GUIDE: February Festivals & Things To Do

by This Land

02/17/2014

Spring is so close we can almost taste it. And while we could get hit by another snowstorm this month (you never can tell with Oklahoma weather), it’s not too early to get in the festival spirit. There are several happening around the state in these last couple of weeks of February, along with some other fun things to do.

Jordan World Circus
Feb. 17-18, Lawton
Watch the local Shriners engage in death-defying stunts, clown shenanigans, animal escapades, and more. Gasp in between mouthfuls of popcorn and slurps of Slushee at their feats of bravery (and hilarity). The Jordan World Circus promises a show suitable for all ages. If you miss the one in Lawton, head to Ada on Feb. 19 or Tulsa Feb. 27 and 28. More information and tickets here.

State Fiddlers Winter Festival
Feb. 20-23, Wagoner
Professional fiddlers from all over the state converge annually at Sequoyah State Park for the State Fiddlers Winter Festival. Live music all day, dancing all night—it’s enough to warm you through, no matter how cold it is outside. If you’re a fiddler yourself, get in on one of the jam sessions. If not, sit back (or get up and dance) and enjoy three days worth of folk, bluegrass, and Western swing music. More information here.

Murder at the Museum
Feb. 21, Oklahoma City
The Museum of Osteology in OKC hosts an evening of danger and deceit—and skeletons. Try to solve the mystery before the suspect—who could very well be you—adds another set of bones to the museum (in between dinner courses, of course). More information and tickets here.

Battle of Round Mountain Re-enactment
Feb. 21-23, Yale
The Battle of Round Mountain was the first fight over Indian Territory during the Civil War. “This historic battle fought in Payne County saw approximately 1,400 Confederate soldiers under the command of Colonel Douglas H. Cooper pursue roughly 9,000 Unionist civilians led by Opothleyahola, a famous Upper Creek leader,” according to TravelOK. “These civilians were attempting to avoid an alliance with the Confederacy and ultimately chose to flee to the protection of Union forces in Kansas.” To commemorate the event, organizers near Yale create a Civil War-era winter encampment, and living history soldiers spend three days bringing the battle back to life. Vendors in period garb also set up tents to sell wares, and there’s a period church service on Sunday. More information here.

Frederick’s Fantastic Oyster Fry & Craft Show
Feb. 22, Frederick
It started in 1952 when Bramlett Johnson brought a gallon of oysters from the Gulf of Mexico home with him to Manitou, Oklahoma. He fried ‘em up and served them to his family, friends, and the Manitou school board, teachers, and their families. He started a tradition that continued until 1983, when the price of oysters shot so high the town couldn’t continue its annual fry. Seven years later, the town of Frederick revived the event, and it’s been going strong ever since. In addition to a hearty plate of oysters—fried or raw, your choice—your ticket also gets you helpings of homemade cole slaw, potato chips, bread, iced tea, and coffee. Browse the craft fair before or after your meal. More information and tickets here.

Bart and Nadia Sports Experience 2014
Feb. 21-23, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s celebrity gymnasts (and Olympic gold medalists) Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci host collegiate and elite gymnastics competitions, an underground 5K race, an indoor kayak and rowing challenge, an archery challenge, an “adventure experience” challenge, and a free health and wellness fair at the Cox Convention Center. More information here.

Fabulous February Bluegrass Festival
Feb. 21-22, Ardmore
Professional and non-professional musicians alike come together to celebrate and play bluegrass at this two-day indoor festival at Lake Murray State Park. Five scheduled performances each day; plenty of jam sessions in between. More information here.

Waynoka Chili Cookoff
Feb. 22, Waynoka
Eat your heart out at the annual Waynoka Chili Cookoff, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Contestants vie for the people’s choice award. Vote early, vote often. More information here.

New Genre Arts Festival
Feb. 25-March 8, Tulsa
Hosted by Living Arts of Tulsa, New Genre celebrates non-traditional, experimental art forms and artworks—and has been for 21 years. The two-weekend-long festival boasts installation, performance, dance, and music works by artists from Oklahoma and around the world. Highlights this year include a mobile installation and performance series centered around a camping trailer, a performance project and installation challenging daily routine, and a multimedia work created using sustainable energy. More information and tickets here.