Remote Control: Virtual Is Reality

While the pandemic doesn’t seem to be going away, many Oklahomans are finding ways around the virus to gather and participate in social events. I’ve written about some of these activities in my last few posts—from local libraries offering remote services to help keep Oklahomans engaged to Oklahoma’s state parks and wide open spaces. This week, I’ll be discussing a recent addition to Oklahomans social calendars: virtual events.

Facebook Live and other social media broadcasting services aren't exactly new, but since the pandemic broke we've seen a surge of online events allowing locals to engage in fun activities from livestream concerts and festivals to online markets and tutorials, all from the comfort of home. Whether you’re interested in cooking classes or shopping from local Native American artisans, check out the list below for a few of October’s upcoming virtual events across Oklahoma.

October is LGBT History Month and Edmond is celebrating Pride virtually to honor the local LGBTQIA+ community through family-friendly events, contests, and performances. The event will be broadcast on Edmond Pride's Facebook page with roundtable discussions on LGBT history, spirituality, politics, mental health, and safe sex, as well as a drag night, self-defense classes, LGBTQIA trivia, and a "Good LGBT Reads" session hosted by the Edmond Public Library. October 9-25. Admission, Free. (405) 439-5888 or facebook.com

Whether you’re shopping for Native American art or want to celebrate Tulsa’s fourth annual Native American Day, this event is for you. The celebration starts on October 11, with a virtual market via Zoom sessions with Native artists and vendors. The formal celebration kicks off the next day at 8 am with speakers like Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, followed by cultural dancing, music by a Cherokee choir, a virtual tour of the First Americans Museum, and more. The event will be broadcast on Tulsa Native American Day’s Facebook page. **October 11-12. Admission, Free. (918) 596-7817 or 7 or [facebook.com

Haven’t had enough of your local library? Well Bartlesville Public Library offers a slew of free classes, including Nourishing Knowledge by Jen, a cooking class with trained pastry chef Jen Cannady. The class will demonstrate how to prepare healthy, nourishing meals using almond, oatmeal, and gluten-free flour options. Bartlesville Public Library’s virtual events are all streamed on its Facebook page until its public meeting rooms open back up. **October 15. Admission, Free. (918) 338-4179 or or [facebook.com

For those with an inner artist waiting to come out, Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Virtual Spirits and Sketches: Collaging Narrative event might be the one for you. The museum’s fall exhibition Shared Lives, Distant Places focuses on the concept of photographs as tools for telling stories. In this event, join museum Manager of Outreach and Early Learning Amanda Harmer for a virtual drawing and collaging session in tune with that theme, alongside your favorite cocktail or mocktail. **October 22. Admission, $5-$8. (405) 236-3100 or or [okcmoa.com

If you attend a virtual event, let me know what you think, or send me future story tips at abigail.hall@travelok.com.

Written By

Abigail Hall

Abigail Hall is Oklahoma Today's fall editorial intern.