Weekly Events Calendar, July 3-9, 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.

The night sky will be brighter than usual as Independence Day celebrations take place across Oklahoma. Photo by Christel Sagniez

Some jobs are easy, like babysitting a room full of dolls or making sure the couch doesn't float away. But even easier than those is the task of finding an Independence Day celebration in Oklahoma. This state is lousy with fireworks displays, parades, live music, and food trucks. And folks don't even have to wait for the Fourth of July, since plenty of towns are celebrating the United States' birthday starting the day before!

July 3

Chelsea's 4th of July Spectacular

Fairview's Festival & Fireworks

Grand Lake Fireworks in Disney

Freedom Fest in Yukon

July 4

Red, White & Boom in Owasso

July 4th Fireworks Celebration in Vian

Boomer Blast in Stillwater

Freedom Celebration Parade in Pawhuska

Tonkawa Fourth of July Celebration

Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration in Marlow

Heroes of America Fireworks Show in Lawton

Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City

Tulsa FreedomFest

Calvin 4th of July Celebration

Hometown Independence Day in Waynoka

After the University of Oklahoma captured the 2023 Women's College World Series title, many Oklahomans are still ready to play ball. Fans can watch the Oklahoma City Dodgers pull out the big bats for six nights of battle with the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This homestand includes an Independence Day celebration and postgame fireworks on July 4. July 4-9. Tickets, $15-$35. milb.com/oklahoma-city

Bring a glove to shag fly balls from Devin Mann and teammates at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City when the OKC Dodgers take on the Albuquerque Isotopes. Photo by Eddie Kelly

It's an unfortunate truth, but some people have to work on holidays. Clerks have to be there on Christmas morning for last-minute gifts, drive-thrus are open on Thanksgiving for people who can't eat turkey, and some folks even have to stay at the office on July 4. Thank goodness for the Carmen 5th of July Celebration in Carmen City Park. In addition to live entertainment, fun for the kids, and lots of food, this celebration includes one of northwest Oklahoma's largest firework displays. July 5. Admission, free. facebook.com

The world is a confusing place. Is swiping left good, or is it right? Cardboard is recyclable, unless there's food on it? Does bi-monthly mean twice a month or once every two months? But there's one thing we all know for sure: if blackberry cobbler is on the menu, we're ordering it. Celebrate the birthplace of some of those fruits at the McLoud Blackberry Festival, which has been running strong since the 1940s. Grab quarts of fresh blackberries, sample blackberry barbecue sauce, blackberry sno cones, blackberry sodas, and even a blackberry beer from Oklahoma City's Anthem Brewing Company. July 7-8. Admission, free. mcloudchamber.com

Dessert fans will love the Cobbler Gobbler contest at the McLoud Blackberry Festival, though other, less-messy activities are also available. Photo courtesy McLoud Chamber of Commerce

Make like a modern-day William the Conqueror when you invade the Norman Conquest Ride on bike. This all-day ride welcomes peddlers of all experience levels for paths ranging between 10 and 64 miles through the hills of Norman and nearby Lake Thunderbird. Or if a grueling jaunt through multiple elevations sounds like a drag, join the Norman Conquest tour of Norman, which is much easier going for families and casual bikers. July 8. Admission, free. bicycleleagueofnorman.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.