Issuu

OCTOBER 2026

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

SPACES with

C H A R AC T E R The annual kitchens & baths spotlight

Plus :

The Holiday Hosting Playbook More cheer, less stress

MEDICINE IN MOTION Exploring healthcare’s new frontiers

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

Stephenson Cancer Center

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Contents

Oklahoma Magazine

October 2026

Features

22 Medicine in Motion Advances in technology, treatment and prevention are changing the ways we understand and care for our bodies. From protecting the brain and heart to detecting cancer earlier and treating conditions with less invasive approaches, discover what’s shaping the future of healthcare. 28 Spaces with Character Take a look inside Oklahoma’s most striking kitchens and baths, where bold ideas, beautiful materials and exceptional craftsmanship take center stage. 39 The Holiday Hosting Playbook The holidays are made for gathering, but hosting doesn’t mean spending the entire celebration in the kitchen. We discuss choosing the right party format, setting the scene and planning ahead for optimum results.

22 6 41

State

For those who value craftsmanship and character, Western wear offers quality, comfort and a style tailored to the individual.

OCTOBER 2026

18 2

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

SPACES with

C H A R AC T E R The annual kitchens & baths spotlight

Plus :

The Holiday Hosting Playbook More cheer, less stress

Life & Style 18 Destinations

Bulgaria’s capital city offers travelers a charming mix of yellow brick streets, mountain views, royal treasures, ancient ruins and vibrant cuisine. 20 Health 21 Outside the Metro

Taste

41 First Bite

At Kaizume, Richard Ly transforms Japanese techniques and familiar ingredients into dishes that reflect his own culinary journey.

42 Local Flavors 43 Chef Chat

Where & When

44 Entertainment

6 Starting Off

8 Industry 9 Holidays 10 Makers 11 Tech 12 Nature 13 People 14 Happenings 15 Infrastructure 16 Insider

MEDICINE IN MOTION Exploring healthcare’s new frontiers

October means Oklahoma is abuzz with sporting events, community gatherings and performances galore. 47 Film and Cinema 48 Closing Thoughts

ON THE COVER:

THIS KITCHEN BY L'ATELIER PARIS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR ANNUAL KITCHENS & BATHS FEATURE ON PAGE 28. KITCHEN BY L'ATELIER PARIS HAUTE DESIGN AND DALE ANDERSON ARCHITECT; PHOTO BY VIVIAN JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY

Nobody cares for hearts like Saint Francis. We’re one of just six hospitals nationwide recognized as a Cardiac Center of Excellence, and the only one in Oklahoma. Find a physician or book a screening today. saintfrancis.com/heart

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

OKLAHOMA Letter from the Editor

While many people wonder how early is too early to put up Christmas decorations, I’m asking what I deem the harder question: When can I start watching Halloween movies? (The answer is whenever I want. Halloween II: Kalabar’s Revenge is on a loop in my household.) That said, welcome to my favorite month of the year: October! We’ve got a little bit of everything waiting for you. If you’re ready to become green with envy – or maybe just flush with inspo – flip to Spaces With Character (page 28). We grant you exclusive access to a handful of Oklahoma’s most luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, which meld style, functionality and individual flair. Pair that with photorich spreads of high-end international brands and you’ll be more than ready to jump into your next home improvement project. This month, we also convene with local healthcare experts to investigate the ever-expanding frontiers of medicine. We discuss how lifestyle choices in our 20s affect brain health in our 70s, the ways in which AI is transforming stroke care, the essential numbers you need to know when it comes to your heart, plus sleep’s profound effect on overall well-being (page 22). And if you’re the type who sees fall and winter as peak gathering time, The Holiday Hosting Playbook is for you (page 39). We dive into planning timelines, the magic of subtle ambiance, and easy ways to actually enjoy your hosting duties without being stuck in the kitchen all evening. Other must-reads include a behind-the-scenes look at the work it takes to execute a perfectly petrifying haunted house (page 9); the wacky world of fermenting (page 13); and an exploration of OKC’s newest modern Japanese restaurant making major culinary waves (page 41). Happy fall. Grab something pumpkin spiced and watch Halloweentown. Editor’s orders! Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

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MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

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Oklahoma Magazine is published monthly by Schuman Publishing Company P.O. Box 14204 • Tulsa, OK 74159-1204 918.744.6205 • FAX: 918.748.5772 mail@okmag.com www.okmag.com Subscriptions are $18 for 12 issues. Mail checks to Oklahoma Magazine P.O. Box 14204 Tulsa, OK 74159-1204

Copyright © 2026 by Schuman Publishing Company. Oklahoma Wedding, The Best of the Best, 40 Under 40, Single in the City, Great Companies To Work For and Oklahomans of the Year are registered trademarks of Schuman Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All photographs, articles, materials and design elements in Oklahoma Magazine and on okmag. com are protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws, and are owned by Schuman Publishing Company or third party providers. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution without the express written permission of Schuman Publishing Company is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Magazine, c/o Reprint Services, P.O. Box 14204, Tulsa, OK 74159-1204. Advertising claims and the views expressed in the magazine by writers or artists do not necessarily represent those of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Company, or its affiliates.

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The State | Starting Off

The State ALL THINGS OKL AHOMA

The Custom Fit

Shorty’s Caboy Hattery creates custom Western hats by hand, combining traditional craftsmanship with personalized fit and style. Photos by Impulse Photography courtesy Shorty’s Caboy Hattery

For those who value craftsmanship and character, Western wear offers quality, comfort and a style tailored to the individual.

ustom Western wear items – ranging from boots and hats to suits and chaps – are adored by wide swaths of Oklahomans who dress well and work hard. Different from off-the-rack wares, custom-made offerings offer longevity, versatility, authenticity and the perfect fit – a savvy investment to be sure. But some say it’s the relationship between the maker and the buyer that’s the most valuable. “I have worked hard to build not only a product and a brand that speaks for itself, but a relationship with each and every one of my customers,” says Lavonna “Shorty” Koger of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery in Oklahoma City. When Koger’s father passed away, her brother sent his hats off to be cleaned and restored so he could wear them himself – but they came back ruined. After that, he told his sister that because she cleaned and shaped hats in a Western store already, she should start her own business. So Koger took her brother’s advice and started Shorty’s in 1990. After running the business for some time, she thought surely she could build a hat – and that’s where it all started. Each one of Shorty’s custom hats goes through a methodical creation process, starting with measuring the patron’s head, followed by choosing hat colors, picking

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

fabric quality, selecting brim crease and crown shape, and adding extra styles to curate personal flair. Each station is manned by one of Shorty's skilled and trained staff members, and all hats are finished by hand. But for Koger, there was a learning curve, and success didn't happen overnight. “I asked a lot of questions and sought help from others in the industry, but being a woman, there weren’t many who wanted to help me,” she shares. “Believe me, there were a lot of mistakes made because I didn’t have the internet as a tool.” So, what makes custom western wear a luxury? From Koger’s point of view, mass produced hats are built to a generic size with standard blocks, so they often don’t fit just right or feel as comfortable. Luxury, on the other hand, means truly great fitting and well-made wares that last for generations. “A good fitting hat should be snug, but not too tight,” she shares. “When the fit is just right, there really isn’t anything more comfortable.” The luxury of custom western wear is its focus on quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and personalized design and fit, along with artisanal techniques that require significant skill and attention to detail. Unlike mass-produced pieces, each custom item reflects the individual who

will wear it, from the fit and materials to the smallest design details. That attention to personalization not only creates a more comfortable garment or accessory, but one with a sense of character and individuality. Everyone deserves a little luxury. Custom hats are not only for ranchers, cowboys and rodeo riders, but for business professionals, owners of momand-pop shops in town or the everyday person who’s looking for quality and personalized comfort. For those who value craftsmanship and pieces made to last, custom western wear offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to invest in something made specifically for you. In the end, the appeal goes beyond a perfect fit. It’s about owning something thoughtfully made, built to last and uniquely your own. JENNIFER LEE

STEVEN R. SARKISIAN, JR., MD is the Founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, PLLC and specializes in premium laser cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS. Dr. Sarkisian is passionate about helping people get rid of their glasses by performing premium cataract surgery. He was the first surgeon in the state to perform the PanOptix trifocal lens, the iStent, iStent Inject, iStent Infinite, the XEN Gel Stent, and canaloplasty. He was the first in the USA to use the OMNI device and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO 360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI. He was also among the first in the world to perform the iDose sustained-release implant after FDA approval. In 2024, Dr. Sarkisian acquired the first Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device in Oklahoma,one of the first in the country. Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma fellowship, and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis. Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He co-authored the book “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide”. Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS), and on the Editorial Board of Glaucoma Today, Glaucoma Physician, and Ophthalmology Management. Dr. Sarkisian is listed in Woodward/White’s Best Doctors in America and Castle and Connolly Top Doctors. He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.

5600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City (405) 943-4413 • OKEyeSurgeons.com

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State | Industry

The Next Generation

Across Oklahoma, young agricultural producers are blending time-tested practices with innovative technology to build sustainable operations.

Dillon Johnson, a fifth-generation Ottawa County farmer, uses modern technology and datadriven practices alongside traditional methods at Johnson Brothers Grain & Livestock. Photo courtesy Johnson Brothers Grain & Livestock

griculture is one of Oklahoma’s top industries, with a staggering economic impact statewide. Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers are feeding the nation, and the newest generations are plugging into 21st century technology while keeping traditional methods alive. Scott Cheek and his extended family own Cheek Ranch near Yukon, where they raise beef cattle. Cheek is the fourth generation on a ranch that has been in the family for over 80 years. He grew up working the property, and took over operations in 2021. Cheek says the ranch has been “tracking cattle data for years, and will soon start using e-collar systems to track and move cattle more often between pastures with less labor and less stress on the cattle,” he says. “We rely on regenerative practices like cover crops, rotational grazing and natural fertilization practices.” A third generation farmer, Lincoln 8

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

Ottawa County agriculture, Dillon Johnson and his father own Johnson Brothers Grain & Livestock, where he says they grow double crop wheat and soybeans. “We run 1,000 head of momma cows, calving in fall and spring,” he says. “We keep the calves weaning, backgrounding them to 800-900 pounds. We have been largely no-till for 25 years, and have taken part in the Climate Smart Ag program for two years.” Johnson uses AI for business management operations, and data tracking and processing for cattle. He’s found LLMs (Large Language Models – advanced artificial intelligence tools that process text, images and data) useful for decision making. Although they are bringing new technology into the mix, Cheek, Muller and Johnson are working their operations alongside several generations of family that continue using some traditional methods. Cheek Ranch still grows hay to feed cattle through the winter. The Muller family members are still doing all the primary farm work, including producing food for their own family. Johnson Brothers Grain & Livestock grows corn for silage for cattle, still uses equipment they’ve had for decades, and they prefer equipment that doesn’t require a computer or programmer.

Challenges and Sustainability

All three producers agree that finding good labor is a problem. Plus, equipment Muller and his extended family are costs hurt farmers, because the price of growing cotton, milo and mung beans on commodities is at a low while equipment Muller Farms near Martha. Muller grew goes up annually. So they struggle with up working the farm. cash flow challenges at times. “We use precision agriculture a lot in However, these producers have our operation, and use GPS on a daily transitioned their operations to make basis,” he shares. “We also do a lot of soil them sustainable. Muller Farms is direct mapping and use variable rate control selling deer and chicken feed. Cheek when applying fertilizer and/or lime to Ranch has built a successful online retail our ground. We use drones to identify beef business at cheekranch.com. problem areas Because Johnson and locate drip Brothers Grain & leaks in our Livestock owns its fields.” own equipment, the Muller strongly Johnsons pick up believes in crop custom harvesting rotation, cover jobs, and they also sell crops and no-till silage to neighbors. for soil health, They’ve expanded and uses natural their cow herd which amendments to has led to a strong feed soil biology. Third-generation farmer Lincoln Muller embraces precision performance from As the fifth agriculture, soil mapping and drone technology while continuing his their beef enterprise. family’s commitment to soil health at Muller Farms. generation Photo courtesy Muller Farms CAROL MOWDY BOND involved in

Holidays | The State

Behind the Screams

Creating a haunted house takes months of construction, creativity, technology and planning to deliver unforgettable nights of scares.

The Oklahoma Asylum haunted house attraction in Nowata showcases the eerie atmosphere and carefully crafted scares that keep guests on edge. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Asylum

ctober – undoubtedly the spookiest month of the year – invites a yearly visit a haunted house. While you may have your eyes squeezed shut, unable to take in the details, these attractions are no small feat to put on, requiring countless hours of prep to make sure everyone who walks though has an excellent (and terrifying) experience. “There is an enormous amount of work that goes into putting on the show each October, most of which the guests will never see or know happened,” says Jesse Anderson, the Attraction Experience Lead at Psycho Path in Tulsa. The process starts with prep – months of cleaning the property, repairing and rebuilding structures, and making sure

the timing and storylines are up to par before the “real work” begins. “By the time a guest arrives in October, buys a ticket and experiences Psycho Path for the night, they’re seeing the finished product of months of construction, repairs, technology, creative development, testing and planning,” says Anderson. “The goal is for the guest to never think about any of that work. For them, the lights come on, the fog rolls in and the world is simply there waiting for them.” Actors and makeup artists are a huge part of what makes these haunted experiences so memorable to guests. Luckily for Psycho Path, plenty of veterans make the process easier for new hires. “For new and additional roles we need to fill, we post an interest form

each year that anyone can complete,” says Anderson. “From there, we work on matching people with roles that fit their personality, strengths and comfort levels.” For repeat customers, seeing the same scares every single year would become dull, which is why switching up the narrative is important. “One of the biggest things we do is change the storyline every year,” says Jason Muri, owner and operator at Oklahoma Asylum in Nowata. “Even if the change isn’t enormous, a new storyline gives us the ability to change costumes, themes, rooms, characters and actor dialogue. That lets us significantly change the experience from year to year without having to completely tear down and rebuild the entire haunted house every season.” Psycho Path is located in a remote, wooded area, lending itself to the opportunity for spooky jump scares – intentional and not. “Over the years we’ve had plenty of people come back with stories about something they swear they saw moving, a noise they couldn’t explain, or something that just didn’t feel right,” explains Anderson. “Occasionally, we never do figure out what it was. Other times, there is a perfectly reasonable – and usually hilarious – explanation.” Every year has its challenges, but the juice is always worth the squeeze. “One of the hardest parts is timing and throughput,” says Muri. “You have to figure out exactly how much time to leave between groups and how many people to send though at once.” In the end, though, as long as audience members leave wowed by the experience – thinking, "how did they pull this off?” – Anderson is more than happy. “If that’s their reaction,” he says, “then all of that invisible work did exactly what it was supposed to do.” DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Tulsa's Psycho Path is one of the state's most popular haunted attractions. Photo courtesy Psycho Path

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State | Makers

A Recipe for Success

For these Oklahoma food entrepreneurs, turning homemade favorites into successful businesses has required plenty of heart, hustle and perseverance.

