FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, OK] - Southern Nazarene University is preparing to host the 2026 installment of Extravaganza, a three-day weekend retreat designed for middle school and high school students from Nazarene churches across the South Central Region. Taking place March 26 through March 28, the gathering features a variety of activities including worship services, athletic tournaments, artistic competitions, and Bible quizzing. Extravaganza will be held across multiple facilities on the Bethany campus of SNU.
The first account of what became the modern-day Extravaganza took place in 1968 and centered on a regional Bible quizzing tournament. Since the early 1970s, the weekend has expanded to include ten team and individual sports, nine music categories, as well as twelve additional opportunities for students to express their artistic abilities, including but not limited to dance, drama, and painting.
Ryan Amey, Regional Youth Coordinator for South Central NYI, says of Extravaganza, “It’s a great event to experience Christ in a setting that is different from just going to church. It is a time that you get to be with hundreds of other teenagers worshipping the God that created you. You get the chance to be on the beautiful campus of SNU for a weekend and see if it is a great fit for you to pursue your college degree when that time comes. You also get to showcase your talent God has given you, whether it is music, art, photography, sports, or Bible quizzing. I hope you join us at Extravaganza because we would love to cheer you on in your event and in your spiritual life. You do not want to miss it!”
With this year’s theme of “Forward Faith,” Extravaganza is, “...designed to reach students for Christ, challenge students to use their talents, and connect students to Southern Nazarene University.” The weekend will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with late registration, followed by a service featuring worship music led by Relentless and a sermon brought by Gabriela Rodriguez.
The 2026 installment of Extravaganza will conclude with a final service on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending Extravaganza must register. Registration can be completed by visiting southcentralnyi.com/extravaganza. All children, teens, and adults interested in attending must register online or during late registration on March 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Webster Commons on the campus of SNU.
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.