August 2026 Issue for Issuu

AUGUST 2026

AUGUST 2026

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

Nations of Renewal Exploring tribal momentum and innovation

Plus: Arts Preview Outstanding High School Seniors

BEYOND THE DEGREE Inside Oklahoma’s higher education evolution

To learn more about how OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is transforming cancer care for northeast Oklahoma, visit StephensonCancerCenter.org/Tulsa.

Stephenson Cancer Center

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Contents

Oklahoma Magazine

August 2026

Features

42

30 Beyond the Degree Higher education is evolving, with Oklahoma universities rethinking how they welcome students, support them through their transition to college, and help them build meaningful paths beyond graduation through hands-on learning, entrepreneurship and career-connected experiences.

The result is a more cohesive college journey, where students are encouraged to explore, build confidence and see a clearer line between study and future opportunity.

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38 Nations of Renewal Across Oklahoma, tribal nations are expanding economic opportunity, preserving cultural traditions and investing in future generations. From advanced aviation and healthcare initiatives to environmental stewardship and youth leadership, Native nations are reshaping our communities for the better.

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36 Outstanding High School Seniors They are innovators, volunteers, scholars, athletes, researchers and leaders — young people already leaving their marks on the world. Through hard work, vision, empathy and an unwavering drive to excel, these outstanding high school seniors have distinguished themselves in extraordinary ways.

30

State

6 Starting Off One hundred years after its founding, Route 66 continues to connect travelers, towns and traditions across America.

8 Culture 10 Philanthropy 12 Business 14 Nature 16 Makers 18 Clubs 20 Insider

Life & Style

22 Destinations Jamaica’s food, music, history and warm hospitality offer visitors an authentic Caribbean experience beyond the typical resort vacation.

24 Health 26 FYI 28 Outside the Metro 29 Scene

Taste

48 First Bite What began as a neighborhood sandwich shop has quickly evolved into The Goose: a dining destination where exceptional food meets an unmistakably welcoming vibe.

49 Local Flavors 50 Chef Chat 51 Tasty Tidbits

Where & When

52 Entertainment The August calendar is sizzling with events.

55 Film and Cinema 56 Closing Thoughts

AUGUST 2026

AUGUST 2026

42 A Season of Inspiration Whether you’re drawn to symphonies, ballet, theater, opera or visual art, Oklahoma’s cultural calendar offers Nations Renewal something that will inspire. We preview the exhibitions, events and performances audiences won’t BEYOND THE DEGREE want to miss in 2026 and 2027.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

Exploring tribal momentum and innovation

Plus:

Arts Preview Outstanding High School Seniors

Inside Oklahoma’s higher education evolution

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

ON THE COVER: COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND OKLAHOMA TALK RECRUITMENT TACTICS, FASTGROWING DEGREE PROGRAMS AND MORE IN OUR HIGHER ED ISSUE.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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OKLAHOMA Letter from the Editor

While the July edition is, hands down, our biggest issue of the year, I assure you we aren’t resting on our laurels the rest of the summer ... even if I wish we could.

This month, we celebrate back-to-school season with two features: a deep dive into higher education and the annual Outstanding Seniors feature. In the first, we speak to local colleges and universities about recruitment challenges, fast-growing degree programs, entrepreneurship on campus and the transitional challenges many freshmen encounter (page 30). In the second, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on a handful of Oklahoma students heading to universities across the country, featuring bite-sized Q&As about their accomplishments so far and the dreams they're eager to pursue (page 36).

We also sit down with members of several Native American nations to discuss tourism and business growth, intertribal collaboration efforts, environmental stewardship initiatives and the many avenues through which Native youth are pursuing leadership opportunities and civic engagement (page 38).

We are standing on the precipice of another dazzling performing arts season, which I’ve mapped out in our Arts Preview. See an expansive listing of upcoming musicals, exhibitions, concerts and community events starting on page 42.

If you’re hankering for more, we're got content aplenty. Peruse late summer and early fall events in honor of the Route 66 Centennial (page 6); view the handcrafted works of Oklahoma furniture makers (page 16); and learn more about the valiant efforts of volunteer firefighters (page 10).

Happy August! I hope you’re thriving (or surviving) in the dog days of summer.

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K . SCHUMAN

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JOHN WOOLEY

GRAPHIC DESIGN DWAYNE BUTLER

DIGITAL CONSULTANT JAMES AVERY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, BRENT FUCHS

CONTACT US ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

ADVERTISING@OKMAG.COM

EVENTS AND CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: EVENTS@OKMAG.COM

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT CONTENT: EDITOR@OKMAG.COM

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: MAIL@OKMAG.COM

What’s HOT at

OKMAG.COM See additional responses from this year's Outstanding Seniors at okmag.com.

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

Coming in September

Faces of Oklahoma Stand out from the crowd

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5

The State | Starting Off

The State With the centennial anniversary approaching, Oklahoma leadership has a slate of Route 66 events planned, concluding on Nov. 11. Photos by Rhys Martin, Cloudless Lens Photography

Still Kicking on 66

One hundred years after its founding, Route 66 continues to connect travelers, towns and traditions across America.

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ith its enduring, endearing 2,400 miles of continuous roadway from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 has earned its place as a national treasure. The inspiration for Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and John Steinbeck’s classic, Grapes of Wrath, today’s quirky roadside art and attractions, spectrum of scenery and the sheer variety of personalities in the cities and towns throughout eight distinctly different states continue to offer a unique experience on the road.

“There’s a general understanding that Route 66 is this all-American highway, a great American road trip,” says Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “But when people actually get out here and experience it, they realize it’s so much more than that.

For me, Route 66 represents connection, and that’s how it originally was built – to connect communities together. You can slow down and meet shop owners, talk to folks about their third-generation restaurant or their life dream to build a 21-foot-tall space cowboy. You get to connect to other people from all over the world that have decided to use Route 66 as the lens they view this entire country.”

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Oklahomans are going all in to celebrate their 400 miles of drivable pavement – the most of any Route 66 state.

“Oklahoma gets it,” Martin says.

“Everybody that lives along the road is very proud to be a part of the greater Route 66 community. So when somebody says, ‘Hey, we’re going to do something for Route 66,’ you already have so much buy-in from a lot of people. And when you have a lot of people swimming in the same direction, it makes events that much better.”

Centennial activities began this spring and conclude on Nov. 11, the official centennial date. Among numerous upcoming events, Martin is excited about Oklahoma’s seven towns hosting September screenings of new documentary Route 66: The Main Street of America

by John Paget, also the creator of a 1994 award-winning Route 66 film.

“He’s come back to the road 30 years later and there’s going to be a rolling premiere at historic theaters from Tulsa to El Reno with filmmakers attending,” Martin says.

On Sept. 26, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association hosts a centennial car show at Sapulpa’s landmark Tee Pee Drive-In during the day, showing the movie Cars that evening. Nov. 11 is a fitting finale at the “Route 66 Tulsa Birthday Bash and

Veteran’s Day Parade,” with music and other performances throughout the Arts District, ending with a concert at Cain’s Ballroom. See the entire slate of events at OklahomaRoute66.com.

After such a big milestone, the followup question is: what’s next for The Mother Road?

“The State of Oklahoma has an ongoing annual grant fund of $6.6 million,” says Martin. “Cities can apply for more things that include preservation and restoration. You have people talking about some of the original pavement in western Oklahoma and how to preserve it.

“We’ve already had a lot of incredible projects come through. That grant originally was going to sunset in 2026, but it’s been so successful and it’s helped so many of these small towns that aren’t used to having this kind of resource or really given permission to dream ... and it will continue for a while longer.”

LISA PERRY

Route 66 Trivia Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and a Commissioner of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, offers some Route 66 facts for your next trivia night: • The “Father of Route 66,” Cyrus Avery, was from Tulsa.

• Lucille Hamons, who operated Lucille’s Service Station near Hydro, was known as the “Mother of The Mother Road.”

• The Threatt Filling Station, near Luther, was one of the only known Black-owned businesses on Route 66.

• The Round Barn in Arcadia was constructed in that shape due to a belief that tornados would go around it instead of through it.

• The small town of Erick produced two nationally known entertainers: Sheb Wooley and Roger Miller.

• The largest sculpture in Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, near Foyil, is 90 feet high and contains 28 tons of cement, 6 tons of steel and 100 tons of sand and rock.

• Route 66 was not completely paved in Oklahoma until 1937.

• The Oklahoma State Capitol, on Route 66 in Oklahoma City, was the first to feature a statue of a Native American on its dome.

• The Turner Turnpike, one of the first major highways in the country to bypass Route 66, was completed in 1953.

• The Beckham County Courthouse was shown in the background of the Joad family’s journey in the film The Grapes of Wrath.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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The State | Culture

Defying the Stream

Oklahoma theaters are fighting for a spectacular third act amid the rise of online entertainment.

B

Ornate details fill the Coleman Theatre in Miami, one of several Oklahoma venues finding new ways to thrive despite declining theater attendance.

Photos by Gary Crow

ehind the Coleman Theatre’s gold-leaf trim, and one-ton crystal chandelier rests a scrappy, never-say-die ruffian.

In 1929, George Coleman built the $600,000, 1,600-seat cinematic palace as a gift to the town where he amassed his mining fortune. After hosting legends like Will Rogers, however, the theater fell into neglect and faced demolition.

Local volunteers rallied to save it, piecing together a miraculous revival.

They recovered the long-lost chandelier from a horse stable and bought back the pipe organ from a Texas collector, using pocket change dropped into a lobby goldfish bowl.

Today, in the dead of night, some say a phantom organist plays the world’s only 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ still in its original venue.

“Now the Coleman Theatre looks like it did on opening night,” says general manager Danny Dillon. “Even better, because we finished up the ballroom that had never been completed.”

The grand Miami theatre now prospers as a dynamic community hub and a prime stop on Route 66. It hosts 8

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

events, tours, operas, orchestras, ballets, independent film festivals and classic movie screenings.

“We’re sort of like The Night at the Museum movies,” Dillon says. “If you come in and visit us during the day, you think we’re a museum. You come back at night, the whole place comes alive.”

Those restoration efforts and diversified programming are paying off.

The theater recently generated nearly $78,000 in about a month.

About two and a half hours west, another defiant spirit lingers at the historic Poncan Theatre.

Local lore warns that only the brave dare to sit in seat KK3. Whoever occupies the ghost’s seat supposedly “will stumble walking down the stairs,” says creative director Eddie Dixon.

Disembodied footsteps or not … the hard-scrabble Poncan plays directly to the community’s heart.

“Since we reopened,” Dixon says, “we’ve been a place for the community to hold events. And we’re a little different … we have the full stage.”

Local children perform full productions on the same stage where leg-end says Western star Tom Mix once rode his horse.

Visitors can also gaze at the world’s largest collection of 1930s hand-painted movie posters. Additional draws include occasional blockbuster musicals, free summer movies, film festivals, musical acts and budget-friendly pricing.

The only thing scarier than theater ghosts? A streaming revolution threatening venues nationwide.

Picky moviegoers and in-home streaming convenience have permanently curtained about 5,000 theater screens since the pandemic.

“It’s not just us,” Dixon says of the industry-wide struggles.

Theatergoers plummeted from 39% in 2019 to just 17% last year, with an Associated Press poll showing 75% of Americans prefer streaming new releases at home.

Yet Oklahoma’s most spirited theaters appear primed to play a supporting role in entertainment well into the future.

“It doesn’t have to be done at home on your computer,” says Dillon. “You can still enjoy the in-person, face to face of an event.”

Ultimately, these independent theaters are thriving on what a cold, athome screen lacks – the warmth of real community.

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9

The State | Philanthropy

Answering the Call

Volunteer firefighters remain the backbone of emergency response across much of Oklahoma, even as rural departments struggle to recruit new members.

For decades, volunteers have helped protect Tuttle and the surrounding area, providing critical support during Oklahoma’s busy grass fire season.

Photo courtesy the Tuttle Fire Department

ments have multiple generations of families who volunteer.”

After 35 years answering calls, Paxton is handing off the proverbial fire hose to a third generation.

“My 24-year-old son works the farm and is in the business sector, but he is already a Tuttle volunteer firefighter,” he says.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

O

Volunteer firefighters with the Jenks Fire Department train and respond alongside full-time personnel, helping bolster emergency services across the growing community.

Photo courtesy the Jenks Fire Department

f Oklahoma’s fire departments, around 81% are fully volunteer, primarily because many towns can’t afford full-time staff. Volunteer-heavy departments are more common in rural areas where wildfires often ignite.

Tuttle originally had an all-volunteer fire department that has gradually transitioned into a combo of full-time staff and volunteers. A Tuttle native whose family is from the area, Lonnie Paxton stepped into his uncle’s volunteer firefighter shoes 35 years ago, and says for many, they may average 30 or 40 calls a month, sometimes multiple in the same day – especially during grass fire season.

“In smaller towns, firefighters are usually responding to people they know,” Paxton says. “It’s comforting that it’s someone they know and can talk to, so it gives you that connection while they’re in a bad situation. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that I’m helping somebody out.”

Paxton admits that some incidents weigh heavy on him, but that “there are days when you’ve made life easier on somebody. A big grass fire was coming 10

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

across a pasture. We were able to get there with the resources and we saved their home.”

Jenks Fire Rescue Chief Greg Ostrum says Jenks has a combination department, with a corps of volunteers supplementing a full-time staff.

“This gives us a hiring pool for any full-time openings we have. Our volunteers are primarily younger men and women who want to become full-time firefighters, or are exploring options and ways to use skills they have acquired, like an EMT license,” says Ostrum.

“Required to work at least 24 hours each month, they experience all of the job aspects.”

Paxton, who is also a business owner, adds: “Rural fire departments absolutely face recruitment challenges. It’s hard to find volunteers with the ability to take off work when the fire department needs them.”

But Paxton says in smaller towns, “you know people in the community, and if you have the opportunity, you want to volunteer in some way, to give back.

Volunteerism is built into a lot of family dynamics, and also, a lot of fire depart-

Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter Paxton says each individual fire department has its own requirements and criteria for volunteers, along with its own hiring protocol, with departments training their volunteers. Multiple departments often team up for training opportunities.

“As far as training, we require the same level of training for volunteers as full-time,” says Ostrum. “They have the opportunity to become firefighter 1 and 2 certified, EMT, HazMat, Swift Water, Ropes, and Confined Space, to name a few. The requirements for these certifications are set by Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training.”

Those interested may visit the city’s website, jenks.com, and fill out a volunteer interest form under the Fire Department Information.

Applications must be 18 or older with a current state driver’s license and should be prepared to take a physical agility test.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

11

The State | Business

Wonderfully Weird

Action figures, antique medicines, dinosaur bones and a mummified cat are just some of Oklahoma’s most unusual museum finds – providing unforgettable stops for curious travelers.

The D.W. Correll Museum in Catoosa features an eclectic collection of rocks, fossils, antique vehicles and the museum’s unofficial mascot, “Fluffy,” a naturally mummified cat discovered inside a historic post office building.

Photos courtesy the D.W. Correll Museum

H

The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley displays more than 25,000 collectibles, drawing visitors from around the world with exhibits celebrating decades of pop culture history.

Photo courtesy the The Toy and Action Figure Museum

onored as a top authentic American experience by Time Magazine, the world’s first action figure museum began in a Pauls Valley basement.

Founder Kevin Stark promised his parents he’d clean up said basement if he could move his toys downstairs from the bedroom he shared with his two brothers.

“As a kid, I was creating my own worlds,” says the artist and toy designer.

“And I’ve done that with the museum.”

Today, his creation has grown into The Toy and Action Figure Museum.

The massive, 25,000-piece pop culture display attracts visitors worldwide to Pauls Valley.

Back in 2000, city leaders dreaming of economic engines landed on the idea of a quirky tourist destination.

“I’m an unofficial tourist attraction,” Stark jokes. “Maybe we ought to make it official.”

The University of Oklahoma alum often opened his private studio to curious folks who’d seen media reports on the toy designer who collected and designed 12

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and many other toy lines in his private Pauls Valley home studio.

“I’ll loan you my toys,” he told city leaders.

A group came together to transform an old 7,000-square-foot department store into the museum. The mindblowing display of miniatures opened in October 2005, featuring everything from 1959 Barbie to G.I. Joe to Star Wars memorabilia. Don’t miss the chaotic “Collector’s Bedroom” diorama, an action figure collector’s dream.

Among 20,000 yearly visitors have been Japanese tag team wrestlers, a fouryear-old boy who proclaimed, “This is the best day of my life!” and grown men who dissolved into tears, Stark says.

“We’re really not about toys,” he adds.

“We’re about memories.”

Your quirky road trip continues about 87 miles north at Guthrie’s Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum. The restored pharmacy features a vast array of late 19th and early 20th century pharmaceutical memorabilia. One popular exhibit combines beauty and yuck value.

“The leech jar is always a hit!” says

Sandi Colby, museum docent and Oklahoma Pharmacy Heritage Foundation president. Indeed, blood-sucking organisms were so highly regarded during the 19th-century leech mania medicine phase that they were displayed in beautiful ceramic jars proudly labeled “LEECHES.” Don’t miss the asthma cigarettes or the historic hysteria cures, either.

Next up, circle back to the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district.

It holds the world’s largest publicly displayed banjo collection. The 400-plus instruments and memorabilia include comedian Steve Martin’s 1927 Gibson Florentine banjo used in his The Tonight Show “wild and crazy” stand-up routine.

“I chose comedy over bluegrass,” Martin famously joked, “because nobody ever said, ‘Look at that banjo player in that Porsche!’”

Finally, you’ll find more quirkiness in Catoosa at the D.W. Correll Museum.

Enjoy rare rocks, gems, fossils, a 13-foot dinosaur skeleton, antique cars – and Fluffy, the cat.

When rockhound D.W. Correll bought the 1885 post office building at auction in 1969, he found a naturally mummified cat inside. He put Fluffy on display.

So, now the mummified cat is the unofficial museum mascot – another gotta-see exhibit.

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13

The State | Nature

Saving the Night Sky

Oklahoma’s remaining dark sky destinations offer prime conditions for astronomy while highlighting the environmental costs of excessive night time lighting.

Oklahoma City Astronomy Club member Jessica Brody caught images of the Messier 33 Triangulum Galaxy (above) and the Messier 42 Orion Nebula (below) with her Seestar smart telescope. Photos by Jessica Brody

A

s far back as Ptolemy in A.D. 150, astronomers have sought a closer look at the cosmos.

The famed astronomer named twelve constellations that became the zodiac, and forty-eight constellations in all, visible during different seasons throughout the year.

The night sky has surely fascinated observers for centuries, but the tools used to explore it have changed dramatically.

On clear nights, free of light pollution and other atmospheric toxins, smart phones are now strong enough for night sky astrophotography, according to Gil Garcia of the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Utilizing camera settings of five-minute exposures creates the possibility of photographing hundreds of stars.

Of course, even the best camera settings cannot overcome one obstacle that affects astronomers at every level: light pollution. Two decades ago in Sky and Telescope Magazine, astronomer John E. Bortle discussed this issue, inventing the Bortle scale of 1-9, with one being the least amount of light pollution and nine assigned to areas with the most. But, 14

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

even if a location suffers from a lot of light pollution, high-quality telescopes can capture the galaxies above.