Joyce Horton has spent decades sharing her homemade cobbler, growing Cobblermom from a family-and-friends operation into a beloved business with customers nationwide. Photo courtesy Cobblermom

ood is love – it warms homes and hearts, and those who share the gift of food with others often do so with the intention of spreading that love. That's certainly the story for Karen Orton. “What started as something made with love for family and friends would eventually become a business of its own,” says Orton, who owns and operates Orton’s House Seasonings in Oklahoma. Orton’s began as a cottage food business in the Orton’s home kitchen, where the family made and packaged their own blends. As word spread and demand grew, their little kitchen operation, in just two years time, became a full-blown brand name. Outgrowing the house, the team moved production to a manufacturing plant in Mustang. Today, Orton’s House Seasonings can be found in more than 30 retail stores, and five local restaurants use Orton’s blends in their kitchens. Their seasonings have also made their way into homes across all 50 states and even in international markets. The work wasn’t easy. Success meant showing up, promoting the brand, connecting with customers, offering 10

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

samples, building relationships with retailers and continuing to remind people why they should choose the product. “We’ve learned that building a successful food brand takes more than creating a great product," Orton confirms. "It takes patience, persistence, marketing, consistency and a willingness to keep going even when the results don’t happen overnight." While Orton’s started out in a home kitchen, Goodytwos Toffee Company has operated from a commercial kitchen from the start. Goodytwos, based in Tulsa, was originally founded by a mother-daughter duo who paired a treasured family toffee recipe with beautiful packaging. Now-owner Melinda Stinnett’s relationship with Goodytwos began nearly 20 years ago, when she received a beautiful white gift box filled with toffee. The entire experience

– from the beautiful presentation to the toffee itself – felt special from the moment it was received. “When the founders decided to sell the business in 2020, Melinda and her husband, Joel, knew they wanted to carry it forward,” says Licia Sorrentino, GM of Goodytwos. The current owners have focused on honoring what made the company special to begin with, building its next chapter, and preserving the quality, craftsmanship and beautiful gifting experience that made Melinda fall in love with the brand in the first place. Joyce Horton began making cobbler 35 years ago in her home, selling to friends and family. In 2014, she finally took the leap into a full business – Cobblermom – leasing commercial kitchens to support her growing business to an online and national customer base, all the while making the cobbler herself. It took a while to find her brand, but over time, Horton found the voice of Cobblermom. Eventually, she opened a brick-andmortar store, but has since taken a break from the physical location. However, she still honors the cottage business model as she continues to produce cobbler for her adoring customers through online sales, pop-ups at Sam’s Club, and local events across the country. “I think food is a language, a love language even, so it feels good to be able to help spread love in that kind of way,” says Horton. There’s no right way to begin a food business, and there’s no best way to share love. The point is to just start – knowing there will be hurdles to jump over and hard work to be done. In the end, the effort is worth the love expressed through food. JENNIFER LEE

Melinda Stinnett carries on Goodytwos’ tradition of handcrafted toffee and beautiful presentation while guiding the Tulsa brand into its next chapter. Photo courtesy Goodytwos Toffee Company

Tech | The State

Layer by Layer

As 3D printing technology becomes more accessible, Oklahomans are discovering new ways to build, create and solve problems.

The Metropolitan Library System’s makerspaces give patrons free access to 3D printers, opening the door to hands-on creativity, problem-solving and exploration. Photo courtesy the MLS

magine, you’re a veterinarian with a tiny kitten in need of a splint far smaller than anything commercially available. You can search and search, but what you need simply doesn’t exist. If you’re in Oklahoma City with access to the Metropolitan Library System (MLS), however, you can create exactly what you need for your little patient. How is that possible? The MLS offers free access to 3D printers. The kitten’s splint is just one example of how 3D printing has moved beyond engineering labs and manufacturing floors to be used by artists, hobbyists, students and everyday creators. Though the technology looks like magic to untrained eyes, the process is fairly simple. Lindsay Jones, a librarian at the Belle Isle Library in the MLS, describes it as “using a hot glue gun that’s controlled by a robot.” Following a digital blueprint, the printer forms a solid object from melted plastic, building it layer by layer. “It’s a little like building something

interim director at the Oklahoma State University’s New Product Development Center, notes that when she was an intern ten years ago, the printers were “great … but frustrating to keep running correctly and troubleshoot.” Today, she says, “I am amazed at how far printers have come in such a short time.” At OSU, 3D printers funded by the Oklahoma Center of the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) for the Inventor’s Assistance Service Program, support prototyping, test-fit parts, proof of concept designs, sand casting and mold creation. The technology allows businesses and entrepreneurs to test and refine products before investing in fullscale production, saving time and money. As the technology continues to evolve, so do its possibilities. Jones notes that access remains an important part of the library’s mission: “Not everyone can afford the equipment, but everyone deserves the chance to explore their curiosity and develop new skills.” Daniel Chesney, library manager at the Belle Isle Library, sees that access expanding beyond the library itself. “I see the makerspace breaking out beyond the library doors,” he says, with equipment that could eventually be checked out and used in people’s own spaces. However, the future of 3D printing extends far beyond makerspaces. Prouty expects the technology to continue growing rapidly as printers become more advanced and their applications become more widely understood. From replacing a broken household part to developing the next generation of products, 3D printing is increasingly giving people the ability to turn an idea into something they can hold in their hands.

with LEGO bricks," she says, “except the bricks are so thin you can barely see them.” Developed in the 1980s for rapid prototyping, 3D printing has expanded into an incredibly accessible tool for creativity and problem-solving. At the AMANDA NICHOLS library, patrons create replacement parts for household items, organizers, phone stands, gaming pieces, cosplay items, cookie cutters and classroom materials using free designs available online. “You don’t have to be an engineer or an artist to enjoy a makerspace,” says Jones. “You just have to be curious!” The technology Oklahoma State University’s 3D printing resources help entrepreneurs and innovators has also come a long turn concepts into prototypes, test-fit parts and create tangible objects. Photo by Cynthia McNally way. Jodi Prouty, the OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State | Nature

Rooted in Oklahoma

Native grasses and trees are helping Oklahomans create more resilient landscapes while supporting wildlife, conserving resources and preserving the state’s natural heritage.

OSU Extension’s native grass and plant resources highlight species well suited to Oklahoma’s climate, offering ecological benefits while helping homeowners create more sustainable landscapes. Photo courtesy OSU Extension

Native grasses throughout Gathering Place showcase how Oklahoma landscapes can incorporate resilient, sustainable plants that support the environment while adding beauty and texture. Photo courtesy of Gathering Place

klahomans are increasingly choosing native grasses and trees for landscaping, ranching and erosion control efforts to provide ecological and economic benefits. Botanical Collections Curator for Tulsa’s Gathering Place, Kendall GoldenSpradlin stresses that Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather includes prolonged droughts, storms and floods, and temperatures ranging from tripledigits to below-freezing, which are all hard on plant life. As well, Oklahoma’s diverse landscape ranges from tallgrass prairie and Cross Timbers forests to rolling plains. In Stillwater, Assistant Extension Specialist in Consumer Horticulture for Oklahoma State University (OSU) Courtney DeKalbMyers agrees, but says “native prairie grasses like bluestem, 12

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

switchgrass and Indiangrass develop deep root systems to enable them to find moisture during drought, stabilize soil during heavy rains and recover more quickly after stressful weather.” Golden-Spradlin says these grasses help the soil absorb and hold water, and “native trees are better at tolerating local temperature swings, winds and drought.” Native plants also support the ecosystem due to their natural relationships with native insects, pollinators, birds and wildlife, while acting as food sources and habitats, thus keeping the ecosystem functioning. They also improve soil water infiltration. Deep-rooted grasses reduce erosion during heavy rains while providing shelter for wildlife. “Research shows that a single native oak can support hundreds of insect species, thereby providing an important food source for nesting birds,” says DeKalbPhoto courtesy OSU Extension Myers.

Dekalb-Myers also notes that Oklahomans are realizing the economic benefits of native plants, and says that “these species require less supplemental irrigation, fewer fertilizer applications and fewer pesticide treatments, translating into lower maintenance costs for homeowners.” Golden-Spradlin continues: “Native plants offer seasonal interest and create a stronger sense of place by reflecting Oklahoma’s natural heritage, and are a smart, sustainable investment in the health and resilience of our communities.” When transitioning to native plants, Golden-Spradlin says, “you don’t have to convert your entire yard overnight. Even small changes can make a meaningful difference.” DeKalb-Myers stresses that plants will only thrive if they are properly taken care of during the critical establishment period. When purchasing containerized perennials or ball and burlap trees, they need extra attention and care, which includes deep watering during the first few growing seasons. But once established, their roots will grow into the surrounding soil and usually won’t require as much supplemental irrigation. Even home gardeners should be aware that they are growing plants in a built environment, which is more stressful to the plants than a wild environment. As well, she says, “plants that are placed near concrete often experience higher soil and air temperatures, struggling to develop widespread root systems under sidewalks and driveways. Newer neighborhoods that have been heavily regraded may have shallow topsoil, making it difficult for roots to establish. Native plants are still affected by unique stresses of the built environment.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

People | The State

The Funky Side of Food

Oklahoma fermenters are embracing the science, tradition and delicious weirdness behind some of our favorite foods and drinks.

Firefly Brewery in Tulsa crafts vibrant, probiotic-rich kombucha in creative flavors, putting a fresh, modern spin on the ancient art of fermentation. Photos courtesy Firefly Brewing

rom tangy kombucha to crisp, sour pickles, fermentation has a way of transforming the ordinary into something a little more complex – and delicious. Across Oklahoma, makers are embracing these age-old techniques, putting their own spin on the science of fermentation while introducing curious eaters to new flavors, textures and ways to preserve the foods we love. Kombucha is brewed, distributed and consumed by health enthusiasts across the U.S., but did you know we have a unique, state-of-the-art kombucha brewery right here in Tulsa? Firefly Brewery, located at 1924 E. Sixth St., is making its mark in the fight for gut health. A carbonated probiotic beverage, kombucha is consumed for its health benefits, and, although it once lacked palatial effervescence, Firefly Brewery and other brewers like it have revolutionized the once bitter tea, creating distinct flavor combinations, ranging from ginger to mango to habanero pepper. Some say that kombucha tea, a common yeast recipe from Manchuria, is the drink of immortality. It is the

fermentation, or souring, that produces healthy bacteria our bodies can sometimes need. Rashel Hudson, Firefly Brewery Founder and CEO, explains: “I think when we can understand our own micro-biome makeup, and what’s really happening in the gut, we better understand how fermentation works, and why it’s so important to put healthy foods and drinks into your body,” she says. “Everything ferments once it gets in there is what people forget to remember. So, when you're eating junk food or eating things that are bad for you, they are going to ferment in your body anyway. But, when you are consuming things that contain the good microbiome that you need, your internal ecosystem is preserved.” Pickling processes, very different from the creation of kombucha, are also one of the oldest forms of taste and food preservation known to mankind. Dale and Daughter, sellers of all things pickled at the Whittier Square Farmer’s Market in Tulsa, are experts in the form. Co-founders Lacey and Dale Wissen established

Dale and Daughter as an LLC in 2014, stemming from a hobby Dale developed during retirement. Lacey brought her master’s degree in nutrition – and extensive experience running a popular pickling and fermenting endeavor at a Michelin-starred New York restaurant – to the business. “The biggest challenge in our process is probably breaking people’s assumption that all things in jars are shelf-stable,” says Lacey. “Just because it’s a pickle in a jar doesn’t mean it’s been canned. Our labels say ‘always refrigerate,’ and we mean it.” Dale and Daughter believes that just about anything can be pickled, and that pickling, like canning, seals flavor, nutrients and makes produce last longer – well past the harvest months. It is a byproduct of fermentation that pickles or preserves. That byproduct is lactic acid, the source of sour in fermented pickles. “All vegetable ferments are pickled, but not all pickles are fermented. Fermentation is a form of pickling which yields a pro-biotic, or live, endproduct, as long as specific temperature and salinity ranges, and an anaerobic environment are maintained,” says Lacey. “Vinegar pickles, on the other hand, are preserved by the addition of salt, and an external source of acidity, and are not probiotic … but they are every bit as versatile and delicious.” Whether it’s bubbling in a bottle or tucked into a jar, fermentation is proof that good things take time. For Oklahoma’s brewers, picklers and fermenters, these traditional methods are an avenue to experiment, nourish and share something delicious with their communities. BRANDI GENTRY

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State | Happenings

More Than Neighbors

In Oklahoma neighborhoods, community is built one block, backyard and gathering at a time.

Community members often gather for events in Maple Ridge – one of Tulsa’s most historic neighborhoods.. Photos courtesy Maple Ridge Association

he house is a 1910 Craftsman in Tulsa’s Maple Ridge neighborhood, and it was love at first sight for John Spillyards. He and his wife moved in six months later and soon found that they liked their neighbors as much as the architecture. “We have been thrilled,” Spillyards says of the friendships they have formed. Spillyards is a real estate agent who serves as secretary of the Maple Ridge Neighborhood Association board and is the Maple Ridge representative to the Tulsa Preservation Commission. Get-togethers sponsored by the neighborhood association play a role in the camaraderie, says Spillyards, a Tulsa native who lived in Austin for 25 years before returning to Oklahoma in 2021. “We have an annual Christmas party, and we do a dog show in the summertime at a local park,” Spillyards says. There’s also an annual home and garden tour, and a 5K on Memorial Day weekend that raises money for a local veterans' organization. The two popular pool clubs play a role in the social life of the Lortondale neighborhood, says Sarah Power, a graphic designer and president of the Lortondale Club Pool. Power says she joined the pool board 14

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

after her family moved to the Tulsa neighborhood in 2022, and it’s been a great way to meet her neighbors. Her favorite event is the July 4 potluck, an action-packed day that features swim races, a water balloon fight, a money dive and watermelon polo. Power says she grew up swimming in a Tulsa pool called Sun and Fun that also hosted activities, so it’s been a natural fit for her to plan events at the Lortondale club. At the 5300 club, named for the numbers of the block in which it’s located, the Puppy Plunge dog-friendly swim is a popular event, says Vicki Thorne, vice president of membership and manager of the pool club. The pool property features a covered area with picnic tables and an upper deck with additional seating, which can be rented for special events such as birthday parties and baby showers. Party guests get free access to

the pool. “We focus on being open to the broader neighborhood,” Thorne says. Lortondale residents buy pool memberships, and day passes are available to the public. The 5300 Club Pool is decorated for Halloween, which Thorne says is wellcelebrated within Lortondale. “We have a wonderful neighborhood in that the people are eager to meet each other,” Thorne says. “They like to exchange information. When we took our son to kindergarten last year, it was so neat to meet people in the halls that we knew. These are deeper relationships than just neighbors waving at one another.” Power says some Lortondale residents join both pool clubs, since each offers its own activities. Swim lessons attract people to the 5300 Club Pool and are an income source, Thorne says. Volunteers are essential for community events, Spillyards says. “It’s a pretty fast-paced world,” he says. “People are so busy. But we have been making a more active outreach and have had new board members join recently.” Maple Ridge recently held a trash pickup along a hiking trail that leads to The Gathering Place. “I was so pleased with the number of neighbors who responded to the email campaign,” Spillyards says. Power says club volunteers mow the lawn at the pool and hold workdays. The 5300 Club Pool holds spring and fall workdays, says Thorne, whose family moved to Lortondale in 2011. “There is an obvious advantage to getting to know your neighbors and creating relationships,” Spillyards says. KIMBERLY BURK

Infrastructure | The State

The Electric Shift

Both public agencies and private companies are investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure as Oklahoma prepares for a wider adoption effort.

A public electric vehicle charging station installed through the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments helps expand regional charging access, making EV ownership more convenient for residents and travelers alike. Photo courtesy ACOG

ric Pollard feels great about the lesser impact on the environment – and his wallet – made possible by the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq he charges up every night in his garage. “But the experience of driving an electric vehicle is probably what I talk about the most,” says Pollard, who is the Air Quality and Clean Cities Coordinator for the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG). “It has instant torque. There is no tailpipe, and no wasted fuel by idling. It’s very quiet.” In fact, Pollard says, school districts such as Shawnee that have made the switch to electric buses report yet another benefit from those gently purring motors. “The bus is quieter, so the students are better-behaved because they are not shouting at each other over a loud engine,” Pollard says. “And that makes for happier bus drivers.” Fewer than 10% of the vehicles on the road in Oklahoma are electric, and of that number, about 90% are charged by the owners in their own homes. But those percentages will change, and public and private partnerships across the state are working to have the

infrastructure in place as the numbers climb. Jared Schwennesen, Multi-Modal and Planning Engineer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, says ODOT was provided with $66 million worth of federal funding to build a state charging station infrastructure. “There’s a mandate to build out alternative fuel corridors by installing public charging stations about every 50 miles, starting with the interstates and other designated highways,” Schwennesen says, “to alleviate range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers.” The charging stations, which must be within a mile of a highway exit, open round the clock and offer restrooms and at least four 150-kilowatt chargers, will cost about $1 million to build. Successful bidders will receive about $600,000 of the construction cost from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. “ODOT’s role is to let people know electric vehicles can be a viable option when the charging stations are up, and to run the program to place more charging stations out there,” Schwennesen says. “We will not own or operate the stations.”

