Weekly Events Calendar: August 19-25, 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 Ben Luschen
Rodeo fans are in for a fantastic time at the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo in Altus! This exciting three-day PRCA-sanctioned event is packed with thrilling activities like bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and steer dogging. Come on out and cheer for your favorite cowboys, plus enjoy some laughs with the rodeo clowns who’ll keep the fun going between events. Don’t miss the grand finale parade on Saturday—it’s going to be a highlight of the weekend!
August 22-24. Admission, $10-18. facebook.com/greatplainsstampederoadeo.

By Nathan Gunter
OK, I have to level with you guys: I might need to check into rehab. I’m in Olympics withdrawal. Hear me when I say I love the Summer Olympics with a fierceness that is hard to come down from in the month or so after the games end. And the fact that we’re going to have some of the 2028 events right here in Oklahoma City has me positively hyperventilating with excitement.
So if you’re like me and you’re needing to fix on some summer sports, come to Riversport in Oklahoma City for Oklaflow Finals Friday August 23 through Sunday August 25. Especially if you’re into competing rather than just spectating: At Riversport’s Surf OKC, you can test your mettle in three different divisions to see who can ride a wave the longest and best. This all-ages competition is open to all skill levels, and there’ll be pros there as well hosting demonstrations for true beginners. Registration is $50-$70 depending on skill level. For more information, call (405) 552-4040.
August 23-25. Registration, $50-$70. riversportokc.org

Surf's up at Oklahoma City's Riversport OKC for the Oklaflow Finals championship. Photo courtesy Riversport OKC

By Ben Luschen
This time of year always makes me think about running a 5K and how that is something I really do not want to do this time of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy running and I especially love doing it outside, but in August you’ve got to either be an early bird out the door or, if you’re like me, become a treadmill warrior until it gets a little cooler out there. But the number one way to get a teenager to do something is to tell them not to, which is why the Moore War Run has become a back-to-school tradition. If you’re going to do a 5K in August, it should at least start before 8:00 a.m., so the students of Moore, Westmoore, and Southmoore are doing it right by starting at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday. The course takes runners through downtown Moore, and participants will be cheered on along the way by school bands and pom squads. Don’t worry, even if you graduated high school long ago, you’re not only allowed to register but encouraged to do so. Or just buy a shirt and cheer along with the band under a spot with some shade.
August 24. Shirts and registration, $15-$35. moorewarrun.enmotive.com.

Get your run in before the summer heat of the day sets in while also raising funds for scholarship and student opportunities during the weekend's Moore War Run. Photo courtesy Moore War Run

By Kiersten Stone
Tacos and margaritas go together like bees and honey, like peanut butter and jelly, like Oklahoma and scissortails. I don’t need to tell you that though. What I do need to tell you is that on Saturday, August 24, Harrah will be hosting the Taco & Margarita Festival downtown from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The block party will include live music, craft vendors, beer and margaritas, and, of course, food trucks. Everyone of all ages is welcome to attend the celebration and admission is free.
August 24. Admission, free. facebook.com

There aren't too many sales pitches more effective than "tacos and margaritas," so we won't try. Visit Harrah's Taco & Margarita Festival this Saturday. Photo courtesy Pexels

By Megan Rossman
Songs dedicated to friendship are not nearly as common as breakup ballads, but they’re generally a lot more cheerful. Even if you want to, who could forget “You’ve Got A Friend in Me,” by Randy Newman, “You’ve Got A Friend,” by Carole King, or “I’ll Be There For You,” by The Rembrandts. Even Tchaikovsky got into the mix, dedicating his “Symphony No. 4” to his best friend Nadezhda von Meck. Audiences will get the chance to hear this emotional piece of music performed by the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium in Lawton on August 24. World-renowned violinist David Kim will play the violin concerto, so buy your tickets, grab a friend, and come on down. For more information call (580) 531-5043.
August 24. Admission, $15-$50. lawtonphil.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.