“You see these beautiful images coming from world class telescopes,” says Tucker Capps, also with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at OU. “Those cameras are super powerful, and they have a lot of things working for them, like the JWST [James Webb Space Telescope], they’re actually looking through no atmosphere, whereas, ground-based telescopes have to look through the atmosphere. The thing that makes these images so incredible, though, is how much light you gather, how many photons, how much light you collect from the object and stack on top of the image.”

Finding darker skies is as important as choosing the right camera. Quartz Mountain State Park, located in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, scores a mere three on the Bortle scale. The best time to capture great images is typically the spring, which Garcia calls "galaxy season."

“That is when you get the chance to take pictures of all these galaxies in the sky, like the Whirlpool Galaxy, Bode's Galaxy and the Pinwheel Galaxy. Those

are all spring targets for night sky photography,” he says. “Comets and things that are going around the sun, they’re all on a clock. We’re able to time them very precisely, and they repeat regularly.”

That’s if light pollution is minimal or non-existent. As Capps puts it, “even the darkest sky in Oklahoma is not the darkest sky you can have.”

Brad Ferguson, president of the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, says light pollution’s negative effects are vast.

“Light pollution not only erases the sky, but it has an effect on wildlife, too,” he says.

The consequences extend beyond astronomy. Scientists and conservationists say excessive nighttime lighting disrupts natural systems that have relied on darkness for millions of years. According to the Director of Conservation for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Katie Gillies, “electric lights also reduce the visibility of stars, which birds use to navigate.”

Solutions that will help both wildlife and future astronomers are as simple as turning house lights off at night during the spring and fall aviary migrations and during other specific times of year, such as "galaxy season."

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15

The State | Makers

Built to Last

As consumers push back against disposable furnishings, Oklahoma artisans and retailers are finding renewed demand for furniture built to endure for generations.

I

Furniture maker Matt Matulis of Matulis Works designs and builds custom hardwood pieces using traditional woodworking techniques.

Photo courtesy Matulis Works

n a world of self-assembled The difference is more than aesthetic. bookshelves, disposable coffee Solid hardwood furniture can often be tables and next-day furniture repaired, refinished and restored decades delivery, a growing number of after it is built. By contrast, much of people are choosing a different today’s mass-market furniture is difficult – path: investing in handcrafted furniture. or impossible – to fix once damaged.

For consumers weary of replacing That’s one reason Oklahoma City sagging sofas and wobbly dining sets furniture maker Matt Matulis believes that rarely survives a move, heirloomconsumers are beginning to reconsider quality craftsmanship offers an appealing what they bring into their homes. alternative. While custom furniture often “The biggest difference is really the carries a higher price tag, advocates quality of materials,” Matulis says. “A say the investment pays dividends in lot of stuff is made out of veneered durability, beauty and longevity. particleboard. If it gets damaged, you can’t “We founded our business on the really repair it. It becomes throwaway idea of providing furniture that lasts for furniture.” generations,” says Mary Yoder of Amish Before becoming a full-time craftsman, Crafted Furniture in Tulsa. Since 2006, Matulis spent more than a decade working the family-owned business has connected in the oil and gas industry. Furniture customers with Amish-made furniture making began almost accidentally when crafted from solid hardwoods such as he decided to build a coffee table for his white oak, maple, walnut, hickory and own home. cherry.

“It should have taken somebody who Unlike many mass-produced pieces, Amish furniture relies on time-tested construction methods including mortise-and-tenon joints and dovetail joinery. The result is furniture sturdy enough to be passed from one generation to the next.

“Our craftsmen use oldworld building techniques with 100% solid wood construction,” Yoder says.

“Many of them are secondgeneration artisans who learned their craft from Amish Crafted Furniture in Tulsa offers handcrafted, solid-wood furnishings using timea young age.” honored joinery methods and hardwood construction.

Photo courtesy Amish Crafted Furniture

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

knew what they were doing a day,” he says.

“It took me a week because I kept messing up. But during that time, I just got lost in it. Hours felt like minutes.”

What started as a weekend hobby gradually became a calling. Family members began requesting pieces of their own, and Matulis eventually apprenticed with master craftsman Billy Graber in Edmond to learn traditional woodworking techniques. Today, he operates a one-man shop, Matulis Works, creating custom furniture tailored to each client’s needs.

“What I truly love about building furniture is the customization,” he says.

“Every project is different. Each one presents a new challenge.”

That personal connection is another advantage handcrafted furniture offers.

Rather than purchasing an anonymous product from a warehouse, customers work directly with the artisan creating their piece. Another Oklahoma business emphasizing that hands-on approach is Urban Wood Co. in Oklahoma City, which offers custom furniture design as well as milling, slab flattening and kiln drying for homeowners, woodworkers and fellow craftsmen. By preparing locally sourced lumber and helping bring custom projects to life, the company supports both homeowners and fellow woodworkers looking to create furniture built to last.

“You create a connection with the person you’re building it for,” Matulis says.

“There’s always that tie between us and that furniture for their lifetime — and ideally much longer than that.”

For Yoder, customization is equally important to patron connection.

Customers can choose dimensions, wood species, stains and fabrics to create furniture suited specifically to their homes.

The growing interest in craftsmanship also reflects a broader pushback against a culture of disposable goods. Just as consumers have become more conscious of fast fashion, many are questioning the environmental impact of “fast furniture” that ends up in landfills after only a few years of use.

Not everyone can afford a custom dining table or handcrafted bedroom suite, and both Yoder and Matulis acknowledge there will always be a place for budgetfriendly furniture. But for those able to make the investment, the rewards can extend far beyond practicality.

A handcrafted table may host thousands of family meals. A solid wood dresser may serve several generations.

Over time, furniture becomes more than a household object — it becomes part of a family’s story.

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

17

The State | Clubs

Friends Through Fitness

From group runs to community bike rides, social fitness efforts are helping people of all ages and abilities stay active, build friendships and have fun.

that when you ride regularly with others, the desire to stay with the group will push the fitness level of the rider. On many rides, members find time to talk, which creates friendships and camaraderie.”

To support social fitness, OBS sponsors a number of events which combine a short ride with a party or picnic.

The average person rarely gets the recommended 2.5 hours per week of physical exercise, but companionship and friend groups can impact how much one is willing to move their body.

Social fitness paired with fun can provide the engagement someone needs to get started – and keep going.

To begin your social fitness journey, check out Tulsa Running Club, Oklahoma Bicycle Society or the many other social fitness groups in Oklahoma with a quick internet search. With welcoming groups across Oklahoma ready to cheer you on, you'll likely find that the miles go by faster when they're shared with others.

JENNIFER LEE

Members of the Oklahoma Bicycle Society enjoy a group ride and, simultaneously, promote fitness, camaraderie and outdoor adventure. Photo courtesy the OBS

E

xperience Oklahoma on foot or by bicycle through social exercise clubs.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a complete beginner or someone who's in between, there's a welcoming group for anyone looking to move their body for fitness and fun.

Everyone knows regular physical activity can improve health, increase energy levels and improve sleep quality, but finding the motivation to get started isn't always easy. Joining a social exercise group like the Tulsa Running Club (TRC) or the Oklahoma Bicycle Society (OBS) can provide encouragement and accountability.

These separate entities connect through the same purpose: to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage social engagement with a healthy dose of competition.

Leaning into the social aspect of running, TRC offers an opportunity for participants to make connections with participants of all ages, experience levels, disciplines and backgrounds through recreational and competitive running.

“We want people to talk and connect beyond the run itself,” says Corey Jones, the club's president.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

The TRC holds bi-monthly social runs starting at various locations. In the warmer weather, runs begin at Andolini’s Sliced, where the club also provides post-exercise pizza. TRC runs start at DoubleShot Coffee Co. in the winter, as well as at Turkey Mountain throughout the year, where walkers and hikers are welcome.

TRC’s social runs are free and open to the public. The running club also holds numerous races throughout the year. Participants can also join the TRC via Strava, a free app and website that allows for tracking and sharing stats, offering participants the opportunity for some friendly virtual competition.

Anyone can join the TRC, even if they aren’t runners.

“We want to be accessible,” Jones says.

The OBS sponsors a year-round program of weekly rides which range from slow-paced family outings to those that test the abilities of even the most experienced riders. Rides include leisurely and historic bike tours, a three day party on wheels, and spins ranging from 15 to 70 miles.

“Many OBS members start out with group riding as a way to meet new people and learn from others,” says Graham Harris, OBS president. “We find

Members of the Tulsa Running Club stress that they want their organization to be accessible, meaning those of all fitness levels are welcome to join.

Photo courtesy TRC

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

19

The State | Insider

The Brotherhood of Sound Chasing gigs and songs across the country, Gary Gilmore and his fellow Oklahoma musicians built careers that left a lasting mark on American music.

Chuck Blackwell, Gary Gilmore and Jesse Ed Davis pose with Taj Mahal in the late ’60s.

L

ast month, we left rock ‘n’ roll bassist Gary Gilmore in his hometown of Tulsa, where he’d been working a regular club gig with drummer Gary Sanders and a guitaristvocalist named John Cale. (Because of the wide-open local nightclub scene at the time, even an underage musician like Gilmore – who’d just graduated from high school – was able to play those places.) After a few months, Cale got a call from another musical Tulsan who’d come up through the clubs. It was Leon Russell, who’d been making a name for himself, as well as some money, playing music on the West Coast. He’d just bought a house in the Hollywood Hills and was putting in a home studio – something unusual in 1964, the year all of this unfolded.

Russell wanted his friend Cale to move to L.A. and run the studio.

It was a job Cale couldn’t refuse. And a couple of weeks later, according to Gilmore, “Cale called me and Sanders up and said, ‘You guys wanna come on out?

We can play some clubs, and we can also use Leon’s studio to record some of my songs.’

“So I loaded my car, and Sanders loaded his, and we headed down Route 66.”

Once in California, like so many other transplanted Tulsa musicians in the

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Keith Richards and Brian Jones watch Taj Mahal’s band on the set of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968.

Photos courtesy the John Wooley collection

’60s and ’70s, they stayed for a while at Russell’s house. Soon, the reconstituted trio, with the help of an agent, was playing clubs in L.A. and beyond.

“I especially remember one gig up in Reding, in northern California,” Gilmore says with a chuckle. “We played at the redwood forest – behind a stripper, for the lumberjacks.”

After working nights, the three would often get up and record at Leon’s home studio during the day.

“A lot of times,” Gilmore recalls. “John would leave chord progressions and a rhythm that he wanted for bass and drums, and he’d ask us to cut those tracks. We’d do it, and when we came back in a day or two, we’d hear a song that he’d written around them, putting in all the guitars. That’s actually how [the famous Cale composition] ‘After Midnight’ was written.”

The guys had been playing around L.A. for a while when they heard that the famed Sunset Strip nightspot the Whisky a Go Go was looking for a band to provide some relief for its house act, singer Johnny Rivers, who had recently started what would be a long run as a Top 40 recording artist.

“So we auditioned, and we got the gig.

We’d play when Johnny Rivers was out on the road, or had days off. It was a good

gig,” remembers Gilmore. “But then, after we’d played there a few months, Elmer Valentine, who was the club’s owner, called John over there. Sanders and I went over, too, and sat in a booth with ‘em.

“Elmer Valentine said, ‘John, you’re doing great, but on the marquee out there says ‘Johnny Cale’ one week and ‘Johnny Rivers’ the next. That’s really pretty similar. Would you mind changing your name to JJ Cale?’

“Cale thought about it a minute, and then he said, ‘Well, man, I don’t care what you call me, just as long as you pay me.’”

Gilmore laughs. “There was a guy named John Cale who was in the Velvet Underground, and Cale may have been thinking about that. And I know he liked B.B. King, so he probably didn’t mind JJ Cale.”

The trio did so well that, in the fall of 1965, they were asked to go to Atlanta, Georgia, to be the house band for a new Whisky a Go Go. They played there six nights a week for about six months, Gilmore says, until Cale made the tough decision to concentrate more on his songwriting and disbanded the trio.

Cale headed for Nashville and Gilmore returned to L.A., where he continued to play in clubs, renting a house in Sherman Oaks near the famed Plantation, home to lots of Tulsa musical expats. And, when a gifted guitarist named Jesse Ed Davis arrived in town from Oklahoma City, he took over a spare room in Gilmore’s home.

“Jesse told me he was working with a guy named Taj Mahal on an album, and that Taj had booked a gig up in San Francisco. Could I take him to the airport? I said yeah, and when we pulled in, we saw Taj sitting on the curb with his

head hanging down.

Jesse introduced me to him and said, ‘What’s wrong, Taj?’ “He said, ‘Man, my bass player won’t get on an airplane.’ And they were supposed to play that night. So Jesse turns to me and says, ‘Hey. You wanna go?’”

Gilmore raced back to his house, picked up his bass, and made the flight.

He also made a great impression on Mahal, who hired him. It began an association that lasted for years of touring and critical acclaim, as well as a spot on one of the most famous, or infamous, music specials of the 1960s, The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus.

“That also involved the Whisky a Go Go,” Gilmore notes. “We were playing there one night, and I looked down on the dance floor, and there were Mick Jagger and Keith Richards dancing around. They looked like they were having a great time. When we took a break, the club owner came over and said, ‘Those Rolling Stones want to talk to you.’

“Well, we went over to their booth and they told us they loved our band. They said, 'We’re getting ready to make an hour-long made-for-TV special. It’s going to star The Who and Jethro Tull, and John Lennon’s throwing a group together with Eric Clapton and Mitch Mitchell.

You guys want to come over [to England] and do it? You’d be the only American band in it. We’re doing it in two weeks.’

“It was like one of those tales you hear in the music business that never happens. But this one happened. They sent us first-class tickets and put us up in a hotel. We actually had to kind of go unannounced, because we hadn’t had time to get the musicians’ union contract in London.

“But man, what a great thrill. We had so much fun doing it, and we kept thinking, ‘If this comes out on American TV, it might really help our little combo get booked.’ We kept waiting, and kept waiting – and then we heard that the Rolling Stones didn’t like their part in it.

I guess [Rolling Stones member] Brian Jones was kind of messed up during the filming, and they felt like they were

The Professionals Financial Advisor

How can I make the most of my charitable giving in 2026?

Gary Gilmore and Taj Mahal perform on the set of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968.

upstaged by The Who,” he says with another chuckle.

Shot in December of ‘68, the special finally made its official debut in October of ‘96, at the New York Film Festival – whose directors flew Gilmore and another Tulsa rock ‘n’ roll great, Chuck Blackwell, Taj Mahal’s drummer during the filming, to the screening.

Gilmore had long wanted to escape the city and own a farm, and by the time The Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus premiered in New York, he’d had a dairy farm outside of Tahlequah for years. He’d also continued to play with a number of different area bands, including Rockin’ Jimmy Byfield and the Brothers of the Night, whose albums garnered them a substantial overseas following.

Then came the chance to take over Tahlequah’s Riverside Resort, which continues to be run by him and his family.

Gary Gilmore and many of his contemporaries mentioned in this piece have long been associated with the so-called Tulsa Sound, which I’ve come to believe has as much to do with the camaraderie of the players than any specific musical style. I was happy to find out that he agreed.

“You know, Chuck Blackwell called the Taj band ‘the sweetest of brotherhoods,’” he says.

“I really appreciated that because I think that’s a big part of it. It was a special group of musicians who grew up at the same time and really enjoyed playing together. And you could tell it.”

JOHN WOOLEY

By incorporating charitable strategies into your financial plan, you can support meaningful work today, while strength‑ ening your long‑term financial outlook.

1. Donate appreciated assets for greater tax efficiency. If you hold stocks or other investments that have increased in value, donating them directly to a quali‑ David Karimian fied charity may offer significant advan‑ CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® tages. When you gift appreciated assets, you may be able to avoid the capital gains taxes that would apply if you sold the investment your‑ self. 2. Explore charitable trusts and donor‑advised funds. A Charitable Lead Trust provides income to a designated charity for a defined period, after which remaining assets pass to your beneficiaries. A Charitable Remainder Trust offers the inverse structure, providing income to you or a loved one first, with the remainder going to charity. 3. Leverage workplace giving programs. Some employers make charitable giving easier by offering payroll‑deduction programs that allow you to support your favorite causes throughout the year. Many companies also offer donation‑matching programs, which can increase the value of your gift at no additional cost to you. 4. Make Charitable IRA distributions. If you are age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA may provide a tax‑efficient way to meet your philanthropic goals.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 2431 E 61st St, Suite 400, Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009 David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com

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21

Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

Scenes from across Jamaica showcase the island’s vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality. Photos by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

Jamaica’s Enduring Rhythm

Jamaica’s food, music, history and warm hospitality offer visitors an authentic Caribbean experience beyond the typical resort vacation.

J

amaica, the third largest island in the Caribbean, is full of nuances. Traveling there is like visiting an old friend – one who knows exactly what you need. Her welcoming demeanor and curiosity for people is genuine; Jamaican hospitality nurtures and nourishes. Everyday’s buffet is a new surprise of delicious jerk spices, barbecued meat, saltfish, kidney, mannish water, escovitch, lychees and dumplings.

Jamaica has remained true to her originality. Her iconic greetings “Ya, Mon,” and “One Love,” are expressed with a fist pump. You bond easily with no language barriers since the official language is English (with a dialect of Patois). Concerned about safety outside the resorts? That can be assuaged 22

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

quickly, as efforts to reduce crime have been prevalent through local social media awareness.

The big island has a big heart. You’re not confronted by packed ports or excessive water sports. Reggae’s spirit and values are in the ether. Any turmoil occurring in the world is temporarily suspended from your consciousness as you embrace Jamaica’s yellow, green and black flag color symbolisms.

Yellow represents how Jamaica shines her light with natural wealth and sunshine. Envision GoldenEye, Ian Fleming’s Jamaican estate where he wrote all fourteen James Bond novels, which was inspired by tropical beauty while escaping England’s harsh winters.

Golden moments are experienced in rum tastings of the molasses-transformed concoction. Natural wealth abounds

in Montego Bay’s intimate coves – the heartbeat of the island compared to Negril’s expansive Seven Mile Beach.

Sponges and coral washed up on beaches remind us how the ocean and land constantly merge. Sunset slices of glowing gold and orange cut through the clouds as beachcombers gaze in awe.

Green stands for agriculture and hope for the future. Hope is represented in the Rastafarian roots born out of religious and social movements. Agriculture is best experienced on the Martha Brae River bamboo rafting excursion, where one glides down a river draped in vines, nestled in perfect wilderness. Orchids grow out of tree trunks and blue herons perch on banks. What’s more earthy than being captive to nature’s beauty when you receive it rather than defying it through water sports and ATVs? Drink

Destinations | Life & Style

the Blue Mountain coffee and the Appleton Estate and Kingston Rum; all products of the land. “The mountain is so green, it’s blue,” is the explanation for the coffee’s name.