The bidding process is underway and construction has not started on the federally-funded charging stations. ODOT is suggesting to bidders that the stations provide 24-hour staffing and be well-lit at night, Schwennesen says, as they could be subject to vandalism. Motorists will be charged 50 to 75 cents per kilowatt hour to charge their vehicles. Apart from the NEVI funding, private businesses such as Tesla, OG&E, Love’s Travel Stops and Francis Energy in Tulsa are building charging stations across the country, Pollard says. In 2018, city and county governments, electric utility companies, car dealerships and others formed a coalition that’s now known as EV Oklahoma, Pollard says. “Part of our focus is on improving the air quality for the region, which in turn improves public health,” Pollard says. He says ACOG does “a lot of transportation planning with ODOT and cities and counties. We host the Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition. We promote all the alternative fuels and hybrids.” Part of ACOG’s role is to help cities, counties and school districts find ways to reduce transportation costs, Pollard says. In fact, he says, transportation is the second-largest budget item for the typical American household. Electric companies offer lower rates to drivers who charge their vehicles at night when there is less demand on the grid, Pollard says. His car charges between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., which costs him 3 cents per kilowatt hour. “It costs me 66 cents to fill up my battery,” Pollard says. KIMBERLY BURK

Many EV charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Photo courtesy NEVI OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State | Insider Oklahoma. I got to where I was really fed up with that process because, man, I wasn’t there [in Nashville] for what I thought I was going to be there for.” Instead of writing his own material, he was singing songs by others. But then again, he wasn’t doing much writing on his own, and he seemed unable to connect with other, established writers. A lot of the reason for that, he believes, was his youth. “I really didn’t have anything to write about,” he says. “I was still wet behind the ears, and I had no clue. What are you supposed to write about when you’re 18? Drinkin’ when you’re not old enough? Falling in love when you’ve never had a girlfriend? “Honestly, at that age, I was just leaning on a shovel, waiting for a hole. I didn’t have the grit yet to start digging a hole and writing my own music.” So, when a young woman he was interested in back home wrote him, suggesting she “might think about” dating him if he returned and “got a real Oklahoman Logan Mac is embracing a second act in music after years away from the guitar, proving that sometimes the right time to chase a dream is when you least expect it. job,” that was enough to Photo courtesy Live at the Print Shop propel him away from his Nashville dreams. “Three days later,” he recalls, “I came more than a decade ago, only to return back, got a job in the oilfield, and started to his hometown of Purcell, frustrated working. The second I got that job, she and unsuccessful. As far as he was was like, ‘Hey, you want to go out to concerned, that was it for his dream of dinner?’ Sixteen years later, we’ve got country-music stardom. three babies and a house. “There were probably about 10 years “I loved music, but I fell out of love when I didn’t even pick up my guitar. with it and fell in love with my wife. And And this is an awful way to put it,” he I wanted to be the dad, the superdad, So says, chuckling, “but you know when I just cold-turkey quit [music]. Really, you tell all your friends that you’re going I didn’t start picking it back up until to lose weight, and you’re working out – COVID. We had a lot of alone time in the and then you fall off the wagon and you world then, and I realized that my kids don’t want to be around those friends thought it was really cool that Daddy any more? That’s kind of how music was could play the guitar; all of a sudden, for me.” it was the entertainment in our house. He’d hit Nashville right out of high So I started making up songs for ‘em. I’d school, supporting himself by doing sit out on the back porch and make up plumbing work during the day and these silly songs. playing the clubs at night. “Then I started buying guitars. And “Then,” he says, “I realized I was my wife was going, ‘Why are you buying doing the same thing I’d been doing in guitars?’ I was like, ‘Well, you’ll see.’ He Oklahoma, these little three-hour sets laughs. “I knew at that point.” of cover songs. I was just doing it on Still, the breakthrough wouldn’t one street instead of driving all over

The Long Way Home

Logan Mac spent years building a life away from music, only to find his way back to the guitar – and a surprising second chance.

he great American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote that there were no second acts in American lives – that, essentially, once you’ve failed at something, you don’t get another try. Then again, maybe you just need to get away and do something else for a while before taking a second shot. That’s what happened, anyway, with Logan Mac, the Oklahoma-based singer-songwriter who’s been putting together a pretty dandy second act for himself over the past couple of years, ever since an ode to his late father called “Dance Under Stars” went viral on TikTok. Earlier this year, his first album, Til' the Ground, racked up half a million streams within the first month of its release, and he’s not only got an impressive slate of American appearances lined up, but a British tour scheduled as well. This all happened after a first act that found him making a run at Nashville 16

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come down there. The week after that, come for a few more years. And it would I was on a plane to Nashville, going involve his dad, a longtime fan of Logan’s ‘What kind of a mid-life crisis is this?’” music, who died young. He laughs again. “About two weeks before he passed away, he told me, ‘I just think you should The video for the song ended up consider playing music again,’” Mac with some two million views on remembers. “That was one of our last TikTok, signaling that this second conversations before his major stroke. act in Logan Mac’s career is built And, after two years of getting over grief around far more than a mid-life and all that stuff and blaming everything crisis. Even though he still runs his in the world for my dad dying at 59, I own construction business, his everfinally realized I could either sit and feel accelerating touring and recording sorry for myself, or I could remember schedule indicates he could be one all the good things about him – and one of those rare talents headed for the of those was music, and his love for me country-music stratosphere. playing music. So I found myself writing Still, it’s taken plenty of success to songs again.” convince him that something special That included the one that first is going on. In fact, he says, after brought major attention to his “Dance Under Stars” went viral and songwriting and singing, “Dance Under he knew he had a second chance, he Stars.” wasn’t sure he wanted to go all in. “I wrote half that song sitting in the He was, he told his wife, comfortable hospital, when I knew my dad was going with what he was doing for a living. to pass away,” he says. “I was on my “She said, ‘Well, how are you going [phone] notes, just sitting in the room to tell your daughters to chase their with him, kind of writing here and there. dreams if you’re not going to show And I let those lyrics go for two years. them what it looks like?’” he recalls. Finally, I said, ‘You know what? I’m going “So it was clear at that point that I to play music again.’ I got in my phone, had to do it, to take the lead role in found that note, and finished the song showing my daughters how not to that day. be scared of the world, how to go out “I played it for some friends at our lake there and chase a dream. I felt for the house that night, about 30 people, and first time in my life that God had me they were just bawlin’. Everybody there doing my purpose, that I had that was like, ‘Oh my gosh. You don’t know chance. And not everybody gets that what you’ve just done.’ So I had a good chance, to live out what they think inkling that it didn’t suck.” their purpose is. The next day, despite feeling like “So, you’ve just got to jump out people might think he was “a goofball with your parachute and hope,” for being thirty-something years old and he concludes. “If it doesn’t open, it putting music on TikTok,” he set up an doesn’t. You’ll figure that out halfway account and posted “Dance Under Stars.” down.” JOHN WOOLEY Even though he had to talk himself into putting the song out on social media, “I just felt like people needed to hear it, and I didn’t really know any other way for them to do that,” he explains. “The next day, we showed up at a softball game in Harrah, and people were pointing at us as we were walking in. We had no idea what was going on. So I opened up TikTok, and it had like 100,000 notifications. I think it went to 500,000 or 700,000 views overnight. Then I opened up my email – I don’t even know how they got my email – and every major label in Nashville had emailed me, wanting me to Oklahoman Logan Mac released his first album, Til' the Ground, earlier this year. Photo courtesy RPR Media

The Professionals Financial Advisor

How can I plan for healthcare in my estate plan? If you become unable to make decisions for yourself or require long-term care, a thoughtful plan can help ensure your wishes are honored while helping preserve your financial stability and support the people who matter most to you. 1. Document your healthcare wishes. An advance healthcare directive, sometimes called a living will, outlines David Karimian your preferences for medical treatment CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® if you are unable to communicate them yourself. Because requirements vary by state, it is important to work with an attorney to ensure your document is valid and complete, including a HIPAA authorization. 2. Appoint trusted decision-makers. Naming a healthcare proxy and a durable power of attorney are essential steps in preparing for the unexpected. A healthcare proxy authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if needed, while a durable power of attorney allows a designated individual to manage financial matters during periods of incapacity. 3. Plan for potential long-term care needs. As life expectancy increases, so does the likelihood of needing extended care later in life. Whether care is provided at home or in a facility, costs can be substantial. 4. Prepare thoughtfully for what lies ahead. Addressing healthcare concerns is not about expecting the worst, but about creating clarity, dignity, and support in uncertain moments.

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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Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

The magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral dominates Sofia’s historic center with its soaring domes, intricate architecture and quiet sense of reverence. Captioned photos by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

The Yellow Brick Roads of Sofia

Bulgaria’s capital offers travelers a charming mix of yellow brick streets, mountain views, royal treasures, ancient ruins and vibrant cuisine.

hat do Oz and Bulgaria’s capitals have in common? They both have a yellow brick road! As if the city of Sofia isn’t already charming enough, its vibrant pathway makes it even more unique. The history of the road itself is equally fascinating. Reportedly, the bricks were sent by the Habsburg cousins as a royal wedding present to Prince Ferdinand. The aspiration for Sofia to be a stylish capital – similar to cities like Vienna or Budapest – transformed the former unpaved roads into the yellow brick roads you see today. Although the ravages of World War II damaged much of the bricks, restoration prevailed. 18

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

Upon arrival to Sofia, one first notices the snow-capped Vitosha mountains of the Balkans. The locals rave about their treasured hikes in the mountains. The proximity of the airport to the main square is yet another perk. The latter enables travelers to feel refreshed and ready to explore the city. Two luxurious hotels, the InterContinental Sofia by IHG and Sense Hotel are located within the historic square, which makes it easy to enjoy Sofia on foot. Breakfast in the glamorous Ador restaurant of the InterContinental Sofia hotel prepares you for sightseeing and a nightcap at the Sense Hotel rooftop bar is a celebratory way to end your day. Best of all, the spa

located in the InterContinental hotel is worth a visit for massage treatments – which is a smart way to reset your jet lag. The second travel perk about Sofia is the walkability of the main square with its numerous museums. While there is a metro system, it’s not necessary for reaching the main attractions enhanced by their connectivity. Dominating the square’s landscape is the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its imposing architectural details. Inside, the somber music, chanting and muted colors will impress. Iconography and holy relics are on display. Stained glass windows, tiled floors and rustic chandeliers mesmerize you into

Destinations | Life & Style pondering how something so opulent can also be so humbling at the same time. Follow the yellow brick road to nearby cafes, parks and museums within the city-center. The Serdika ruins nearby ( from the ancient Roman empire) were discovered during the metro construction process. The political art sculptures are provocative bronzes displayed throughout the area. They represent a time of struggle, survival and self-expression. The historic structures seem to convey resilience and healing as they remain a part of the landscape. The Museum of Socialist Art and Monuments showcases more statues and paintings from this era. The Royal Palace includes the National Art Gallery and Ethnographic Museum. A well-curated exhibit of each era of Bulgarian history reveals treasures from vintage films of coronations to artifacts from royal life. A replica of Marie Antoinette’s horse carriage given to the Bulgarian royalty for a coronation is on display. Costumes and military garb fill rooms lined with family portraits. Visit Constantinoff restaurant where glamour and culinary skills collide. The tiramisu presentation is an event not to be missed! It's served in a thrilling way – the waiter churns it several times at the tabletop while the steam of dry ice chills it to perfection. Head back into the square to watch the changing of the guards at the Presidency building. Dine at Shtastliveca for gourmet dinners and Bulgarian wine. Departing Sofia is bittersweet as your taxi drives past trees of yellow leaves and green spaces. Locals share a love of the mountains and speak of them as if they are a weekend goal of leisure awaiting them. Sofia satisfies the traveler with traces of modern history, art, and excellent cuisine to remember fondly.

Above: Sofia’s iconic yellow brick roads add a touch of whimsy to the city center. Left: Traditional Bulgarian dress offers a colorful glimpse into the country’s heritage.

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life & Style | Health “Even having blood pressure that’s moderately controlled – like systolic pressures in the 150s to 160s – over the years leads to stress and weakening of the artery walls.”

Recognizing the Symptoms

When Every Minute Matters Aortic dissection can quickly become fatal, but knowing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention can improve the chances of survival.

ith the recent passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, reportedly from an aortic dissection, there’s been a spotlight on this rare and life-threatening medical emergency. The National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 13,000 Americans die each year from aortic dissections. While often fatal, recognizing symptoms and understanding your risk factors can help you know when to seek immediate medical care.

What is an Aortic Dissection?

Andres Guerra, M.D., a vascular surgeon with Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute in Tulsa, explains that an aortic dissection is a tear of the inner lining of the aorta wall. “The aorta is the largest and main blood vessel of the body that supplies blood to the brain, organs and extremities,” says Guerra. “This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the vessel wall and forces them apart, creating a false channel, which can weaken the wall and lead to aneurysms or rupture.” Dissections are classified by where they occur. 20

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

“A Type A dissection involves a tear in the aorta that is closer to the heart, specifically in the ascending aorta,” he says. “A Type B dissection involves a tear in the descending aorta, or after where the left subclavian artery branches off.”

Who’s at Risk?

Guerra’s colleague, Kelleigh D. Fletcher, PA-C, says men are twice as likely to have a dissection, and it tends to occur earlier in life for men than for women. “It’s more common in men over the age of 50 and women over the age of 70,” she says. Some risk factors are outside your control, including age and genetics. Connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also increase your risk. In addition, if a first-degree relative has had a dissection or aneurysm, your risk increases by roughly six-fold. Other risk factors are things you can control: smoking is the number one risk factor, along with stimulant use (like cocaine or methamphetamine) and high blood pressure. “High blood pressure leads to shear stress of the vessel wall,” says Fletcher.

Symptoms of an aortic dissection may include, but are not limited to, suddenonset severe chest pain or pain between the shoulder blades – sometimes described as a tearing or stabbing sensation that radiates down the back, arms or legs. Some people may also experience sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, or have abdominal pain. “Both types of dissection pose significant risks, including potentially lifethreatening complications if not promptly treated,” says Guerra. “A dissection can lead to strokes, heart attacks, permanent organ damage, paralysis, kidney failure, amputation of legs or arms and death. He says the mortality rate for a type A dissection climbs one to two percent per hour within the first 48 hrs. “Even after getting to the hospital and having surgical intervention, there is still an approximately 20% risk of death – versus more than 50% if there’s no surgical treatment.” For a Type B dissection, the mortality rate is about 13-16%, whether treated with surgery or medical management alone. “Depending on the location of the dissection and the hospital’s capabilities, multiple surgical options are available,” says Guerra. “Here at Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute, we’re equipped to treat straightforward aortic dissections as well as very complex dissections.” As awareness of aortic dissection grows, so does the understanding that it can strike with little warning. Experts say the best defense is prevention through a healthy lifestyle – paired with recognizing symptoms early and seeking emergency care immediately. REBECCA FAST

Outside The Metro | Life & Style

The Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center offers visitors an opportunity to explore Cherokee history, culture and artistic traditions. Photos courtesy the Cherokee Nation

Vinita Welcomes You

With Route 66 attractions, annual festivals, historic eateries and cultural experiences, Vinita entices visitors.

inita, Oklahoma, invites both Route 66 travelers and Oklahomans alike with its blend of history, hospitality and community spirit along the Mother Road. Opportunities to explore the distant past include the Eastern Trails Museum, a unique locale dedicated to local history. Exhibits cover Cherokee heritage, railroads, ranching, Route 66, military items, homecraft, toys, ancient points and pipes, mercantile displays, schools and more. A Vinita tradition of nearly four decades, the 39th rendition of Oktoberfest takes place on the grounds of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and this year is planned for October 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We’re welcoming back Route 66 Cruisin’ Classics Car Show,” says Cindy Allen, vendor contact for the church. “After so many years, we’ve evolved so many traditions and returning features that people come for live music and entertainment all day, including dance and gymnastics performances, the school band, chorus groups. All the fun is found in three big tents with entertainment

everywhere – a kid’s zone, petting zone, carnival rides, the bucking bull rides, games, a silent auction with more than 100 baskets donated by local businesses. “The food tent has a hugely popular church ladies’ bake sale that always sells out and [we also have] repeat vendors

with authentic German food, burgers, ribs, Indian tacos, fish dinners and so much I can’t remember it all! There will be dozens of arts and crafts vendors from four different states. The fun is all day, and we’ll be raffling grand prizes like gift cards, furniture and televisions. All of the proceeds are gifted to local nonprofits.” For when the festival clears other days of the year, hungry travelers head to Clanton’s Café, a classic Route 66 landmark and the oldest continually family-owned restaurant on Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road. Founded in 1927 by Grant “Sweet Tater” Clanton as the Busy Bee Cafe, it has remained in the Clanton family for four generations. Known for hearty home-style cooking, especially chicken-fried steak and calf fries, it draws locals and travelers seeking authentic Oklahoma comfort food. Visitors won’t want to miss the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, either, purposefully positioned on Route 66 to welcome travelers from around the world to the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The center is the gateway into the largest tribal Nation in the United States, says Lori Ballew, manager of the center gift shop. “We host several events throughout the year, from genealogy talks, to storytelling events and more,” Ballew says. “I would encourage anyone visiting to not only check out our permanent and rotating exhibit spaces, but take the time to immerse yourself in the artwork incorporated into the center’s design. “You will see a stunning bespoke chandelier created by Cherokee Nation artist Tama Roberts, a bead wall crafted by several Cherokee artists, including three Cherokee National Treasures and much more. Cherokee traditions are woven throughout the center and truly educates visitors on who we are and where we are headed.” TRACY LEGRAND

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Advances in technology, treatment and prevention are changing the ways we understand and care for our bodies. From protecting the brain and heart to detecting cancer earlier and treating conditions with less invasive approaches, discover what’s shaping the future of healthcare.

