Weekly Events Calendar: September 9-15, 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 Megan Rossman
When you think of warriors, you probably don’t think of horses. But they have been there, side by side with man, pulling wagons, chariots, and serving their nations since men have been riding them and fighting with each other. From September 11 to the 14, the National Cavalry Competition at Fort Reno in El Reno will give riders and their steeds a chance to show off their skills. Spectators can watch competitors stab and shoot targets from horseback in the mounted saber and mounted pistol competitions, plus there will be military horsemanship and field jumping demonstrations.
September 11-14. Spectator admission, free. uscavalryassociation.org

Traditional cavalry don't get as much tactical run as they used to, but the horse-bound military art is still alive at the National Cavalry Competition in Fort Reno. Photo courtesy U.S. Cavalry Association

By Kiersten Stone
While Hamlet posed the question “To be, or not to be,” I pose the question “To see, or not to see.” And the only correct choice is to see, because Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is presenting Hamlet September 12-29. There will be 12 opportunities to see the play at the Shakespeare Gardens Outdoor Amphitheatre in the Paseo Arts District. It will be the perfect time to bring a friend, partner, or family member and watch the iconic story of revenge and tragedy unfold under the stars.
September 12-26. Tickets, $28-$34. okshakes.org

By Nathan Gunter
Okay, so my event is the Oklahoma State Fair, happening at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City September 12 through 22. OK, I’ve gotten name and date out of the way. Now, I’m going to walk you through my fair itinerary, honed over a lifetime of Oklahoma State Fairs, because I’ve gotten really skilled at enjoying the Fair.

Since we’re going to be eating a lot, let’s start with some food. My savory go-tos, in no particular order, are the Oklahoma Pork Council’s pork chop sandwich, a roast beef sundae (which is really just a Shepherd’s Pie, calm down—no ice cream was harmed in the making), or something from the Wisconsin Fried Cheese oeuvre. For sweet, I need a fried Snicker, a tiny jug of root beer, and an entire bag of candy from the place I call Grandma Candy—it’s inside one of the buildings, and there are just tons of old candies, stuff your grandma used to have. Now this year, if none of that sounds appealing, the State Fair has added a few additional menu items, so you also could try a Dorito Fried Pickle, a Nashville Hot Chicken Donut Sandwich, a Captain Crunch Chicken Sandwich, Pickle Lemonade, a Fruity Pebbles Korean Corn Dog, or a Watermelon Bubble Tea with a Tamarind Candy Stick, to name only a very few.

In between all this eating, I love to dip in and out of the buildings. Look at the new cars, wander through all the vendors, and especially the Creative Arts building, where all the art projects, decorated cakes, quilts, kids’ displays, gigantic produce, and table-setting competitions are, to name a few. I love that building. I wander down to the ag barns and watch the FFA kids with their animals, and by the time I’ve accomplished all this and some quality people watching, I’ve gorged myself on enough once-a-year goodness that it’s time for a nap. So that’s the Oklahoma State Fair, September 12 through 22 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. For tickets or more info, call (405) 948-6700.
September 12-22. Tickets, $4-$40. okstatefair.com

It's that time of year again. Bring the whole family and their appetites to the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City for endless sights and thrills. Photo by Lori Duckworth / Oklahoma Tourism

By Karlie Ybarra
I don’t know about y’all, but I tend to slack off in the physical fitness department during the summer. I don’t mind sweating, but when the short walk to the parking lot already has me drenched, it’s hard to muster up the motivation to move my body any more than I have to. But as the blessed cool breezes of fall returns, it’s a lot harder to make excuses for not exercising. If you’ve been slacking and you’re looking for a fun way to get back into doing anything but laying on the couch and watching Netflix, Coweta has some great inspo. Starting at Coweta High School on September 14, bicyclists of all experience levels can get themselves into gear thanks to Tour de Cowtown. Riders can choose to trek 5, 20, 30, or 62 miles around beautiful northeastern Oklahoma by themselves or with the whole family. All proceeds from the race go to the prevention of teen suicide. After fit (or getting there) folks finish, they can enjoy the Coweta Fall Festival and all the food, rides, and live music they can handle. And hey, if you can peddle 62 miles in a day, you deserve at least one free corndog. Adult registration is $30.
September 14. Registration, $29.99. tourdecowtown.com.

Riders who finish the Tour de Cowtown in Coweta will receive a commemorative cowbell while supplies last. Photo courtesy Tour de Cowtown

By Ben Luschen
With his iconic eyepatch and steely demeanor, you could make the argument that Wiley Post was the last great ship captain, though his ships were of the air instead of the sea, and he was most famous for commanding a crew of one. It’s no wonder the town of Maysville in south-central Oklahoma continues to honor its most accomplished son, the first man to solo circumnavigate the globe in an air vessel. All are invited to celebrate the miracle of flight at the Wiley Post Festival this Saturday outside the Maysville Public Library. Despite his look of a fearless explorer, Post was known for his friendship with Will Rogers, and anyone who was friends with Will had to know how to have a good time. So surely Post would have appreciated activities like a scavenger hunt, a ping pong ball drop, a one-mile fun run, mechanical bull rides, and a water balloon relay. And of course, art vendors, live music, and food trucks to be enjoyed by anyone with good sense and a pulse. The festival is free to attend and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information call (405) 867-4748.
September 14. Admission, free. chickasawcountry.com.

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.