Black symbolizes strength and creativity; the omnipresence of Jamaica which was the first Caribbean nation to become independent from British rule. From activists like Marcus Garvey to the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, there are numerous strong and creative Jamaicans: the first tropical Olympic Bobsled team, the musicians Bob Marley and Shaggy, and people of Jamaican heritage like Harry Belafonte, Naomi Campbell and Kamala Harris.

Creatively, Jamaica’s reggae, rocksteady rhythms and ska music reverberate in the island’s soul. Today, the island’s strength is evident in the hurricane relief provided by mission groups helping restore homes in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath.

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

23

Life & Style | Health

Dr. Gregory Holt evaluated Marcel Reynolds based on his overall health and fitness, not just his age, which led to a successful double knee replacement surgery that restored his mobility and active lifestyle. Photos courtesy TOC

Age Isn’t Everything

At 98, Marcel Reynolds proves that health, determination and fitness can matter more than a birth date.

M

arcel Reynolds, who is 98-years-young, has never made plans to slow down.

While a successful engineer, he became an avid woodworker, crafting all the doors, corbels and decorative work for his New Mexico home. Upon approaching retirement, he deliberately transitioned into hobby farming – a planned lifestyle shift he credits for his health and longevity.

“I really didn’t slow down when I retired,” says Reynolds. “My days were spent working the farm, which was a significant change to my normal routine. It was very interesting to me and I enjoyed doing it, so it was a pleasure.”

Reynolds then made another transition, moving to Arkansas to live with his daughter, Teresa Nead, and his son-in-law. It was there he began having difficulty walking. Years of wear and tear with aging had left him with no cartilage in either knee; he felt weak and unsteady.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

“We noticed his mobility was going downhill,” says Nead. “We were going to see this vital, active man become immobile in a matter of months if we didn’t do something.”

After visits with local physicians, the family learned Reynolds would need both knee joints replaced, but was told he wasn’t a candidate due to his age.

Fortunately, a nurse encouraged them to seek a second opinion at The Orthopaedic Center in Tulsa, where they met orthopedic surgeon Gregory Holt, M.D. “Dr. Holt took one look at him and said, ‘This guy is in better shape than some of the 50-year-olds I work on,” says Nead. “He looked at his overall health and fitness – not just his age.”

Holt performed both knee replacements, prioritizing the worse knee first, and kept anesthesia time as brief as possible in consideration of Reynold’s age. Recovery involved daily in-home machine therapy followed by outpatient physical therapy.

The results speak for themselves. At 98, Reynolds has returned to the activities he loves, including outdoor trail rides and daily indoor stationary bike sessions.

Holt believes Reynolds’ success came down to being active, motivated, cognitively sharp and having a supportive family. He also hopes the story changes how patients think about age and surgery.

“Age is definitely an important consideration, but it should not be the only consideration,” says Holt. “I often tell patients that when they start avoiding a trip to the mailbox or the store because of pain, that’s the sign the knees need to be addressed, because stopping activity leads to weight gain and muscle weakness that will eventually make surgery harder.”

Holt also notes that with modern robotic and computer-assisted techniques, the procedure can be performed in under an hour.

He’s had numerous patients who were physically active and enjoyed their work or hobbies, but felt that they needed to stop because of their knee pain. However, after knee replacement surgery, they were able to return to their activities.

“I have several patients who have returned to snow skiing after both knees were replaced and it’s routine for patients to go back to golf and doubles tennis,” he says. “Most importantly, they are able to walk and be active without severe pain. While there are risks, of course, with any procedure, the vast majority of patients do very well with the surgery.”

For Nead, the choice was everything.

“I would highly recommend knee surgery for somebody that is active like my dad,” she says. “Without these surgeries, he would either be bedridden, in a wheelchair, or not even alive.”

Reynolds himself keeps the philosophy simple: “Keeping up my exercise and keeping up my mental interests and responsibilities – I really believe my health has been due to that activity.”

REBECCA FAST

Reynolds enjoys a bike ride with his daughter, Teresa, after knee replacement surgery helped him return to the activities he enjoys.

233

MILES OF SHORELINE

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WAITING TO BE 29,000

ACRE LEWISVILLE LAKE

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Just 20 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth, Lewisville is home to the 29,000-acre Lewisville Lake—the “Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas.” Paddle out for kayaking, or turn up the adrenaline with wakeboarding and jet skiing. With golf and disc golf options, it’s a year-round playground.

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AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

25

Life & Style | FYI

Making the Right Call

Whether it’s 911, 311, 988 or another city service line, officials say knowing who to call during a crisis can help residents get the most appropriate response.

A

cross the vast majority of the United States, calling 911 when facing what a caller deems an emergency is the best bet for getting immediate assistance.

Systems are set up to direct callers to the appropriate response team, and representatives of systems in Tulsa and OKC both say that when in doubt about whether something is a true emergency, don’t hesitate – call 911.

Emergency calls to enhanced 911 systems in these two metros trigger responses tailored to whatever the situation dictates, once the dispatcher determines what type of assistance is needed.

“Anything that requires immediate action, people should call 911,” says Andre Baul of the Tulsa Police Department’s communications unit.

The operator will ask what kind of emergency the caller is experiencing.

If the situation is not a true emergency that requires immediate action, the caller will be directed to hang up and call the non-emergency number, 918-5969222, Baul says.

Josh Miller, assistant Oklahoma City 911 director, says that when a 911 call comes in, the first thing that happens is an attempt to identify the nature of the call. Call-takers are trained to determine

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

what he terms the “five W’s” – who’s calling, where are they calling from, what’s happened or is happening, when it happened or if it’s happening now, and whether or not weapons are/were involved.

“If we have that,” he said, “we can send help.”

While a lot of information populates on the dispatcher’s screen, exact location doesn’t. A location or address is immensely helpful.

Miller says that in addition to 911, Oklahoma City maintains a 10-digit number (405-231-2121) for emergencies when the caller is outside the city limits. The line is incorrectly referred to as a nonemergency line. The line is for emergencies, but offers the ability for someone outside the city to contact police.

“If someone calls on the 10-digit line for whatever reason, we process the calls the same way,” he says.

Baul mentions that Tulsa promotes “Call 311” for types of municipal assistance that don’t require a police, fire or ambulance response, such as trash pickup, code enforcement or other city services. Oklahoma City urges its residents to use the city’s Action Center, which handles most types of city services or issues.

Additionally, Tulsa has a mental

health hotline: 988. Once dialed, you’ll be connected to a crisis specialist to talk you through the issue and get the resources you need for either yourself or your loved one. Last year, OKC launched a program for handling mental and behavioral health-related calls too, as part of its Crisis Call Diversion program. Mobile Integrated Healthcare oversees four units that serve crisis and alternative response functions. Its trained, licensed mental health professionals can respond to behavioral and mental healthrelated calls and it is directly embedded into the 911 dispatch center. During its first 10 months of operation, its Mobile Integrated Healthcare Crisis Response Team and Alternative Response Team responded to more than 5,000 such calls.

“These numbers validate the theory we were acting upon – that the nature of emergency calls was evolving and that our response needed to evolve as well,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt says.

“With the creation of this unit, these calls have received a more appropriate response, and those responses have been accomplished professionally and without incidents.”

HENRY DOLIVE

FOR TULSA Emergency:

911

Police non-emergency:

918-596-9222

Non-emergency, in city:

311

Outside the city:

918-596-2100 Mental health emergency:

988

FOR OKC: Emergency in city:

911

Emergency, outside city:

405-231-2121 Action Center:

405-297-2535

Vivian Springford (American, 1913–2003), Untitled (VSF243) from Expansionist series, 1972. Acrylic on canvas, 49 5/8 × 52 ".

Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Museum purchase, Taber Art Fund. ©️ Vivian Springford

J U LY

2 9, 2 0 2 6 THROUGH J A N U A R Y 3, 2 0 2 7

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

27

Life & Style | Outside The Metro

Visitors can explore historic and military aircraft, plus interactive exhibits, at the Stafford Air and Space Museum.

Photos courtesy the Stafford Air and Space Museum

Heritage & Innovation

Families, history lovers and Route 66 travelers will find museums, scenic stops and authentic Okie charm throughout Weatherford.

W

eatherford stands as an underrated gem along historic Route 66, offering an unbeatable combination of storied history, forwardthinking innovation and relaxed, small-town appeal. Just off I-40, this friendly western Oklahoma community provides a rewarding weekend getaway filled with memorable attractions suitable for families, history enthusiasts and road-trippers alike – without the massive crowds or expenses of larger destinations.

The visit begins at the Weatherford Wind Energy Park, a free roadside stop directly across from City Hall. A massive 122-foot wind turbine blade stands ready for tourists, complemented by colorful murals, informative panels on renewable energy and a solemn Vietnam Memorial replica. With actual wind turbines turning on the horizon, the park creates a quick break that connects modern sustainable power with classic Route 66 travel. The site works well for photos and brief walks while appreciating Oklahoma’s burgeoning wind energy landscape.

A short walk north in Heritage

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Park leads to the Western Oklahoma Historical Center at 520 W. Main Street.

This intimate museum complex vividly recreates early Oklahoma settler life through preserved buildings and engaging exhibits. Inside the relocated Cedar Schoolhouse, a classic one-room frontier school, creaking wooden floors and vintage desks help visitors imagine daily lessons from the early 1900s.

Nearby stands the Blair Log Cabin, Weatherford’s oldest surviving structure.

Built around 1892 from solid red cedar logs and claimed during the CheyenneArapaho Land Run, the cabin once sheltered the Blair family and their two children.

The center also maintains strong genealogy resources through the Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Society’s archives, microfilm, newspapers and family records. Admission remains free, though hours stay limited – call ahead to schedule a visit or cabin tour.

Aviation and space enthusiasts find their top destination at the Stafford Air and Space Museum at the local airport along Route 66. The museum honors hometown legend Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, the pioneering test pilot and NASA astronaut who commanded key

Gemini and Apollo missions, including the vital rehearsal for humanity’s first moon landing. The large indoor space traces the full story of human flight with hands-on exhibits featuring Stafford’s flown Gemini spacecraft, his Apollo pressure suit, a Titan II missile, rocket engines from both U.S. and Soviet programs, Space Shuttle artifacts and a genuine lunar sample. Outdoor displays showcase iconic military jets such as the F-117 Nighthawk, A-10 Warthog and MiG fighters. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum blends education and excitement through simulators, interactive elements and a children’s aerospace playground. Reasonable admission fees and near-daily hours make the site accessible for all ages while highlighting Oklahoma’s significant contributions to space exploration.

Another educational museum awaits your arrival in Weatherford: the Heartland Heritage Museum of America.

“Discover our captivating exhibits where the tracks, towers and stories of the Mother Road come together,” says Pat Smith, the museum’s director.

“Discover the history that powered Route 66. Take a journey through the legacy of farms, iconic Route 66 landmarks and vibrant community shops. Get a glimpse of vintage automobiles and tractors, learn about the history of radio, television and technology, and celebrate the creativity of music and art. Coming soon is the new Dalrymple Native exhibit.”

These standout attractions form a convenient and fulfilling weekend itinerary. Scenic drives along Route 66, local dining options and peaceful time in quaint parks complete the experience. Affordable, authentic and rich with Oklahoma pride, Weatherford demonstrates that remarkable discoveries often lie just a short drive from home. A trip planned soon delivers a refreshing recharge through the heartland’s enduring spirit of innovation and heritage.

TRACY LEGRAND

Scene | Life & Style

Aimee Harlow, Kris Markes, Deborah McAuliffe Senner; Campaign Celebration, Allied Arts, OKC

Jeff Cope, Jay Helm, Tom Biolchini; Noshville, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Tulsa

Mary Blankenship Pointer, Polly Nichols, Annie Bohanon; Music and Light, Oklahoma Contemporary, OKC

David Keely, Justin McLaughlin, Rick Dickson, Jennifer Airey, Rose Gamble; Open house, Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, Tulsa

Mary F. McCormick, Joseph R. Castiglione, Ann Felton Gilliland, Ross O. Swimmer, Sherri Coale, Bruce T. Benbrook, Ann W. Hargis; Class announcement luncheon, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC

Dawne Stafford, Sherri Taylor, Kirk Taylor, Robert Stafford; Overture, Signature Symphony, Tulsa

Coming this December

See which businesses are a cut above the rest.

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29

BEYOND theDEGREE Higher education is evolving, with Oklahoma universities rethinking how they welcome students, support them through their transition to college, and help them build meaningful paths beyond graduation through hands-on learning, entrepreneurship and career-connected experiences. The result is a more cohesive college experience, where students are encouraged to explore, build confidence and see a clearer line between study and future opportunity.

By Brandi Gentry

A

THE NEW COLLEGE RECRUITMENT BAT TLE

mid shifting demographics, declining birth rates and growing skepticism about higher education, colleges and universities are rethinking how they recruit prospective students.

“The way in which we communicate has changed as technology changes,” says Fred Dietz, Director of Admissions with Rogers State University (RSU). “It seems like the language and message shift according to the demographic audience. For example, we are currently recruiting Gen Z students who are focused on clear and concise information centered on affordability, cost and careers. So, our messaging needs to hit those topics, and we need to do that in a multi-channel approach.”

This approach includes email, text and print messaging, along with social media marketing, allowing the university to reach students across multiple platforms.

In the past, recruitment efforts often relied on what Dietz calls “academic jargon” — language that resonated with an insular group of education professionals but often felt inaccessible to prospective students, creating feelings of separateness and disinterest.

“Our recruitment emails and texts utilize direct, highly concise language delivered directly to platforms students frequent,” says Dietz. “We are now entering Gen A, and our communication will

As colleges adapt to changing student expectations, Rogers State University is emphasizing affordability, career readiness and personalized support. Photo courtesy RSU

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evolve based on their needs. Gen A is highly visual and will want interactive digital approaches.”

Dietz predicts that platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Discord will continue expanding their role in professional communication, making them increasingly credible sources of information for prospective students.

Gen Z is also “interested in just the facts, and not all the academic jargon,” says Dietz. “Messaging needs to be very targeted and personal.”

Jacob Guthrie, Communications Executive at the University of Oklahoma (OU), says that while declining birth rates are creating challenges for higher education nationally, the university is working diligently to make students from all walks of life feel welcome – no matter what their goals may be.

“Today’s students ... are making thoughtful decisions about the value of higher education and want to understand how a college education will prepare them for success,” he says. “OU is responding by creating strong connections between academic programs, career preparation, experiential learning opportunities, student support services and post-graduation outcomes. Whether students are pursuing their first degree, returning to complete a degree, advancing their careers through graduate education or seeking new skills through continuing education, universities must continue demonstrating value and relevance in a rapidly changing world."

Mack Burke, Associate Director of Media Relations for Oklahoma State University (OSU), says that recruitment efforts have also shifted to include a prospective student's entire family.

"College is more of a family decision now than it’s ever been," he says. "Previously, there was a true handoff between parents and institutions. Now, we’re seeing stronger family support and involvement from the start of the college search process through graduation. We have launched a family application portal, added personalized family newsletters and adjusted visit and orientation programming to ensure parents and families are included at every step of the process."

UNLOCKING OPTIONS

O

klahoma leaders like Carolyn Eastlin – Director of Compliance, Accountability and Title IX at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) – feel that degree programs seeing the most growth are those where strong career prospects exist. The college, in turn, has worked to meet the burgeoning demand in those certain areas of interest.

“That means offering high-quality academic programs, workforce-aligned credentials, flexible learning outcomes and clear pathways to meaningful careers,” she says.

Workforce demand and long-term career stability are driving many of these changes.

Preparatory Hall has long stood at the heart of Rogers State University, where a historic “I often tell students that education is ultimately about campus continues to evolve to meet the needs of today's students. Photo courtesy RSU creating choices,” Eastlin shares. “The more knowledge, skills and credentials you acquire, the more doors become available to you throughout your career. Higher education remains one of the most effective pathways to economic stability.”

With that in mind, colleges and universities are also working to demonstrate the long-term value of higher education to students weighing whether college is the right investment.

“Students are most likely to understand the value of education when they can see a clear connection between their academic experience and career outcomes,” says Oklahoma City Community College is expanding workforce-focused programs and flexible learning opportunities OU’s Guthrie. “Universities to help students build skills that lead to long-term career success. Photo courtesy OCCC can help by sharing employment data, connecting students with employers and alumni, and providing opportunities for career exploration, internships and other experiential learning opportunities. While there are many paths to career success, data consistently shows that higher levels of education are associated with increased earning potential, lower unemployment rates and expanded career opportunities over a lifetime.”

That emphasis on career outcomes is reflected in enrollment trends across Oklahoma institutions. RSU’s fastest growing bachelor’s degree remains the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The second fastest belongs to Business Administration, followed by Social Science and Allied Health Pre-Occupational Therapy. Most of these programs have experienced a significant increase in enrollment, according to Kenny Day, Director of Communications and Marketing at RSU. Receiving a higher education degree “remains one of the most effective pathways to economic mobility, but we must communicate that message through real stories, employer partnerships, workforce data and student outcomes,” says Eastlin. “Whether a student is pursuing a short-term work certificate, an associate’s degree, or planning to transfer college credits to a university offering a bachelor’s degree, our responsibility is to help them understand how each educational For OCCC graduates, commencement marks the culmination of an education designed to milestone expands opportunities and earning potential.” expand career opportunities and increase lifelong earning potential. Photo courtesy OCCC AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS: GUIDING FRESHMEN TO SUCCESS

T

oday’s college freshmen arrive with different academic experiences than previous generations. Many spent formative high school years navigating pandemic-era disruptions and inconsistent learning environments, leaving some in need of remedial coursework upon entering college. Yet while their academic preparation may have changed, the core challenges of transitioning to college remain remarkably consistent.

“Students are navigating new academic expectations, building relationships in an unfamiliar environment, making independent decisions and often managing responsibilities they may not have faced before,” says OU’s Guthrie. “From a mental health perspective, some students struggle with the pressure to succeed while also trying to find their place on campus. It is common to experience anxiety, self-doubt, homesickness, loneliness or concerns about belonging."

This struggle creates a balancing act for colleges and universities: the need to support their students with free on-campus resources while also helping to foster their independence and self-reliance.

“One of the most important ways college and universities can support their students in the transition to higher education is by providing an environment for students where resources are readily available and broadcast repeatedly during their first year of college,” says Savannah Roeder, RSU’s Director of Student Success.

RSU tailors student support to each academic year. Freshmen receive frequent reminders about available resources, while sophomores are encouraged to become more independent. Juniors take greater ownership with mentors in a supporting role, and seniors lead the way as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“By pouring into our students from the get-go with constant and repeated communication through a variety of formats, we are able to teach students to seek out resources and advocate for themselves without fear,” says Roeder. “Our goal in higher education should be to help students with the transition, and it should be a proactive approach.”

Burke mentions that OSU offers ample resources to help freshmen thrive, from supportive living/learning environments to counseling services, family weekends,

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welcome events and myriad student groups.

"Student wellness and well-being are critical during periods of transition.

Resilience is an important part of the college experience, and students are more successful when they have the tools and coping strategies to lean on during challenges," he says.

Guthrie agrees – colleges should be

there to help.