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just protect our physical health – it shapes our brain health, too. So, do the choices we make in our 20s and 30s affect our cognitive health decades later in our 60s and 70s? According to Ajay Joseph, M.D., an interventional cardiologist and Lifestyle Medicine medical director with Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute in Tulsa, the answer is a resounding yes. “It is absolutely true that the choices that we make early in life have a tremendous impact on cognitive health in our 60s, 70s and beyond,” says Joseph. “Decades ago, one of the central lessons we learned was the importance of lifestyle changes to protect our cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart attack. It should come as no surprise that the same is true of the brain – the blood vessels, nerves and tissues are all interconnected and subject to the same influences. What’s new is that over the last few years, several large and welldesigned studies have proven the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices with regard to brain health, too.” Joseph notes that it’s genuinely exciting that new medications are becoming available to reduce the burden of cognitive change in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. “But the real power comes in taking positive steps to reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease developing in the first place,” says Joseph. “With the advent of Lifestyle Medicine, we now have scientifically validated evidence to guide us in specific areas that help keep our brains healthy. Encouragingly, recent large trials suggest that for people already showing early warning signs – mild cognitive impairment or subjective memory concerns – can meaningfully slow the pace of decline, and some individuals even see real improvement in cognitive function.” Knowing prevention is key, Joseph offers the following recommendations for supporting brain health. • Eat well. Follow a Mediterranean or MIND diet built around vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains and fish, while limiting red meat and processed foods. • Manage your overall health. Controlling blood pressure,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

cholesterol and diabetes benefits the heart and brain alike. • Stay active, physically and mentally. Regular exercise is essential, and so is exercising your brain: reading, learning a new skill or language and picking up new hobbies all help keep the mind sharp. • Sleep well. Adequate, healthy sleep matters more than ever. • Manage stress. A regular meditation or mindfulness practice, even just a few minutes a day, helps protect the brain from chronic stress. • Stay connected. Social engagement with family, friends and community is one of the most protective – and most overlooked – habits for a healthy brain. • Protect against injury. Wear a helmet when cycling or doing other activities where even a mild head trauma could occur; as we age, the brain takes longer to heal.

HOW AI IS IMPACTING STROKE CARE Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming medical care – including how doctors identify and diagnose strokes. “One of the essential tenets of treating stroke is, ‘time is brain,’” says Christopher C. Glisson, D.O., neurologist and medical director of Warren Neuroscience Institute H OU at Saint Francis Health System in esy t r u o co Tulsa. “The use of AI has the potential to Phot revolutionize the care we provide to patients, at the very moment when every second counts.” Glisson explains that no two stroke patients look exactly the same – symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, and whether the stroke is ischemic (caused by a blockage of blood flow) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding in the brain, sometimes from a ruptured blood vessel or aneurysm). “We rely on emergent neuroimaging to determine the best treatment for the patient, and while these studies can be obtained quickly, interpreting the findings requires careful review of more than 1,000 images in a very short period of time,” he says. “If the abnormality is clear, the radiologist can generally identify it quickly. But with more subtle findings, like a small aneurysm that might be obscured by blood, it can be much more difficult.” That’s where AI comes in. It can be trained to screen an entire ea lth

LIFESTYLE CHOICES + BRAIN HEALTH

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series of hundreds and hundreds of images in just a few seconds, flagging exactly where physicians should focus. Radiologists can then validate the findings and advise the care team, so treatment moves faster and more accurately. “We expect this will allow earlier and more comprehensive detection not only of stroke but also of other important findings that will improve the care of our patients,” says Glisson.

ADVANCES in CATARACT CARE Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., M.D. is the founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons in Oklahoma City and specializes in premium laser cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). He shares his insights on how cataract surgery has drastically improved over the last few years. “Cataract surgery has evolved dramatically,” he says. “The most updated and precise imaging, combined with an expanding intraocular lens (IOL) technology, allow us to tailor treatment to each individual. At Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, we are one of the few in the city that bundles the robotic laser with every Premium or Toric IOL, and we were the first to use the newest cataract removal machine in Oklahoma.” That combination of imaging and laser technology is reshaping the surgery itself. Robotic laser cataract surgery, Sarkisian notes, is an important advancement in precision and personalization. “The ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System uses robotic laser technology to automate several critical steps and combines them with traditional cataract surgery in one integrated setting,” he says. “This gives the surgeon greater control and efficiency while allowing treatment to be 24

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

customized to each patient’s unique eye.” Alongside surgery, the selected lens plays an equally important role in the outcome. One of the most meaningful advances in cataract surgery, Sarkisian says, is the ability to personalize vision with the intraocular lens (IOL). “Everyone undergoing cataract surgery has to have an IOL,” he explains. “The Toric IOL corrects astigmatism at the time of surgery, providing sharper, more dependable single-distance vision than can even be achieved with astigmatic correction in glasses or contact lenses. Lifestyle or premium bifocal or trifocal lenses offer a broader range of vision, as well as astigmatism correction, for patients who wish to be less dependent on glasses for everyday activities. Sophisticated measurements help us select and precisely position the appropriate lens, but the decision is always individualized to the patient’s eye health, visual priorities and expectations.” Trifocal lenses, in particular, now have fewer side effects and a 99% satisfaction rate. “We are not simply removing a cataract,” Sarkisian says. “We are developing a thoughtful visual plan that supports the patient’s needs and quality of life.”

NEW OPTIONS for THYROID NODULES As a specialist in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, Christopher Siemens, M.D., an otolaryngologist with Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose & Throat in Tulsa, has experienced firsthand the advancements in less invasive thyroid care, offering patients shorter recovery times and even incision-free procedures. “The biggest shift in thyroid care over the past several years has come in two forms,” says Siemens. “First, on the cancer side, the American Thyroid Association guidelines have evolved significantly. We now know that many thyroid cancers can be treated just as effectively with a lobectomy – removing only the affected half of the thyroid – rather than a total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine, which was the standard approach for years. For the right patients, that means preserving thyroid function, avoiding lifelong hormone replacement, and skipping radioactive iodine altogether, all without compromising cure rates. “Second, for benign nodules – which make up the large majority of what we find

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– we now have radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a non-surgical treatment option,” he says. “Using real-time ultrasound guidance, we can direct a thin probe into a symptomatic nodule and deliver controlled heat that shrinks it gradually over the following months, often by half or more. It’s done entirely in the office, with no incision, no hospital stay and a same-day return to normal activities. Together, these shifts mean far fewer patients need a full, invasive operation than a decade ago – and that’s a real change in how we think about thyroid care.” These techniques aren’t for everyone. Nodules with suspicious features on ultrasound or biopsy still require surgical evaluation, making a tailored, individualized approach to patient care essential. “No two thyroid nodules, or patients, are exactly alike,” says Siemens. “A nodule’s size, location, whether it’s solid or cystic and what a biopsy shows all shape what the right treatment looks like, and so does the patient in front of me: their symptoms, their priorities, whether they want to avoid surgery if possible, even their life circumstances at that moment. Two patients with what looks like a similar nodule on paper can have very different best paths forward. That’s why the first step is always a thorough evaluation –ultrasound, and biopsy when indicated, before any conversation about treatment. Individualized care means making sure the treatment fits the patient, not the other way around.” Within his focused sub-specialty in thyroid and parathyroid disease, Siemens has built his practice around offering the full range of options, from biopsy and monitoring to minimally invasive treatments like RFA and ethanol ablation to surgery when it’s genuinely the best path. “My goal for every patient is the same: an accurate diagnosis first, then a clear, honest conversation about every option available – not just the one I happen to perform,” he says.

KNOWING Your NUMBERS A healthy heart and a strong cardiovascular system are essential to supporting a fit body. It’s why the American Heart Association promotes its ‘Know Your Numbers’ initiative, encouraging everyone to track vital health markers such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and body mass index or BMI. Dhanushya Amaratunga, M.D., a

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

cardiologist at INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, says knowing these numbers offers a snapshot of your overall health and can identify problems early, even before symptoms start. “Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight are all important markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health,” says Amaratunga. “When we know these numbers, we can recognize our risks and take steps to address them early. Prevention is always better than the cure, and understanding your numbers is an

important first step toward prevention.” She explains that all of these health markers are impacted by many of the same factors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress and overall lifestyle. “Genetics also play an important role, so some people may be more predisposed to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol,” says Amaratunga. “The important thing to remember is that while we cannot change our genetics, we can influence many of the other factors through healthy lifestyle choices and sometimes with medical treatment. Looking at these numbers together gives us a much better picture of a person’s overall health and cardiovascular risk.” High blood pressure and high cholesterol are known as ‘silent killers.’ A person may be suffering from one or both of these issues without any obvious symptoms and be at a greater risk of heart attack or stroke. It’s another reason why knowing your levels can help determine your future health and longevity. “When we know our numbers and take steps to keep them in a healthy range, we can lower our risk of major medical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease,” says Amaratunga. “The goal is not just to live longer, but to live healthier and remain active and independent for as long as possible…and even small changes made early can have a huge impact over the course of a lifetime.”

Sleep

HOW SLEEP CHANGES with AGE As one gets older, it’s common to struggle with sleep. According to a recent survey by AARP, seventy percent of adults 40 and over report having difficulty sleeping – and nearly the same percentage reported struggling with sleep for more than two years. However, just because you’re older doesn’t mean you don’t still need your rest. Middle-aged and older adults should still try for seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Experts share that disrupted sleep is often the result of sleep disorders, health conditions, or for women, a symptom of perimenopause, menopause and other hormonal changes. The Sleep Foundation explains that our circadian rhythms or sleep-wake cycles shift with age, gradually causing the internal body clock to move, resulting in individuals becoming sleepy earlier in the evening and waking up earlier in the morning. The quality of sleep also diminishes, with adults spending more time in a light and restless sleep state rather than a deep sleep. While some changes in sleep are a normal part of aging, poor sleep shouldn’t simply be accepted as inevitable. A few healthy sleep habits can help you get the restorative rest you need. Keep a regular sleep schedule to support a natural sleepwake cycle. Limit screen time before bed, and create a calming and inviting sleep environment. Avoid drinking too much caffeine throughout the day and stay physically active, as even light exercise can help improve sleep. Also, check with your doctor in case a new medication or sleep disorder like sleep apnea could be affecting your slumber.

Photo courtesy Saint Francis Health System

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Take a look inside Oklahoma’s most striking kitchens and baths, where bold ideas, beautiful materials and exceptional craftsmanship take center stage. Custom cabinetry, statement stone and sought-after brands from around the world give these spaces a distinctly elevated point of view.

A BRIGHTER GATHERING SPACE Photos by Kacey Gilpin & Vora Quinn

hen a Tulsa couple set out to transform their home, the goal wasn’t simply to update the kitchen, it was to create a space that honored the house's original architecture while reflecting the way they live today. Working together, interior designer Sherri Duvall of Duvall Atelier and David 28

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

Trebilcock of Trebilcock Construction reimagined the outdated layout into a light-filled, highly functional gathering space designed for cooking, entertaining and everyday connection. “The home was built in the 1960s, and the homeowners love both a California and a European eclectic aesthetic,” Duvall says.

“So we sought to bridge the architecture with their aesthetics and also their love of entertaining.” The transformation began by opening up spaces that had previously felt disconnected. What was once a sitting room became the home’s new main kitchen, creating a seamless connection to

the adjacent living and dining areas. The original, smaller kitchen was converted into a prep kitchen and wine cellar, providing an additional workspace while preserving the home’s entertaining potential. “We opened that all up,” says Trebilcock. “So it was all about opening things up, making things lighter and brighter, and getting the flow going better.” That sense of openness was enhanced through architectural updates, including redesigned skylights, new windows, an additional exterior door and a new window overlooking the courtyard near the cooktop. Natural light became a defining element of the renovated space, emphasizing the carefully selected materials and custom craftsmanship. One of the kitchen’s most striking features is the dramatic marble used throughout the space. Chosen for its beauty and dynamic veining, the stone became both a functional surface and an artistic statement. Because the room’s ceiling pitch and skylights made traditional upper cabinetry FACING PAGE: A sculptural chandelier adds an artistic touch above the renovated kitchen, serving as a jewel-like focal point in the space.

TOP: The home’s original, smaller kitchen was transformed into a prep space and wine cellar designed to support effortless entertaining.

impractical, Duvall designed a cantilevered marble shelf that stretches across the windows. The feature provides storage, illuminates the counter below and creates a unique architectural moment. The details throughout the kitchen balance sophistication with personality. A sculptural chandelier from Duvall Atelier, designed by Julie Neill for Visual Comfort, adds a playful artistic element, while the distinctive barstools reinforce the eclectic mix of styles. “The artistic nature of the glass globes on the linear oval light fixture create a sculptural centerpiece to the kitchen that acts like jewelry,” Duvall says. With custom cabinetry built by Trebilcock Construction, a newly created walk-in pantry and a thoughtful reconfiguration of the home’s spaces, the remodel delivers more than a beautiful kitchen. It creates a welcoming hub where the home’s original character and the homeowners’ lifestyle come together. “The flow is great and perfect for entertaining,” Duvall says.

ABOVE LEFT: Playful wallpaper brings a dose of personality to the powder bath, complementing the home’s eclectic design sensibility.

