Weekly Events Calendar: February 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.

By Nathan Gunter
No, they’re not a country. And also, they’re not a man. They’re a band, and their name is Portugal: The Man. Portugal is a country, but the people from this band—some of whom are men—are from Alaska. Confusing name aside, their music is dang good, and they’re bringing their unique blend of psychedelic and alternative rock—the kind you know from albums like Waiter: ‘You Vultures!’ and Chris Black Changed My Life to Oklahoma City’s Jones Assembly on Thursday, February 8. Call (405) 212-2378 or visit thejonesassembly.com.
February 8. Tickets, $65-$99.50. etix.com

Fan-favorite indie rock band Portugal. The Man, with opening band SNACKTIME, come to The Jones Assembly in downtown Oklahoma City. Photo courtesy Maclay Heriot / Atlantic Records

By Megan Rossman
Dragons have always been a beloved mythical beast, but they’ve enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to pop culture behemoths like Game of Thrones and Pokemon. So, it seems fitting that 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese zodiac calendar. On February 10, visitors and shoppers can party it up at Nam-Hai Oriental Market in Tulsa when the grocery store marks this auspicious occasion with its Lunar New Year Celebration. Not only will there will colorful lion dances, music, and red envelopes people can feed to the costumed lions for good luck, but fireworks, too. Plus, guests can pick up Chinese, Filipino, Mexican, and Vietnamese foods and products while they’re there. For more information, call 918 438 0166.
February 10. Admission, free. facebook.com/namhaitulsa

Lion dancing, fireworks, and red envelopes bring joy to the annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Tulsa's Nam-Hai Oriental Food Market. Photo courtesy Nam-Hai Oriental Food Market

By Ben Luschen
A four-foot-tall, paper-machete, tuba-playing dragon: sure, maybe it started out as a depression-fueled art project in my bedroom closet, but it turns out to also be a perfect centerpiece to this year’s Norman Mardi Gras Parade, where this year’s theme is “Dancing with Dragons.” The annual community-run parade that winds its way through downtown Norman is entering its 30th year this go-around. See decorative homemade floats, costumes, dancers, magicians, musicians, and all the other colorful characters that make Mardi Gras celebrations such a wondrous time. I don’t know who this Marty guy is, but boy does he know how to party. Watch the procession travel east along Main Street to Crawford Avenue, before turning south on Comanche Street and west back to Jones Avenue. An awards ceremony for best float, best costume, and more will take place afterward at The Depot. Registration to join the parade is now closed but it is still free to watch, as always.
February 10. Admission, free. choctawcasinos.com

The Norman Mardi Gras Parade returns for its 30th year in downtown Norman with live bands, custom floats, costumes, and more. Photo courtesy Norman Mardi Gras Society

By Karlie Ybarra
Rickey Rambo, Torsten Fornfeld, Chick Earl: If you want to join the elusive ranks of international bone slapper extraordinaire like these legends—as well as McAlester native Dale Barnes—you gotta match those dots and pencil whip the competition at the World Championship Domino Tournament in Carnegie. On February 10th, Carnegie City Park will make the catacombs or Paris look positively calcium deficient by comparison as boneyards are set up and knocked down throughout the day. And in the end, only one champion will rise from the chaos to earn a nice little trophy (there’s no admission, so you’re playing for the love of the game). Check out Facebook.com/carnegiechamber for more info.
February 10. Registration, free. facebook.com/carnegiechamber

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.