Weekly Events Calendar: August 4-10, 2025

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.

This August, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center brings Ragtime: The Musical to the stage August 8-24. Set in early 1900s America, the story follows an African American pianist, a Jewish immigrant, and a wealthy white family whose paths cross in unexpected ways. Based on E. L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel, the Tony Award-winning musical features a sweeping score performed with a live nine-piece orchestra. With themes of change, resilience, and justice, Ragtime: The Musical hits all the right notes, so head to Tulsa for a show that’ll keep your heart racing and your toes tapping.
**August 8-24. Tickets start at $35. $35. [tulsapac.com/ragtime

When we tell you about this next event, we promise we’re not just blowing hot air. Lift off from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds during the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival this weekend. Take a scenic ride in one of 20 hot air balloons or (for those of us who are height-averse) stay grounded and enjoy the view as vibrant balloons light up the Shawnee skyline. There’s plenty to do on the ground, too, with live music, mini-golf, food trucks, craft vendors, and the Outdoor Nation Expo inside FireLake Arena. Between the balloons and the bites, it’s guaranteed to be a gas (and not just from the food trucks).
**August 8-9. Admission, free. $25 for a tethered ride.
ide. [firelakeballoonfest.com

There's no sight quite like a field and sky full of coloful hot air balloons. One of the best shows around is the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival, returning to the Shawnee area August 8-9.

Take a tour of global culture with no TSA lines. The Global Gatherings World Festival returns to the Gathering Place Saturday, August 9, 4 to 10 p.m., inviting attendees to celebrate the many cultures that call the city home. Enjoy traditional demonstrations, artisan vendors, hands-on activities, and face painting for the kids (and kids-at-heart). Grab a bite from food trucks serving up international flavors, and stick around for dancers and musicians from around the world. The night ends on a high note with a headlining performance by award-winning Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina.
August 9. Admission, free.
gatheringplace.org

Holy smokes! It’s Smokey Bear’s eighty-first birthday! Celebrate the wildfire-fighting icon at Lake Murray, Roman Nose, and Sequoyah State Parks with photos, games, crafts, sweet treats, giveaways, and outdoor fun. Make a weekend of it: Lake Murray offers cabins, a splash pad, and plenty of lake adventures, while Roman Nose features canyon views, hiking, a historic pool, and unique lodging from cabins to teepees, and Sequoyah has lakeside trails, horseback riding, a marina, and Oklahoma’s largest lodge. Only YOU can make the most of this celebration by getting outside and enjoying Oklahoma’s state parks!
**August 9. Admission, free. Parking, $5.
g, $5. [TravelOK.com/state-parks

Smokey Bear's Birthday Celebration is this week! Visitors meet the Big Fella and enjoy games, crafts, and outdoor fun with a visit this Saturday to the Lake Murray, Roman Nose, or Sequoyah state parks. Photo by Nathan Gunter

You’re at a summer cookout in Oklahoma—friends crowd around the best watermelon you’ve ever had, some slices sprinkled with salt or Tajín. You ask where it’s from: Rush Springs. It’s an Oklahoma rite of passage (or ripe of passage). Now imagine a whole festival of that watermelon. It’s not heaven, but it’s in seed spittin’ distance. The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival celebrates Oklahoma’s favorite summer fruit with over 50,000 pounds of juicy melon. Festivities start with a rodeo Thursday and Friday, followed by the main event Saturday with seed-spitting contests, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and live music.
**August 9. Admission, free.
Admission, free. [facebook.com/rushspringswatermelonfestival

Rise and rind this Saturday during the return of the fan-favorite Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. Photo by Lori Duckworth

Written By

Zoe Elrod