“One of the most important lessons students learn is that they do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Connecting with friends, faculty, staff, mentors and mental health resources can help students build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies and gain the confidence needed to thrive both academically and personally.”

The University of Oklahoma is connecting classroom learning with career preparation, experiential education and student support to help graduates thrive in a changing workforce. Photo courtesy OU

Faculty at the University of Oklahoma play a central role in preparing students for the "real world."

Photo courtesy OU

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON CAMPUS

U

niversities statewide encourage student innovation through oncampus startup incubators, pitch competitions and business mentorship programs. At OU, innovation is a key component of the overall student experience.

“Universities are increasingly creating ecosystems where students can move beyond learning concepts in the classroom and apply them to real-world challenges,” says OU's Guthrie.

At OU’s Price College of Business, “innovation is intentionally woven throughout the student experience. Through academic coursework and programs such as Tom Love Division of Entrepreneurship and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth, students compete OSU works diligently in preparing freshmen for their transition to college with welcome events, family in regional and national competitions, weekends, on-campus counseling and more. Photo courtesy OSU while solving real business challenges, analyzing data, developing business plans and presenting recommendations to industry leaders,” he says.

But entrepreneurship education isn’t limited to business students.

“Students across a variety of academic fields [engage] in entrepreneurship, research, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities,” he says. “Complementing these programs, the OU Career Center recently launched a mentorship program that paired students with OU alumni working in their fields of interest."

That emphasis on experiential learning extends to universities all around Oklahoma. RSU business students Cathryn Lewis and Ngoc Nga Nguyen recently earned finalist honors in the 2026 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup Competition – a collegiate business plan competition open to students on Oklahoma campuses.

Lewis and Nguyen submitted a Business Plan Executive Summary in the Small Business category.

Competitions like the Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup give students the opportunity to refine their ideas, receive feedback from experienced business leaders and present their business concepts before panels of judges. The students’ submission was a digital wedding planning platform called L’Amour that streamlined vendor discovery, communication and organization of details.

They presented their business plan to a panel of community business leaders and attended the awards ceremony in April.

OSU embraces the same hands-on philosophy through programs designed to foster innovation and career readiness.

"OSU and the Spears School of Business are built on the belief that students learn best by doing, not just by studying, and that mission shows up most clearly in how the university supports student innovation and career readiness," says Burke. He points toward OSU's Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which focuses on delivering experiential learning for students, faculty and alumni, as well as the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, which "carries that same hands-on philosophy into career preparation, supporting students through internship and job searches, career fairs, interview prep, resume work and oneon-one mentoring."

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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High School Seniors

They are innovators, volunteers, scholars, athletes, researchers and leaders — young people already leaving their marks on the world. Through hard work, vision, empathy and an unwavering drive to excel, these outstanding high school seniors have distinguished themselves in extraordinary ways.

— Compiled by Mary Willa Allen —

All photos courtesy the student unless otherwise marked

• For extended Q&A’s with the students, visit okmag.com • KATE ROLLER

Photo by Shannon Kaye

HIGH SCHOOL: Cascia Hall COLLEGE: University of Chicago Intended major: Computer Science or Economics. Proudest achievement: Making the UChicago women’s soccer team. It represents years of hard work, discipline and a genuine love for the sport. A risk that paid off: Running for student council president. It was intimidating, but it taught me leadership skills and gave me the opportunity to make a positive impact on my school community. Advice for her high school freshman self: Sign up and take advantage of any opportunity that is given to you. Unique characteristics: I am very driven and goal-oriented, I like setting high standards for myself and working hard to reach them – whether it’s academics, extracurricular activities or personal goals. Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer and basketball, hanging out with my friends and family, exercising and trying new things.

LILY CLARK

HIGH SCHOOL: Riverfield Country Day School COLLEGE: Rhodes College Intended major: Psychology. I have always known that I want to help others and have found a particular interest in mental health advocacy and access. Proudest achievement: My commitment to Rhodes College. A risk that paid off: In ninth grade, I decided I wanted to continue playing basketball throughout high school, even though I was working on pursuing tennis at the collegiate level. I knew there would be difficult moments balancing the two sports, but as I sit here today, I could not be happier to have taken the risk. Advice for her high school freshman self: Live in the moment and celebrate every win, big or small.

Unique characteristics: My ability to operate on a very busy schedule. Despite all of my commitments, I learned how to manage my time and have created a reputation for myself as a very dependable person.

CHARLIE COFFMAN

Photo by Bold Studio Tulsa

HIGH SCHOOL: Metro Christian Academy COLLEGE: Oklahoma State University Intended major: Engineering. As a kid, I loved Curious George. So maybe watching a monkey engineer solutions to problems had an influence on me! Proudest achievement: Being named Metro’s Boy of the Year. A risk that paid off: Senior year, I worked up the courage to audition for the spring musical. Somehow I ended up getting some great parts, and the whole experience became one of the highlights of high school.

Unique characteristics: I try to be a light to others. It may be offering a smile, or a word of encouragement or appreciation. I have found joy in giving attention to some of the quieter students in my school and in helping young soccer players improve. One of my favorite things that I did this year was coaching a 12-year-old girls' soccer team, the Queen Bees!

TEJ BENIWAL

Photo by Bold Studio Tulsa

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

HIGH SCHOOL: Jenks High School COLLEGE: Stanford University Intended major: Chemistry. I’ve always been STEM oriented, and I found AP Chemistry very interesting my sophomore year. This led me to pursue organic chemistry research at the University of Tulsa. Proudest achievement: Authoring and securing Mayor Monroe Nichols’ approval of a “Lights Out Tulsa Day” proclamation to protect migratory birds. This came as a culmination of years of bird photography and conservation efforts. A risk that paid off: Giving a TEDx talk. Growing up, I was always a pretty shy kid. Signing up for TedX put me far out of my comfort zone. Unique characteristics: My tenacity and persistence. I truly believe every rejection is a redirection. That mindset has allowed me to keep moving forward to create my own unique path and impact.

DHEA PUSHPRAJ

Photo by Bryce Doty

HIGH SCHOOL: Booker T. Washington High School COLLEGE: University of Missouri-Kansas City Intended major: I will be attending the six-year BA/MD program ... as part of an accelerated pathway to a medical degree. My goal is to become a physician. Proudest achievement: Using the opportunities I’ve been given to create opportunities for others. A risk that paid off: Traveling alone to Seattle to conduct Alzheimer’s disease research. The project was ultimately accepted for presentation at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) Conference and publication in the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease. Advice to her high school freshman self: You only live once, so stop treating every decision like it will determine the rest of your life. Hobbies and passions: I have practiced Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, for over a decade.

ELIZABETH GROUNDS

HIGH SCHOOL: Broken Arrow High School COLLEGE: University of Oklahoma Intended major: Political Science and Economics, with a minor in Data Analytics. Proudest achievement: Serving as the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Vice-President, where I represented 300,000+ STEM students nationwide. In twenty years, I’d like to: Attend law school and focus my career on international economic law. In my spare time, I hope to collect as many hobbies as possible, expand my tea collection and still make time for long conversations with good friends. Advice to her high school freshman self: Never compromise your values for others. Unique characteristics: I try to be extremely driven and outspoken. This often shows in the energy and commitment I bring to the people and activities around me.

RAYMOND JUNYANG JIANG

HIGH SCHOOL: Casady School COLLEGE: Brown University Intended major: Biomedical Engineering. It’s the perfect mix between two of my career interests: medicine and engineering. Proudest achievement: Being the only Oklahoman representative at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in 2025. In twenty years, I’d like to be: In a white coat in a hospital or tinkering on medical devices in a lab. On the side, I hope to have furthered my baking and chess skills to pass the time when I’m not working. Unique characteristics: My work ethic and discipline. I always try to challenge myself both academically with rigorous AP courses, mentally with daily chess practice and physically with fencing. Hobbies and passions: Chess, fencing, baking and tinkering with random circuits or 3D printing.

CAMPBELL E. BROWN

HIGH SCHOOL: Union High School COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College & Oklahoma State University Intended major: Upon completion of my associate’s degree, I plan to enter the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation at Oklahoma State University. Proudest accomplishment: Being named Union High School’s Senior of the Year. To be recognized in such a talented class was an honor I will always cherish. A risk that paid off: Joining the cross-country team. When I first joined, I was both terrified and far from being the fastest runner. However, thanks to the encouragement of my coaches and teammates, I grew into a four-year letterman and earned the opportunity to compete on a national stage. Unique characteristics: I am unapologetically myself, and I am not afraid to laugh at my mistakes. Life is too short to worry about being perfect.

ELIJAH BURNS

HIGH SCHOOL: Augustine Christian Academy COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College & University of Oklahoma Intended major: Social Work. It can be used for me to kick start my path into law school with the goal of becoming an attorney. Proudest achievement: Being class president for my senior year.

A risk that paid off: Being homeschooled. I asked my mom to homeschool when I was in first grade.

[When] COVID hit, I did not have a rough transition to homeschool because I was already doing it.

When I transitioned back into conventional school as a hybrid student, I tested two grade levels ahead in math. In 20 years, I’d like to be: A full-on attorney and have almost fully raised three children.

Unique characteristics: Loyalty; I care about the wellbeing of my loved ones. I’m committed to the quality of my work. I take my commitments and leadership roles seriously.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

37

Nations of Renewal

Across Oklahoma, tribal nations are expanding economic opportunity, preserving cultural traditions and investing in future generations. From advanced aviation and healthcare initiatives to environmental stewardship and youth leadership, Native nations are reshaping our communities for the better.

By Kimberly Burk

The Choctaw Nation's growing bison herd reflects a broader commitment to preserving cultural traditions while investing in education and tourism for future generations.

Photo courtesy Choctaw Nation

AN EXPANDING BUSINESS PORTFOLIO

As with many of the tribes based in Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation’s economic development activities extend well beyond the gaming industry, says Tammye Gwin, the nation's senior executive officer for strategic development.

“While gaming remains an important economic engine, we have intentionally expanded into hospitality, retail, commercial leasing, agriculture, healthcare, housing, print services and emerging aviation technologies,” Gwin says. “Today, the Nation operates more than 145 businesses and programs that support economic growth, long-term sustainability and greater economic independence for tribal members.”

In 2023, the Choctaw Nation generated more than $4.1 billion in economic impact, supported over 20,000 Oklahoma jobs and contributed more than $1 billion in wages and benefits, Gwin says.

“Over the past four years alone, we have created more than 3,000 new jobs through investments in healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure, tourism and business development,” she continues.

A key part of Choctaw Nation’s diversification strategy is investing in its people.

“Since 2019, we have built more than 1,500 homes and invested 38

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

over $153 million in housing. We invest more than $70 million annually in education, workforce development, scholarships, internships and career training programs. Our healthcare system serves more than 1 million patient encounters annually, ensuring access to quality care while creating thousands of jobs across the region.”

Choctaw Nation is one of the largest employers in southeastern Oklahoma, Gwin says, with businesses and operations spanning a wide range of industries.

“The impact extends far beyond our own workforce,” Gwin says.

“Every time the Nation develops a new business, constructs a new facility or makes a strategic investment, it creates a ripple effect throughout the regional economy. We purchase goods and services from local vendors, partner with regional contractors and suppliers and create opportunities for small businesses to grow alongside us.”

Looking ahead, several industries are positioned to become major drivers of future growth for the Choctaw Nation, Gwin says.

One of those is Advanced Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

“Choctaw Nation has positioned itself as a leader in drone testing, research and emerging aviation technologies,” Gwin says.

“This sector has the potential to attract new businesses, create high-skilled jobs and establish southeastern Oklahoma as a hub for aviation innovation.”

Another is technology and innovation.

“Investments in broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital technologies are creating new opportunities for business growth, workforce development and economic expansion.”

Initiatives such as the Choctaw Beef Program, Choctaw Country Market and AgPreneur programs are strengthening local food systems, supporting Choctaw farmers and ranchers and enhancing food security throughout the reservation.

And as demand for healthcare services continues to grow, healthcare remains one of the Choctaw Nation’s most important industries.

“Continued investments in facilities, technology and services will improve access to care while creating career opportunities across the region,” Gwin says.

Throughout all its business and development efforts, “cultural preservation remains central to who we are,” Gwin says. “Investments such as the Choctaw Cultural Center, Choctaw Country Tourism, cultural programming and support for Choctaw artisans ensure that our history, language and traditions remain vibrant for future generations.”

Caretaker Skyler Robinson says tending the Choctaw Nation's bison is both a cultural responsibility and a personal connection to the tribe's heritage. Photo courtesy Choctaw Nation

REMAINING STEWARDS OF THE EARTH

The Remember the Removal Bike Ride challenges Native youth to retrace the Trail of Tears while developing leadership and cultural connections.

Protecting Oklahoma's waterways and natural landscapes remains central to the Cherokee Nation's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Photos courtesy Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation’s environmental stewardship efforts are expansive, says Christina Justice, secretary of natural resources.

“Historically, Cherokees are very connected to wildlife. It’s culturally inherent to want to protect our natural resources,” she says.

Justice oversees a large department that has 11 subdepartments. The natural resources department is dedicated to preserving and protecting the tribe’s air, water, land, wildlife and cultural resources.

Tribal stewardship efforts cover wildland fire management, land management, wildlife conservation, parks and recreation, waste management, energy conservation and ethnobiology, among others.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently signed the Cherokee Nation Energy and Sustainability Act of 2026.

“We are one of the largest employers in Oklahoma,” Justice says, and the tribe has reservation-wide goals in connection with its buildings and enterprises such as reducing litter, expanding recycling efforts, reducing water and energy consumption and reducing light pollution.”

Tribal counsellor Lisa Hall continues: “Our relationship with the land, the water and the air is not just a policy position – it is who we are. Our ancestors understood something so very profound, that every decision made today ripples forward across the future generations. They planted trees whose shade they would never sit beneath, trusting that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren would one day rest there.”

The ethnobiology department oversees the Cherokee Nation Heirloom Garden and Native Plant Site and manages the Cherokee Nation Seed Bank.

“We are teaching people how to utilize our cultural plants,” Justice says, which are used for crafts, food and medicine. The seed bank distributes 10,000 packets of seeds annually including corn, beans, squash, gourds and tobacco.

With four air monitoring sites located within tribal jurisdictional boundaries, the Clean Air Program

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

39

Reducing light pollution is one of the Cherokee Nation's conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the natural world for generations to come. Photo courtesy Cherokee Nation

operates one of the largest tribal air monitoring networks in the United States.

Pollutants monitored include ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.

“We are all concerned about sustainable clean air and clean water,” says Justice, who has worked for the tribe for more than two decades. “It’s really upon us to be good stewards and make sure we are setting the standard.”

INVESTING IN TRADITION

When 4:30 p.m. rolls around, it’s feeding time for the three bison who live near the Choctaw Cultural Center. Usually, their caretaker Skyler Robinson says, they're waiting near the main gate. If not, he jumps on the Gator (his utility task vehicle) and goes in search of the year-old animals.

“I holler ‘girls!’ and they chase me back to the pen, ready to eat.”

Robinson christened two of the bison as 181 and 182, the numbers on their ear tags. The third, which came from a different ranch and was not immediately welcomed by her pen mates, he named Lonely.

Robinson, who grew up working with cattle and horses, is a project manager for the Choctaw Nation’s historical preservation department. He was thrilled when invited to take care of the bison, which were purchased at an auction in

Oklahoma City and arrived on Feb. 14.

“I feel really lucky to do this,” he says. “They are beautiful animals.”

The bison currently roam 16 acres near the Cultural Center and can often be spotted by visitors.

“It’s part of our culture,” Robinson says of the tribe’s decision to start a buffalo herd. “The buffalo roamed the area many years ago. This is one of the best prairies in this area. It’s the same grass they would have eaten.”

Robinson, 66, says he talks to the animals and observes their distinct personalities.

“They know me,” he says. “We’ve gotten used to each other.”

But they are nonetheless wild animals, and if he gets inside the fence with them, he’s usually on the Gator. Walking tours can be arranged through the Cultural Center, which is in Calera near Durant, but visitors stay outside the enclosure, which is protected by a fence that’s more than 6 feet tall.

“If you catch them at the right time, you can see them swim across the pond,” Robinson says. “They love water.”

Being with the bison, Robinson says, “is meditation for us. Bison do have ties to spirituality for our tribal citizens.”

HONORING ANCESTORS

Through the Cherokee Nation Seed Bank, thousands of heirloom seed packets are distributed each year to preserve culturally significant plants and strengthen food sovereignty. Photo courtesy Cherokee Nation

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Nine days in, Adrian Gaches could discern that the Remember the Removal Bike Ride would launch her future with the tribe.

“It’s already changed me,” says the 20-year-old Stilwell native and student at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. “I’ve grown so much as a Cherokee person, as a Cherokee woman.”

Her goals, Gaches says, now include “advocating for this program and all the Cherokee programs out there.”

The Remember the Removal Bike Ride was

New Muscogee Nation businesses and infrastructure projects illustrate how tribal investment is creating jobs, strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity across Oklahoma. Photo courtesy MCN

started in 1984 for Cherokee youth to retrace the Trail of Tears and get a glimpse of the hardships their ancestors faced when they made the same trek on foot.

This year, 18 bicycle riders trained for six months before leaving from Georgia on June 1 and completing the journey on June 19.

Gaches says she is majoring in health and human performance and hopes to use her skills after she graduates as a tribal employee.

“I feel like that’s a long-term goal for a lot of us,” Gaches says of her fellow cyclists.

Jaden Carroll, 24, of Tahlequah, says his experiences with the program “make me want to be more socially aware of others. It’s made me want to be more of an example to others that struggle.”

As he pedals up steep hills, often facing a bracing wind, “it’s just awesome to respect the sacrifice that they made for us,” Carroll says of his ancestors.

Gaches mentions that she was a high school softball player who has continued to work out while in college.

“I’ve stayed pretty strong, but you can’t really do that without your teammates,” she says. As the cyclists talk together in the evenings, “we are always looking at what we can do to improve as a team.”

KenLea Keys, social media and communications manager for Cherokee Nation Communications, was 23 when she completed the ride.

“It changed me completely,” Keys said.

“I wanted to give back to my tribe and learn more and always keep the history of my ancestors alive. The bike ride really instilled in me that I could be a leader.”

Keys says she continued as a volunteer for the next few years and now serves on the Remember the Removal Bike Ride committee.

“I am out here with Cherokee Nation Communications, but on a volunteer basis,” Keys said during a rest day in Missouri.

Carroll says the leadership program, which now has 175 alumni, “has to do with bringing together a group of young individuals and showing them what it is to be Cherokee.”

INTERTRIBAL COLLABORATION

The quarterly meeting of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes “is one of the coolest events that I regularly get to take part in,” says Zechariah Harjo, Muscogee Nation secretary of the nation.

“We compare notes and track progress.”

The Muscogee Nation hosted the most recent quarterly meeting at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. Leaders from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole nations joined the Muscogee for the meeting.

Committees and subcommittees discussed important topics including public safety, public health, education, social services, veterans’ affairs, nutrition services, housing, commerce and natural resources.