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

WARMTH BY DESIGN

Photos by David Cobb Photography

hen Brenda Helms – owner and principal interior designer of Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home – began working on this kitchen, the goal was far more ambitious than simply updating finishes. Helms reimagined the floor plan, creating a kitchen that blends striking design with exceptional function. “Our main goal was to update the layout and upgrade the cabinets,” she says. The existing cabinetry had a failing paint finish and worn hardware, while the homeowners also hoped for a walk-in pantry and a more open floor plan. Achieving that vision required relocating a load-bearing wall, along with plumbing and electrical systems. “Our client had always loved the look of a moody kitchen with a red brick wall, so this became the style inspiration along the way,” she says. “Ultimately, we worked into a more neutral brick color, but added in two very dramatic countertops: a Patagonia Crystallo natural stone on the island and a Cambria Remington Brass on the perimeter and backsplash ledge by the cooktop.” Rich walnut cabinetry stained in a warm mocha complements the masonry while incorporating oversized pantry pullouts, pot-and-pan organizers and hidden trash storage. The island presented one of the project’s greatest challenges, because structural columns and plumbing had to remain. “We clad them in walnut to match the rest of the cabinetry,” Helms explains, allowing the supports to disappear into the overall design. Dramatic countertops

– including Patagonia Crystallo on the island and Cambria Remington Brass on the perimeter – provide a sophisticated finishing touch. Another home with a different project – a primary bath – offers a quieter kind of luxury. “Our goal for the client was to create a modern styling with clean lines, but make it feel warm and inviting, much like that of a spa,” Helms says. Frameless cabinetry, understated stone patterns, wood textures and abundant natural light establish the calming atmosphere. A freestanding tub serves as the room’s focal point, backed by a feature wall with a bathing niche, built-in ethanol fireplace and integrated linen storage. Floating vanities with seamless integrated sinks reinforce the minimalist aesthetic, while Robern medicine cabinets paired with Edgeline sconces became one of Helms’ favorite details. “Not only are they beautiful with their optional attached Edgeline ‘sconces’ but they are highly functional as well,” she says. “In order to take advantage of the height in the space, we extended the look of the medicine cabinets with a false box and a mounted mirror with the same Edgeline sconces attached to the sides. This made a huge impact in the room.” 30

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A freestanding tub anchors this serene primary bath, framed by a feature wall with a bathing niche and built-in ethanol fireplace. Rich walnut cabinetry and dramatic natural stone give this reimagined kitchen a warm, moody character while maximizing function. Floating vanities with seamless integrated sinks reinforce the primary bath’s clean-lined, spainspired aesthetic. Oversized pantry pullouts keep ingredients and kitchen essentials neatly organized and within easy reach.

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ELEGANCE MEETS COMFORT

Photos by Darcy Lyndon Photos

n a home of grand proportions, designer Brenda Rice of GHD Interiors and Stephanie Martin, owner of Sullivan's Custom Cabinets, paired elegance with comfort, functionality and a style in a home that’s truly meant for living. The kitchen, in particular, was designed around family. With two young boys and most of the extended family living nearby, the homeowners wanted an open, highly functional space where cooking, conversation and gathering could happen simultaneously. “They really wanted a layout that was open and accommodating for being together,” Rice says. “They were also focused on functionality, but because of the grandeur of the home, they needed some elegance factored in.” At the heart of the kitchen is a dramatic T-shaped island. Rather than a traditional island, the shape encourages everyone to face one another, whether preparing food or just hanging out. The island is topped with Blue Tempest quartzite, which the homeowners discovered themselves. Its substantial scale called for a custom 2½-inch mitered edge, Rice says. Thoughtful cabinetry brings warmth and a relaxed character to the room. “The stained cabinetry in the home is crafted from knotty alder wood in a combination of frameless and flush-inset construction,” says Martin. “The finish is a three-step stain process with rock and worm distressing.” That same philosophy extends to the wine cellar, where European inspiration meets personal touches. Brick slices cover the walls and groin-vaulted ceiling, creating the feeling of an old-world cellar without sacrificing valuable interior space. Tumbled Brazilian purple slate gives the floor an aged, cobblestone-like

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

character, while rich alder cabinetry surrounds the homeowner’s vintage wine barrel. The temperaturecontrolled room steps down from the adjacent bar. In the primary bath, the mood shifts from gathering place to retreat. Carrara marble covers the floors and shower in a classic brick-lay pattern, while a mosaic marble inlay creates the look of a custom area rug without the maintenance of an actual rug. A lighter, weathered stain on the

TOP: Stained knotty alder cabinetry by Sullivan’s Custom Cabinets brings warmth and relaxed character to the elegant, family-focused kitchen.

cabinetry and trim softens the room, complementing the marble. The oversized polished-nickel sconces, positioned around the vanity mirrors, provide both function and beauty, while the expansive, doorless shower features multiple shower heads and even a shaving mirror. After nearly five years of planning and construction, the result is a collection of spaces that feel both luxurious and livable.

LEFT: Brick walls and a groin-vaulted ceiling give the expansive wine cellar an old-world character, complemented by rich alder cabinetry and a vintage wine barrel.

DIRECTLY ABOVE: An expansive, doorless shower features multiple shower heads and a shaving mirror, combining everyday function with the feel of a private retreat.

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RUSTIC MEETS REFINED Photos by Kacey Gilpin & Vora Quinn

ABOVE: Knotty alder cabinetry, Taj Mahal quartzite and custom Italian tile give this ranch kitchen a refined take on rustic style.

DIRECTLY BELOW: Thoughtfully styled shelving pairs with natural wood cabinetry and earthy finishes to reinforce the kitchen’s aesthetic.

or a Tulsa homeowner, the ranch is more than a getaway – it’s a place to reconnect with nature, spend time with her horses and cows and enjoy the slower rhythm of country living. When Dave Trebilcock of Trebilcock Construction set out to transform the home’s outdated 1970s kitchen, the goal was to create a space that reflected that lifestyle: warm, functional and deeply connected to its surroundings, with just the right amount of luxury. Trebilcock affectionately calls the project the “Bougie Ranch kitchen,” a fitting description for a space that blends rustic materials and earthy textures with high-end finishes and thoughtful details. “This is the homeowner’s private retreat,” Trebilcock says. “She has horses and loves to go out there. They live in Tulsa, but that’s her escape.” The original kitchen was a product of its era, but the renovation brought new life to the space. The team updated the kitchen with new hardwood floors, refreshed the fireplace and created a more functional layout designed around the homeowner’s daily routines and entertaining needs. Warm knotty alder cabinetry anchors the kitchen, bringing a natural, woodsy character to the room. The rich tones are complemented by Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, a durable yet elegant surface known for its subtle movement and sophistication. The backsplash provides one of the kitchen’s most distinctive design moments. Custom Italian tiles were created specifically for the homeowner, who selected the colors and collaborated in the design process. Each piece was custom painted by artisans, resulting in a one-of-a-kind feature that adds personality and artistry to the space. Above the island, a Venetian Murano glass chandelier introduces an unexpected layer of glamour. The handcrafted fixture provides a striking contrast to the ranch-inspired materials while reinforcing the home’s balance of comfort and refinement.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

The kitchen is also equipped for serious cooking and entertaining with premium Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, reflecting Trebilcock Construction’s expertise as a certified Sub-Zero and Wolf builder. Extending the functionality of the kitchen is a spacious utility room designed to support the homeowner’s lifestyle. The room includes extensive storage, a large prep island, an additional Sub-Zero refrigerator for food storage and even a dedicated dog spa finished with vibrant green tile. The result is a space that feels both grounded and elevated – a home where natural materials, custom craftsmanship and personal touches come together to create a true ranch retreat.

BOTTOM: A dedicated dog spa, finished in vibrant green tile, adds a playful and practical touch tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle.

PERSPECTIVES

From sculptural fixtures to statement-making ranges and meticulously engineered appliances, today’s luxury kitchens and baths are as beautiful as they are functional. Global design houses are elevating everyday spaces with distinctive materials, innovative technology and timeless craftsmanship.

L’Atelier:

This City Penthouse kitchen pairs L’Atelier Paris Haute Design cabinetry with a La Provençale 1600 range and custom Galbé hood for a richly detailed, highly functional space. With more than 50 storage cabinets and drawers, the San Francisco kitchen also incorporates Gaggenau appliances seamlessly paneled to complement the cabinetry.

L’Atelier Paris Haute Design

This City Penthouse kitchen, designed by Dale Anderson Architect, pairs L’Atelier Paris Haute Design cabinetry with a La Provençale 1600 range and custom Galbé hood for a richly detailed, highly functional space. With more than 50 storage spaces, the San Francisco kitchen also incorporates Gaggenau appliances throughout. Photo by Vivian Johnson Photography

Cambria

Cambria’s Kenwood quartz brings understated elegance to this serene bath, with a creamy backdrop layered with delicate taupe veining and white crackles for subtle movement. Photo courtesy The Eighteen Agency/Cambria

Gaggenau

Gaggenau’s Vario Cooling Expressive Series Refrigerator pairs professional-grade food preservation with architectural sophistication. Its Professional Freshness System maintains precise temperatures, while independently controlled climate drawers, a dark brushed stainless steel interior and integrated air filtration keep ingredients fresh.

E by Emser

E by Emser’s Luma tile brings sculptural elegance to this bathroom with soft vertical lines and a fluted relief inspired by ancient Greek columns. Its calming palette and seamless Interlock system create a refined, inviting backdrop. Photo courtesy Whitegood

Photo courtesy MAGRINO/Gaggenau

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

PERSPECTIVES

Kohler:

Kohler’s Aquifer 4-in-1 Beverage System brings convenience to the kitchen with instant filtered still, chilled, sparkling and near-boiling water at the touch of a button. Photo courtesy Kohler

La Cornue:

The La Cornue Château Grand Palais 180 makes a commanding statement in this kitchen, pairing a Greige finish with brushed stainless steel and brushed brass accents. Nearly six feet wide, the crown jewel of the Château Series features grand vaulted gas and electric ovens beneath a customizable rangetop. Photo courtesy La Cornue

Lacanche:

A Lacanche Chagny range in French Blue brings classic French character to the kitchen, accented with brass details and paired with a coordinating stainless steel hood. The 39⅜-inch range features a petite broiler oven, gas oven and electric oven. Photo courtesy Jake Miller/Seven Maples Photography

Miele:

Miele’s Built-Under Refrigerator Drawers offer a flexible approach to kitchen refrigeration, with two undercounter drawers featuring independent temperature zones for customized food and beverage storage. Designed to fit standard and niche dimensions, the system delivers convenience and precise cooling while maximizing kitchen space. Photo courtesy Miele Inc.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

Waterworks:

Viking:

Viking brings a fresh perspective to kitchen design with its 5 Series induction range in Golden Hour, accented by sculpted brushed brass bezels and stainless steel knobs. Paired with Veil™ integrated refrigeration, the space embraces the trend toward bold color and seamless, panelready appliances.

Waterworks’ Cinta bathtub reimagines solid surfaces through an organic, sculptural form inspired by French and Scandinavian midcentury ceramics. Made in Italy from plant-based resin, its integral exterior ridges emerge naturally from the casting process, creating a distinctive ribbed silhouette. Photo courtesy Waterworks

Photo courtesy Composition Brands/Viking

Valcucine:

Wolf:

Wolf ’s Coffee System brings café-quality beverages into the home with a built-in grinder, adjustable milk frother and hot water dispenser. Seamlessly integrated into this kitchen, its intuitive controls and sleek design make everything from espresso to cappuccino and tea easy to prepare. Photo courtesy Hunter PR

Valcucine’s Archigraphica kitchen combines the warmth of Elm wood with sculptural, architectural details that merge form and function. Here, an Olive Green Granite Natural Stone back section and integrated storage bring material richness and thoughtful organization to the space. Design by Gabriele Centazzo; photo by Valentina Sommariva, courtesy Valcucine

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

By Mary Willa Allen

The holidays are made for gathering, but hosting doesn’t have to mean spending the entire celebration in the kitchen. We discuss choosing the right party format to setting the scene and planning ahead to minimize day-of stress. These tips can help make your next celebration festive, welcoming and – most importantly – fun not only for guests, but for you, too.

The Ultimate Holiday Party Timeline While you may be dead-set on hosting the holiday party of the century, that doesn’t mean you need to spend weeks in a state of pure panic. Whether you’re planning a Halloween bash, a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve soirée, the key is simple: a little advance planning to make the day of as stress-free as possible.

ONE WEEK OUT Finalize the big picture. This means confirming your guest list and tracking down those pesky RSVPs. Remember, every dish you serve at your party doesn’t need to be homemade – a good mix of store-bought and scratch is the answer. Next, make your grocery list and gather non-perishables, beverages and pantry staples. If you’re ordering specialty desserts, small floral arrangements or other catered items, place those orders now. Take inventory of your serving platters, dishes, linens, glasses and themed décor. Decide what you’ll be using – and if you need to purchase more goodies .

THREE DAYS OUT Perhaps the part you’ve been dreading

most has arrived: It’s time to clean and prep your house. Remember, you control how many rooms your guests see, so focus on cleaning and decluttering those spaces. With only three days left, venture back to the grocery store for perishable foods, and start prepping anything that can be made ahead. Take some time to create a beverage plan during this period. What drinks will be selfserve, and which will be made individually? Are there batch cocktails you can prep? If you plan to go “all out” on decorations, you’ll also need to do the heavy lifting on that around this time, too.

THE DAY BEFORE Your one goal for today is to make tomorrow as easy as possible. This means setting your table fully and arranging smaller decorations. Finish any food prep that can be done before the party. For the dishes that need to be created on party day, organize ingredients, print out recipes and have your cooking station ready to go. Make sure you chill beverages, have sufficient ice and organize your playlist. And, no matter the theme, you’ll want to look sharp. Lay out your outfit and ensure it’s exactly what you want to wear.

PARTY DAY Get up early and give yourself time to prepare without rushing. Finish your day-of dishes, put out appetizers, arrange your catered items, prep your pre-made drinks and make one more pass around the home. Depending on how large your party is, you may need to set aside a designated spot for coats and bags to avoid a cluttered entryway. Lastly, give yourself enough time to get ready without worrying about the first doorbell ring. You got this!

Choosing Your Party Style While you may think a party is a party is a party, there are plenty of formats you can choose from, depending on your personality, guest list and home layout.

THE COCKTAIL PARTY Best for: Adults only, plenty of mingling and a larger guest list Food: Passed appetizers, small bites, grazing boards and grab-and-go options Hosting challenge: Keeping drinks and food circulating while maintaining conversation with guests

THE DINNER PARTY Best for: Smaller, more intimate groups Food: Three-course meals, tapas-style or OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

family-style meals Hosting challenge: Timing the courses without disappearing into the kitchen all evening and missing the fun

collection of pieces you love. Change ribbons, ornaments, candles or flowers to create a different look while keeping your foundational décor the same.

THE FRIENDSGIVING

The No-Stress Host

Best for: Close friends, roommates or families with kids Food: Potluck-style/collaborative menu Hosting challenge: Coordinating who’s bringing what and ensuring everyone shows up with their dish in hand

Best for: Large, flexible guest lists and less structure Food: Large food stations, portable appetizers and desserts Hosting challenge: Making the house feel welcoming throughout the event and ensuring everyone gets some attention

While it may be a harsh reality for some, it doesn’t have to be the case that the person who invited everyone over is the one who has the least fun. Between cooking, cleaning, answering questions, refilling drinks and making sure everyone has what they need, it’s easy to spend an entire evening working instead of, well, partying. Remember this: a successful party doesn’t require a perfectly clean house, an expansive menu or a host who caters to guests’ every whim. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to become a “no-stress,” or at least a “mostly-no-stress” host.

THE GAME NIGHT

1. KEEP THE MENU MANAGEABLE

THE OPEN HOUSE

Best for: Casual groups, couples or new friends Food: Easy-to-eat snacks and finger foods Hosting challenge: Choosing games everyone will actually enjoy and navigating overly competitive guests

THE THEME PARTY Best for: Close-knit friend groups or pals that like to dress up Food: Casual, crowd-friendly fare Hosting challenge: Committing to the theme without overcomplicating it or fielding numerous questions

Setting the Scene Any great party planner will tell you that ambiance is everything. However, that doesn’t mean the more decorations you put up, the better. Instead, it’s about carefully curating your decor, alongside lighting, textures and music.

Your guests don’t need a dozen dishes to enjoy, nor do they all need to be homemade. Instead, carefully choose a menu that allows you to prep ahead, with minimal time in the kitchen during the actual event. To that end, don’t be afraid to outsource: order catering items, buy a dessert or ask guests to bring an app or a bottle of wine. And lastly, avoid trying a complicated recipe for the first time on the day of your party.

2. GIVE YOURSELF A HEAD START Don’t leave all your tasks for the eleventh hour. Set the table early, prep snacks and batch drinks in advance, and arrange serving pieces ahead of time. Pro tip: Create a simple checklist for the day of the party so you don’t have to keep every task in your head – as something is bound to be forgotten.

HALLOWEEN For Halloween, resist the urge to turn your home into a haunted house. Instead, embrace a moodier approach (à la Practical Magic) with candles, dark flowers and natural gourds. A collection of vintage candlesticks can instantly make a dining table feel dramatic, and deep-colored linens can add atmosphere without requiring too much effort. For a more playful gathering, incorporate small touches of traditional Halloween décor, like a bowl of candy, miniature pumpkins, skeletons or whimsical place cards, while keeping the rest of the room relatively simple. The goal is to make the space feel festive without making it feel tacky.

THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving naturally lends itself to a warm, inviting table. Look to the outdoors for inspiration: seasonal foliage, pumpkins and gourds – perhaps leftovers from Halloween – apples, pears and dried grasses can all become inexpensive decorative elements. Instead of a formal centerpiece that prevents guests from seeing one another across the table, try arranging several smaller vessels down the center. Low flowers or greenery allow conversation to remain the focus. Natural materials such as wood, linen and woven textures can also make the table feel relaxed and welcoming. Don’t feel the need to purchase new dishes or glasses – a collection of mismatched dishes or glasses can give the table personality.

CHRISTMAS By the time Christmas arrives, a few strategic additions can completely change the look of a room. Greenery is one of the easiest ways to create a festive atmosphere, whether it’s arranged along a table, tucked into a vase or draped across a mantel. Rather than purchasing new decorations every year, build on a

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

3. LET GUESTS HELP Being a good host means that sometimes, you need to delegate. If someone offers to bring something, let them. Give guests easy ways to contribute: a dessert, a bag of ice, some flowers, or a themed playlist can take stressors off your hands. Also, self-serve stations for food and beverage can help you spend more time enjoying your guests rather than acting as their server.

4. REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE HOSTING Something will inevitably go wrong when hosting – whether it’s an overcooked dish, a late arrival, a random plus-one or a wine spill. Take a deep breath and let it go. Your guests are there to celebrate and spend time together, not to judge your home or receive a fivestar dining experience. Remember, if the host is relaxed, the guests will be, too.

Taste F O O D, D R I N K A N D OTHER PLE ASURES

On (and Beyond) A Roll

At Kaizume, the Sexy Signature Roll comes with albacore, escolar and salmon topped with bluefin tuna, jalapenos and ikura. Photo courtesy Kaizume

At Kaizume, Richard Ly transforms Japanese techniques and familiar ingredients into dishes that reflect his own culinary journey.

ichard Ly did not set out to become a sushi chef. He arrived in Lamesa, Texas, at age five – a refugee from Vietnam who grew up near Dallas. His mother cooked Vietnamese food, including Bánh cuon – rice cakes with ground beef and onions he still has not been able to make. “I still miss that,” Ly says. “I’ve tried multiple times.” Cooking became a career by accident. Ly worked with computers before turning to the restaurant industry. In 1999, at Kampai Sushi and Grill in Addison, a sushi chef quit and Ly was asked if he wanted to learn. “I don’t know how to cook,” Ly

remembers telling him. “I know how to cook instant noodle.” Chef Kazuaki Miyagi changed that. Ly trained under Miyagi, practicing on cucumbers between lunch and dinner service. He moved to Oklahoma in 2013 to help open Café Icon in Edmond, later at P.F. Chang’s and Jimmy B’s, before spearheading OKC's Awaji Izakaya in 2023. “When I first came here, it was a fried roll, a cream cheese roll – mostly cooked rolls,” Ly says of the food landscape in Oklahoma and diners’ comfortability with sushi. Kaizume, he believes, would not have worked here ten or 12 years ago. Kaizume opened in early May at 1501 N.W. 23rd St. as a seafood restaurant rooted in Japanese craft. Its name combines

kaizen, continuous improvement, with me, “the eye.” For Ly, that means refining something familiar until it becomes his own. Sea bass shows the process. Ly started with an idea in a cookbook from a closed Paris restaurant, but did not want to reproduce it. He returned to a broth learned from one of his senseis, adding shiitake and shiso. He reshaped the shrimp component into a dumpling and sakemarinated the sea bass before panroasting it. On the plate, a caramelized crust gives way to succulent sea bass, carrying notes of sake and soy before settling into a rich, savory dashi with shrimp dumplings, shiitake, carrot and shallot. Shiso provides OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Taste | First Bite

Local Flavors | Taste Maestro

Cocktails, wine and spirits abound at Kaizume. Photo courtesy Kaizume

an aromatic lift that keeps the broth from becoming heavy. After finishing the fish, I picked up the bowl and drank the remaining broth. His sushi training remains visible elsewhere. Madai crudo pairs snapper sashimi with Fresno chile, tomato and pomegranate ponzu, while spicy smoked hamachi noodles combine sesame oil, sambal, angel hair pasta and chives. Both draw on the precision of his training while showing how far his cooking has moved beyond it. That philosophy extends to A5 Wagyu: six thin strips, two ounces total, seared by diners on a hot stone with ponzu, sea salt and togarashi. Ly first encountered the presentation in Dallas and wanted to offer it in Oklahoma at a more approachable price. “I just want people to be able to enjoy it without having to go to a fancy steakhouse,” Ly says. “Now people can actually say, ‘Hey, I’ve had A5 Wagyu before.’” For Ly, the reaction is what matters most. “When somebody tells me, ‘Oh my God, this is like one of the best things. I will be back for it,’” he says, “that completes me.” JARED GLEATON

Scallop tiradito is another can't-miss dish at Kaizume. Photo by Jared Gleaton

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

At downtown Tulsa’s moody and vibey Maestro, the menu takes a playful, Latininspired approach to familiar favorites. Start with the tuna ceviche, where leche de tigre, ají amarillo, Photo by micro cilantro and Jayro Esparza sweet potato bring plenty of punch, or the coctel de camarón, a refreshing mix of shrimp, tomato sauce, cucumber and avocado. For something sharable, the lump crab croquetas with lemon aioli are an easy crowd-pleaser, while papas bravas turn crispy fries into something considerably more exciting with salsa brava, aioli and herbs. Heartier appetites have plenty to explore, from wagyu beef tartare served with salsa macha and sourdough to arroz con pollo, featuring airline chicken breast, saffron bomba rice, peas and piquillo pepper. The picanha pairs wagyu sirloin cap with chimichurri, avocado and radish, while the bone-in chuleta gets a Southwestern-leaning treatment with avocado crema, esquites, queso fresco and pickled red onion. And then there are the cocktails, which may deserve their own visit. Margaritas get several inventive spins, including a spicy version and a frozen Margarita al Pastor with grilled pineapple. Adventurous sippers can try the savory Epazote, tropical Mai-Tini or earthy Caipirinha da Terra. With Mexican-style pilsners, Oklahoma beer and South American wines rounding things out, Maestro makes a strong case for lingering over one more round.

Elisabetta

The menu at OKC’s Elisabetta makes a convincing argument for ordering one of everything. Start with something indulgent, like the seafood tower, piled high with fresh oysters, seasoned shrimp, snow crab claws, lobster and crab salad, or keep it classic with yellowtail carpaccio brightened by citrus vinaigrette, radish, serrano and capers. The gnocco fritto – fluffy fried dough with Prosciutto di Parma, stracciatella, olives and peperoncini – is impossible to resist. Photo courtesy 84 Hospitality Housemade pastas are the real stars, ranging from spicy cavatelli in vodka sauce to squid ink bucatini tossed with ’nduja (spreadable pork salami), shrimp, white wine and crispy garlic. For a little luxury, the lobster tortelloni pairs shrimpand-lobster-filled pasta with lemon-tarragon butter, while mafalde al limone brings jumbo scallops into the mix. Other entrées keep the indulgence going with crispy-skinned branzino, braised short rib with almond gremolata and red wine demi-glace, and an 8-ounce prime filet with Marsala peppercorn cream, polenta and roasted heirloom carrots. The cocktail list is equally playful. Try the Garden Spritz, a refreshing mix of prosecco, elderflower, mint and serrano, or the Strawberry Torta Sour, which combines strawberry aperitif, citrus gin, Italicus and chestnut liqueur for a dessert-like finale.

Chef Chat | Taste

From family recipes to world-class kitchens, Chef Jonas Favela brings the flavors and lessons of his culinary journey to the plates at Vast. Photos courtesy Coury Hospitality

A New View

Chef Jonas Favela brings a lifetime of culinary experience, global influences and fresh ambition to Vast Restaurant’s next chapter.

Each chapter of Favela’s career has added another layer to his culinary perspective, preparing him for the opportunity to reimagine one of Oklahoma City’s most iconic dining destinations. “That brings me to my time here at Vast, which I’m really excited about. I’m ready to bring Vast into a new era.” He jokingly adds: “I call this the new regime of me.” A lifetime of experience in a broad range of kitchens, from fast-food restaurants to OKC’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, means that Favela is prepared to create and re-create dishes on par with Devon Energy Center’s high standards. “The first thing I’ve done since I’ve been here is gotten the Nova Lounge up and running,” he says. “It’s beautiful, very thought-out.” The Nova Lounge – the premier penthouse cocktail lounge within Vast – has a menu that is presented in four phases: pressure, threshold, luminance, and afterglow, with drinks like “Garden Theory” enticing epicureans with a list of ingredients juxtaposing egg white against flavors like peppercorn, gin and white wine. For Favela, the launch of the lounge is just the beginning. He approaches each new project with the same curiosity and ambition that have guided him throughout his career, always looking for the next opportunity to evolve. “Once I get into some things I want to accomplish, it’s onto the next goal,” says Favela. “And then onto the next.” BRANDI GENTRY

Online Exclusive: FOR A RECIPE FROM FAVELA, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM.

ocated on the 49th floor of the Devon Energy Center in Oklahoma City – the tallest building in the state – Vast Restaurant has the best views of the city. It also has one of the most skilled culinary masters in its kitchen: chef Jonas Favela. For Favela, the restaurant’s remarkable setting is part of what makes the opportunity so exciting. But while the views may draw guests upward, he knows the experience ultimately comes down to what happens on the plate. His goal is to create food that feels elevated yet approachable, combining technique, creativity and the flavors that have shaped his own culinary journey. “We can see all the way to Edmond, to Norman. It’s pretty cool, being this high up,” says Favela. “There are some people that don’t like heights, and I get that. I really understand that. I’m not one of those people, though – that doesn’t bother me. I can go to the edge of the window, and look down and see the ground floor, which is pretty neat.” Favela mentions a handful of impressive restaurants – his former workplaces – during the interview, most of them steakhouses that were infused with influences from cultures across the globe. Of those is a restaurant in New York City, Stock and Bond, where Favela’s signature, gourmet recipes formed the backbone of the menu. He brings that expansive expertise to Vast, where taste and presentation are two of the most important combinations for unlocking a superb dining experience. Favela credits becoming a chef to former employers and his mentors, but mostly, to his family. “My Dad’s mom is from Mexico, so she had a lot of the savory stuff that I loved eating, and then my mom’s family is European, and they had the sweets,” he says. “They baked the pastries and stuff like that.” Of Stock and Bond, Favela speaks highly of a mentor named Ron Roselli. “That’s who put Stock and Bond together, and that was a steakhouse done right,” he says.

Top to bottom: Start your evening at Vast with the delicious bread service. A signature comfort dish, Favela's garlic and herb whipped potatoes showcase the chef's attention to thoughtful preparation and elevated flavors.

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Spooktacular Tour Oct. 3 Join the original

‘Magenta’ – Patricia Quinn - for a screening of the original unedited movie in a new 4k restoration with a live shadow cast and audience participation! tulsapac.com

Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the '70s Oct. 3 Join Tony

nominated Broadway star and platinum selling singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway for a night of rousing, beautiful classics, covering hits from Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, John Lennon and more. tulsapac.com

Tulsa Symphony presents: 101 Unplugged – Debussy & Borodin Oct. 3 101

Archer Experience an evening of color, elegance and expressive music at the first 101 Unplugged concert of the season, presented by The Ron Predl Chamber Series. utulsa.edu Michael James Scott Oct. 3

PERFORMANCE

October Takes the Stage

OKC PHILHARMONIC

October’s curtain has risen, and the state's major metros are packed with performances worth adding to your calendar. In Tulsa, the Tulsa PAC is the place to be. Things kick off with Ann Hampton Callaway on Oct. 3, followed by Chamber Music Tulsa’s Israeli Chamber Project on Oct. 4. Then, things get spooky with Theatre Tulsa’s The Woman in Black, Oct. 8-11, and TPAC and Pembroke Players’ Anne of Green Gables, running Oct. 8-25. The month keeps rolling with Tulsa Symphony’s Verdi Requiem on Oct. 17 and Tulsa Ballet’s Swan Lake, Oct. 22-25. There’s plenty happening beyond the PAC, too. Tulsa Symphony launches its new Unplugged concert series Oct. 3 at 101 Archer with music by Debussy and Borodin, while the multi-instrumental quartet Invoke takes the stage at the Renaissance Square Event Center on Oct. 16. Over in OKC, the Civic Center is humming with activity. Catch two OKC Phil showcases — Worlds of Wonder on Oct. 10 and Music to Die For: Songs from the Shadows on Oct. 30-31. Canterbury Voices follows with Symphony of Psalms on Oct. 16, then brings the community together for Photo courtesy the OKC Philharmonic The Big Sing on Oct. 17. And there’s even more to squeeze onto the calendar: Paint Sky Opera’s A Decade of Divas, Oct. 23-25, and OKC Ballet’s Shorts, Oct. 23-25. To close out the month, head to Edmond for Armstrong Auditorium’s presentation of Sphinx Virtuosi on Oct. 27, celebrating the U.S.A.’s 250th anniversary.

