Weekly Events Calendar: June 17-June 23

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 was Father’s Day this past Sunday so I’ve got to ask the question on everyone’s minds: Do you think you would have it in you to arrest your own son and bring him to justice? Well, that is exactly what legendary lawman Bass Reeves had to do. Reeves, of course, was the first African-American to be commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River, and according to many historians he was one of the most productive and efficient marshals of the entire West, making between 3,000 and 4,000 arrests in Arkansas and Indian Territory during his career, including that of his son, Bennie, in 1902. Reeves’ legendary exploits sound like stuff of Hollywood, which probably explains why Yellowstone writer and producer Taylor Sheridan developed the series Lawmen: Bass Reeves for Paramount+ back in 2023. But if we’ve learned nothing else, it should be that Hollywood is not the best arbiter of history. To know the true story of Bass Reeves, head to the Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee where the annual Bass Reeves Conference will take place this Thursday through Saturday. Those who attend the sessions can enjoy bus tours of historic sites like Fort Gibson, historic reenactments, history talks with scholars of Reeves and his era, and much more. And because everyone loves a costume party, Western wear is highly encouraged. The early registration period has closed but the Three Rivers Museum accepts new registrants right up to the hour of the event. For more information call (918) 686-6624.
June 20-22. Registration, $75-$160. bassreevesconference.com

Learn about the real legend who inspired a popular streaming at the Bass Reeves Western History Conference at the Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee. Photo courtesy Three Rivers Museum

By Kiersten Stone
Beat the summer blues at Riverwind Casino for the 8th annual Beats & Bites Festival, kicking off June 21. With live entertainment and some of the best food trucks in the metro area, this night is one you won’t want to miss. Performing on stage will be country music artists Tracy Lawrence and Neal McCoy. This family-friendly event also includes retail vendors, a kid zone, and a beer garden. With something for everyone, grab your family and friends for a night of fun and festivities, but don’t forget to bring your appetite. For more information, visit riverwind.com.
June 21. Tickets, $10. riverwind.com

By Ben Luschen
The perfect way to unwind after long work week than with a trip to the Historic Capitol Hill district for Fiesta Friday. Enjoy pop-up shops, live music, and captivating performances while also stopping in at your favorite business and restaurants in the area. The party lasts from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the district on Southwest 25th Street. Admission is free, and if you can’t make it this week, you’ll have two more opportunities to visit this summer on the third Fridays of July and August. Call (405) 632-0133 for more information.
June 21. Admission, free. historiccapitolhill.com

By Ben Luschen
Broken Arrow is home to a major Blue Bell manufacturing facility, so it’s only right that the Tulsa suburb hosts the Taste of Summer Ice Cream Festival as a cool way to kickstart the warmer months. Those who attend can expect to find all the, naturally, Blue Bell ice cream they can eat, but the event goes beyond just the creamy confection. There will be inflatables for the kids, face painting, a car show, vendor booths, live music, and more. And just in case you need something savory before all that sweet, check out the steak cookoff to see whose beef is truly Grade A. It all begins at 9 a.m. and wraps up at 3 p.m. Saturday at Broken Arrow’s Central Park. Call (918) 251-1518 for more information.
June 22. Tickets, $7-$8. tasteofsummerba.com.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for the Taste of Summer Ice Cream Festival in Broken Arrow's Central Park. Photo courtesy Pexels

By Nathan Gunter
I’ve said many times on the podcast that Woolaroc is one of my top-tier Oklahoma destinations. Because it has literally everything: It has an amazing art collection, thousands of acres of beautiful grounds to explore, demonstrations of frontier-era skills like flint knapping and black-powder rifle shooting, a menagerie of amazing animals from bison to zebra, a gorgeous historic home that’s fun to walk around in, and oh so very much more. It’s an incredible place, and if you haven’t taken the kids in your life—even the grown ones—to Woolaroc yet, you need to go. And here’s the perfect opportunity: This Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, Woolaroc hosts Woolaroc Kidsfest, which brings the look and feel of an old-timey circus to Frank Phillips’ former ranch. There’s going to be jugglers, pony rides, live music, inflatables, arts and crafts, and so much more. There’s no additional cost beyond admission to the museum, which is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors; and free for kids 12 and under.
June 22-23. Admission, $14-$16. woolaroc.org

Young ones are the stars of the show during Kidsfest at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville. Photo courtesy Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

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.