Weekly Events Calendar September 16-22

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.

Chess We Can

Monday afternoons at the McAlester Public Library are reserved for chess enthusiasts of all kinds. Both kings of the craft and mere rook(ie)s are welcome to attend McAlester Chess Club. Those seeking to flex their chess prowess are invited to mentor first-timers, turning the notoriously silent sport into a realm for friendly competition. Who knows, you may even gain a best mate from a “checkmate.” September 16. Admission, Free. facebook.com.

Don't pawn your kids off on grandma; McAlester Chess Club is for all ages and skill levels.

Art House is Very, Very, Very Fine House

Art House Theater Day is a monthly event meant to cultivate cinephilia with a strong sense of community. Tulsa’s beloved Circle Cinema is kicking off spooky season with In Fabric, a darkly funny horror flick about a truly killer dress. The show starts at 7 p.m., but early birds can enjoy a complimentary hot dog bar as well as Fears & Beers Trivia beginning at 5 p.m. September 18. Tickets, Free-$9.50. (918) 585-3504 or circlecinema.org.

Music is the Best Medicine

For six years now, Jason Boland and the Turnpike Troubadours have curated a quality lineup for Tahlequah’s Medicine Stone Music Festival. A medley of country and Americana artists sink their roots into the Diamondhead Resort for one unforgettable weekend. Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Carter Sampson, and John Fullbright are just a few of the Okie artists playing this year’s festival. Tickets and camping passes for Oklahoma’s premier Red Dirt music fest are on sale now—and going fast. September 19-21. Tickets, $60+. medicinestoneok.com.

You'll be a smokie Okie if you get down to Duncan for Blues, Brews, & BBQ.

Drinks on Duncan

Wishbone Scratch Kitchen believes brisket is best served with a cold beer and a case of the blues. Hosted by Oklahoma’s Vanessa House Beer Company, Blues, Brews, & BBQ provides attendees a night of entertainment, beer, and unlimited barbecue. Lick your fingers and clap your hands to Lawton’s own Blueprint band. Each ticket affords not only a satisfying Saturday night, but also a chance to win a super swag bag. Nothing to be blue about in Duncan! September 20. Tickets, $25. (580) 606-6034 or facebook.com

Out and About

Equality is always in season, but the annual Enid Pride celebration will take to the town square on Saturday in particular. Swing by the Garfield County Courthouse to take part in a variety of Pride festivities. The family-friendly affair will feature live music, a drag pageant, and more than sixty vendors and food trucks to peruse. An after party is set to last late into the night for those who would like to keep the drag show on the road. September 21. Admission, Free. facebook.com.

Indian Beats, Peruvian Eats

Though La Brasa is known for its late night dancing and exquisite Peruvian cuisine, a taste of India will shake up its atmosphere this month. Starting at 10 PM, Bollywood Night will serve up traditional Indian entertainment in addition to the lounge’s usual late night menu. Bollywood music and Hindi dancing will color La Brasa’s dance floor, letting Okies experience distant culture without going too far from home. September 21. Admission, $5. (405) 524-2251.

The tents are going up at Soldani Mansion for the Ponca City Arts Festival. Photo provided by Ponca City Art Association.

Picturesque Ponca

Visual art takes center stage at the annual Ponca City Arts Festival—a colorful weekend put on by the Ponca City Art Association. Artists gather from across the nation to showcase their work at the festival’s juried art show, which takes place just off the historic Soldani Mansion. Food and drink vendors will serve concessions to those interested in the weekend’s live art demonstrations and entertainers. The festival also provides a children’s art space and an interactive art area for those who prefer to look and touch. *September 21-22. Admission, Free. facebook.com.

Written By

Hannah Edmondson