Weekly Events Calendar Aug 5-11

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.

Rodeo Rangers

Lawton is known for many things, but the Lawton Ranger’s PRCA Rodeo is definitely one of the highest of highlights. This historic rodeo has been around longer than most of the crowd that gathers at the LO Arena every August. For four nights, visitors can watch some of the nation’s top-rated cowboys and cowgirls compete for glory in classic events like bull riding, team roping, and bareback riding. Hang around after the completion of the competition for the rodeo dance, featuring the Allen Biffle Band on Friday and the Waylon Holly Band on Saturday. August 7-10. Tickets, $5-$20. (580) 678-9579 or lawtonrangers.com.

Pencil Pushers

For four Thursdays in August, join the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City for their Advancing the Pencil Portrait class. Whether you drew a smiley face that one time or you’re a regular da Vinci, this class is for everyone. Learn about the materials and steps necessary to create a beautiful drawing through this hands-on, demonstration-led experience. August 8, 15, and 22. Registration, $100-$120. (405) 478-2250 or nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Let yourself be transported back to Victorian times Saturday at Chisholm Trail Museum's Victorian Tea Party at Horizon Hill.

Territorial Tea

Giant castle-esque mansions atop sweeping hills are often the settings of Jane Austen's novels. And while castles are few and far between in Oklahoma, the Horizon Hill mansion in Kingfisher has hosted political figures and dignitaries in its ancient halls for more than a hundred years. Experience a territorial take on Jane Austen's Victorian days in the English countryside at the Victorian Tea Party at Horizon Hill. The Chisholm Trail Museum is serving traditional teas and finger foods in the mansion parlor. Sip and munch as Dr. Lindsey Churchill takes the podium for a lecture on the history of women’s movements. August 10. Tickets, $10. (405) 375-5176 or ctokmuseum.org.

Ele-fun

Hugo has been a shelter to many a traveling circus, looking for solace and warmth during hard Oklahoma winters. The town is thick with homages to their past, including the circus cemetery where greats are buried under tombstones dedicated to their lives' work. Among these artifacts lies a lively gem by the name of Endangered Ark Foundation. As an elephant sanctuary, EAF works to preserve endangered Asian pachyderms and provides guests an educational and interactive experience. This Saturday, they host an Ele-Birthday Celebration for their soon-to-be four-year-old elephant, Dori Marie. Watch Dori blow out the candles, eat a piece of cake with her, and have a playdate with the foundation’s elephant friends. All proceeds go to EAF’s enclosure expansion project. August 10. Tickets, $10. (580) 317-8470 or endangeredarkfoundation.org.

That's not what we meant by a Paint Your Pet Party, but it's still pretty cute.

Puppy Portraits

Ever see those big portraits on the mansion walls in Matilda? What if you could have something like that, but much less creepy because the portraits are of your favorite good boy or girl? Join Annie’s Ruff House Doggie Daycare and Boarding Studio in Norman for a Paint Your Pet Party. Sam Douglas and his art team will be there to help you create a masterpiece worth a treat or two. Get a customized sketch of your pet and paint to your heart's content. Bring your dog along so they can have some play time in the indoor dog park while you paint and listen to music. August 11. Tickets, $75. (405) 310-3084 or anniesruffhouse.com.