And in addition to the collaboration among the five sister tribes on the eastern side of the state, “we do a lot of partnerships with all tribes in Oklahoma,” Harjo says.

One of those is the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association, a Shawnee-based nonprofit representing the interests of Indian Child Welfare programs across the state.

The Muscogee Nation also works jointly with the Cherokee and Osage Nations to fund infrastructure and other projects in Tulsa, as many citizens of the three tribes live within the jurisdictional boundaries that converge in the area, Harjo says.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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By Mary Willa Allen

Whether you’re drawn to symphonies, ballet, theater, opera or visual art, Oklahoma’s cultural calendar offers something that will inspire. We preview the exhibitions, events and performances audiences won’t want to miss in 2026 and 2027.

Spamalot, Celebrity Attractions; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

Celebrity Attractions’ CEO Kristin Dotson says the varied line-up in the 2026-2027 season will provide an entertaining experience for every taste.

“There is a lot of anticipation for the return of Phantom of the Opera,” she shares. “This new tour is breaking box office records across the country, and we are thrilled to have the production anchor our 26-27 season. I think Shucked will be the sleeper hit of the season. A new, original title but a show that is so funny and a great escape! And we are hopeful that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will introduce the excitement of live theater to his fanbase.”

Dotson says a trend she’s noticed in Broadway productions is adapting popular movies to the stage.

“You will see this in Death Becomes Her in the upcoming season,” she says. “When it works – the transformation from screen to stage can take the material to another level.”

While Celebrity Attraction’s main priority is bringing high-caliber Broadway productions to Tulsa, they also work to ensure every patron feels appreciated.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service possible,” says Dotson. “We work tirelessly alongside the fantastic staff at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center to make sure that our patrons feel valued.”

108 Contemporary Aaron Jones: Big MOdels Aug. 7-Sept. 19 Austin Navrkal: Earth, Sky, and Water Oct. 2-Nov. 21 VisionMakers2026 Dec. 4-Jan. 23 Carrie Iverson & Jeremy Scidmore Feb. 5-March 20 Kalliopi Monoyios April 2-May 22 Sally Garner June 4-July 24 Armstrong Auditorium America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration with the OKC Phil Sept. 17 Sphinx Virtuosi – American250: Sounds of Unity Oct. 27 Tenebrae: A Celestial Gift Nov. 12 Amit Peled, Cello: From Darkness to Light Dec. 1 Camerata Nordica Octet: Scandinavian Seasons Jan. 19 Music of Mancini Feb. 4 Orpheus Chamber Orchestra: Water Music Feb. 16 Avi Avital and Ksenija Sidorova: Dances March 21 Tenthing Brass Ensemble: Ten of Hearts April 8 BOK Center Megan Moroney Aug. 15 Billy Idol Sept. 22 Koe Wetzel Oct. 2 OKC Thunder Basketball Oct. 6

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY

Wayne Coyne, King's Mouth, 2021. Mixed media installation. Photo by Danny Taylor courtesy Oklahoma Contemporary

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Journey Oct. 8 Ella Langley Oct. 9 Cece Winans Oct. 10 Tulsa Oilers Hockey October-April Three Days Grace Nov. 6

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Michael James Scott Oct. 3 Straight No Chaser Nov. 3 Grady Nichols Christmas Show Dec. 8 David Phelps Jan. 29 Legally Blonde: The National Tour Feb. 16 Canterbury Voices Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms & Poulenc’s Gloria Oct. 16 The BIG Sing!

Oct. 17 Hark! The Joyful Sound: Christmas with Canterbury Dec. 6 Choral Classics, Cherished Favorites March 6 Crescendo! With the Canterbury Chamber Voices May 6 Celebrity Attractions Spamalot Sept. 15-20

Phantom of the Opera Nov. 18-29 Shucked March 2-7 Death Becomes Her April 6-11

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child July 6-11

Chamber Music Tulsa Akropolis Reed Quintet Sept. 19-20 Israeli Chamber Project Oct. 4 Invoke Oct. 16 Barron Ryan and Friends Oct. 23 Viano Quartet Nov. 21 Brentano Quartet Feb. 5-7 Sitkovetsky Trio March 6-7 Poiesis Quartet April 23-25 Circle Cinema Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls Screening Aug. 20 Preservation Benefit Aug. 27 Route 66: The Main Street of America Premier Sept. 18 Twisted Arts LGBTQ Film Festival Sept. 23-26 Arab Film Festival Nov. 13-14 Circle Cinema Producer Society Annual Dinner and a Movie Nov. 12 Circle Cinema Annual Red Carpet Experience, 99th Academy Awards March 14 Circle Cinema Film Festival July 15-19

Oklahoma Contemporary has a full slate of upcoming programming and events, and executive director Trent Riley is especially excited about two of them.

“The first is Clever, Quick, Magnetic: The Art of Witty Banter curated by Oklahoma born artist David Salle,” he says. “David Salle is one of the most influential artists of the past half-century, and this exhibition is particularly exciting because he is serving as both artist and curator. The second is Happily One Freak: A Wayne Coyne Retrospective. Wayne Coyne is one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated creative minds, but many people know only his work as the frontman of The Flaming Lips. This exhibition will reveal the full breadth of his artistic practice.”

Riley says Oklahoma Contemporary’s identity as an arts center rather than a museum “has become increasingly important. I think many museums are still adapting to the reality that today’s audiences want more than observation, they want participation. People want to meet artists, attend performances, take classes, engage in conversations and experience art as something living and relevant to their daily lives. At Oklahoma Contemporary, an exhibition is just one part of the experience.”

As a non-collecting institution, the arts center isn’t responsible for maintaining a permanent collection – but “balance remains important,” Riley says. “Our goal is to create opportunities for innovation while ensuring that audiences have meaningful ways to engage with the work. Whether we are presenting a major retrospective, a digital media exhibition or a large-scale public art installation, we strive to combine creative risk-taking with strong educational and community engagement components.”

Civic Center Music Hall John Shack: Trust Issues Aug. 8 C.S. Lewis Beyond the Wardrobe Oct. 16-18 Discovery Lab Water Week Aug. 4 Member Movie Night Aug. 21 Members-Only Nights Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18

First Americans Museum Night Market Aug. 1 OKLA HOMMA Ongoing WINIKO: Life of an Object Ongoing 21st Century Mound Builders Ongoing Vessels that Carried Us: Kiowa Cradleboards Ongoing Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley Through Sept. 6 From the Australian Desert: Contemporary Aboriginal Painting Oct. 16-March 14 Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective April 16-Aug. 15

Greenwood Rising Greenwood Rising 5th Anniversary Celebration Gala Aug. 8 Still We Rise Ongoing The Greenwood Spirit Ongoing The Arc of Oppression Ongoing The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Ongoing A Journey Towards Reconciliation Ongoing Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum Worldwide Day of Play Sept. 26 Noon Year’s Eve Dec. 31 Jazzy’s Eggstravaganza March 27 Living Arts Spoken Word Event: Ego Trippin’ Aug. 22 Scutwork Sept. 4-Oct. 17 Spoken Word Event: Poetry Slam Oct. 17 Día de los Muertos Arts Festival Nov. 6 Día de los Muertos Arts Festival Altar Installation Nov. 6-14 Falaháma Bíyyi’ka – Eternal Return Dec. 4-19

Champagne & Chocolate Fundraising Gala Feb. 20 Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Through Aug. 2 Come From Away Sept. 16-Oct. 4 Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Nov. 24-Dec. 27 Into the Woods Feb. 17-March 7 The Music Man June 15-20 Hairspray July 6-11 Million Dollar Quartet July 20-25 Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Echoes of Time and Place: Sauk Art and Culture Through Aug. 30 Art of the Ancient World Collection Ongoing Ancient Art of the Americas Collection Ongoing Spanish Colonial Art Collection Ongoing McKnight Center for Performing Arts Cynthia Erivo Sept. 26 Preservation Hall Jazz Band Oct. 9 The Nightmare Before Christmas Oct. 28 Nutcracker – A Magical Christmas Ballet Nov. 15 Waitress Dec. 1-3 LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas Dec. 10 Shucked Jan. 30-31 La La Land Feb. 10 An Evening with Joshua Henry Feb. 12 Samara Joy March 6 Joshua Bell April 8 Stephen Schwartz and Friends April 16 National Symphony Orchestra: Noseda Conducts Beethoven April 24 National Symphony Orchestra: Chen Plays Mendelssohn April 25 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition and Sale Sept. 25-26 The Cowboy

Ongoing

OKC Ballet Ballet Under the Stars Sept. 11 SHORTS Oct. 23–25

The Nutcracker Dec. 11-21 Don Quixote Feb. 12-14 Future Voices: A Choreographic Showcase Mar. 12-21 Kenneth Tindall’s Alice in Wonderland Apr. 30-May 9

OKC Broadway Hamilton Aug. 11-23 The Outsiders Aug. 25-30 Bluey’s Big Play Sept. 8-9 The Sound of Music Sept. 22-27 The Phantom of the Opera Nov. 4-15 Outlander in Concert Nov. 30 The Notebook Dec. 29-Jan. 3 Waitress Jan. 29-31 The Great Gatsby March 23-28 The Bodyguard April 2-4 Death Becomes Her April 13-18 Buena Vista Social Club May 25-30 OKC Philharmonic America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration Sept. 19 Worlds of Wonder Oct. 10 Music to Die For: Songs from the Shadows Oct. 30-31 Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway Nov. 21 A Very Merry Pops Dec. 4-5 A Tinsel Tradition: Songs of Christmas Dec. 5 Fairytales: Stories in Sound Jan. 9 How to Train Your Dragon Jan. 15-16 Fate, Fire & Fantasty Feb. 6 Ebony & Ivory Feb. 19-20 Enigmas of Life March 13 The Music of the Rolling Stones March 19-20 A Night in Vienna April 10 Bugs Bunny at the Symphony April 23-24 Voices of Triumph: Symphonic Masterpieces May 15 OKC Town Hall Sherri Coale Sept. 17 Charlie Hurt Oct. 15 William Federer Nov. 19

Robin Wright Feb. 18 Dr. Carol Swain March 18 Trey Gowdy April 15 Oklahoma City Museum of Art The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce Through Sept. 20 The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art Oct. 31-Jan. 24 Oklahoma Contemporary Clever, Quick, Magnetic: The Art of Witty Banter Sept. 3-Jan. 11 Luxe Affair: Psychedelic Elegance Sept. 24 Chad Mount: Frequency and Perspective Through Nov. 2 Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers Nov. 18-May 24 Happily One Freak: A Wayne Coyne Retrospective Feb. 11-Aug. 9 Formless Matter and Its Devastating Gestures (At Campbell Art Park) Through April 26

PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART One of Tulsa’s hubs for art and culture, Philbrook is balancing nationally significant exhibitions with an ongoing commitment to Oklahoma artists and community connection.

Coinciding with the centennial of the Mother Road, Philbrook recently opened Roadside Abstractions: Route 66 & American Modernism.

“It’s going to be a phenomenal show, and a bit of a milestone for us, since it’s the first time in years we’ve built a show primarily around abstraction,” says Megan Nesbit, the museum’s president and CEO. “What I love is the chance to put this work in its time and place in history and connect it to the story of Route 66 itself.”

While major exhibitions and large-scale installations drive Philbrook’s programming, the museum is also focused on spotlighting local creators.

“Our new Community Gallery in the Tandy Pavilion gives us real space to feature even more local artists, and we’ll be putting out an open call for proposals in the coming year,” says Nesbit. “It’s an open invitation to the artists in this community to help shape what comes next.”

In an era of expanding digital infrastructure and shrinking attention spans, Nesbit hopes Philbrook offers visitors a chance to slow down and engage.

“What we want is to enchant people with the world around them,” she says. “To give you a reason to stop, to really look, to use your senses and to connect with the art, with whoever you came with and with your own thoughts.”

Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre In partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground Oct. 22-Nov. 1 Primary Trust Feb. 25-March 7 Proof April 22-May 9 Rep Fest Play Reading Festival June 24-27 Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Julius Caesar Sept. 10-27 An Actor’s Carol Nov. 27-29 Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker Dec. 3-20 Painted Sky Opera La Traviata Aug. 14, 16, 20-21, 23 The Pirate Project Sept. 12 A Decade of Divas Oct. 23, 25 Paycom Center Parker McCollum Sept. 25 Phil Wickham Sept. 27 Brooks & Dunn Oct. 1 SOMBR Oct. 16 Elevation Worship Oct. 17 The Smashing Pumpkins Oct. 24 MercyMe Nov. 8 Leanne Morgan Nov. 15

Édouard Vuillard (French, 1868-1940). Yvonne Printemps on the Sofa, 1919-21.

Distemper on board, 47 1/4 x 31 5/8″. Philbrook Art & Gardens, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Museum purchase, Taber Art Fund, 2025.18. Photo courtesy Philbrook

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Philbrook Museum of Art Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? Through Oct. 10

New Acquisition: Édouard Vuillard, Yvonne Printemps dans le canapé Through Nov. 8 Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn: Fragments & Transformation Through Jan. 3 Roadside Abstractions: Route 66 & American Modernism Through Jan. 3 Neon Moon: Always Room Here Through June 6 Everything We Dream: Native Abstraction Through June 13 OKC Philharmonic; photo courtesy the OKC Phil

OKC PHILHARMONIC

Teeming with classical and pop performances from September to May, the OKC Phil aims to make orchestral music accessible to all.

“Historically, orchestral music was largely confined to concert halls and often viewed as a formal occasion,” says Brent Hart, OKC Phil’s executive director. “Today, we’re bringing music directly into the community through free performances in more casual settings like Scissortail Park, ensemble appearances at OKC Thunder games and performances in public spaces throughout the city.”

With the goal to create programming that inspires, engages and entertains, the OKC Phil also keeps things interesting with guest appearances from global creatives.

“We pair guest artists with programs that highlight their unique musical strengths, while guest conductors often bring fresh perspectives, repertoire ideas and distinctive artistic voices,” says Hart. “Their contributions help round out the character of each season and create meaningful experiences for both our musicians and audiences.”

Hart, who says a “tremendous amount of thought and planning” goes into every season, can’t pinpoint which show excites him most, but knows the season kickoff, America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration, is sure to impress.

Sam Noble Museum Hall of World Cultures Ongoing Hall of Ancient Life Ongoing Hall of Natural Wonders Ongoing Bizarre Headgear Through Aug. 23 Lives of the Dead Sept. 5-Jan. 3 Science Museum Oklahoma Discoverfest Sept. 26 Women in STEAM Conference Nov. 4 Elemental Ball April 30 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Michael Knigin: Remembrance 2000 & Anne Frank Series Through Aug. 31 Totally Tumarkin Through Dec. 31 Tchotchke Through Dec. 31

Frederic, Lord Leighton (England, 1830-1896), Flaming June, 1895, oil on canvas, 46 7/8 x 46 7/8 in. (119.1 x 119.1 cm), Museo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc. Photo courtesy the OKCMOA

OKCMOA

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is giving art lovers plenty to look forward to this year with two major exhibitions: The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce running through Sept. 20, as well as The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art, running Oct. 31-Jan. 24.

The Sense of Beauty was organized in celebration of the Puerto Rican-based Museo de Arte de Ponce’s 65th anniversary. The collection spans from the 1500s through the 21st century, featuring 60 paintings by European, Puerto Rican and North American artists.

“Visitors will have an opportunity to see masterworks by artists who are rarely on view in Oklahoma,” says Michael Anderson, president and CEO of the OKCMOA. The Triumph of Nature, organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Va., will feature 127 works of art from the Art Nouveau movement, with pieces including paintings, prints, jewelry and furniture.

“The Triumph of Nature will be a very transportive exhibition, one that prompts visitors to imagine themselves in a different time and amongst the objects in their original spaces,” says Anderson. “Many visitors will recognize not only the motifs of the Art Nouveau movement, but the artists best associated with, with works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha and Aubrey Beardsley.”

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Signature Symphony New World, New Voices Sept. 19 Christmas in Tulsa Dec. 11-12 Christmas Movie Matinee: The Snowman Dec. 12 Bruckner and Video Game Soundscapes Jan. 30 Carmina Burana March 6 Tulsa Sings! – Totally 80s April 24 Theatre Tulsa Grease Sept. 10-13 The Women in Black Oct. 9-11 Come From Away Nov. 5-8 Musical Laboratory Nov. 13 Les Miserables Jan. 8-24 Steel Magnolias Feb. 5-14 Merrily We Roll Along March 12-21 Guys and Dolls April 15-18

Beetlejuice Jr. May 7-9 Tulsa Ballet Creations in Studio K Sept. 10-20 The Ugly Duckling Oct. 2-3, March 6 Swan Lake Oct. 22-25 The Nutcracker Dec. 5-20 Cinderella Feb. 18-21 Romeo & Juliet April 1-4 Carmen May 6-9 Tulsa Botanic Garden BotaniCamp Sug. 3-7 Autumn in the Botanic Garden Sept.-Oct. Botanic Garden of Lights Nov.-Dec. Tulsa Botanic Blooms March-April

Tulsa Chorale Verdi Requiem in collaboration with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Oct. 17 Marvelous Motets Jan. 22 Mendelssohn’s Elijah May 22 Tulsa Opera Spotlight On Opera: Opera at College Hill Aug. 1 Spotlight On Opera Series Aug. 6-7, Aug. 14 Book Club Series: Little Women Aug. 15 Little Women Concert and Screening at Circle Cinema Sept. 10 Voices After Dark: Love on Hold – A Double Bill Featuring The Telephone and At the Statue of Venus Sept. 19 Arias and Ales Oct. 10 Book Club Series: Louisa May Alcott – A Personal Biography Oct. 17 Little Women Nov. 21-22 Voices After Dark: Opera in the Key of Jazz Jan. 23 Book Club Series: Hello Beautiful Feb. 6 Così Fan Tutte May 7, 9 Voices of Tomorrow May 12 Voices After Dark: The Impresario June 5

Tulsa PAC Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

Through Aug. 16 The Second City Sept. 25 Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s Oct. 3 Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book

Oct. 22

John Lloyd Young’s Broadway Feb. 13 AILEY II Feb. 15 Next Narrative Monologue Competition Finals March 8 The Musicians of Bremen March 10 Orbit Arts Festival April 2027 The Discovery Awards May 2027

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre The Drunkard and the Olio Every Saturday Tulsa Symphony TSO Giving Day Sept. 4 Symphony in the Park Sept. 13 101 Unplugged Series Sept. 19, Oct. 3, April 10, May 1 Classics: Opening Night – Beethoven’s Fourth Sept. 26 Classics: Verdi Requim Oct. 17 Classics: Celebrating Route 66 Nov. 7 Classics: Sibelius’ Finlandia Jan. 16 The Seasons Reimagined Jan. 24 Classics: Celebrating America’s Composers Feb. 13 Leslie Odom, Jr. with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Feb. 27 Classics: Dvorak’s Eighth April 17 Classics: Season Finale – Shostakovich’s Tenth May 15 Tulsa Town Hall Adm. James Stavridis Sept. 25 Dr. Laurie Santos Oct. 16 Lynsey Addario Nov. 6 Ken Jennings Feb. 12 Patrick McGee March 12 Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts University Theatre The Pajama Game Sept. 25-27 Arcadia Oct. 9-18 Oklahoma Festival Ballet Nov. 6-8, 2026 Die Fledermaus Dec. 3-6 Urinetown Feb. 12-21 Il re pastore March 4-7 Contemporary Dance Oklahoma April 2-4

The Tempest April 23-May 2

2026-27 SEASON M A I N S TA G E P R O D U C T I O N S

NOV 21 & 22, 2026

M AY 7 & 9 , 2 0 2 7

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SEPT 19, 2026

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5/19/26 2:56 PM

Above: On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, photo by Esther Hodson. Directly above: Bizarre Headgear, photo courtesy the Sam Noble Museum of Art

Tulsa Opera; photo by Eric Joannes

TULSA OPERA

Programming abounds at Tulsa Opera, ranging from chamber music series to well-known operatic showcases and even book club events.

