Weekly Events Calendar: April 22-28

Each week, Oklahoma Today staffers comb through their calendars to find a handful of great events happening across the state. Get out! See Oklahoma! And be sure to let us know what you find, either here or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @oklahomatoday.

By Nathan Gunter
So this is airing on April 22, and if you’re hearing it any time after that, you might be too late. But if there’s ever been a podvent I’ve been assigned that I was super sad to miss, it’s this one, because Brittany Howard is coming to Cain’s Ballroom April 23.
You may know Brittany as the lead singer of the incredible Alabama Shakes, but her solo work has been unbelievably great. Her latest album, What Now, is one of my three favorite albums of 2024 so far, just as her debut record,Jaime, was one of my favorite albums of 2019. And she’s playing that stage of all stages in Oklahoma, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. So if you want to see one of the most dynamic performers, incredible songwriters, and musical titans of our current era, visit cainsballroom.com right now for tickets.
April 23. Tickets, $56. cainsballroom.com

Brittany Howard brings her psychedelic soul and funk rock music to Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom this Tuesday. Photo courtesy Bobbie Rich / Red Light Management

By Kiersten Stone
As Draco Malfoy once said, “My father will hear about this!” And you should too! The Civic Center Music Hall is presenting Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in concert April 26-27. Fans can see the second installment of the series while feeling the magic come to life in a whole new experience. As the golden trio once again soars into action to save their school, a live orchestra will be accompanying the film. While unfortunately muggles can’t fly a broomstick, apparate, or travel by floo powder, this event will be well worth the trip to feel the enchantment of Hogwarts on the big screen once more. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit okcciviccenter.com or call 405-594-8300.
April 26-27. Tickets, $57-$146. okcciviccenter.com

By Megan Rossman
If you’re lucky, you leave the casino with a little more cash than with which you arrived—or at least not a whole lot less. And you’ll generally find the same things inside all of them: slot machines, table games, cocktails, and at least one feisty grandma on a winning streak. But April 26 and 27 will be extra special days at the Cherokee Casino in Claremore. The Made in Oklahoma Handmade Spring Fest is coming to town for two days of home decor, yard art, baked goods, jewelry, and other items for sale. This may be the only time in your life you’ll have a chance to score a bazinga on the Big Bang Theory slot machine and admire a rhinestone bedazzled OSU throw pillow in the same moment. Treasure it, and call (918) 530-8132 or (918) 342-5357 for more information.
April 26-27. Admission, free. visitclaremore.com

By Karlie Ybarra
There are few relationships that deserve to be explored more than a human and their animal companion. The 1961 novel Where the Red Fern Grows, written by Tahlequah native Wilson Rawls, follows the adventures of Billy, and his pups Old Dan and Little Ann as the trio trains to become the best hunters around. It’s an unforgettable story, so it’s no surprise it continues to touch young readers to this day. After you finish reading it, you can dry your tears at the Red Fern Festival in downtown Tahlequah April 26-27. The dogs at this gathering will be very much alive and in the prime of their lives. They have to be, because they’ll be competing in physically demanding field dog trials. There also will be a car show, 1930s era children’s games, and vendors selling a variety of goods and treats. Admission is free.
April 26-27. Admission, free. tahlequahmainstreet.com

Dog field trials and other canine activities will unfold at Tahlequah's Red Fern Festival, but there will be a lot for their human handlers to do there as well. Photo courtesy MoonDance Photography

By Ben Luschen
This Saturday’s Carney Fest in Tulsa is not exactly a celebration of old-timey, pitch-tent sideshows, but if someone does decide to show up dressed as a pale-faced jester or strongman in a leopard tunic, they won’t be totally out of place either. The Carney of this Fest refers to Leon Russell’s 1972 album, an essential release of the so-called Tulsa Sound genre and musician’s movement of the mid-20th century. The Carney album features classic jams like “Tightrope” and “Masquerade,” and the cover even sports a picture of Leon in his young wayfarer days with ghostly white powder caked across his face and mane, so circus imagery is very much a given. Those who attend this family-friendly event at Tulsa’s iconic Church Studio can enjoy live music from bands and acts that are keeping the spirit of Leon’s sound alive. This includes Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs; Ann Bell & The Tulsa Sound; Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels; Steph Simon; King Cabbage Brass Band; and many more. Guests can also expect to encounter a gaggle of vaudevillian characters as well as vendor and food booths, but gulp-able fire and swords will not be available, nor are they permitted. The party runs from 10 am to 10 pm outside of the Church Studio. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased at thechurchstudio.com. Call 918-894-2965 for more information.
April 27. Parking, $49. carneyfest.com

Carney Fest honors the legacy of Leon Russell outside Tulsa's Church Studio, which he made famous, with a daylong festival of music and sideshow performers. Photo courtesy Phil Clarkin / The Church Studio

Written By

Ben Luschen

Luschen joined the *Oklahoma Today*’ staff as Research Editor in 2021 and currently works as the magazine's Web Editor, managing the website and social media fronts. His past *Oklahoma Today* stories have ranged in content from the state's bee and quail industries to its vibrant art and music scenes. Not adverse to a road trip, Luschen is always on the lookout for the next big adventure. He is never out of opinions about the current state of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.