Weekly Events Calendar August 19-25

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.

Crowds will be lining up under the iconic Tower Theatre sign before the Stephen Marley show. Photo by Tower Theatre.

No Ticket, Yes Cry

The eight-time Grammy-winning artist and producer Stephen Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, is bringing his reggae style to the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City. He started in the industry at age seven as a member of the Melody Makers with his siblings and spent years working alongside them as a bandmate and producer before making his first solo album, Mind Control, in 2007. After the performance concludes, guests can find their way to an ’90s-themed dance after party to meet Marley. All proceeds from the after party go to Marley’s Ghetto Youths Foundation, a charity benefiting communities in need of support and resources. August 20. Tickets, $31-$41. After party tickets, $25. (405) 708-6937 or towertheatreokc.com.

Thriving in Tulsa

Since the 1990s, Mary J. Blige—also known as the Queen of Hip Hop, Soul, and R&B—has been one of the most impactful modern influences across genres. Over a twenty-year-plus career, she racked up nine Grammy awards, thirty-two Grammy nominations, and eight multi-platinum albums. The “Real Love” singer brings all her talents to bear when she performs at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. August 23. Tickets, $90-$365. (888) 748-3731 or riverspirittulsa.com.

A peek at VHS and Chill's collection of tapes. Photo by Sean Peel.

All That Glitters Is Goldblum

For a film festival with a twist, head to A Weekend With Jeff—the Jeff Goldblum-themed film festival put on by VHS and Chill at the Paramount Room in Oklahoma City. Watch some of Goldblum’s earliest work, bust a gut at a live comedy show, and join the after party on the last night of the festival. Other events, such as the Goldblum YouTube shorts, video game tournament, and a local short film competition will run intermittently throughout the festival. August 23-24. Admission, free. (405) 503-0050 or vhsandchill.net.

The Fest Is Best

Music, film, and culture collide at Adafest in, you guessed it, Ada. This two-day festival includes concerts on multiple stages, with headliners The Nixons, Oberon, and others taking the main stage. If dancing is more your speed, stages with DJs and light shows are set to play throughout the event. A new feature to Adafest is a film festival where guests can catch a mix of classic, modern, and locally made movies. August 23-24. Admission, free. (580) 559-5353 or adafestoklahoma.org.

Rock Show

Jurassic Park was one of those movies that gave viewers a sense of wonder and nostalgic curiosity about what it would be like to see those giant creatures lumbering across an open plain. Though scientists are dragging their feet on cloning dinosaurs, enthusiasts can still feel a connection to the past at the Tahlequah Rock and Mineral Show. The event features fossils from these prehistoric beasts, rocks, minerals, jewelry, and gemstones for purchase and viewing. Kids can get into the spirit by digging for gemstones, playing games, and joining a treasure hunt. August 23-24. Admission, $3. (918) 284-5770 or travelok.com.

See a different kind of rolling stones at the Tahlequah Rock and Mineral Show.

Make and Take

Inventive and creative locals gather in Tulsa for the seventh annual Maker’s Faire Tulsa at Central Park Hall at Expo Square. From professional creators to hobbyists, the faire does not discriminate as one of the staff’s goals is to give these creatives and their unique products a platform and exposure to large crowds. Browse the plethora of booths hosting inventions and art created right here in Oklahoma by local makers. August 24. Admission, free. (918) 779-6025 or tulsa.makerfaire.com.