Artistic director Maestro Aaron Beck says that variety is what helps Tulsa Opera engage audiences, old and new.

“We believe opera remains relevant because it tells timeless human stories through extraordinary music,” he says.

“Our goal is to make those stories accessible and meaningful to as many people as possible by presenting a wide variety of experiences throughout the community.”

The organization also invests heavily in education, artist support and outreach through “programs like Tulsa Youth Opera and our Raise Your Voice touring productions, which introduce

thousands of students to opera each year,” he says. “Supporting emerging artists is central to Tulsa Opera’s mission. Through the Filstrup Resident Artist Company, Tulsa Youth Opera, Spotlight on Opera and other training initiatives, we provide singers with meaningful performance opportunities, mentorship and professional development at every stage of their artistic journey.”

In the upcoming season, patrons can enjoy four Tulsa Opera premieres: Little Women, The Telephone, and Mozart’s The Impresario and Così fan tutte.

“As an artistic organization, it’s important that we continue introducing audiences to works they may not have had the opportunity to experience before while also honoring the great masterpieces of the operatic repertoire,” says Beck.

SAM NOBLE MUSEUM & FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART

Norman residents should head to two cultural gems in the city: the Sam Noble Museum and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Sam Noble's head of education, Laura Vaughn, is excited for patrons to explore Bizarre Headgear through Aug. 23, and Lives of the Dead, opening Sept. 5.

“Bizarre Headgear is an incredible experience for dinosaur lovers and features horned ceratopsian dinosaurs like Triceratops along with a number of modern animals with strange head ornaments,” she says. “I’m also really looking forward to our September exhibition Lives of the Dead. It’s all about Día de los Muertos, and it should be perfect for the fall season.”

All in all, Vaughn thinks heading to a museum is exactly what people need right about now.

“I feel like now more than ever, getting out into the world and sharing genuine, unforgettable experiences with friends and family members is exactly what people want most,” says Vaughn.

At Fred Jones, visitors won't want to miss a variety of shows, including On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley through Sept. 6, an exhibition which traces the artist’s pursuit of abstraction across a variety of compositions, geometric designs and works that sought to break from tradition.

TULSA PAC

Orbit Arts Festival, photo courtesy the Tulsa PAC

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Bringing people together through the arts is the driving mission of the Tulsa Performance Arts Center.

Mark Frie, the TPAC’s CEO, says the wide breadth of options of this season is a testament to that effort.

“We are welcoming world-class artists such as Ann Hampton Callaway, John Lloyd Young and AILEY II, while also creating opportunities for laughter, creativity and discovery through events like The Second City and Orbit Arts Festival,” says Frie. “At the same time, we remain deeply committed to developing the next generation of artists and arts advocates through programs like the Discovery Awards and the Next Narrative Monologue Competition.”

The TPAC, Frie says, plays a unique role in the broader arts ecosystem of Tulsa.

“We serve as a gathering place where artists, arts organizations, educators, students and audiences come together to create shared experiences and strengthen our community,” he says.

Many performing arts organizations utilize the TPAC as their homebase – something Frie and his staff take seriously.

“Being a home for multiple resident and visiting arts organizations is both a privilege and a responsibility. Their work brings extraordinary artistic diversity to Tulsa, and we are proud to provide a space where creativity can flourish,” he says. “What makes the TPAC special is that so many different voices share this space. That energy reflects the richness of Tulsa’s arts community and reminds us that the arts are strongest when people come together to create, learn and share experiences.”

Amazing things are coming this season at Tulsa’s Home for the Arts GET TICKETS tulsapac.com 918.596.7111

JULY 24–AUGUST 16

SEPTEMBER 25

OCTOBER 17

NOVEMBER 13–15

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

Adm. James Stavridis

II: Verdi Requiem

Universal Theory

TULSA TOWN HALL

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OKLAHOMA MOVEMENT

Ms. & Mrs. ECO

The Second City: Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons

OCTOBER 22

The Phantom of the Opera

NATION OF SATES PAGEANT

TPAC

TPAC

SEPTEMBER 10–13

SEPTEMBER 26

OCTOBER 23–25

Grease

Swan Lake

THEATRE TULSA

I: Opening Night — Beethoven’s Fourth

SEPTEMBER 10–13

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OCTOBER 24–25

OCTOBER 3

FILMS FROM WITHIN

TPAC

AUGUST 30

Ahead of Their Time DIANE WHITE

SEPTEMBER 15–20

Monty Python’s Spamalot CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

SEPTEMBER 18–27

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest WORLD STAGE THEATRE COMPANY

SEPTEMBER 25

Cabaret Series: Ann Hampton Callaway

FRANKENSTEIN: A Living Comic Book

TULSA BALLET

Keys to My Heart NOVEMBER 5–8

Come from Away

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

NOVEMBER 21

Viano String Quartet CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

NOVEMBER 21–22

Little Women TULSA OPERA

DECEMBER 3–23

A Christmas Carol

THEATRE TULSA

AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

NOVEMBER 6

DECEMBER 5–20

Lynsey Addario

The Nutcracker

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

TULSA TOWN HALL

TULSA BALLET

OCTOBER 8–25

NOVEMBER 7

TPAC

OCTOBER 4

Israeli Chamber Project

PEMBROKE PLAYERS

III: Celebrating Route 66

Akropolis Reed Quintet

OCTOBER 16

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

TULSA TOWN HALL

SEPTEMBER 19–20

NOVEMBER 28–29

Anne of Green Gables

Dr. Laurie Santos

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

F O O D, D R I N K A N D O T H E R P L E A S U R E S

One of The Goose's most popular sandwiches is the Mother Goose, with double mortadella, double capicola, salami, pepperoni, provolone, arugula, tomatoes, basil spread and mayo. Photos courtesy The Goose

What’s Good for the Goose

What began as a neighborhood sandwich shop has quickly evolved into a dining destination where exceptional food meets an unmistakably welcoming vibe.

W

ith a whimsical menu served up by knowledgeable, congenial staff in a laidbackcool atmosphere, the Goose Sandies + Bar has attracted a flock of fans in Oklahoma City and beyond in only its second year in business.

One owner modestly summed up the phenomenon as “sandwiches with a dive bar vibe.” Meanwhile, the menu is full of an array of deli fare with creative sandwich spins that spill over into surprising smash burgers, in-house Wells Beer and draft cocktails. The venue’s vegetarian culinary director ensures that an order of “BTW… I’m Vegan,” a cucumber salad-and-tomato sandwich, is beyond basic and receives the utmost respect and care.

The Goose is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

(10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) and with added year-round rooftop seating, customers like to linger at the 42-seat Midtown eatery; you’ll see regulars chatting with friendly bartenders, à la Cheers. The overall Goose experience has become sought-after to the point that people travel from out of state to try out the menu and the venue…and return to savor their favorites. An onsite customer wedding is planned for fall 2027. The 'Goose' tie-in?

Military veteran and co-owner/operator Nate Roberts’ rescue dog Goose, a Siberian Husky named after Tom Cruise’s Navy wingman in Top Gun. Most-ordered on the eclectic menu is signature Italian sandie “The Goose,” with capicola, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, Asiago cheese and lemon-tossed arugula.

It’s flavored with Duke’s Mayonnaise, plus oil and vinegar, and constructed between

The "BTW... I'm Vegan" includes cucumber salad, tomatoes, pickled peppers, lemon-tossed arugula, hummus, oil and vinegar.

satisfying portions of ciabatta bread.

“We take a lot of pride in slicing our own deli meats and sourcing things from friends and finding local bread,” says Roberts. “In the next few months, we are going to make our own bread. Everything that we do has

Taste | First Bite

Local Flavors | Taste The Bradford Grill

An array of sandwiches, plus salads, soups and burgers, await at The Goose.

some sort of underlying theme of: This is Oklahoma. We’re going to get it from Oklahoma and we’re not going to feed you something that you can just buy and make at home.”

The popular “Oklahoma Smashie” is second in sales, and comes with two beef patties, American cheese, grilled onion, pickles and “Goose Sauce” on a potato bun.

“Being a sandwich shop that’s known for a cheeseburger was not on our Bingo card, but here we are,” says Roberts. “I love it.”

When Goose partners sit down for a favorite sandwichbeverage combo, what do they choose?

“We sell our Wells Pale and Amber lagers, and I think a Wells Pale with a ‘Goose’ is really, really hard to beat,” says co-owner Elizabeth Maxwell. Roberts loves the namesake sandwich, too, but doubles down with its enlarged version, “The Mother Goose,” and a Coors Banquet beer with a chilled shot of Malört.

Maxwell says the Goose has the distinction of serving the most Malört in Oklahoma. Describing the hyper-bitter beverage, she says, “it’s truly awful and a big deal in Chicago – that’s where it hails from,” she says. “It’s a wormwood-based liqueur. Give it to somebody for the first time to watch their reaction.”

The Goose hosts competitive “MalÖrmpics” (Malört Olympics), where Oklahoma mixologists use the beverage to make the “best and most palatable cocktail” judged by Malört reps flown in from the Windy City.

Product quality, customer care and neighborhood relationships are paramount to Roberts and Maxwell.

“Our customers range from families with children to industry folks to sandwich enthusiasts to people who enjoy just sitting down with our staff,” says Roberts. “It’s like going to your friend’s house for a good sandwich and For lighter fare, try the house salad with red onion, cucumber salad, tomatoes and Asiago. a beer.”

Look for that same scenario when a planned second Goose lands in Stillwater.

LISA PERRY

Bradford Grill, situated at 68th and Yale in Tulsa, offers American fare in upscale environs. Family-friendly, affordable and perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is an ideal landing spot for groups of all sizes.

Start with something hearty like the Photo by Valerie Wei-Haas Southwest spinach dip, deviled eggs, onion rings or homemade soup. Entree options abound, with categories including Steak & Ribs; Burgers & Sandwiches; Fish Market; Crafted Salads; and Chicken & Pasta.

Highlights include the Surf and Turf with a 7 oz. top sirloin, shrimp, a baked potato and one side, the Nashville hot ranch chicken sandwich with chili spice blend, house coleslaw dill chips and cool ranch Doritos, the Kapulua chicken with grilled pineapple pico, steamed broccoli and whipped potatoes, and the spinach dip pasta with rigatoni and homemade spinach dip.

For something a bit lighter, try the salmon, quinoa and kale salad, or the ruby red trout with Cajun spices, steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.

The restaurant also offers a bevy of housemade margaritas and martinis, alongside other classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned and Bellini. Drinkers can also enjoy a handful of wines, beers and bourbons.

Cheever’s

With locations on Hudson Ave. in OKC and Cherry Street in Tulsa, Cheever’s serves up upscale Southwestern and Southern cuisine to hit that comfort food craving.

Cheever’s offers varied Photo by Choate House Photography menus depending on the time of day. Brunch, served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., comes with ample goodies including the stuffed French toast, the smoked brisket hash and Paul’s Big Boy – two sunnyside eggs, bacon, sourdough and brunch potatoes.

For lunch, try the Bleu cheese potato chips to start, then the roasted chicken enchiladas, the shrimp and grits or the SLB – country ham, burrata, arugula, tomatoes and balsamic reduction on toast. Other lunch goodies include the Italian kale salad, the sausage rigatoni and the roasted chicken and pepper jack strudel.

Dinner is an elegant affair, with hearty options including the filet with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, alongside the boneless beef short ribs, the tortilla crusted Alaskan halibut and the Cheever’s chicken fried steak.

Fear not – Cheever’s also offers craft cocktails, sipping spirits, wine and beer.

MARY WILLA ALLEN AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

49

Taste | Chef Chat

Kelsey Ihm, chef de cuisine at Stonehorse Cafe, credits mentors and a willingness to learn every aspect of the kitchen for shaping her career.

Photos courtesy Kelsey Ihm

Three Conversations Later

By embracing every challenge and taking some sound advice, Kelsey Ihm rose through Tulsa’s kitchens to become a chef known as much for mentoring as for cooking.

I

f three people hadn’t found a few minutes to talk with Kelsey Ihm, her life would have been a lot different.

The first was in high school. It was career day, and a chef told her that cooking could be science and math and art all together. Ihm was a dreamer; she’d wanted to be a psychologist or an environmentalist, but this sounded like a dream, and besides, she’d been an enthusiastic baker ever since, at the age of ten at home in Broken Arrow, she’d gotten hold of a Betty Crocker cookbook.

So, after graduating from TCC, she applied to the cooking school at OSUIT in Okmulgee.

The next was at her orientation, when she told chef Rene Jungo, head of the school, that she only wanted to take baking classes.

“Don’t limit yourself,” he told her. "Learn everything!” And this, says Ihm, “opened up all the avenues I’ve had since then.”

The third was Michelle Donaldson, a chef who, though she left for a career in Detroit almost a decade ago, is fondly remembered here. Ihm ran into Donaldson while she was working at popular breakfast-and-brunch joint Bramble.

“Work for Tim Inman,” Donaldson told her, “you’ll learn a lot.”

And so Ihm got a job at Inman’s restaurant, Stonehorse.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

“I started in the market,” Ihm recalls. “Within a week I was in the restaurant, cooking on the line.

Within a year I was running the line.”

She wanted new challenges – and that’s when she learned that restaurateur Justin Thompson was looking for chefs for his new restaurant.

She signed on. It was called Freya and it was something new to Tulsa: Scandinavian fine dining.

“I got to play with things I’d never seen before,” she says. “We pickled everything we could get our hands on. Justin had us adopt the Scandinavian way of life.”

Within a few months, Ihm was chef de cuisine, running the restaurant when Justin wasn’t around.

“I learned,” she says, “how much time and effort it takes to run a restaurant, how every time you finish composing a new menu it’s already time to start the next, how to delegate tasks and not try to control everything.”

But there came a day when Freya closed. Ihm found a place back at Stonehorse, working as chef de cuisine.

“Tim’s a workhorse,” says Ihm. “It’s nonstop for that man. I am his helper.”

Ihm arrives around 1 p.m. daily. She confers with all the cooks, makes a list of tasks to be done, and then the team does them, one by one. Around 4, the dinner rush begins. She goes over the menu with the servers. If there’s a new dish, they all get to try it. Then, if it’s a busy day, Ihm joins the line of cooks.

On weekdays, less busy, Ihm works in the back, doing all the tasks other people hate: grinding meat, making ravioli, doing prep for the market, butchering huge sides of beef or pork. Ihm’s day doesn’t end until every other worker has left. She checks the restaurant, room by room, turns out the lights and locks the door.

That’s a long list of tasks, but Ihm’s favorite part of the job isn’t on it.

“If you’re a cook new to the industry,” she says, “Stonehorse is a good place to work, especially if you want to learn. You’ll pick up all the little tips and bits of knowledge you’d never learn anywhere else. I love to teach. It’s so great to watch someone who comes in totally clueless start to make great pizza, learn mise-en-place, and start to understand why they do each task they do.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Online Exclusive: FOR A RECIPE FROM IHM, VISIT OKMAG.COM.

Tasty Tidbits | Taste Fajitas Grill

If you’re looking for a hole in the wall Mexican spot ideal for a casual lunch or dinner, Fajitas Grill at 41st and Peoria in Tulsa is just the ticket.

As its name would suggest, fajitas here are ample and delicious. Try the shrimp, chicken, beef or seafood versions of the meal, all served with tortillas, rice, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole. Other highlights include specials like the pollo con chorizo, the ribeye steak, the carne asada and the Chicken Monterrey – grilled chicken breast with onions, mushrooms, cheese and pico de gallo. Don’t forget about chile relleno, carnitas, tacos, burritos, tamales and more.

Photo courtesy Fajitas Grill

Blue Moon Cafe

Just a stone’s throw away from Fajitas Grill is Blue Moon Cafe, a culinary staple on Brookside. Ideal for breakfast and lunch, Blue Moon is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Favorites include the Reuben, the veggie burger, the chicken sandwich and the Brookside – grilled ham, jalapeno cheese bread, red onion, Swiss and cheddar cheese plus brown mustard. Don’t forget breakfast classics like the egg quesadilla, egg sandwich, breakfast tacos and the huevos rancheros. For something lighter, try one of many salads that include the Southwest Cobb, the Power Bowl and the strawberry salad with fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, feta and candied pecans. The joint also has cocktails, bubbly drinks and beers to keep the good vibes going.

Photo courtesy Blue Moon Cafe

Patty Wagon

Described as “criminally good,” the burgers at Patty Wagon in OKC are no joke. Even better, prices are low and servings are ample. Classic options include the Big John with pepperjack cheese, green chiles, grilled jalapenos and spicy mayonnaise, as well as the Swiss N’ Shroom with Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, onions and horseradish. Other hot sandwich options include the BLT, the classic turkey club, the chicken tender sandwich and the Thunderbird with turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato and housemade sauce. Don’t forget sides like hand-cut fries, tater tots, onion rings and roasted corn nuggets. And for the kiddos, junior burgers, grilled cheese and corn dogs await.

Photo courtesy the Patty Wagon

Betty’s

A vegan must-visit within OKC’s Brookside Plaza, Betty’s PlantBased To-Go provides diners with unique twists on Southern fare – all with vegan-only ingredients. Popular entrees include the Soul Platter with house fried ‘chk’n’ – made from mushrooms – alongside cornbread and your choice of three sides. (Sides include black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, candied yams, extra ‘chk’n’ and vegan macaroni and cheese.) Other favored dishes include the Betty’s Wrap with lettuce mix, beans, roasted peppers, salsa, guacamole and white sauce, alongside the MAC burger with macaroni and cheese, Betty’s sauce and a plant-based patty on a pretzel bun.

Photo courtesy Betty’s AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Where & When

G R E AT T H I N G S T O D O I N O K L A H O M A

EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA

Performances

Australia's Thunder from Down Under Aug. 1 River

Spirit Casino Resort Australia’s Thunder from Down Under has delivered the ultimate girls’ night out. Direct from Las Vegas, the hottest Australian exports are renowned for their high-energy stage production, down-to-earth Aussie charisma, and pure thunder power. riverspirittulsa.com

Tulsa Spotlight Theater presents: The Drunkard and the Olio Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Tulsa Spotlight Theater It began on Nov. 14, 1953, and has never stopped! That's how The Drunkard became America's longestrunning play. More than 3,000 Tulsans have participated on or offstage. tulsaspotlighttheater.com It Happened on Route 66 Aug. 1-2, 7-9 Spotlight Children's Theater The Spotlight Children's Theatre has four productions each season using local talent. All ages (adults, teens, children) and experience levels are welcome to audition, and productions are entertaining for the whole family. tulsaspotlighttheater.com

Miscast (On Purpose!)

