Weekly Events Calendar, October 23-29, 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.

Haunted houses and trails are recommended Halloween fun for thrill seekers, but scary guys with chainsaws, costumed or otherwise, aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea. That’s where Storybook Forest, presented by City of Edmond’s Arcadia Lake, comes in with decorative whimsy that foregos scares. Familiar scenes from storybook classics grace this well-lit, wooded trail. Families can enjoy concessions, carnival games, hayrides, and much more. October 23-30. Tickets, $5-$12. edmondok.gov

Classic stories like Humpty Dumpty and Hansel and Gretel inspire the whimsical setting of Storybook Forest at Edmond's Lake Arcadia.

Even if Okmulgee’s Pecan Festival only featured the famous hickory nut that plays the starring role in one of Thanksgiving’s greatest pies, it would be a can’t-miss attraction. Yes, the festival is a great place to find pecan pie, pecan brittle, pecan cookies, and other nutty confections, but other activities include a 5k obstacle course, cornhole tournament, a handfishing contest, carnival rides, food trucks, and local vendors. It’s the perfect excuse to act a little squirrely. October 26-28. Admission, free. okmulgeechamber.org

Headless horsemen might make for a good story to tell around the campfire, but if you’ve got some actually rodeoin’ to get done, we recommend finding riders with their craniums intact. To the delight of spectators (and any zombies who show up), participants in the Halloween SpooKtaKular Barrel Race at Stephens County Fair & Expo Center in Duncan will all have brains to match their brawn. Belt buckles and thousands of dollars in total prize money will be handed out among the division winners. October 27-29. Admission, free. trikbarrels.com

Riders compete for belt buckles and cash prizes in a variety of divisions at Duncan's Halloween SpooKtaKular. Photo Tri-K Barrel Races

There are many authors who write books for young adults, and there are many, many teens reading young adult fiction, but the two groups do not always get the chance to interact. Tulsa’s Oklahoma Teen Book Con on the Oklahoma State University Tulsa campus facilitates the meeting of these great minds. Authors Nikki Shannon Smith (Lena and the Burning of Greenwood), Ginny Myers Sain (Secrets So Deep), C. Michael Morrison (Hannah Goodheart), and around a dozen more will lead author panels, small meet-up sessions, and book signings for young adult readers. The fabulous Magic City Books will be the on-site book vendor. October 28. Admission, free. oktbc.org

Young readers can meet some of their favorite authors during the Oklahoma Teen Book Con in Tulsa. Photo Chris Hennes

An army of scary and supernatural creatures overtaking downtown Shawnee might be cause for concern at any other time, but during Monsters on Main Halloween Festival that type of gathering is exactly what everyone is hoping for. Don a scary or spooky-fun costume and enjoy local vendors, face painting, and a high-flying acrobatics show in Woodland Park while awaiting Trick or Treat festivities at 3 p.m. on Main Street. There is a costume contest for humans and another one for their pets, so dress to impress. October 28. Admission, free. communityrenewal.org

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.