Weekly Events Calendar: April 13-19, 2026

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.

The Land Rush of 1889 opened millions of acres of land in modern day central Oklahoma and led to the founding of cities like Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, and Guthrie, the latter of which was the short-lived original capital of the state. Guthrie will spend the week honoring this unique founding during the 89er Days Celebration featuring a long list of events and activities. It starts Tuesday, April 14, with the Chuckwagon Feed where you can get your Western style grub on. The ninety-seventh annual 89er Parade goes through downtown Guthrie on Saturday, and the 89er Carnival and Rodeo will be going on throughout the week.
April 14-18. Admission, free (Carnival wristband, $30).
89erdays.com

Whether it’s your first time picking up a bow or you already have skills comparable to a Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen, the Jack Links Total Archery Challenge at Beavers Bend State Park is a fun time everyone will want in their quiver. Hundreds of 3-D targets will be on site on a variety of courses at different skill levels. There will also be a children’s stationary range, novelty shots for big prizes, and plenty of outdoor vendor booths. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful springtime confines of Beavers Bend—that’s a bull’s-eye!
**April 9-11. Registration, $60-$115. Youth registration (six-fifteen), $35-$50. Non-shooter registration, $15-45.
$15-45. [totalarcherychallenge.com

Test your aim on hundreds of 3-D targets during the Jack Links Total Archery Challenge at Beavers Bend State Park. Photo courtesy Jack Links Total Archery Challenge

When it comes to gazing up at a starry night sky, it is tough to beat the view at Black Mesa State Park in Kenton. In fact, Black Mesa is the first state park to be designated a DarkSky Park by DarkSky International. A party is in order for such a distinction, so thus we have the DarkSky Park Celebration planned for the night of April 17. Come enjoy group night hikes, telescope viewings with the OKC Astronomy Club, a cowboy talk around the campfire and more thrills for all you star-crossed lovers. Admission is free, but reserve your spot online before they fill up.
April 17-18. Admission, free with registration.
eventbrite.com

Black Mesa State Park in Kenton is now designated an official DarkSky Park by DarkSky International. A special night of celebration at the park, with telescope viewings by the OKC Astronomy Club, is planned for late this Friday. Photo by Adrian Bradley

Now everybody’s heard about the bird, but have you heard about Heard on Hurd in Edmond? Those who are into great music, great food, and walkable street gatherings in Central Oklahoma surely have. The Heard on Hurd street festival returns to downtown Edmond (area around the corner of Hurd Street and North Broadway Avenue) with dozens of food trucks and vendor booths, a children’s activity zone, and a live music stage featuring tunes from Sapphires Garden, Hoss Miller, and Brandon Birdwell. Music starts at 6 pm and goes until 10 pm.
**April 18. Admission, free. e. [facebook.com

Fresh air, great music, and plenty of delicious food trucks make Edmond's Heard on Hurd a great Saturday evening party for all. Photo courtesy Heard on Hurd

Some know watercress as a trendy type of microgreen that lends a peppery flavor atop a fancy dish, but the Cherokee culture has been consuming watercress for food and medicine for centuries. The Watercress Fest at the Saline Courthouse Museum in Rose is a celebration of Cherokee culture and their perspective on native plants and the environment. Enjoy educational cultural talks, stickball demonstrations, live music, food trucks, a pop-up market, conservational efforts and more on this perfect springtime outing.
April 18. Admission, free. visitcherokeenation.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.