Weekly Events Calendar, August 22-28, 2022

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.

The organizers of Tulsa’s Blue Whale Comedy Festival cordially request that attendees do not “shake out the sillies” in advance of their 3-day giggle gathering. Venues throughout the Tulsa Arts District will host some of the country’s finest traveling merrymakers, including headliners Rory Scovel and Dan Soder, and homegrown talent during the Okie Homie Showcase. Or check out the burn ward at the Insult Attack! Roast battle. There are also podcast tapings, movies, and more ways to laugh than you can shake a very funny stick at. August 25-27. Tickets, $50-$150. bluewhalecomedyfestival.com

It's going to be a wet and wild weekend when the World Paddlesports Festival returns to Oklahoma City. Photo courtesy Riversport OKC

Paddles are incredibly versatile tools. Whether you’re displaying your Greek letters, playing ping pong, or engaging in corporal punishment, paddles are a must. But nowhere are they more necessary and vital than at Riversport OKC’s 2022 World Paddlesports Festival. Come watch paddlers from around the globe as they take to the Oklahoma River to compete in Super Cup and World Cup events. And you won’t want to miss the Red Bull Rapids—a wild race for homemade boats through the tumultuous rapids. August 26-28. Admission, free. riversportokc.org

It's a different kind of space race at the Rocket Man Run 5K & Fun Walk in Shawnee. Photo courtesy Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Just returned from space and you’re feeling a little weak from muscle atrophy? Then rebuild your muscle mass in Shawnee at the Rocket Man Run 5K & Fun Walk at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center’s Aviation Campus. Blast off toward the finish line in the 5K with professionally chipped competitors, or just enjoy a jog, stroll, or mosey during a 1-mile Fun Walk. August 27. Registration, $30. bikesignup.com

Is it considered to be in poor taste to get hungry at the aquarium? All will be forgiven for those hungry visitors to the Oklahoma Aquarium’s Salsa Festival in Jenks. Whether you like it with enough bite to scare a shark or as timid as a Marine betta, there’s a salsa waiting for you at this event. Take a dip in some queso while checking out 10,000 amazing aquatic animals and sign up for the jalapeno-eating contest, if you’re feeling spicy. August 27. Admission, $15.95-$19.95, plus $3 per basket of chips. okaquarium.org

Brace for flavor impact at the Oklahoma Aquarium's Salsa Festival in Jenks. Photo by Tesa Robbins

Bid adieu to August while tasting the glorious fruits—technically our state vegetable—of farmers’ labor at the Ringwood Watermelon Festival & Community Fair. This annual event stretches out over the next week with events including the Ringwood Alumni Basketball Game, an auto show, turtle races, a homemade ice cream contest, and, you’ll never believe it, lots and lots of watermelon. August 28-September 3. Admission, free. facebook.com/Ringwoodcommunityfair

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.