form found within sunrises and sets, Oak Ridge Boys have sold over cloud formations, flow of rivers and 41 million units worldwide and wave formations. are synonymous with “America, Broken Arrow PAC Michael apple pie, baseball, and country 108contemporary.org James Scott stars as Nurse music.” riverspirittulsa.com Dubois in the new ABC Network Jordan Ann Craig: Do the reboot of the iconic television Staind Oct. 16 BOK Center Staind Patterns Notice Me? Through series “Scrubs.” He’s best known Chamber Music Tulsa is bringing their Break The Cycle Oct. 10 Philbrook In her paintings, Keys to my Heart Oct. 24-25 for being the longest running 25th Anniversary Tour to BOK presents: Invoke Oct. Jordan Ann Craig shares an Tulsa PAC Keys To My Heart is a Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Center with special guests Seether, important belief: there is a pattern 16 Renaissance Square Event faith-based play that follows the Hoobastank and Hinder. Broadway. brokenarrowpac.com Center Invoke, the multiwaiting to be noticed in even the passionate love story of Elliot and bokcenter.com instrumental quartet, encompasses Janice, a young couple deeply Tulsa Spotlight Theater smallest of moments if we are traditions from across America, presents: The Drunkard willing to look. philbrook.org devoted to each other. As secrets Lil' Kim Oct. 17 Hard Rock including bluegrass, Appalachian Hotel and Casino Tulsa Lil’ Kim and the Olio Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 unfold, they are forced to confront Scut Work Through Oct. 17 Living fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism. the mystery that lies within their has defined her career with Tulsa Spotlight Theater It began Arts Through installation, video, chambermusictulsa.org her fearless style, unapologetic on Nov. 14, 1953, and has never choices. In a journey of faith kinetic sculpture and performance, lyrics and commanding stage stopped! That's how The Drunkard Tulsa Symphony presents: and redemption, one question Scut Work by Jordan Vinyard presence. Over its course, she became America's longestVerdi Requiem Oct. 17 Giuseppe remains: Which key will you stages an absurd choreography has become one of only a handful running play. More than 3,000 choose? tulsapac.com Verdi’s monumental Messa da of labor, burden, humanity, and of female rappers to earn three Tulsans have participated on or Requiem stands as one of the most worth. livingarts.org platinum-certified albums offstage. tulsaspotlighttheater.com awe-inspiring works in the classical while influencing generations repertoire. tulsasymphony.org Edouard Vuillard, Chamber Music Tulsa of artists across music and pop presents: Israeli Chamber Frankenstein: A Living Comic Foreigner Oct. 1 River Spirit culture. hardrockcasinotulsa.com Yvonne Printemps dans le canape Through Nov. Project Oct. 4 Tulsa PAC Marking Book Oct. 22 Tulsa PAC This Casino Resort Foreigner is a Wynonna Judd Oct. 22 River the United States’ 250th anniversary electrifying show uses comic British-American rock band formed Spirit Casino Resort Wynonna Judd 8 Philbrook With the lush, decorative setting of this painting, in 2026 and the centennial of Route book techniques to reanimate the in New York City in 1976 by guitarist is working with Music Community 66, this program reflects on the Vuillard creates a mood that invites sci-fi classic. A young artist named Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm. Foundation to donate $1 per ticket iconic highway stretching from Mary discovers the journal of Dr. See them live at River Spirit for one to The Only Love Fund to spread joy you into an intimate moment. “I Chicago to California, with Tulsa at Frankenstein, is drawn into his don’t paint portraits,” he was famed night only. riverspirittulsa.com and love to nonprofits across the its center. chambermusictulsa.org uncanny experiments and discovers for saying, “I paint people in their country. riverspirittulsa.com that we need to face monsters of Koe Wetzel Oct. 2 BOK homes.” philbrook.org Theatre Tulsa presents: Warrant with Firehouse Oct. our own making … before they face Center Koe Wetzel is bring The The Woman in Black Oct. Tchotchke Through Dec. 31 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino us. tulsapac.com Night Champion World Tour with 8-11 Theatre Tulsa Studios The 31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Tulsa Warrant helped define guests Corey Kent, Bayker Tulsa Ballet presents: Swan special framework of this spine tingler Art Enjoy unique and memorable the hard rock scene of the late Blankenship and Logan Jahnke to is unusual: a lawyer hires an Lake Oct. 22-25 Tulsa PAC On BOK Center. bokcenter.com tchotchkes from our collection and 1980s and early 1990s, earning actor to tutor him in recounting the eve of his 21st birthday, Prince multi-platinum success with a from the homes and families of the to family and friends a story that Siegfried’s carefree world is shaken Journey Oct. 8 BOK string of chart-topping hits and Jewish Tulsa community. has long troubled him concerning when a moonlit encounter draws more than 10 million albums sold Center Journey is coming to BOK jewishmuseumtulsa.org events that transpired when he him into a realm of enchantment worldwide. hardrockcasinotulsa. Center on October 8 for their Final Roadside Abstractions: attended the funeral of an elderly and forbidden love. Captivated com Frontier Tour. bokcenter.com recluse. theatertulsa.org Route 66 and American by Odette, a woman bound by a Art Ella Langley Oct. 9 BOK dark curse, he vows to free her by Modernism Through Jan. TPAC and the Pembroke Center Ella Langley’s Dandelion pledging his eternal love; but at 3 Philbrook The road trip is a Players present: Anne of Austin Kavrkal: Earth, Sky, the royal ball, deception and desire Tour is coming to Tulsa on October quintessential American experience Green Gables Oct. 8-25 Tulsa entwine, forcing him to face the true 9 with Kameron Marlowe and Laci and Water Oct. 2-Nov. 21 108 of discovery, spontaneity, and PAC Anne of Green Gables tells Contemporary Austin Navrkal’s Kaye Booth. bokcenter.com test of his heart. tulsaballet.org freedom. Roadside Abstractions: the story of Anne Shirley, an work is inspired by various natural The Oak Ridge Boys Oct. 15 Barron Ryan and Friends imaginative orphan whose fiery phenomena, depicting dynamic and Route 66 & American Modernism River Spirit Casino Resort The spirit and boundless hope transform Oct. 23 The LowDown New tranquil characteristics of color and asks you to experience American

everyone around her. Filled with laughter, heart and unforgettable characters, this beloved classic celebrates resilience, belonging and the extraordinary power of finding a place to call home. tulsapac.com

World Classical is an exciting chamber music event presented by Barron Ryan, celebrating the rich and diverse landscape of American classical music. chambermusictulsa.org

Concerts

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

art the way you’d experience the open road: with a sense of adventure. philbrook.org

The Roads They Are A-Changin': Oklahoma and American Car Culture Through Jan.

3 Philbrook When Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery helped route the new U.S. Highway 66 through Oklahoma in the 1920s, he and his fellow promoters sold it to the country as the “Main Street of America.” What grew along Route 66 and its sister highways was a commercial architecture unlike anything that came before. philbrook. org

Neon Moon: Always Room Through June

6 Philbrook "Neon Moon," a famous 1990s country ballad by Brooks & Dunn, has become a cross-cultural anthem for the lovelorn and the lonely. But the song describes more than that, as many country songs do – comfort in familiar places, romanticization of a past gone, working-class experiences, and finding community in the present. philbrook.org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is

proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late-1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

Sports

University of Tulsa Football Oct.

1, 23 H.A. Chapman Stadium See the Tulsa Hurricane football team play at home. tulsahurricane.com Tulsa FC Soccer Oct. 3, 17 ONEOK Field See the Tulsa FC play regular season home matches. fctulsa.com

Entertainment | Where & When Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Oct. 6 BOK

Center See the Thunder take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the BOK Center. nba.com/thunder XFN 413 Oct. 9 River Spirit Casino Resort Enjoy Xtreme Fight Night #413 — featuring the rising stars of MMA, kickboxing and bare-knuckle boxing. riverspirittulsa.com Tulsa Oilers Hockey Oct. 17, 27, 29, 30 BOK Center The Tulsa Oilers are a professional ice hockey team and are members in the Western Conference of the ECHL. Enjoy their regular season games at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com

Arabian & Half Arabian Championship Horse Show Oct. 22-31 Expo

Square The U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show is a prestigious, multi-day equestrian competition celebrating its 60th anniversary, where purebred Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses compete for national titles. exposquare.com

Community

Tulsa State Fair Oct. 1-11 Expo

Square The Tulsa State Fair is the City’s largest family event, providing educational experiences and entertainment during an 11-day span. Annually held on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day, this historical event is based upon heritage, family values, and quality entertainment for all ages. tulsastatefair.com First Friday Art Crawl Oct. 2 Downtown On the first Friday of every month, guests will be able to see a new exhibit opening and enjoy live music, a cash bar and snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu Arias and Ales Oct. 10 Cabin Boys Taproom Join Tulsa Opera at local craft breweries to see the stars of the stage in a casual atmosphere. tulsaopera.com

Tulsa Town Hall presents: Laurie Santos Oct. 16 Tulsa

PAC A professor of psychology at Yale University, Dr. Laurie Santos is an expert in the science of happiness. Her work demonstrates how behavioral changes through positive psychology can lead to a more fulfilling life. tulsatownhall.com

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours Oct.

17 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun and educational walking tour through downtown Tulsa and other historical local sites during Saturday Architecture Tours, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org Zeeco Oktoberfest Oct. 22-25 River West Festival Park Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa celebrates authentic Bavarian culture in the heart of Oklahoma, in an incredible setting patterned after Oktoberfest Munich in Bavaria, Germany. tulsaoktoberfest.org

Autumn in the Botanic Garden Through Oct. 30 Tulsa

Botanic Garden Enjoy the beginning of fall with a hay maze, pumpkin patch, live music and more. tulsabotanic.org

Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd's Cross Through Nov. 7 Shepherd's Cross, Claremore Enjoy a peaceful

our nation’s dynamic, ever-evolving 2 Oklahoma Contemporary Chad Mount’s work is grounded in story. armstrongauditorium.org curiosity and guided by discovery. OKC Phil presents: Music He is drawn to light, rhythm, and Charitable to Die For – Songs from the pattern—subtle forces that reveal C.S. Lewis Beyond the themselves through patient Shadows Oct. 30-31 Civic Events Dinner Detective Comedy observation and repetition. Frequency Wardrobe Oct. 16-18 Civic Center Center Music Hall What secrets Mystery Dinner Show Oct. Zarrow Mental Health Music Hall C.S. Lewis: Beyond the are hidden in the score? Join us for and Perspective invites viewers into 3, 10, 31 Skirvin Hilton OKC Don't an immersive environment shaped Symposium Oct. 1-2 Arvest miss one of the biggest interactive Wardrobe – the year is 1963 and C.S. the Music to Die For concert with by geometry, light, and movement. Convention Center Recognizing Lewis, the famous British author, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic comedy shows in America as the the desire for deepened oklahomacontemporary.org is hosting a group of American Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery this Halloween for an evening of connection, MHAOK is excited to Dinner Show comes to Oklahoma writers at his home near Oxford. haunting elegance. okcciviccenter. Lives of the Dead Through Jan. welcome clinicians, community 3 Sam Noble Museum Guests City. thedinnerdetective.com members, nonprofit workers, They are about to experience a com will explore the animated world of and impacted individuals back Lyric Theatre presents: Come captivating evening with a man Dia de Muertos through a unique Concerts into a shared physical space at From Away Through Oct. 4 Lyric whose engaging conversation and collection of 2 and 3-dimensional the Arvest Convention Center for at the Plaza This musical is based on spontaneous humor made him Brooks and Dunn Oct. artwork. From the work of early Re:Connect- Recovery, Resilience, a true story set in the small town of one of the great raconteurs of his 1 Paycom Center See this country pre-Hispanic cultures to the 21st & Rebuilding Community. Gander, Newfoundland, in the days century, Lives of the Dead offers music iconic duo for one night day. okcciviccenter.com arvestconventioncenter.com following 9/11, when 7,000 stranded 1000 years of artistic visions of the only. paycomcenter.com Canterbury Voices presents: airline passengers from around the dead. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu Tulsa Hall of Fame Induction SOMBR Oct. 16 Paycom Ceremony Oct. 5 Southern Hills globe were diverted from the US and The Big Sing Oct. 17 Civic Clever, Quick, Magnetic: The Center SOMBR is coming to unexpectedly welcomed with open Center Music Hall The BIG Sing Country Club Tulsa Hall of Fame Art of Witty Banter Through Oklahoma City with the You Are is a new, exciting, free, and members are visionaries who have arms. lyrictheatreokc.com Jan. 11 Oklahoma The Reason Tour featuring special Contemporary The exhibition joyful community singing event spent much of their lives working to OKC Phil presents: Worlds of guests The Last Dinner Party and considers how artists balance make Tulsa a better community for Wonder Oct. 10 Civic Center Music open to the entire Oklahoma The Hellp. paycomcenter.com deliberation with spontaneity, City community, where all. Tulsa Hall of Fame was founded in Hall What lies beyond the edge and how that tension gives each the audience becomes the Smashing Pumpkins Oct. of our imagination? Join us for the 1986. tulsahistory.org its particular character. choir! okcciviccenter.com 24 Paycom Center The Smashing work Worlds of Wonder concert with the oklahomacontemporary.org Divas for HOPE Oct. 9 Arvest Pumpkins: The Rats In A Cage Oklahoma City Philharmonic for an Painted Sky Opera presents: Convention Center Join us as we Formless Matter and Its Tour is coming to Oklahoma immersive journey through shadow A Decade of Divas Oct. come together to support the vital Devastating Gestures Through City! paycomcenter.com work of HOPE and its critical role in and light. From the haunting depths 23-25 Civic Center Music Hall Ten April 26 Oklahoma of Mussorgsky to the celestial scale incredible years of Painted Sky Contemporary This monumental ensuring the health and safety of Art of Whitacre and the iconic strains Opera bringing music to life across outdoor installation by Oklahoma Green Country. Unleash your inner From the Australian Desert: Oklahoma. This special concert City–based artists Denise Duong popstar as our Divas perform popular of Led Zeppelin, experience a and Gabriel Friedman transforms Contemporary Aboriginal massive sonic landscape that defies event celebrates the unforgettable music hits from the early aughts to Campbell Art Park into a site of story, Painting Oct. 16-March 14 Fred expectation. okcphil.org voices and iconic performances today. Don’t miss this iconic night of symbolism and discovery. Conceived Jones Jr. Museum of Art From the that have shaped our first ten hit music performed like only a Diva OKC Broadway presents: as a constellation of six sculptural Australian Desert: Contemporary can! arvestconventioncenter.com Menopause the Musical Oct. years. okcciviccenter.com Aboriginal Painting is an exhibition forms, the work invites viewers to enter a world where order and chaos 15 Civic Center Music Hall Four OKC Ballet presents: celebrating over 50 years of Pink Ribbon Dinner and intertwine. women at a lingerie sale have Shorts Oct. 23-25 Civic Center Papunya Tula Artists, Australia's Fashion Show Oct. 12 Arvest oklahomacontemporary.org oldest Aboriginal-owned arts nothing in common but a black Music Hall Enjoy Agnes de Mille's Convention Center The 2026 Pink OKLA HOMMA Ongoing First lace bra AND memory loss, Rodeo, Christopher Bruce's Hush, cooperative. ou.edu/fjjma Ribbon event will be in the Tulsa Americans Museum This signature hot flashes, night sweats, not and George Balanchine's Serenade The Triumph of Nature: Art Ballroom North Gallery on October exhibition speaks to the diverse enough sex, too much sex and with the OKC Ballet. okcballet.org Nouveau from the Chrysler 12. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, stories of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma more! okcciviccenter.com Museum of Art Oct. 31-Jan. Armstrong Auditorium dinner & runway show featuring 24 OKCMOA The Triumph of Nature today. Featuring works of art, designers curated from around the Canterbury Voices presents: presents: Sphinx interactive media, and film, OKLA brings together Art Nouveau Symphony of Psalms Oct. Virtuosi Oct. 27 Armstrong world by Abersons. treasures from the rich holdings of HOMMA will engage visitors of all 16 Civic Center Music Hall We Auditorium Experience the thrill oklahomaprojectwoman.org the Chrysler Museum of Art, drawing ages through sight, sound and begin with Ralph Vaughan of “American Dialogues 250” with primarily from the gifts of Walter P. touch. famok.org Williams’s Five Mystical Songs, Sphinx Virtuosi—a breathtaking and Jean Chrysler, whose homes WINIKO: Life of an were once the showrooms for these Object Ongoing First Americans which sets the sacred poetry celebration of America’s 250th Performances of George Herbert with soaring anniversary! This program blends works. okcmoa.com Museum WINIKO: Life of an Object, melodies, rich harmonies, bold new commissions with Oklahoma Opry Oct. 3, 10, 17, Chad Mount: Frequency and Selections from the Smithsonian’s and sincere devotion. Written timeless classics, vividly tracing National Museum of the American 24, 31 ACM@UCO The Oklahoma Perspective Through Nov. day filled with family-friendly fun at an authentic working sheep farm in Claremore. shepherdscross.com

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

for baritone, chorus, and orchestra, it offers a luminous meditation on faith, wonder, and joy. okcciviccenter.com

IN OKC

SPORTS

Going Full Throttle

OKC THUNDER

Oklahoma’s sports scene is heating up. From college football and pro basketball to hockey, horse shows and high-octane racing, there’s no shortage of ways to get in the game. In Tulsa, catch the Golden Hurricane at TU with home football games at H.A. Chapman Stadium on Oct. 1 and 23. Prefer soccer? Head to ONEOK Stadium on Oct. 3 and 17 for Tulsa FC matches. Hockey season is also in full swing at BOK Center, with Oilers games on Oct. 17, 27, 29 and 30. For something with a little more punch, head to River Spirit Casino and Resort on Oct. 19 for XFN 413, an action-packed night of mixed martial arts and kickboxing. Then, saddle up for the Arabian and Half Photo courtesy NBAE/Getty Images Arabian Championship Horse Show at Expo Square, Oct. 22-31. In OKC, October means one thing: pro basketball is back. The formidable OKC Thunder returns to Paycom Center on Oct. 7, 13, 22, 25 and 26, with Tulsans getting a chance to catch the action closer to home at BOK Center on Oct. 6. Over at OKC Fair Park, check out the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, Oct. 11-17. And the action doesn’t stop in the big cities. Head to Atoka Motorsports Park for the Atoka Point Race on Oct. 9-10, or catch the Northeast Oklahoma Autocross at Muskogee-Davis Field Airport, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. College football fans can also make the trek to Norman and Stillwater, with the Sooners playing at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Oct. 10, 17 and 31, and the Cowboys taking the field at Boone Pickens Stadium on Oct. 10 and 24.

