Weekly Events Calendar: March 11-17

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 Nathan Gunter
I’m sure you’re aware of this already, but there are so many studies to show that classical music has massive positive effects on mood, mental health, and even on the body, lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol. So if life’s got you feeling a little on edge lately, might I invite you to come hear violinist Ray Chen at the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond.

First off, if you’ve never been to this venue, you should plan a date night there soon. Megan and I have been a couple of times, and the space is gorgeous. Plus, the classical performers they bring in are world-class, and Ray Chen is no exception. He’s the winner of two of the world’s most prestigious violin contests, the Queen Elizabeth in 2009 and the Yehudi Menuhin in 2008. So it probably doesn’t get much better than that. For tickets or more information, visit armstrongauditorium.org.
March 14. Tickets, $55-$105. armstrongauditorium.org

By Megan Rossman
On March 15 and 16, say goodbye to touchscreen navigation systems, anti-lock brakes, power steering, and backup cameras. At the Pre-War Auto Swap Meet, it’s all about heavy metal and all things analog. More than a thousand vendors will gather at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha to sell and trade antique cars, car parts, and collectibles from 1895 to 1945. This year marks the thirty-fourth anniversary of this car show, which attracts fans from all over the country and the world. Graham Clarke of East Sussex says, "Lovely, lovely show. We've all done jolly well." While Cecil Church of Harrisburg, Illinois, says, “You’re not only swapping parts, but swapping friendship."
March 15-16. Admission, free. pre-war.com

Admire classic Fords and more vehicles from more than a century ago at the Pre-War Auto Swap Meet in Chickasha. Photo courtesy Pixabay

By Ben Luschen
When I say there is a Big Meat Run coming up in Disney, you might think I’m talking about some kind of new partnership between Arby’s and Mickey Mouse. And as much as I’m dying to see that happen, the real Big Meat Run in Disney, Oklahoma, is a lot cooler. Although outdoor grilling from spectators is encouraged, the “meat” in this event refers to the beefy tires on either side of these rumbling ATVs that will be clawing their way up impossibly steep cliffs this Friday through Sunday. The annual gathering drawing thousands of ATV enthusiasts and spectators to the Pensacola Dam in the South Grand Lake Recreation Area probably isn’t the place for you if you’re looking for a quiet time with no chance of getting dirty. For the thrillseekers though, there is really nothing comparable to watching drivers test their mettle on rugged terrain. Admission is free if you’re just trying to watch, but expect to pay a $50 registration fee if you plan on competing with your own vehicle. Call (918) 261-8886 for more information.
March 15-17. Admission, free. facebook.com/bmradmin

Rev those engines for the Big Meat Run, the Super Bowl of ATV escapades, which is set for this weekend at the South Grand Lake Recreation Area near Disney. Photo courtesy Big Meat Run

By Kiersten Stone
Good music, good food, good vibes. That’s what awaits everyone at Medicine Park’s annual Parkstomp Music Festival. The festival features fun for the whole family with arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and live music ranging from bluegrass, country, rockabilly, punk and rock. Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs, set up on the lawn at the town center mainstage, and celebrate the coming of spring with the fresh mountain air. As the festival will last from May 15 to the 17, all the town’s stores, restaurants, and art galleries will also be open. And if you need any more reason to attend the historic, cobblestone-lined town, alongside the festival will be the VW car show “V-dubs in the Park” all weekend long. For more information, call 580-547-9528 or 580-695-7267.
March 15-17. Admission, free. wichitamountainslodge.com

By Karlie Ybarra
A renowned poet of the late nineties once said if you're bored you're boring. Not to argue with Mr. Danger as he sittas atop his flagpole, but that's just not true. Take TokenCon, for example. At this three-day tournament March 15th through 17th, the Embassy Suites' Reed Center near Will Rogers World Airport will be filled with board game enthusiasts who are very much not boring. Attendees can try their luck at more than 1,000 game titles, including some brand new releases. They also can sell their old games, purchase new ones, and get tips from special guests. Single day passes are $25-$35, and you can get admission to all three days for $49. Gamers-in-training (youths aged 8 to 13) can get a three-day pass for $29. Call (405) 458-4263 for more info.
March 15-17. Admission, $25-$49. tabletop.events

More than a thousand different games will be on hand for TokenCon attendees to try this weekend in Oklahoma City. Photo courtesy TokenCon

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.