The Creative Impact of Stephen Hillenburg
About this Event
Join the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture for The Creative Impact of Stephen Hillenburg at OKPOP on Friday, August 7, 2026, as we celebrate the Oklahoma-born creator of SpongeBob SquarePants and his enduring influence on animation, storytelling, humor, and popular culture.
Special guests will include Tom Kenny, the Emmy Award-winning voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, and Derek Drymon, longtime SpongeBob SquarePants creative collaborator, writer, director, and producer.
Guests will receive a first look at selected materials from the Stephen Hillenburg & SpongeBob SquarePants Collection & Archive at OKPOP, followed by a public conversation exploring Hillenburg’s creative life, the making of SpongeBob SquarePants, and the role of imagination, collaboration, curiosity, and humor in the creative process.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5–7:30 p.m. | OKPOP
Panel discussion featuring Tom Kenny, Derek Drymon, and additional guests, followed by a meet-and-greet opportunity.
Special event merchandise is also planned, including a limited-edition commemorative poster.
9:30 p.m. | The Vanguard
The celebration continues just down the street with a performance by Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas. Led by Kenny, the band brings a high-energy mix of rock, soul, rhythm and blues, and party music to the stage.
Concert tickets are sold separately.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
