Weekly Events Calendar September 2-8

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.

Competitors display their homage to the Golden Driller during the Great Raft Race in 2018. Photo provided by Great Raft Race.

The River Wild

Get wet and wild at the fifth annual Great Raft Race, stretching from Sand Springs’ Case Community Park all the way to Tulsa’s River West Festival Park. The race initially ran from 1973 to 1991 and, at its peak, there were six hundred rafts with 4,500 racers competing for a crowd of about 150,000 spectators along the banks of the Arkansas River. Watch as teams compete in two categories: one for canoes, kayaks, inflatable rafts, and stand-up paddleboards and another for homemade rafts. September 2. Parking, Free-$10. Info@tulsaraftrace.com or https://www.tulsaraftrace.com.

Rib Ticklers

Trying to categorize Shinyribs, which plays the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City this week, is an exercise in futility. Americana seems too broad and “country-soul, swamp-funk, and tickle” (as the band’s website proclaims) might be too specific. Which means, we guess, that you’ll just have to listen to the band play—along with opening act The Bottle Rockets—and figure it out for yourself. September 3. Tickets, $15-$25. (405) 708-6937 or towertheatreokc.com.

Shinyribs plays Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City this week. Photo by Wyatt McSpadden

Who’s Bad

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what if your eye just can’t help but behold your own art as ugly? Guymon Public Library & Arts Center is here to help with Bad Art Night for Adults. Forget perfection and just have fun. The center is raiding the craft closet to help you tackle a self portrait with a cringe-worthy twist. All skill levels are welcome! September 3. Admission, Free. (580) 338-7330 or https://www.facebook.com/guymonpublib.

Gardener’s Pose

Stretch away your anxieties in the welcoming embrace of The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University during Yoga in the Garden. Bring a mat and an open mind as the extremely aptly named yoga therapist Carol Bender leads the class through a mindful and healthy journey on the lower East lawn of the Display Gardens. Since the class is outdoors, participants should also bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a hand towel. September 4. Registration, free. (405) 744-4531 or http://botanicgarden.okstate.edu/events/yoga-in-the-garden.

Four-Stringed Fantasy

Celebrate that most-American of instruments as the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City presents Banjo Fest. Though Thursday’s welcome reception and barbecue are sold out, there’s still plenty of pickin’ and grinnin’ to be had, including the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame induction ceremony and concert, hours of informal performances, and the big finale show featuring the Alison Brown Quintet, the Grascals with Kristin Scott Benson,
and Buddy Wachter and Johnny Baier. September. 5-7. Tickets, $25-$125. (405) 604-2793 or http://www.banjofest2019.com.

Banjo Fest brings beautiful stringed music to Oklahoma City this week.

Founding Fun

Though the city of Piedmont got its start way back before statehood, the Piedmont Founders Day only began in 1991. Now one of the city’s longest-running events, the celebration includes a 5K race, parade, and plenty of food. Browse “Junklahoma” for vintage and antique finds, get wet with the Piedmont Fire Department, and enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo. September 7. Admission, Free. https://piedmontokfoundersday.org.

Dachshund Dash

On your marks! Get set! Wiggle! There are all sorts of reasons to attend the Cleveland County Free Fair in Norman, but one in particular gives us warm-and-fuzzy feelings: the fourth annual State Weiner Dog Racing Championships. Long bodies and short legs don’t mean these puppies aren’t full of the need for speed, so grab a seat and watch these dachshunds race for glory (and a top prize of $200). September 8. Admission, Free. https://www.facebook.com/clevelandcountyokfallfair

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.