Weekly Events Calendar, June 19-25, 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.

Learn more about one of Oklahoma's most famous lawmen at the Bass Reeves Western History Conference in Muskogee. Painting by Don Gray

If you're all about that Bass (Reeves), no trouble! It's the perfect time of year to delve deep into the story of the first African-American commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi when the Bass Reeves Western History Conference returns to the Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee. Why Muskogee? Because after Jim Crow laws prevented Reeves from continuing as a deputy marshal, he joined the Muskogee Police Department to continue his quest for justice. Guests will enjoy territorial reenactors, interactive tours, documentaries, and more, surrounded by folks dressed in their finest cowboy duds. June 22-24. Registration, $150-$175. bassreevesconference.com

Join the Bixby Optimist Club in celebrating a not-quite-ripe staple during the annual Green Corn Festival in Bixby. Stop by Charley Young Park to listen to three days of live music and to peruse the food and craft booths and play some games. Head north for the festival carnival, with rides and more fun for every age group. And if the sun gets too aggressive, duck into the shade at the Bixby Community Center while playing a few games of bingo. June 22-24. Admission, free. bixbyoptimist.com

Enjoy some mail bonding at the OKPEX Stamp Collector Show in Midwest City. Photo by Julita

The Oklahoma City Stamp Club is planning a first-class experience for philatelists during the OKPEX Stamp Collector Show in Midwest City. Come in your most mint condition and enjoy the Reed Conference Center, which will be filled like a mailbox in December with stamps from around the world, free collection appraisals, and more than a dozen dealers selling tiny, lick-able masterpieces that can also be used to move freight cross country. June 23-24. Admission, free. linns.com

El Reno is more than just fried onion burgers and slaw dogs—though those are definitely on the menu during The Art Mix on 66: El Reno's Music & Art Festival. Keep your eyes on the sky for flying kites and your feet on the ground while exploring art vendor booths amid roaming street performers and stilt walkers. Be on the lookout for buskers, flash mobs, and magicians, as well as an entire kids area filled with inflatables, sand and chalk art, and more. It's all going down in Adams Park. June 24-25. Admission, free. elrenoartscouncil.com

Enjoy foamy fun and more at Woolaroc in Bartlesville during Kidsfest. Photo courtesy Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

Some lives are so full you'd think those folks are immortal. While oilman Frank Phillips has passed on, his legacy is still going strong at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville with Kidsfest. Phillips was a big fan of the circus and brought it to Bartlesville each year, so Kidsfest brings that classic circus fun back to life with jugglers, carnival games, pony rides, and more family friendly fun. Pull the kids away from the video games for a couple of days of bouncing, running, eating, shopping, and memories that will last a lifetime. June 24-25. Admission, free-$14. woolaroc.org

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.