Weekly Events Calendar: June 3-June 9

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 Megan Rossman
Sometimes, binge-watching TV can leave you feeling like a shut-in slob encrusted in Cheez-It crumbs, but—unless you opt for a virtual pass—you have to leave your house to attend deadCenter Film Festival. With your pants on and a new location under your buttocks, you're suddenly a keen-eyed cultural critic offering thoughtful commentary as you binge-watch all sorts of media in the company of other people in the big wide world of downtown Oklahoma City. You’ll see short films, horror films, music videos, documentaries, animations, dramas, and basically every other genre you can think of in a variety of venues, including Scissortail Park, where you can lay on the grass and watch a music documentary about The Black Keys. Along with thought-provoking flicks, there will be panels and parties to attend, too. Just don’t forget your loyal Cheez-Its are waiting for you at home.
June 6-9. Passes, $10-$200. deadcenterfilm.org.

Film lovers flock to downtown Oklahoma City this week for deadCenter Film Festival, which celebrates its 24th year. Photo courtesy deadCenter Film Festival

By Ben Luschen
We spend a lot of time here at Oklahoma Today talking about Indigenous history and how Native people were affected by contact with Europeans. These are good conversations to have, but there is so much more to Native history than tragedy. There are hundreds of rich and diverse cultures out there that most people just have a surface level understanding of. For example, many Native cultures had their own unique sports and games. The Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah will be putting on demonstrations of traditional Cherokee games this Friday outside on their Capitol Square grounds. While there you can check out stickball, a contact sport that’s visually similar to lacrosse with teams of a dozen or larger on each side aiming to score points by flinging the ball at the opponent's goal using only a staff with a small basket at the end of it. There is also chunkey, in which contestants throw spears at a rolling stone in an attempt to stick it as closely as possible to the stones stopping place. Visitors can learn and watch these games, plus others like hatchet throwing and a cornstalk shoot, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you can’t make it this week, the Cherokee National History Museum will be hosting two other days of traditional games on the first Fridays of July and August as well. Admission is free. For more information call (877) 779-6977.
June 7. Admission, free. visitcherokeenation.com

By Nathan Gunter
So here’s a poll: Pick one band you’ll never get to see live, and go back in time. Who would you pick?
On the pod this week, our answers ranged from Prince, Nirvana, Phil Collins in his prime, David Bowie, and Elvis. I know a whole bunch of people who’d choose to see the Beatles—the rooftop concert, the Ed Sullivan show, pick your famous performance. And while time travel doesn’t exist and we’re only down to two living Beatles at this point, might I encourage you to check out 1964 The Tribute in Concert. Friday, June 7 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, this long-running Beatles tribute band will take the stage to perform so many of your favorite songs including “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” No, wait. Scratch that last one.For tickets or more information, call (918) 596-7111.
June 7. Tickets, $25-$60. celebrityattractions.com

By Kiersten Stone
Do you love a good mystery? Are you obsessed with, or even slightly interested in, crime shows? Well, if you answered yes, then I have just the event for you. On June 8, the Museum of Osteology will be hosting a Forensic Night. Guests will be assigned a mystery case to read through before beginning a hands-on investigation, where they can learn what forensic anthropologists, law enforcement, and investigators can uncover by examining skeletal remains. This event is advised for those ages 16 and up, as the remains are replicas from real cases. Along with reserving a spot for the night, event tickets include a private museum gallery viewing, gift shop discount, and all day admission to the museum. For more information call 405-814-0006.
June 8. Tickets, $45. skeletonmuseum.com

Birds of a feather solve mysteries together. Gather your friends for Forensic Night at Oklahoma City's Museum of Osteology. Photo courtesy Museum of Osteology

By Karlie Ybarra
Alright stop, collaborate and listen. Chandler's back with a brand new addition. At the Ice Cream Festival you can grab a cone tightly. Flow like froyo daily and nightly. Will it ever stop? Yes, you'll need to leave Tilghman Park around 5:00 p.m. But until then you can listen to music that's live. Also it's free, so bring your bag with a handle and shop with local vendors enough to cause a scandal. Ride, on the free carnival attractions, just don't eat before or you'll have a reaction. Delicious, when they serve up free scoops. When you try the homemade flavors you might just go whoop. If you have a problem, ice cream will fix it. Check out the sweets June 8 while your family kicks it. Dial (405) 258-3200 for more info, baby.
June 8. Admission, free chandlerareachamberok.com

Sample homemade and commercial ice creams while enjoying live music and summer vibes at Chandler's Ice Cream Festival in Tilghman Park. Photo courtesy Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce

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.