Cabaret Aug. 4 Tulsa PAC In

Miscast (On Purpose), the cast of Oklahoma! reimagines musical theatre favorites & classic & contemporary standards through role reversals, offering fresh perspectives on iconic songs.

With each unexpected pairing, familiar lyrics take on new resonance. tulsapac.com

Tulsa Opera presents: Spotlight on Opera Aug. 6,

7, 14 Various locations Enjoy short concerts to support Tulsa Opera. tulsaopera.com

Theatre Tulsa presents: The Diary of Anne Frank Aug.

14-23 Theatre Tulsa In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination. theatretulsa.org

Gaither and Friends: Homecoming Aug. 15-16 Mabee

Center For over three decades, Bill and Gloria Gaither have taken their exciting Homecoming Tour on the road, touring internationally and enjoying sold out crowds in cities worldwide. The exciting

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PERFORMANCE

1

OKC BROADWAY

The Curtain Call Calendar

Oklahoma’s performing arts organizations wave goodbye to the summer months with shows galore.

In Tulsa, start the month off with a beloved tradition: The Drunkard and the Olio, running every Saturday at Tulsa’s Spotlight Theater. Then, venture to Tulsa Opera’s Spotlight on Opera Series on Aug. 6, 7 The Outsiders, photo by Matthew Murphy and 14, with concerts and screenings at College Hill Presbyterian Church, Circle Cinema and the Laven Sowell Opera Center, respectively. Next, Theatre Tulsa takes on the harrowing yet inspiring The Diary of Anne Frank, running Aug. 14-23 at the Tulsa PAC. Stick around the venue for the TPAC rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, sweeping through the plains until Aug. 16.

In OKC, you’ve got a mixed bag of options. Start with Lyric Theatre’s Sweeney Todd at the Civic Center, finishing out its run through Aug. 2. Then, circle back to the Civic for magician John Shack on Aug. 8, followed by two must-see musicals courtesy OKC Broadway: Hamilton, Aug. 11-23, and The Outsiders, Aug. 25-30. Lastly, you won’t want to miss Painted Sky Opera’s La Traviata, Aug. 14-23, also at the Civic. heartthrob – one he's held since he anthems. hardrockcasinotulsa.com was a teen. bokcenter.com Art Megan Moroney Aug. 15 BOK Center Megan Moroney is bringing Indulgence Aug 7-22 Living The Cloud 9 Tour with special guests Arts Alyssa Fields presents a curated group show centered around Solon Holt and JP Saxe to BOK indulgence. The theme will be open Center! bokcenter.com TPAC presents: Rodgers interpretation, and she includes & Hammerstein's Ghostland Observatory Aug. to a variety of mediums from multiple Oklahoma! Through Aug. 15 Cain's Ballroom See artists.

The show ranges from still 16 Tulsa PAC Rodgers & this indie band for one night lifes of sweet treats to commentary Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! bursts only. cainsballroom.com on overindulgence in our society on a to life in a sweeping celebration massive scale. livingarts.org Vince Gill Aug. 20 One of the of love, rivalry, and the untamed most popular artists in modern Aaron Jones: Big MOdels Aug. promise of the American frontier. country music, Vince Gill is famous 7-Sept. 19 108 Contemporary 108 With soaring songs, powerful for his top-notch songwriting, worldContemporary presents the work of storytelling, and a deep sense class guitar playing and warm, Tulsa based mixed media artist and of place, this production invites soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a architect Aaron Jones. This exhibition audiences into a shared experience quick and easy wit. riverspirittulsa. explores linkages between our that honors heritage, community, com ecological and architectural legacies and the enduring spirit of through the thematic capacities Yacht Rock the Dock Aug. Oklahoma. tulsapac.com of experimental printmaking 22 This unforgettable concert techniques. 108contemporary.org will feature an all-star lineup of Concerts original artists performing their The Black Crowes Aug. 6 Hard iconic hits from the 1970s and 1980s. Michael Knigin: Remembrance 2000 & Anne Frank Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa The Anchored by Ambrosia, John Ford Series Through Aug. 31 Sherwin Grammy Award-nominated band, Coley, Peter Beckett (The Voice Miller Museum of Jewish Art Michael founded by brothers Chris and Rich of Player), Walter Egan and Elliot Knigin's Remembrance 2000 and Robinson, have been defined by Lurie, “Yacht Rock the Dock” is a Anne Frank Series examine the raw energy, soulful swagger and celebration of the smooth rock human impact of the Holocaust catalog of songs that has shaped era that defined a generation and through layered compositions that generations. hardrockcasinotulsa. continues to captivate audiences combine photography, drawing, com today. hardrockcasinotulsa.com painting, collage, and digital The Stray Cats Aug. 7 River Don McLean Aug. 28 Mabee processes. jewishmuseumtulsa.org Spirit Casino Resort The Stray Cats, Center As one of America’s most the band that put Rockabilly music revered and respected songwriters, Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? Through back on the record charts in the McLean’s catalogue includes Oct. 10 Philbrook In her paintings, early '80s, scored several big hits on mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Jordan Ann Craig shares an both sides of the Atlantic thanks to Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” a striking visual 1950’s style brought and many more. mabeecenter.com important belief: there is a pattern waiting to be noticed in even the “up to date” with exaggerated Andy Grammer Aug. 29 Hard smallest of moments if we are pompadours and colorful tattoos Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Andy willing to look. philbrook.org and as well as genuine musical Grammer has made a name for chops that evoked the best Edouard Vuillard, himself through his music that players of rockabilly's original Yvonne Printemps dans inspires positivity, resilience and heyday. riverspiritttulsa.com connection. With more than 3 le canape Through Nov. Marco Antonio Solis Aug. billion global streams and a social 8 Philbrook With the lush, 8 BOK Center Mexican media following approaching decorative setting of this painting, singer-songwriter Marco Antonio 5 million, Grammer has built a Vuillard creates a mood that invites Solis is well into middle age, but he's devoted fanbase drawn to his you into an intimate moment. “I far from surrendering his status as a honest lyrics and feel-good don’t paint portraits,” he was famed tradition continues in Tulsa as this 2026 Homecoming Celebration brings together dozens of artists on one stage for a weekend that has the promise of being quite historical. mabeecenter.com

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

(ABRA). It is a massive, multi-day equestrian competition celebrating color-breed horses, including Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun, Grulla, Dunalino, Perlino, and Buckskin Bred horses. americanbuckskin.com Tulsa Drillers Baseball Aug. 1-2, 11-16, 18-23 ONEOK Field See the Tulsa Drillers play America's favorite pastime all summer long. milb.com Roadside Abstractions: NSBA World Show Aug. 14-23 Expo Square The NSBA Route 66 and American World Show is the premier annual Modernism Through Jan. equestrian event hosted by the 3 Philbrook The road trip is a quintessential American experience National Snaffle Bit Association, featuring all-breed competitions of discovery, spontaneity, and across multiple disciplines with freedom. Roadside Abstractions: a heavy focus on pleasure horse Route 66 & American Modernism classes. nsba.com asks you to experience American art the way you’d experience 100X Reining Classic Aug. the open road: with a sense of 29-Sept. 6 Expo Square The adventure. philbrook.org 100X Reining Classic (formerly the Tulsa Reining Classic) is a premier Neon Moon: Always equestrian event that brings top Room Through June 6 Philbrook "Neon Moon," a famous cowboys, cowgirls and reining horses from around the globe to 1990s country ballad by Brooks & Dunn, has become a cross-cultural Tulsa. 100xshows.com anthem for the lovelorn and the Community lonely. But the song describes more than that, as many country First Friday Art Crawl Aug. 7 songs do – comfort in familiar Downtown On the first Friday of places, romanticization of a past every month, guests will be able gone, working-class experiences, to see a new exhibit opening and and finding community in the enjoy live music, a cash bar and present. philbrook.org snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu

for saying, “I paint people in their homes.” philbrook.org Tchotchke Through Dec. 31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Enjoy unique and memorable tchotchkes from our collection and from the homes and families of the Jewish Tulsa community. jewishmuseumtulsa. org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours Aug. 8,

22 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun proud to partner with award-winning and educational walking tour artist Karl Unnasch to present through downtown Tulsa and Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin other historical local sites during built from the skeleton of a lateSaturday Architecture Tours, 1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org Sports Oklahoma Comic Con Aug. ABRA World Show Through 8-9 Arvest Convention Center Join Aug. 1 Expo Square The ABRA the 2-day celebration of World Championship Show is the entertainment and pop culture premier annual event of the American with celeb guests, comic creators, Buckskin Registry Association artists, vendors, cosplay, gaming and

Entertainment | Where & When more! arvestconventioncenter.com

beadwork, silversmithing, and coming-of-age story takes you Devastating Gestures Through painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967, where textiles. See their combined works at April 26 Oklahoma history of the Oklahoma City Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend this exhibition. mgmoa.org Contemporary This monumental bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com Johnny Cade and their family outdoor installation by Oklahoma On the Edge: The Abstract observation to the test in an evening of Greaser “outsiders” dream City–based artists Denise Duong The Cowboy: An Immersive World of Frederick of outrageous comedy, interactive about who they want to become and Gabriel Friedman transforms Journey Ongoing National Hammersley Through Sept. in a world that will never accept moments and the impossible.

Campbell Art Park into a site of story, Cowboy and Western Heritage 6 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Featuring special guest comedians them. okcbroadway.com symbolism and discovery. Conceived Musuem Enjoy a bold new Norman On the Edge: The Abstract as a constellation of six sculptural Julie Drake and Cody Troutman, 360-degree experience that Concerts World of Frederick Hammersley Trust Issues is a hilarious night forms, the work invites viewers to surrounds you with the landscapes, traces the artist’s pursuit of of surprises, laughter and the enter a world where order and chaos Cody Johnson Aug. 7-8 Paycom stories and spirit of the American uncomfortable realization that your Center Cody Johnson is returning abstraction across spontaneous intertwine. oklahomacontemporary. West. Larger-than-life projections, compositions, geometric designs, org brain might not be as reliable as you to Oklahoma City with special sweeping soundscapes and historic and works that sought to break thought. okcciviccenter.com guests Clint Black and Chayce imagery bring the story of the OKLA HOMMA Ongoing First from tradition. ou.edu/fjjma Beckham! paycomcenter.com Dinner Detective Comedy Americans Museum This signature cowboy to life in a way you’ve never John Giorno: Dialseen. nationalcowboymuseum.org Mystery Dinner Show Aug. exhibition speaks to the diverse Jesse & Joy Aug. 19 Criterion A-Poem Through 8, 22, 29 Skirvin Hilton OKC Don't OKC After conquering stages in stories of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma Sports Sept. 13 Oklahoma miss one of the biggest interactive 2025 with a wildly successful tour today. Featuring works of art, comedy shows in America as the and multiple sold-out dates across Contemporary Inspired the interactive media, and film, OKLA OKC Comets Baseball Aug. Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Latin America and the United States, innovations of visual artists HOMMA will engage visitors of all 1-2, 11-16, 18-23 Chickasaw Dinner Show comes to Oklahoma Jesse & Joy continue into 2026 expanding the boundaries of ages through sight, sound and Bricktown Ballpark Enjoy City. thedinnerdetective.com with the El Despecho Tour—the their practices in the 1960s, John America's favorite pastime with the touch. famok.org most ambitious world tour of their Giorno set up his first Dial-A-Poem OKC Broadway presents: OKC Comets. milb.com WINIKO: Life of an career. criterionokc.com system in January 1969. The Hamilton Aug. 11-23 Civic PBR Wildcatter Days Through Object Ongoing First Americans system consisted of 10 phones Center Music Hall Hamilton is the Stoney LaRue Aug. 20 The Museum WINIKO: Life of an Object, Aug. 2 Paycom Center Oklahoma’s and industrial-sized answering epic saga that follows the rise of Jones Assembly Stoney LaRue very own Wildcatters Bull Riding Selections from the Smithsonian’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is a cornerstone of the Red Dirt machines. Anyone could call the National Museum of the American Team are back at Paycom Center! as he fights for honor, love and a number and hear a randomlyand Texas Country music scenes, Catch all the action LIVE in the 405 Indian examines the things we legacy that would shape the course celebrated for his heartfelt selected poem by one of 35 as the nation’s best professional create—how they reflect our of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s storytelling, powerful performances, artists at any time, taking poetry bull riders go head-to-head in values, possess significance acclaimed biography and set to a and deep connection to his the PBR Team Series: Wildcatter beyond traditional publication score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, fans. thejonesassembly.com and carry our ways into future Days. paycomcenter.com in books and magazines. and Broadway, Hamilton has had a generations. famok.org USA Softball All-American profound impact on culture, politics Braxton Keith Aug. 22 Criterion oklahomacontempory.org Chihuly Then and Now: The Games Aug. 3-8 Devon and education. okcbroadway.com OKC Braxton Keith is an emerging The Sense of Beauty: Six country music artist known for Collection at Twenty Ongoing Park This event will provide Dave Attell Aug. 14 Riverwind his heartfelt lyrics and captivating Centuries of Painting OKCMOA Redesigned in national exposure to elite athletes from Museo de Arte Casino, Norman Dave Attell is one melodies. With a passion for collaboration with Chihuly Studio, in the 12u and 14u age divisions of the most influential and flat-out storytelling, he seamlessly blends de Ponce Through Sept.

Chihuly Then and Now: The and has been designed to 20 OKCMOA Enjoy an exhibition funniest stand-ups, and 2024 proved traditional country sounds with Collection at Twenty incorporates identify and highlight the best featuring six centuries of painting it yet again. His new Netflix special, modern influences, creating athletes from across the country. a unique design, featuring five

by European, Puerto Rican, and Hot Cross Buns, premiered in March a unique auditory experience usasoftballallamericangames.com decades of glass and painting, North American artists from the to huge numbers and rave reviews, that resonates with fans of all telling a story of Chihuly’s American Quarter Horse reminding everyone why he’s a Museo de Arte de Ponce, including ages. criterionokc.com groundbreaking career. okcmoa. Youth Championship Through comedian’s comedian and a fan Diamond Rio Aug. 28 Riverwind masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, com favorite. riverwind.com Aug. 9 OKC Fair Park The American Casino, Norman The band is known Gustave Courbet, John Singer Sargent, Francisco de Goya, and many Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Quarter Horse Youth Association Painted Sky Opera presents: for their multi-week chart-topper more. okcmoa.com World Championship Show is the Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” La Traviata Aug. 14-23 Civic pinnacle, single-breed equestrian Autumn Ongoing Campbell crossover hit “One More Day,” as well Chad Mount: Frequency and Center Music Hall Meet Violetta, event for youth exhibitors 18 and Art Park/Oklahoma as timeless hits “Beautiful Mess,” the glamorous courtesan Perspective Through Nov. under. okcfairpark.com Contemporary Oklahoma “Unbelievable,” “I Believe,” and many 2 Oklahoma Contemporary Chad whose journey from glittering Contemporary is honored to more. riverwind.com Oklaflow Finals Aug. independence to profound love Mount’s work is grounded in present Neufs for Oklahoma 14-16 Riversport at the Boathouse reveals both the beauty and cost of curiosity and guided by discovery.

Art Autumn, a basketball court District Watch some of the human connection. Her romance He is drawn to light, rhythm, and installation commissioned as a nation's best riders hit the waves with Alfredo unfolds with passion Echoes of Time and Place: Sauk pattern—subtle forces that reveal public art iteration of the Neuf at Riversport OKC during the 2026 and vulnerability, culminating themselves through patient Art and Culture Through Aug. painting series by renowned OklaFlow Finals. riversportokc.org in a sacrifice that remains observation and repetition.

Frequency 30 Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art, one of opera’s most powerful and Perspective invites viewers into artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Strongman Corp presents: Shawnee Tony A. Tiger is an artist, Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org moments. paintedskyopera.org America's Strongest independent Indigenous art curator an immersive environment shaped OKC Broadway presents: The and art educator. Janae Grass is a Sac by geometry, light, and movement. Cynthia Daignault: Master Aug. 15 OKC Fair Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA Park America’s Strongest Master and Fox interdisciplinary artist from oklahomacontemporary.org Outsiders Aug. 25-30 Civic Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her work includes Formless Matter and Its Center Music Hall This classic This exhibition features one (also known as the Masters 8 Civic Center Music Hall In

Issues, comedy magician Tulsa Opera's Book Club Series: Trust John Shack puts your instincts, Little Women Aug. 15 Tulsa assumptions and powers of

Opera Join an intimate group of friends for a cozy Saturday morning book club centered on Tulsa Opera's upcoming production of Little Women, complete with refreshments, a short opera performance, a copy of the designated book and a lively discussion with a professional moderator. tulsaopera.com Jazz on the Green Aug. 15 Guthrie Green Hear a full range of jazz styles like smooth, contemporary, modern, pop, R&B and more. jazzonthegreentulsa.com

Blue Whale Comedy Festival Aug. 20-23 Downtown

Tulsa Established in 2014 by Guthrie Green, Blue Whale Comedy Festival’s mission is to put Tulsa on top of the national comedy map. By bringing over 200 comedy acts to Tulsa over the last 10 festivals, Blue Whale has continued to introduce local talent to some of the most gifted and successful acts in the country. bluewhalecomedyfestival. com Maker Faire Tulsa Aug. 29 Expo Square Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments and projects. tulsa.makerfaire.com

Charitable Events

Greenwood Rising 5th Anniversary Celebration Gala Aug. 8 Hyatt Regency

Hotel As Greenwood Rising marks five years of preserving the legacy of Black Wall Street and shaping future generations through education and engagement, this milestone evening will celebrate the organization’s impact, progress, and vision for what comes next. gastulsa.com State of the State Aug. 13 Arvest Convention Center In this election year, the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s State of the State will feature a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum with the Republican and Democrat candidates who advance from June 16's primary. arvestconventioncenter. com Wild Brew Aug. 22 Arvest Convention Center Wild Brew, benefitting the Sutton Avian Research Center, returns to Arvest Convention Center. Over 40 local breweries, spirits makers and beverage partners will be in attendance, alongside 30+ restaurants, live music, live birds, auctions and more. wildbrew.org

IN OKC

Performances

Oklahoma Opry Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22,

29 5 ACM@UCO The Oklahoma Opry, Oklahoma's official country music show, has been providing the best in spectacular, family-friendly entertainment since 1977. okopry. org

Lyric Theatre presents:

Sweeney Todd Through Aug. 2 Civic Center Music Hall Welcome to Fleet Street, where the razors are sharp, and the pies are… questionable. Sweeney Todd slices through the competition as an 8-time Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon. lyrictheatreokc.com John Shack: Trust Issues Aug.

