Weekly Events Calendar: October 28-November 3, 2024

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
If I’m honest, it’s hard to find anything creepy about Lake Wister State Park. It’s a gorgeous little bit of protected land among the gorgeous hills of southeastern Oklahoma and just a stone’s throw from Poteau and Heavener, which are both great little towns. And Lake Wister’s cabins are just perfect for a cold-weather getaway if you’re looking for somewhere to go this fall.
But it’s the spooky season, and if you want to inject a few frights into your state parks getaway, get to Lake Wister Saturday, October 26 through Thursday, October 31 for the park’s Haunted House & Trail event. There’ll be scares a plenty on Quarry Island, culminating with a costume contest on Halloween night. Which of this year’s super-topical costumes will win: The Monstro Elisasue from The Substance, weird dark-yet-sparkly Jojo Siwa, or a Taylor-and-Travis couples’ costume? You’ll have to come to Lake Wister to find out. For more information, call (918) 649-0525.
Through October 31. Parking, $10. TravelOK.com

By Kiersten Stone
You probably know the tale of Count Dracula, arguably the most famous bloodsucker in classic literature’s history, but have you ever seen Dracula’s dance moves? While I’m sure the Count can get down, I’m actually talking about ballet moves. For the first time in six years, Dracula is returning to Tulsa. Back from the grave, Tulsa Ballet will be bringing to life the gothic tale accompanied by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. This ballet featuring soaring vampire brides, hauntingly stunning theatrics, and even an exploding chandelier has been described by the Tulsa World as “ghoulishly entertaining.” Performances will be November 1-3 with a special preview performance on Halloween night.
October 31-November 3. Tickets, $25-$162. tulsaballet.org

Back by popular demand, Tulsa Ballet's production of Ben Stevenson’s Dracula returns to the Tulsa PAC. Photo courtesy Tulsa Ballet

By Ben Luschen
My event includes some very important news for the people of eastern Oklahoma: The hospital at Fort Gibson is reopening. Well, the 1870s historic hospital, that is. Sure they might not have your fancy anesthesia or pulse oximeters or EKGs, but where else are you going to go when what you really need are a couple of bloodletting leeches and a tablet of cocaine? Say what you will about nineteenth century medicine, but it sure makes for some interesting podcast fodder. Now in case it needs clarification, the Fort Gibson 1870s hospital reopening on November 2 is not the arrival of a functional treatment facility. Instead, view this restored medical wing as a time warp to see what healing was like at a time when the concept of germs was viewed as controversial. It took years of restoration work and repairs by the Oklahoma Historical Society to get the medical ward open again. It was viewed as state of the art when it originally opened, completed for around $12,000 with furnished offices, a dispensary, a surgery, and airy verandas meant to aid in the recovery of those who occupied one of the twelve beds. Now the only patients this hospital will be serving are those waiting to buy a keepsake from Fort Gibson, as the hospital area will serve as the site’s gift shop in addition to being a historic display. For more information call (918) 478-4088.
November 2. Admission, $4-$7. okhistory.org

By Ben Luschen
Get ready to flex those grilling muscles at the Grillmarks Ribtoberfest in downtown McAlester on Saturday, November 2. It’s a sizzling showdown of ribs, bites, and sauces, complete with live music and plenty of beer—that’s where the -toberfest comes in. Teams will kick off cooking at 9:00 a.m. with two racks of pork spare ribs, ten to twelve ounces of fresh roasted and ground Spaceship Earth coffee and four It’s a Lager! beers from Prairie Artisan Ales. Judging criteria include appearance, texture, taste, and overall impression. Whether you're competing for the $2,000 prize or just here for the free samples, bring your appetite, a smile, and maybe a chair to sit back and enjoy the delicious chaos. For more information call (918) 829-5110.
November 2. Admission, free grillmarksfestival.com

Pitmasters meet in McAlester to prove their supremacy—while enjoying coffee and beer—during the Grillmarks Ribtoberfest competition. Photo courtesy The Grillmarks Festival Series

By Karlie Ybarra
Editor’s Note: The following is Karlie’s parody of Will Smith’s “Miami” in promotion of the Will Rogers Birthday Celebration at the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, because of course she did.

Here we are in the place where we can all let go.
Claremore is the town where Oklahoma’s son lassoed.
Not everyday can we party all day
But this is a special event, okay?
November 2nd eat a little cake, don’t even worry about a bill.
Will Rogers Memorial Museum bringing all the thrills.
All the fans excited to celebrate the birth of Will.
Can y’all feel me? Okies of all ages and races.
Fun shining on their faces.

Party in the town where Rogers was from
Activities all day until they put the closed sign on
Welcome to Will’s birthday
Feliz cumpleanos a Will Rogers
We’re all going to Claremore.
Visit willrogers.com for more info.
November 2. Admission, free. willrogers.com

One Will meets another: Senior Editor Karlie Ybarra prepares us for the Will Rogers Birthday Celebration in Claremore with a song from Will Smith. Photo courtesy Will Rogers Memorial Museum

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.