Weekly Events Calendar: March 4-10

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
Ah, the 1840s, a time known for covered wagons, fresh-baked hardtack, and everyone’s favorite, dysentery. Recently I have been playing a lot of the Oregon Trail remake on Nintendo Switch, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the river-fordin’ 40s. While the historic Oregon Trail itself only cut down as far south as Kansas, rough Western living was on in Indian Territory during that era. Those looking for even more historical insight than a video game can provide should head to Fort Towson in southeast Oklahoma this Thursday through Saturday for the Oklahoma Historical Society’s 1840s Encampment and Education Days. Fort Towson was a vital outpost back in the day for eastern settlers heading to the Republic of Texas, and the preserved historic site will be alive with reenactors in garb of the time, taking visitors through life on the remote settlement while guiding them through era-appropriate games and the day-to-day tasks of living. You’ll even get the chance to visit Sutler’s Store, where you can restock for the grueling trek back up State Highway 375. You’ll also be pleased to know that this promises to be a dysentery-free event. The only time you’ll catch me with dysentery is if Terry starts trippin’! Admission is free and visiting hours over the three days are between 10 am and 2 pm. And while you’re there, ask for information on Fort Towson’s 200th birthday celebration coming later in May. For more information call (580) 873-2634.
March 7-9. Admission, $4-$7. okhistory.org

Historical reenactors take visitors back to the time of covered wagons at Fort Towson during the 1840s Encampment and Education Days. Photo courtesy Fort Towson Historic Site / Oklahoma Historical Society

By Kiersten Stone
If you find your sweet tooth in need of something delicious, there will be an abundance of irresistible options at the Mustang Chocolate Festival. There will be 21 vendors offering everything from classic chocolate delicacies to unique options such as chocolate-covered bacon, jalapeños, marshmallows and more. Vendors will be vying to win awards for best tasting chocolate, most unique chocolate and best decorated table. There will be a $10 charge which will allow for 10 servings. The festival will be March 8 from 6-8 at the Mustang Town Center. For more information, call 405-850-8671 or (405) 376-2226.
March 8. Tickets, $10. facebook.com/mustangchocolate

Grab baked goods, candies, and even chocolate-covered bacon at the always popular Mustang Chocolate Festival this Friday. Photo courtesy Pexels

By Megan Rossman
Gentlemen, put on your top hat and suspenders. Ladies, find your best beaded dress and practice your shimmy. Bring your cameras and supportive shoes, but leave the moonshine at home this morning during the Downtown Tulsa Art Deco tour. On March 9, you will meet at the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture for a tour of the Oil Capital District. From there, you can expect about one and a half hours of historical bliss as you admire gilded details and bas-relief facades inside and outside soaring skyscrapers along the city streets. Tickets are $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Children twelve and under are free.
March 9. Tickets, $25-$30. tulsaarchitecture.org

By Nathan Gunter
Okay, so I like this event, because it’s one I’ve done before and will absolutely be doing again at some point—if not this year then in the future. It’s Shamrock the ‘Ville in Bartlesville, a 5K or one-mile run or walk through one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful communities. Dress up in your St. Patrick’s gear and take as much or as little time as you like completing the course.

Here’s a funny story from the last time I did Shamrock the ‘Ville. I’m an okay runner, and at the time, I was training for a half-marathon, so maybe in a little better shape than normal but by no means an athlete. But I’m running this 5K in actual runner gear, no costume or anything. And as I’m headed back toward downtown and nearing the finish line, three little eight-year-old girls in green tutus and green Chuck Taylors—not even running shoes—just go blazing by me and leave me in their absolute dust. So that was fun for me. But seriously, it’s a great run through a really beautiful part of Bartlesville, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. And there’s a Hideaway Pizza right downtown for after the race.
March 9. Registration, free-$25. shamrocktheville.com

Runners of all ages take on the streets of Bartlesville during the annual Shamrock the 'Ville, offering both a 5K and a one-mile fun run. Photo courtesy Shamrock the 'Ville

By Karlie Ybarra
What is the oddest thing you can think of? Goo that transports you to another dimension; a horse with the head of a turkey; a grandfather clock made from the bones of a grandmother. At the Odd Oklahoma Expo of the Strange & Unusual, shoppers can pick up some of the wackiest wares they’ve ever seen. Does that include any of the strange stuff mentioned above? Probably not, but there will be plenty of peculiar prizes to be found at the show, so you’ll have to check out the Stride Bank Center in Enid on March 9 from 10 am to 6 pm to find out! Call (580) 234-1919 for more information.
March 9-10. Admission, free. stridebankcenter.com

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.