SPORTS

August Action

2

OKLAFLOW FINALS

There’s something for every sports enthusiast this August.

In Tulsa, ONEOK Field is bustling with Tulsa Drillers baseball games, running all month long. You can also venture to Expo Square, where two equine events await: the NSBA World Show, Aug. 14-23, and the 100X Reining Classic, Aug. 29-Sept. 6.

In OKC, the Comets take on regular season baseball foes all month at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Support women’s sports during the USA Softball All-American Games, Aug. 3-8 at Devon Park. Other goodies in OKC include the American Quarter Photo courtesy Riversport OKC Horse Youth Championship through Aug. 9 at OKC Fair Park, as well as the Oklaflow Surfing Finals on Aug. 14-16 at Riversport OKC, and the Route 66 Beach Sprint Rowing Festival, Aug. 29-30 at Edmond Park.

Around the state, enjoy the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo, Aug. 3-8 at Vinita’s American Legion Rodeo Grounds; the Atoka Point Race, Aug. 7-8 at the city’s Motorsports Park; and the Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo, Aug. 2122 at Cherokee’s Alfalfa County Fairgrounds.

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Where & When | Entertainment Nationals) is an elite, single-day event, learn art techniques from strongman competition for athletes world-renowned instructors aged 40+ and 50+. okcfairpark.com offering their best step-by-step Route 66 Beach Sprint Rowing tips to artists of all skills levels. okcpaintingpalooza.com Festival Aug. 29-30 Edmond Park Edmond Park at Arcadia Lake Friends of the Library Book was selected by US Rowing and Sale Aug. 13-15 OKC Fair the Beach Sprint Rowing League to Park This one-room sale offers host the Inaugural Route 66 Beach $1 paperbacks, $2 hardcover Sprint Rowing Festival because and children's items half those of its location along Route 66 prices. okcfairpark.com and to celebrate America’s 250th 2nd Friday Norman Art birthday. visitedmondok.com Walk Aug. 14 Norman CommunityArt Arts District The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, a monthly Night Market Aug. 1 First celebration of the arts in Norman, Americans Museum Support First connects the downtown arts American arts and culture at the district with outlying galleries, FAM Night Market! Together with performance halls and Campus FAMstore and Native Farming Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com Solutions, First Americans Pool & Spa Show Aug. Museum presents a series of 14-16 OKC Fair Park Browse a evening farmers and artisan markets. famok.org wide selection of hot tubs, pools, spas, and saunas from major Group Kayaking Aug. 1, 8, 12, swim brands and get that summer vibe 22 Riversport OKC RIVERSPORT flowing. okcfairpark.com group kayaking experiences are offered May to November. All group Second OHOF Saturdays excursions have limited capacity Aug. 15 Oklahoma Hall of and reservations are required.

Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of riversportokc.org Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall Red Earth Festival Aug. of Fame member with crafts and 1-2 Oklahoma City Convention activities. oklahomahof.com Center The Red Earth Festival features Native American artists Motors in the Alley Aug. and dancers from throughout 16 11 NE Sixth St. Join fellow car North America sharing the enthusiasts for Motors in the Alley, richness and diversity of their a free car meet in Automobile heritage with the world. redearth. Alley in downtown Oklahoma org City. travelok.com First Friday Gallery OKC Litfest Aug. 22 300 Park Walk Aug. 7 Paseo Arts Ave. Join the Oklahoma City District Make your way to the First Library in a celebration of all Friday Gallery Walk in Oklahoma things language arts at the OKC City's Paseo Arts District to enjoy LitFest. metrolibrary.org art gallery openings, wine tastings, Charitable live music and more. thepaseo.org Events Buchanan's Flea Market Aug. 8-9 608 Kiamichi Pl. Buchanan's The Homeless Alliance's Flea Market originated in 1980 Homecoming Aug. 15 Will and is one of the oldest antique Rogers Theatre Special Event and collectible markets in the Venue Inspired by a classic high state. buchananeventco.com school homecoming dance, this OKC Painting Palooza Aug. fundraising event is a celebration 9-15 Champion Convention of the OKC community's work Center During this week-long to guide people back home.

COMMUNITY

Festivals and Family Fun

The All-American Rejects Aug. 15 Winstar

Legion Rodeo Grounds, Vinita The Sulphur features works in a variety Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo, of genres including documentaries a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and dramas with Q&A sessions, a World Casino and Resort, 22 Embassy Suites by Hilton panel discussion and red-carpet Thackerville Formed in Stillwater, hosted each year in Vinita, Norman Hotel and Conference will feature all of the exciting Oklahoma, The All-American photos. chickasawculturalcenter.

Center Dancing for a Miracle is rodeo events fans have come to Rejects rose to fame as one of the Children’s Health Foundation’s com signature fundraising gala, most influential pop-rock bands of expect. willrogersmemorialrodeo. Beats and Bites Festival Aug. com bringing together community the early 2000s. winstar.com 8 Riverwind Casino, leaders, local celebrities, and Wonho Aug. 7 Choctaw Casino Roy LeBlanc Invitational Norman Feast on delicious generous supporters for an Rodeo Aug. 7-8 Heart entrees and snacks from various unforgettable evening in support of and Resort, Durant Wonho is a of Oklahoma Expo Center, food trucks at Riverwind Casino's Oklahoma’s bravest kids. chfkids. South Korean singer, songwriter, Shawnee The Roy LeBlanc and performer known for his Beats & Bites music and food truck com Invitational Rodeo is the nation's powerful vocals, emotional festival. riverwind.com The Champions of Hope oldest African-American rodeo, delivery, and dynamic stage Gala Aug. 22 NCED Coference one of the state's longest running Rush Springs Watermelon presence. He first gained Festival and Rodeo Aug. Center and Hotel, Norman The rodeos and one of the largest international recognition as a Salvation Army of Cleveland and African-American sporting events 8 Jeff Davis Parks, Rush member of the K-pop group Monsta McClain Counties' Champions Springs The Rush Springs in the nation. royleblancrodeo.

X, before launching a successful of Hope 2026 Gala will be an Watermelon Festival and Rodeo solo career. choctawcasinos.com com unforgettable evening featuring celebrates the local watermelon special guest Bob Stoops, Kane Brown Aug. 8 Choctaw Atoka Point Race Aug. crop with activities, carnival rides 7-8 Atoka Motorsports legendary college football coach Casino and Resort, Durant Kane and plenty of old-fashioned, familyand former head coach of the Park Drivers from across Brown is far from a niche friendly entertainment. travelok.

University of Oklahoma. okcnp. character, but rather a key figure the country will gather for com org exciting drag racing on the dirt both in country’s mainstream track. atokasanddrags.com Jay Cruise Night Aug. Red Shoe Rendezvous Aug. insurgence of recent years and 29 Oklahoma City Convention in the genre’s boundary-pushing Elgin Rodeo Aug. 14-15 Kenney 8 Downtown Jay The annual Jay Cruise Night encourages visitors Center Ronald McDonald House evolutions. choctawcasinos.com Rd. & Miller Rd., Elgin The Elgin Charities Oklahoma City is Rodeo is a southwestern Oklahoma to bring their own lawn chairs, Matchbox Twenty Aug. excited to host its annual Red pull up a seat along Main Street tradition. For several years, Shoe Rendezvous. Join the fun as 15 Choctaw Casino and Resort, thousands of people have gathered and witness endless numbers of Durant Matchbox Twenty have RMHCOKC raises essential funds in this small town each summer to classic cars meander their way to help keep families close to their quietly woven their songs into the witness this open rodeo. travelok. through downtown Jay. travelok. very fabric of American popular children as they receive medical com com culture. No matter where you care. rmhc-okc.org are, it’s impossible not to hum Great Salt Plains Stampede Cherokee Homecoming Art along. choctawcasinos.com Rodeo Aug. 21-22 Alfalfa County Show Aug. 8-Sept. 12 Cherokee Fairgrounds, Cherokee The Great Springs Plaza, Tahlequah View Chicago and Styx Aug. Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo in authentic Cherokee artwork 22 Winstar World Casino and Performances Resort, Thackerville Hailing from Cherokee offers entertainment for by artists from all across the nation. homecomingartshow.com the great city of Chicago, the band all ages. travelok.com Pollard Theatre presents: Chicago joins Styx as two of rock Greater Tuna Aug. 14-29 102 Art Freedom Rodeo & Old Community music’s most iconic acts. winstar.

W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie In this Cowhand Reunion Aug. Firelake Fireflight Ballon quirky comedy, two actors portray com 13-15 Rhodes Park, Festival Aug. 7-8 1702 S. Gordon Freedom Experience an entire town of citizens wrapped Sons of Legion Aug. Cooper Dr., Shawnee Watch up in hilarious small-town 29 Choctaw Casino and pure Americana and true the Shawnee skyline transform drama. thepollard.org Resort, Durant Born from a Western heritage at the into a mix of bright, brilliant chance encounter between annual Freedom Rodeo & Old Concerts colors as hot air balloons launch two musicians from opposite Cowhand Reunion in northwest from the Citizen Potawatomi Jonas Brothers Aug. 1 Winstar coasts, Sons of Legion (SØL) is Oklahoma. freedomchamber.com Nation Powwow Grounds this the embodiment of serendipity in World Casino and Resort, Canadian County Free August. firelakeballoonfest.com sound. choctawcasinos.com Thackerville Composed of Fair Aug. 15-22 Canadian Holba' Pisachi' Native Film brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick, the County Expo and Event Center, El Sports Festival Aug. 7-8 Chickasaw Jonas Brothers have evolved from Reno The Canadian County Free Cultural Center, Sulphur This Disney Channel personalities to Will Rogers Memorial Fair features a carnival filled with celebration of Native film in pop icons. winstar.com Rodeo Aug. 3-8 American high-flying amusement rides, live entertainment and enough tasty fair food to satisfy any appetite. ccexpocenter.com Hydro Free Fair Aug. 20-22 City Park, Hydro Since 1907, community members have gathered at the Hydro Free Fair for family-friendly summer fun. hydrofair.org homelessalliance.org

Dancing for a Miracle Aug.

THE STATE

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Enjoy the dog days of summer – and the final stretch before back-to-school madness – with community events galore.

Tulsa’s Arvest Convention Center hosts Oklahoma Comic Con, running Aug. 8-9. Tulsa Opera offers its first Book Club Series on Aug. 15, covering Little Women. Other can’t-miss options include Jazz on the Green at Guthrie FIRELAKE FIREFLIGHT BALLON FESTIVAL Green, the Maker Faire at Expo Square on Aug. 29, and a Tulsa staple: the Blue Whale Comedy Festival, running at Photo courtesy the Firelake Fireflight Ballon Festival several venues downtown from Aug. 20-23.

In OKC, hot tickets include group kayaking excursions at Riversport OKC, alongside the Red Earth Festival, happening this year on Aug. 1-2 at the OKC Convention Center. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Motors in the Alley event in OKC’s Automobile Alley on Aug. 16, and readers should venture to 300 Park Ave. on Aug. 22 for OKC Litfest – a celebration of language arts.

Around the state, events are ample: try the Firelake Fireflight Balloon Festival, Aug. 7-8 at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. in Shawnee, or head to the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival and Rodeo on Aug. 8 at Jeff Davis Park.

Don’t forget the Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 21-22 at the Hatbox Event Park, as well as the Ponca Tribal Powwow, Aug. 27-30 at Ponca City’s 20 White Eagle Drive.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 21-22 Hatbox

Event Park, Muskogee This magical event will feature tethered balloon rides, balloon glows after dark and hot air balloon rides as contestants compete for the Oklahoma Hot Air Balloon Championship Governor’s Trophy. visitmuskogee.com Ponca Tribal Powwow Aug. 27-30 20 White Eagle Dr., Ponca City A traditional, Native American event, the annual Ponca Tribal Powwow features dancing, food and craft vendors. ponca-nsn.gov

Will Rogers Highway: Route 66 Exhibit Through Jan. 31 Will

Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore The Will Rogers Museum will open a dynamic new exhibit on Route 66 that immerses visitors in the legendary highway's unique history. willrogers.com

Film & Cinema | Where & When

The Silver Screen Line-Up

Ridley Scott (Alien), the film looks to be another excellent notch on his belt. The cast is stacked, featuring Jacob Elordi (Wuthering Heights), Josh Brolin (the Dune trilogy), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), Allison Janney (I, Tonya), and Guy Pearce (The Brutalist). It releases on Aug. 28.

Lastly, for a straight comedy outing, we have Idiots. Starring Dave Franco (Together) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton), the film follows two men at rock bottom who must work together to transport a rich, troubled teen to rehab with a shady transport service. Written and directed by Macon Blair (The Toxic Avenger), this looks to be a rowdy, R-rated comedy in every way possible, with gross-out gags galore. It also releases on Aug. 28.

August’s film slate offers coming-of-age drama, science fiction suspense, animated nostalgia and broad comedy in equal measures.

A

20th Century Studios’ The Dog Stars. Photo by Fabio Lovino. © 2026 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved. .

ugust heat is here and nothing feels better than the ice cold air conditioning inside a movie theater. Luckily, this month has a long list of varied movies to catch at the tail end of summer.

First up, the biographical comedy/drama film titled Tony. The film follows a young Anthony Bourdain, famed celebrity chef and travel documentarian, during the summer of 1976 when he begins to learn the craft of cooking.

Directed by Matt Johnson (Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie) and based on Bourdain’s own memoir Kitchen Confidential, the film looks to have all the good hallmarks of a coming-of-age story. Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers) stars as Bourdain, with Emilia Jones (CODA), Rich Sommer (Mad Men) and Antonio Banderas (Babygirl) rounding out the cast. It arrives Aug. 7.

For a science fiction survival film, check out The End of Oak Street. The plot follows a mysterious cosmic event that uproots a family home to parts unknown. With that move comes what appears to be prehistoric creatures and other unexplained phenomena. The cast includes Anne Hathaway (Mother Mary) and Ewan McGregor (A Gentleman in Moscow) as a married couple dealing with the insanity and protecting their children at the same time.

Directed by David Robert Mitchell (It Follows), the film hits theaters on Aug. 14.

If you want a throwback to live-action animation comedies, look no further than Coyote vs. Acme. Following the silent Wile E. Coyote, the movie sees him finally bringing a lawsuit against the Acme Corporation – the company from which Coyote continually buys products to catch Road Runner. Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth) plays Coyote’s down-and-out attorney while John Cena (Peacemaker) plays Acme’s lawyer. Initially to be released in 2023, Warner Bros. opted instead to cancel the project

and write it off as a tax loss, an infuriating practice studios sometimes employ. Thankfully, strong condemnation caused a reversal, and the film will hit theaters on Aug. 28.

For post-apocalyptic science fiction, don’t miss The Dog Stars.

Based on a book of the same name, the film is set after a devastating flu pandemic has eradicated a large swath of humanity. Two men cling to hope when they hear a transmission through the radio. Directed by

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, AT 7PM

Experience the Oklahoma premiere of Route 66: The Main Street of America with filmmaker John Paget and Route 66 historian Michael Wallis in attendance.

Only at Circle Cinema, Tulsa’s nonprofit movie theater.

FOR TICKETS AND INFO SCAN THE QR CODE

AUGUST 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Closing Thoughts

Dave Kollmann

it’s not going to be the largest stadium in the country, but I want it to be the nicest.”

That vision challenged everyone involved to pursue excellence at every level.

... what excites him about the future.

D

ave Kollmann is president of the Central Region for Flintco, overseeing operations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Arkansas. A 30+ year company veteran, Kollmann has helped lead landmark projects including the renovation of Boone Pickens Stadium and the Oklahoma Capitol dome addition while championing a culture centered on quality, leadership and employee development. We caught up with Kollmann and got his thoughts on ...

... staying with Flintco for over three decades.

It’s actually been very easy. First and foremost, I was fortunate to choose a career that I’m genuinely passionate about. There’s a lot of truth to the saying, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” I would add that it’s equally important to enjoy the people you work with, and throughout my career at Flintco, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of teammates I proudly call friends.

... prioritizing quality.

I’ve always had a quality mindset. Even as a teenager mowing my parents’ lawn, I would step back afterward to make sure every edge was perfectly straight.

That attention to detail has stayed with me throughout my career, and I’ve tried to model that behavior at Flintco. At 56

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2026

Photo courtesy Flintco

the end of the day, we owe our clients a quality building. People may forget the exact cost or completion date, but the quality of a project lives on for decades. Creating a culture where our teams take pride in craftsmanship and accountability is something I care deeply about.

... important lessons he’s learned as a leader.

We invest heavily in hiring talented people through a rigorous process that includes testing and technical evaluation. But over time, I’ve learned that technical ability alone is not enough. The most successful teams are built on trust, chemistry and culture.

My role is to create an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work and take ownership of their responsibilities. When you combine highly capable people with a strong team culture, exceptional performance follows.

... his proudest project to date.

Boone Pickens Stadium will always stand out to me because Oklahoma State University is my alma mater. When I attended school there, the stadium was often referred to as the “Rust Bucket.”

Watching it transform into one of the premier college football venues in the country has been incredibly rewarding.

I’ll never forget sitting in Boone Pickens’ office in Dallas when he told us, “I know

The number of transformational projects shaping Oklahoma’s future. It’s hard not to start with the new Oklahoma City Thunder arena that Flintco is helping build. It has the potential to become one of the premier arenas in the nation and will be a source of pride for all Oklahomans. I’m equally excited about projects like Tulsa’s new Performing Arts Center and Convention Center hotel, which will continue the revitalization of downtown Tulsa. Oklahoma’s greatest strength has always been its people. We have hardworking, forward-thinking communities, and I believe the future for our state – and for the construction industry here – is incredibly bright.

...what makes our region unique from a development standpoint.

Growth across our region has been driven by both public and private investment.

Oklahoma City has experienced tremendous momentum through strategic public investment, particularly through the MAPS program, which has reinvested more than $4.1 billion into the city over the past two decades. During that same period, Tulsa has invested approximately $2.5 billion through Vision Tulsa and Improve Our Tulsa.

Northwest Arkansas has seen explosive growth fueled largely by the private sector, led by companies such as Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt. Over the last twenty years, private investment there has exceeded $15 billion, and the population is projected to reach one million by 2050.

For Flintco, this environment is especially exciting because it allows us to partner with clients who are shaping the future of their communities. Whether it’s public infrastructure, healthcare, higher education, aviation, industrial facilities or civic projects, we’re helping deliver the facilities that support long-term growth.

Our deep roots in Oklahoma and Arkansas give us a unique understanding of the communities we serve, allowing us to bring local insight, strong relationships, and proven execution to projects that have a lasting impact on the region.

Exclusive: FOR MORE WITH KOLLMANN, VISIT OKMAG.COM.

Built for Oklahoma Backed by over 85 years of service to Oklahomans

For over eight decades, we’ve helped Oklahomans find the exact car, truck, SUV, van, or commercial vehicle they need.

Our reputation is built on honest pricing, dependable service, and never, ever any hidden fees. Whether you’re shopping for work or for the weekend, you’ll find the vehicle you want and the experience you deserve.

Thank you Oklahoma

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