance to catch a nationally touring event right here at Lake Thunderbird, no road trip required.
Before You Go
Where: Lake Thunderbird State Park, Hog Creek Campground
When: August 21-23, 2026
Friday features practice sessions, with racing taking over the lake Saturday and Sunday. Multiple heats keep the action going throughout the weekend before champions are crowned Sunday afternoon.
Then, when the final race wraps up, you've still got the rest of Norman waiting. Grab dinner, wander downtown, or spend a little more time at the lake. Summer weekends don't have to end when the checkered flag drops.
Images by Keystone Terri
