Weekly Events Calendar, May 29-June 4, 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.

Fall in love with Love County during the annual Love County Frontier Days in Marietta. Photo courtesy Love County Frontier Days

Where is the love? According to various songwriters it's all around us, has gone away, and apparently it was all over the place in the time of cholera. But if you're looking for Oklahoma's Love County, check out the state's southern border. And guests will fall in love with the area during Love County Frontier Days in Marietta. The courthouse lawn is the place to be for live music, food vendors, parades, a 5K, carnival rides, fireworks, and the truest expression of love known to mankind: a hot dog eating contest. June 1-3. Admission, free. facebook.com/lovecountyfrontierdays

It's hard enough trying to explain to kids that the world survived just fine without streaming video, much less convincing them that there was a time when owning books was considered the height of luxury. Take an entertaining trip into the history of passing on knowledge at Stroud's Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival. With national and local storytellers using a variety of styles and genres, it's a two-day festival in which attendees can hear tall tales, true stories, and the magic of visuals carried by human voice. June 2-3. Tickets, $5-$35. territorytellers.com

Storytelling remains an important way to pass our ideas and culture to others. Experience it live at Stroud's Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival. Photo by Pexels

With more than 100 tribes represented, Oklahoma City's Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival has grown into one of the oldest and most respected gatherings for native art, dance, and heritage. Works on display include contemporary and traditional beadwork, basketry, jewelry, and more in a setting that knows more than a little about great regional art: the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. In addition to the dance competition, there will be hands-on arts and crafts stations for kids, live music, and a juried art show. June 2-3. Tickets, $15-$25. redearth.org

While they're certainly welcome, there are currently no plans for the remaining members of the Tijuana Brass to attend the annual Ponca City Herb Festival. Much as we want to celebrate the music of instrumentalist wunderkind Herb Alpert, this festival focuses on a different kind of herb, as well as plants, veggies, and more gardening goodness. The Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens host the bash that features local vendors, children's activities, and seminars for aspiring botanists. June 3. Admission, free. poncacityherbfestival.com

Opera is alive! See new works in Edmond at the 10-Minute Opera Festival. Photo by Opera On Tap

Most of us think of opera as some sort of grand affair, using classic texts, and sung in a language we don't understand, but the art form is far from dead. Nothing is stopping anyone from writing up their own brand-new opera and everyone can hear it when the 10-Minute Opera Festival comes to Edmond's University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab. Five local composers created short operas on subjects as diverse as competitive bowling, space frogs, and family life to be performed at the Jazz Lab. Who knows? Maybe the next Georges Bizet will be in the audience, waiting to be inspired to create their own opera about the fast-paced and extremely handsome world of writing event calendars. June 4. Tickets, $25. operaontap.org

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.