Lawton Reopens Renovated McMahon Auditorium During 125th Birthday

Lawton reopened the renovated McMahon Memorial Auditorium on Aug. 8 as the city celebrated its 125th birthday, bringing the historic public facility back into use with a ribbon-cutting and its first performance after renovation.

The celebration took place at the auditorium, 801 NW Ferris Ave. The City of Lawton said the event was free and open to the public, giving residents a chance to mark the city milestone while viewing the renovated facility.

A day built around Lawton history

The program began with a community cowboy breakfast at 7 a.m. The morning schedule then moved to the public ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m., formally marking the auditorium’s reopening.

Residents could also view local-history exhibits, share birthday cake and attend the first performance held inside McMahon Memorial Auditorium after the renovation. The combination of the performance and the reopening connected the building’s return to public use with Lawton’s anniversary celebration.

The event also recognized 92-year-old Jerry Houghton. City officials announced community-award recipients that included the Salvation Army, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Scouting America Troop 9100.

Auditorium returns to public use

The reopening gives Lawton a renewed setting for public performances and other community events. It also made McMahon Memorial Auditorium the central site for a celebration focused on the city’s history and civic milestones.

Lawton’s 125th-birthday observance was held Aug. 8, 2026. The city’s public announcement identified the auditorium as the location for the breakfast, exhibits, ribbon-cutting and performance, and invited residents to attend without charge.