Weekly Events Calendar, July 24-30, 2023

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.

Enjoy rodeo dedicated to one of the men who made cowboys legendary at the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo in Pawnee. Photo courtesy Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo

How did an East Coast kid named Gordon Lillie end up as one of the most celebrated Western performers of his day? Well, let's just say Oklahoma can change a man, and in this case it changed Gordon Lillie into Pawnee Bill. Celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Lillie at the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo at Lakeside Arena in Pawnee while also watching some of the best roping, riding, and wrestling around in this International Professional Rodeo Association-sanctioned event. Beyond the bucking broncs, visitors can ride the trails, hop on a wagon, shop cowboy crafts, and even watch a parade through downtown Pawnee. July 27-29. Tickets, $5-$35. facebook.com

A lot of festivals try to hype up visitors to get them excited to show up, but not the annual Bricktown Reggae Fest in Oklahoma City. Much like the music attendees will hear, this free festival promises laid back vibes, smiling faces, and a lot of Bob Marley covers. But even if you don't know your dancehall from your dreadlocks, there's always something fun to do in Bricktown. Shops and restaurants will be open, as usual, but there will also be Caribbean food vendors, cold craft beer from local breweries, and space to lay down blankets, lawn chairs, and some real irie beats. July 28-29. Admission, free. bricktownokc.com

Live music, magic, and a whole bunch of cars make the Route 66 Heritage Festival in Miami a must for Mother Road fans. Photo courtesy Miami Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Car lovers and history buffs alike will converge on the charming city of Miami for two days of music, food, and vehicular entertainment at the Route 66 Heritage Festival. Saturday starts with the Car & Bike Show on the south end of Main Street, followed by a poker run that will have players ante up all over town. There is a magic show for kids (and adults who still feel like kids) and a corn hole tournament. July 28-29. Admission, free. visitmiamiok.com

Don't you dare close your eyes, unless you want to run into somebody dressed like Wolverine, Sailor Moon, or a third, lesser-known character who appeared for fifteen seconds in the background of The Suicide Squad. Because that's all stuff guests could see when New World Comic Con invades the Oklahoma State Fair Park. See local comic book creators, famous voice actors, stand-up comics, artists, cosplayers, trading cards that were available thirty years ago preserved in near-mint condition behind bulletproof glass, and more. It's a family friendly event, so little web-slingers are welcome along with their J. Jonah Jameson-like parents. Get ready to find that missing back issue for your collection as well as memorabilia for things you barely remem-ober. July 29. Admission, $5-$15. newworldcomiccon.org

Riddle your weekend with superhero hijinks at the New World Comic Con in Oklahoma City. Photo by Vinton J. Bayne Photography

The history of kayaks can be traced to the Inuit people of the north Arctic who combined driftwood with animal skin and whale bones to create a hunter's boat—the direct translation of kayak. None of that knowledge is particularly required at Ardmore City Lake during Full Moon Kayaking, but it doesn't hurt to have a few fun facts in your back pocket. Grab a paddle and hit the water for a starry night of floating and fun on the lake with fellow kayakers. And with the nearest blue whale all the way up in Catoosa, everyone can leave the harpoons at home and just have a fun time gliding over the water. July 30. Tickets, $15. facebook.com

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.