GUIDE: The Best Things to Do in Oklahoma in January

by Marley Coyne

01/06/2014

We’ve curated some of the best events happening across the state this month. There’s enough good stuff here to keep you busy every day for the rest of January, so get doin’. And let us know what you’re up to.

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January 21: On Assignment: The Photojournalism of Horatio Bristol  
In 1938, Horatio Bristol photographed migrant workers living in California, who were suffering the ramifications of the Great Depression. Through his lens, Bristol captured a country in social and cultural crisis. His work also includes images of the American West, Bali, World War II and postwar Japan. Visit the Fred Jones Museum of Art to view some of his most powerful work.

January 22: Railroad Earth
Railroad Earth hails from Stillwater…New Jersey. They may not be local, but come watch them take the Cain’s Ballroom stage anyway and discover newgrass (the progressive younger brother of bluegrass). More about Railroad Earth.

January 23: Eagle Watch
Sure, last week it was colder in Oklahoma than in Iceland, but the snow has to melt eventually. Either way, bundle up and grab a pair of binoculars for a small group tour and eagle watch off Lake Thunderbird. More about the Eagle Watch.

January 24-25: Trail Dance Film Festival
Twenty-six Golden Drovers—the Okie’s Oscar—are up for grabs. The independent film festival features works, short and long, of several genres, including comedy, drama, action, horror, documentary, and animated. Festivities conclude with an awards ceremony. Come choose your favorites. More about the Trail Dance Film Festival.

January 26: Funkadesi
According to President Barack Obama, “There’s a lot of funk in that desi.” The Chicago-based tour group blends elements of traditional Indian music with reggae, funk and Afro-Carribean grooves in its fast-paced musical celebration of cultural diversity and acceptance. Book tickets here.

January 27: Bedlam Basketball
Oklahoma’s feuding families face off at the Lloyd Noble Center. When it comes to the Bedlam series, stakes are high. Join the fans as Oklahoma State attempts to recover from their football season defeat and declare your allegiance by wearing either crimson or orange. More about the game.

January 28: Moscow Festival’s Don Quixote Ballet
Miguel de Cervantes’ magnum opus comes to life. Join Don Quixote and his devoted squire, Sancho Panza, on a quest for honor and the love of the beautiful Dulcinea. Presented by the Moscow Festival Ballet company. At the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. More about the ballet here.

January 29: The Odd Couple
The Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma revamps a 1960s favorite. In this laugh-out-loud take on Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” two unlikely friends find themselves roommates. The show runs Jan. 29-Feb. 15. Book tickets here.

January 30: Devon Ice Rink
Sharpen your blades for the final days of the Devon Ice Rink this season, which ends on February 2.  The rink, located in the Myriad Botanical Gardens, provides a bit of outdoor entertainment after a month where most exercise consists of lifting the remote.  More about the Devon Ice Rink.

January 31: Motorhead Events Arenacross
End the month with an adrenaline rush. Arenacross, the engines-revving, pulse-pumping extreme sport, takes Claremore in a two-day event sure to wow even the most seasoned thrill-chaser.  More about the event.

Bonus event: Sam Harris launches his memoir, Ham: Slices of Life at the IDL Ballroom in Tulsa. Hosted by Booksmart Tulsa, the event features Sand Springs native and Broadway star reading from and answering questions about his touching and hilarious book of essays. More information here.