Weekly Events Calendar August 17-23, 2020

Events are subject to change or cancellation. Please call or contact the event organizers before going.

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.

Get ready for guffaws at Stand Up Comedy Live at Legendary Gusher's Lounge in Ardmore. Photo by Pierre Rosa

Laugh In

2020 has been a tough year on just about everyone, so The Legendary Gusher’s Lounge in Ardmore wants to lighten the mood with Stand Up Comedy Live. Since opening in 1976, Gusher’s has been slinging drinks and entertaining crowds with live shows. With headliner Marty Johnson and three other comics on the bill, there’s sure to be something to make you giggle. August 18. Admission, $5. facebook.com

Bark To Me

One of the most important communication relationships to maintain is the one with your furry best friend. To better communicate with your dog, consider signing up for Pawsitiv Basic Manners Level 2 at Pontotoc Technology Center. Local dog experts from Buckaroos Retrievers & Retreats will teach students how to deliver commands to dogs in the most effective way. Canines must be age six months or older and have completed the basic manners course. Shot records must also be provided upon participation. August 20 and Thursdays through September 3. Admission, $75. facebook.com

Emily Wilson will join an Oklahoma Contemporary livestream of 23 other artists, musicians, and public figures reading her translation of Homer's "The Odyssey."

It’s Not All Greek After All

Following Emily Wilson’s recent translation of Homer epic twenty-four book poem, Oklahoma Contemporary and the Kirkpatrick Foundation are presenting a six-day Livestream Reading of The Odyssey featuring a diverse collection of local and national artists, actors, public officials, musicians, and even Wilson herself. Actor and director Peter Coyote, Emmy winner Bebe Neuwirth, and Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice will be among the twenty-four guests reading the poem live on Facebook, YouTube, and Oklahoma Contemporary’s website. August 20-22 and 27-29. Streaming, Free. oklahomacontemporary.org

Ladies Night

Mothers and daughters are welcome to enjoy a night swim at the Mustang Aquatic Center for Mom and Daughter Night Out at the Pool. Nachos, drinks, and desserts will be provided—and with so many moms around, certainly someone will tell you to wait at least thirty minutes before you go swimming. Mustang Parks & Recreation Special Events advises attendees bring their own lawn chairs, as seating is limited. Registration must be completed to participate. August 21. Tickets, $7.50. cityofmustang.org

Witness the historic groundbreaking for the Greenwood Rising museum from the comfort of your computer. Photo by Goumbik

Rise Up

The country may be paying more attention to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, but organizers in Tulsa have been working to shine a light on the shameful event for years. With the groundbreaking of Greenwood Rising—a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the history of Black Wall Street before and after the massacre—those plans are coming to fruition. Watch the groundbreaking and a lineup of great local speakers live on Facebook and the Tulsa 2021 site. August 21. Streaming, Free. tulsa2021.org

Written By

Greg Elwell

Greg Elwell served as research editor and web editor of Oklahoma Today from 2018-2023. He also has worked for newspapers, medical research organizations, and government institutions.