Weekly Events Calendar, August 14-20, 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.

Enjoy a Shakespeare play not written by the bard when "Shakespeare in Love" comes to Oklahoma City. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Shakespeare

Sorry to put this on you all, but we're confcited (that's confused and excited) for the new show from Oklahoma Shakespeare, which is taking a break from the plays of William Shakespeare to present a play about William Shakespeare. Shakespeare in Love, a movie that won a staggering seven Academy Awards, has been adapted for the stage, which probably would have made Shakespeare quite pleased, and is running through August 20 at the Shakespeare Gardens in Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District. That all sounds amazing, right? Agreed. But is a movie about a playwright being adapted to a play that is performed by a company dedicated to the plays of said playwright meta or not? Actually, let's not worry about it and just go enjoy the show. August 17-20. Tickets, $13.94-$44.88. okshakes.org

We love all of Oklahoma's seventy-seven counties and Texas County is no exception, even if it shares a name with another state. Make tracks to Guymon for four days of fun at the Texas County Free Fair, including an antique tractor pull, horse shows, carnival rides, and more. While the food vendors are in a judgment-free zone, visitors can head inside to the judgment-required zone as sheep, goats, cattle, and hogs compete to make the grade. August 16-19. Admission, free. texascountyfair.com

See animals galore, plus tractor pulls and carnival rides, at the Texas County Fair in Guymon. Photo courtesy Texas County Fairgrounds

Everyone remembers the Great Smile Shortage of 1994 and that sad three-year stretch from 2007-2010 when picking was outlawed. But time heals all wounds, even the ones we just made up, and audiences can enjoy both picking and grinning at the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival in Lions Park. This annual hootenanny starts at 5 p.m. Friday featuring great gospel music and then reconvenes at 4 p.m. Saturday with some of the finest bluegrass bands in the state. Bring a lawn chair and some cash to drop on food trucks and your musical weekend is set! August 18-19. Admission, free. cityofblanchard.us

Bring a date or fly solo to a performance of The Matchmaker, presented by the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse. Laugh along with Thorton Wilder's classic farce about finding love amid an avalanche of misadventures. Watch Horace Vandergelder in his search for romance be both aided and thwarted by Dolly Gallagher Levi. And if that plot sounds similar to a famous musical, well, say "Hello!" to the original. August 18-20, 25-27. Tickets, $20-$22. bacptheatre.com

Bring wet wipes, because Poteau's Brave the Mud Run won't leave anyone spick or span. Photo courtesy Brave the Mud Run

There's nothing wrong with being clean, the preferred state of being for bathrooms, kitchens, and movies when there are kids watching. But for those who want a little extra grit in their lives, head to Poteau's Leflore County Fairgrounds for the Brave the Mud Run. This 5K race is chip timed and takes runners from the fairgrounds through the Frisco Trails on a muddy, challenging obstacle course that will put racers to the test. But if that isn't difficult enough, try it in a costume, which are encouraged. August 19. Registration, $45 or $40 per person on teams of three or more. runsignup.com

Written By

Greg Elwell

Greg Elwell served as research editor and web editor of Oklahoma Today from 2018-2023. He also has worked for newspapers, medical research organizations, and government institutions.