Weekly Events Calendar: July 8-14, 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
It’s summertime in Oklahoma, which means it’s time for the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah. This is definitely one of my favorite annual events on the music calendar, and I could try and come up with my own words for why that is, but when you’re dealing with a guy like Woody I think it’s best to just let him speak for himself. So in Guthrie’s own words:

“I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work.”

Yeah, Woody Guthrie was pretty much the original Lizzo, and the annual folk festival held in his hometown in honor of his birthday is a good reflection of his ideals of acceptance and inclusivity. This year’s event starts Wednesday, June 10th at Crystal Theatre with a WoodyFest retrospective performance featuring Monica Taylor, Joel Rafael and Ellis Paul. Then the main event runs Thursday through Saturday with poetry, workshops, a children’s festival, and near endless live music on several different stages around town. Headliners on the Pastures of Plenty this year include John Fullbright, The Deslondes band from New Orleans, and James McMurtry. The finale starts noon Sunday, June 14, at Crystal Theatre with the annual all-star jam benefit for Huntington’s Disease. For a full schedule of events and to purchase single day or festival-long passes, visit woodyfest.com.
July 10-14. Tickets, $30-$250. woodyfest.com.

Okemah, birthplace of Woody Guthrie, hosts the iconic singer-songwriter's annual birthday celebration—the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival—this week. Photo courtesy Lori Duckworth / Oklahoma Tourism

By Nathan Gunter
Oh, Japan. This quirky little island nation has given us so many amazing things: Ramen. Nintendo. Toyotas. Hello Kitty. But perhaps Japan’s most-loved import is the art of anime, of manga, of what in the 80s used to be called Japanimation. If you’re a fan of Japanese culture—and who isn’t?—you will definitely want to visit Tokyo, OK, July 11 through 14 at the Mariott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills. This three-day convention celebrating all things from the Land of the Rising Sun will feature artists and exhibitors from all over the world hawking everything from anime videos to toys, games, artwork, and more. Meet anime voice actors, confab with featured artists, and find other members of your favorite fandom for a meetup. For tickets or more information, call (918) 312-3022 or visit oklahomaculture.org.
July 11-14. Registration, $20-$80. oklahomaculture.org

By Ben Luschen
Swamp it up at the hottest party this side of Duloc! The Shrek Rave is coming July 12 to Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom, and it's gonna be ogre-the-to. The 2001 animated cult favorite (it’s quite a large cult) leaps off the DVD and into local venues to be enjoyed by All-Stars everywhere. Dust off your donkey ears, grab your Fiona tiaras, and strut your stuff like you're auditioning for Lord Farquaad's court. DJs will be spinning tunes that'll make you want to dance till you turn as green as Shrek himself. Grab your layers and don't miss out on this fairy tale frenzy.
July 12. Tickets, $25. cainsballroom.com.

By Kiersten Stone
Once upon a time, an Oklahoma town was dubbed the “Blackberry Capitol of the World” and gained national media coverage, all because the McLoud Blackberry Growers Association along with the McLoud Chamber of Commerce shipped a crate of fresh blackberries overnight to President Harry Truman. He declared them to be the “best he had ever tasted.” Fast forward to today, and you too could have fresh blackberries, possibly the best you’ve ever had, in many different forms, from jam and cobbler to sauces and state fair food items to drinks and more. Along with all of these blackberry delicacies, there will be activities, live music, a parade, and a fireworks show to cap it all off. The McLoud Blackberry Festival is sure to be a “berry” good time as it takes place this weekend, July 12-13. For more information about the festival, visit mcloudchamber.com or call 405-964-6566.
July 12-13. Admission, free. mcloudchamber.com

The most important rule for the Cobbler Gobbler during this week's McLoud Blackberry Festival: no hands. Photo courtesy McLoud Blackberry Festival

By Megan Rossman
It’s hot outside, and it’s going to remain that way for months. In Chickasha, they don’t let seasons and air temperature get in the way of the holiday spirit. That’s why they celebrate Christmas in July with multiple events throughout the month. On Saturday, July 13, visitors will gather at the famous leg lamp in the city’s downtown area for a viewing of A Christmas Story, which is appropriate since a much smaller version of the leg lamp happens to be a key prop in the movie. While viewers enjoy this cult classic film, they can also munch on popcorn, candy, and other snacks from food trucks. For information about all the events, visit chickashachamber.com/christmasinjuly.
July 13. Admission, free. visitchickasha.com

No, this is not a misprint. You can celebrate Christmas in July this week out at the famous Chickasha leg lamp. Photo courtesy Chickasha Leg Lamp

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.