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Where & When | Entertainment Indian examines the things we

create—how they reflect our values, possess significance and carry our ways into future generations. famok.org

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting, telling a story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn Ongoing Campbell

Art Park/Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary is honored to present Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn, a basketball court installation commissioned as a public art iteration of the Neuf painting series by renowned artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org

Horse Show Oct. 11-17 OKC Fair

Second OHOF Saturdays

Park The Grand National & World Oct. 10 Oklahoma Hall of Championship Morgan Horse Show Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of is the largest and most prestigious Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall annual national competition of Fame member with crafts and dedicated exclusively to the Morgan activities. oklahomahof.com horse. okcfairpark.com Group Kayaking Oct. CommunityArt 10 Riversport OKC RIVERSPORT group kayaking experiences are First Friday Gallery Walk Oct. offered May to November. All group 2 Paseo Arts District Make your excursions have limited capacity way to the First Friday Gallery and reservations are required. Walk in Oklahoma City's Paseo riversportokc.org Arts District to enjoy art gallery openings, wine tastings, live music Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Oct. 10-11 Paycom and more. thepaseo.org Center Hot Wheels Monster Oklahoma Regatta Trucks Live™ Glow‑N‑Fire is Festival Oct. 2-4 Boathouse coming to Oklahoma City, OK with District Join the celebration world debut of all‑new truck: of rowing, kayaking, dragon Rhinomite. paycomcenter.com boating and stand-up paddle

Museum of Art proudly celebrates Texas Oct. 9-17 Duncan Little fifty years of Renaissance Ball, a Theatre In this fast-paced black-tie evening of elegance, dining, comedy, the inhabitants of one and dancing – hosted this milestone of the smallest trailer parks in year within the walls of the Museum Texas – four doublewides and a shed – are thrown for a loop when itself. okcmoa.com they realize the nearby town of Bingo for Babies Oct. Tugaloo is determined to annex 16 OKANA The 13th annual Bingo them. duncanlittletheatre.com for Babies benefiting Infant Crisis Tim Burton's The Nightmare Services is hosted by the Young Before Christmas Oct. Professionals Board. infantcrisis.org 28 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts Tim Burton’s Wild Hearts Gala Oct. 16 Oklahoma Historical Society Join film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary beloved pumpkin king, who has for a fun interactive evening become bored with the same annual celebrating the amazing work of routine of frightening people in the OPS. okprimates.org "real world." mcknightcenter.org

Oklahoma City Paycom Cattle Barons Ball Oct.

Concerts

Sports Atoka Point Race Oct. 9-10 Atoka

Motorsports Park Experience the heart-pounding action of live racing during the Atoka Points Race at the Atoka Motorsports Park. atokasanddrags.com

University of Oklahoma Football Oct. 10, 17, 31 Gaylord Memorial Stadium, Norman See the Sooners play at home this month. soonersports.com

Oklahoma State University Football Oct. 10, 24 Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater See the Cowboys as they take on regular season foes. okstate.com

Northeast Oklahoma Autocross Oct. 31-Nov. 1 MuskogeeDavis Field Airport See sports cars

23 OKC Fair Park The American John Fogerty Oct. 2 Winstar boarding at the Oklahoma Regatta Indigenous Peoples' compete in challenging Northeast World Casino and Resort, Cancer Society’s 2026 Oklahoma Day Oct. 12 First Americans Festival. riversportokc.com Oklahoma Autocross events this Thackerville A founding member City Cattle Baron’s Ball promises Museum Celebrate the history of year. neoklascca.org Fiestas de Las Americas Oct. of Creedence Clearwater Revival to be a toe-tapping, knee-slapping the first people to call Oklahoma 3 Calle Dos Cinco At this (CCR), John Fogerty is one of classic CommunityArt good time as you give back to our home at the First Americans multicultural festival, celebrate Museum's Indigenous Peoples community and the American Cancer rock’s most influential and instantly Hispanic Heritage month with recognizable songwriters. winstar.com Chickasaw Nation Annual Society. oklahomacity.acscbb.org plenty of activities, entertainment Day. famok.org Staind and Hoobastank Oct. Meeting and Festival Through Oct. Cynthia Daignault: Ok!toberfest OKC Oct. and more. historiccapitolhill. 3 Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol 3 Winstar World Casino and Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA com/fdla 15-18 OKC Fair Park OK!toberfest in Resort Mixing nu-metal alternative Building, Tishomingo Chickasaw This exhibition features one Oklahoma City is an annual, multiBanjoFest Oct. 8-10 with post-grunge influences, Staind heritage, customs and unconquerable painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia spirit will come to life as people day German heritage festival held American Banjo Museum Held rose to the top of the rock charts Daignault, as a tribute to the Performances from across the globe gather for the at the OKC Fair Park. okcfairpark. history of the Oklahoma City shortly after emerging in the late at the American Banjo Museum CTAC Live presents: Ball in Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting & com bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com 90’s. winstar.com in Oklahoma City, this annual the House Oct. 8 The Simmons Festival. annualmeeting.chickasaw.net Red Earth Fallfest Oct. The Cowboy: An Immersive gathering includes informal Cross Canadian Center, Duncan In October, see Oklahoma's International performances, jam sessions and 17 Scissortail Park Celebrate Ragweed Oct. 9-10 Choctaw Journey Ongoing National Ball in the House, an R&B/Soul/ Bluegrass Festival Oct. parties for a memorable weekend Native American arts, culture Cowboy and Western Heritage Pop a cappella group based out of Casino and Resort, Durant Cross Musuem Enjoy a bold new 8-10 Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area, of good times, music and friends and community during Red Boston whose high-energy shows Canadian Ragweed is an 360-degree experience that Guthrie This annual three-day festival united by their love of all things American alt-country and Earth FallFest at Scissortail will have the audience singing, surrounds you with the landscapes, banjo. americanbanjomuseum.com Park in downtown Oklahoma features local, national and international rock band formed in Yukon, dancing and even beatboxing stories and spirit of the American Oklahoma. choctawcasinos.com bluegrass bands, children's activities City. redearth.org along. chisholmtrailarts.com 2nd Friday Norman Art West. Larger-than-life projections, sweeping soundscapes and historic Walk Oct. 9 Norman Arts Preservation Hall Band Oct. Kings of Leon Oct. 11 Choctaw and workshops. oibf.com An Evening with David Casino and Resort, Durant The District The 2nd Friday Red Brick Road Film Festival Oct. imagery bring the story of the 9 McKnight Center for the Sedaris Oct. 23 Civic Center cowboy to life in a way you’ve never Norman Art Walk, a monthly 8-11 This multi-day celebration of movies Performing Arts At a moment when multi-platinum selling band has Music Hall David Sedaris, had five singles on the Billboard seen. nationalcowboymuseum.org celebration of the arts in Norman, America's best-selling humorist will give audiences the opportunity to musical streams are crossing with connects the downtown arts Hot 100 chart, all nine of their unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial see a variety of films ranging in genre and social satirist, returns following Sports district with outlying galleries, studio albums on Billboard’s to remember that throughout its and style. washitariverfilmsociety.org publication of his most recent book performance halls and Campus Top 200 list and two singles history, New Orleans has been OKC Thunder Basketball Oct. Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com of short stories, Happy Go Lucky, Watonga Cheese Festival Oct. that reached #1 on Modern Rock the point at which sounds and 7, 13, 22, 25-26 Paycom Center See 9-10 Downtown Watonga Enjoy two Festival of Freaks Oct. 10 OKC and his first ever children's book, radio. choctawcasinos.com cultures from around the world the state's professional basketball days of fun-filled musical entertainment Pretty Ugly. okcciviccenter.com Fair Park The Festival of Freaks converge, mingle, and resurface, Tom Jones Oct. 16 Winstar team kick off another exciting NBA as well as cheese tasting, art show, quilt in Oklahoma City is an annual transformed by the Crescent City’s World Casino and Resort Tom Charitable season. paycomcenter.com show, fiber arts show and children's Halloween and oddities convention inimitable spirit and joie de vivre. Jones has captivated audiences Events games. travelok.com Grand National & World mcknightcenter.org celebrating dark art, strange for more than six decades Championshop Morgan collectibles, and alternative Poteau Balloonfest Oct. Renaissance Ball Oct. with a voice that’s instantly Duncan Little Theatre creators. okcfairpark.com 16-17 LeFlore County Fairgrounds The 2 OKCMOA The Oklahoma City presents: Doublewide, recognizable. winstar.com

THE STATE

COMMUNITY

Fall Fun Awaits

RED EARTH FALLFEST

There’s something for everyone this fall in Oklahoma. In Tulsa, kick off the month with the Tulsa State Fair, running Oct. 1-11 at Expo Square. Then, on Oct. 10, head to Cabin Boys Taproom for Arias and Ales, an intriguing night of opera and beer courtesy of Tulsa Opera. Other can’t-miss options include Tulsa Town Hall’s speaking event with Laurie Santos on Oct. 16; Autumn in the Botanic Garden at Tulsa Botanic through Oct. 30; and the beloved Zeeco Oktoberfest, Oct. 22-25 at River West Festival Park. In OKC, start with the Oklahoma Regatta Festival, running Oct. 2-4 in the Boathouse District, followed by Fiestas de Las Americas on Oct. 3 at Calle Dos Cinco. Banjofest comes next at the American Banjo Museum Oct. 8-10. For families, head to Paycom Center for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Photo courtesy Red Earth, Inc. Oct. 11-12, or enjoy Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the First Americans Museum on Oct. 12. Finally, Red Earth Fallfest kicks off at its new location, Scissortail Park, on Oct. 17. Around the state, enjoy Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival, Oct. 8-10 at Guthrie’s Cottonwood Flats; the Red Brick Road Film Festival, Oct. 8-11 throughout Pauls Valley; Poteau Balloonfest, Oct. 16-17 at the LeFlore County Fairgrounds; and the Chisholm Trail Festival, Oct. 17 at Yukon’s Mollie Spencer Farm.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

annual Poteau BalloonFest will bring two days of family fun, entertainment and unforgettable sights to Oklahoma this October. poteauchamber.com Hydro Harvest Festival Oct. 17 Main St., Hydro Head to Main Street for this fun community event and enjoy a chili cook-off, pumpkin carving and decorating, a costume contest, a parade, hayrides and children’s activities. travelok.com Chisholm Trail Festival Oct. 17 Mollie Spencer Farm, Yukon Mosey on down to the Chisholm Trail Festival at Mollie Spencer Farm, where the spirit of the Old West comes alive. yukonok.gov Viking Festival Oct. 24-25 18365 Runestone Rd., Heavener Head to Runestone Park for the annual Viking Festival. Arrive in your best viking warrior or shield maiden costume and visit the mead tent to get in the spirit of the festival. heavenerrunestonepark.com

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

Bringing the Weird

This month’s movies have it all: globe-threatening disasters, fake rappers, social-media scandals, body horror and pickpockets. instead of David Fincher. With some of the original crew switched around or missing, hopefully this can still find its footing when it releases on Oct. 9. If you’re looking for a musical biographical film, look no further than California Schemin’. Based on the memoir of the same name, the story follows two Scottish born rappers who pretend to be American in order to be taken seriously in the genre. Directed by James McAvoy (Glass), who also stars alongside Samuel Bottomley (How to Have Sex) and Seamus McLean Ross (Rebus), the film has a fun style and aims to tell an interesting story that seems almost impossible to pull off in this day and age. It release on Oct. 16. For a body horror film, don’t miss Clayface. Based on the character from DC Comics, the film follows rising Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ movie star Matt Hagen, played by DIGGER, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Tom Rhys Harries (The Gentlemen), who volunteers as a test subject to restore his face after he is brutally ctober is here and it’s stacked, so let’s get right to it. attacked. The side effects, however, begin to change his entire body Starting off the month strong is Digger. The story into ever-mutating clay. Although Clayface is generally used as a follows the most powerful man in the world who villain for the Batman series, this film does not seem to introduce is trying his best to save the planet from a disaster that character quite yet, but instead adds Clayface into the new DC he caused. Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible) looks frankly Universe which currently only contains Superman (2025) and Supergirl unrecognizable as the lead (see above) and it’s absolutely thrilling (2026). The trailer has some gruesome effects and the body horror to see him taking on a role where he can utilize his acting chops is on full display, so hopefully this pans out better than Supergirl did again. The cast also includes Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) and John when it releases on Oct. 23. Goodman (Barton Fink) and looks to be a wild time at the theater. Lastly, a crime thriller with a unique premise – The Only Living It releases on Oct. 2. Pickpocket in New York. John Turtutto (The Batman) stars as Harry For a sequel I didn’t expect, check out The Social Reckoning. A Lehman, an aging career pickpocket who must race against time companion piece to The Social Network (2010) which followed the as he’s put into a desperate situation. The cast includes Giancarlo creation and lawsuit-ridden times of Facebook, this film focuses Esposito (Breaking Bad), Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs) and Jamie Lee on the 2021 Facebook leak by whistleblower Frances Haugen, Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and looks to be a grounded played here by Mikey Madison (Anora). Jeremy Strong (Succession) crime story with a great cast and a wonderful view of New York. It takes over the role of Mark Zuckerberg from Jesse Eisenberg, who did not wish to return, and writer Aaron Sorkin is now directing releases on Oct. 23. DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Food issue The

COMING IN NOVEMBER

A mouthwatering tour of Oklahoma’s culinary scene. FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: ADVERTISING@OKMAG.COM 918-744-6205

OCTOBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Closing Thoughts

Shannon L. Rich

overcome obstacles and changed the world. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In that moment, all the fundraising, construction meetings and long days became worth it. We hadn’t just opened a museum; we had created a place where young Oklahomans could see what was possible for their own lives.

... proudest accomplishments.

I’m incredibly proud our impact reaches far beyond the museum’s field trip programs. Some of our most meaningful work happens statewide through scholarships, publishing and educational outreach. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Hall of Fame We’ve strengthened the organization financially s president and CEO of the while making our mission more accessible Oklahoma Hall of Fame, to everyone. That takes an exceptional founder of LeadHERboard staff, committed board, generous donors – an initiative dedicated to and inspiring Hall of Fame Members.

advancing women in the workplace – and a leader of the Second Century Board – which engages young professionals with the Hall of Fame’s mission – Shannon L. Rich continues to champion bold ideas and meaningful connections. With a “Do It Scared” philosophy, the fifth-generation Oklahoman has made her mark by building stronger organizations and opening doors for the next generation of leaders. We caught up with Shannon and got her thoughts on ...

... what it meant to open the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. We had a bold vision, a historic building and a huge fundraising goal. Oklahomans said yes. Our board, donors, Hall of Fame Members and staff believed Oklahoma’s story deserved a home that allowed visitors to learn more about our mission and our people. The moment I remember most came after 11 months of working alongside exhibit designers and our education team. We held our breath as the first group of students walked through the museum and discovered the stories of Oklahomans who had dreamed big,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2026

... the Second Century Board.

While co-chairing Leadership Oklahoma City’s inaugural LOYAL Class, we recognized young professionals were a missing demographic at the Hall of Fame. During Oklahoma’s Centennial, they became our focus group creating the plan and intentionally named themselves the Second Century Board. Nearly 20 years later, many are CEOs, civic leaders, philanthropists and OHOF board members – proving that if we want the next generation to lead tomorrow, we must give them opportunities to lead today.

... her early job experiences and

how they’ve taught her about leadership.

Every job since I was 14 has taught me something, especially about kindness, patience and never underestimating anyone. Remember, the hourly desk clerk can upgrade your room or put you next to the noisy, broken ice machine! Hospitality taught me to listen, solve problems and pitch in. Leadership isn’t your title; it’s

how you show up in real time, and whether you leave an organization better than you found it.

... what changes when more women have a seat at the table. Opportunity and the conversation. Representation matters. Women in leadership inspire young women with what’s possible and show young men that women belong in every room where decisions are made. Different experiences create better questions and stronger decisions. Expanding the table isn’t about replacing anyone; it’s about ensuring talented women are seen, heard and included. Everyone benefits.

... LeadHERboard.

Too often I heard, “I’d hire a woman, but I don’t know one in that field.” LeadHERboard was created as a solution but the magic came from our community where women champion one another. Ultimately, I want my daughter to have the same opportunities for education, leadership, career advancement and compensation as her male counterparts. Until that’s expected rather than exceptional, we have work to do.

... her leadership style.

High expectations, high accountability and a lot of heart. Hire smart people, give them ownership and make sure they know why their work matters. I’ll work beside you, celebrate the wins and own the mistakes. We can do serious work and create meaningful opportunities without taking ourselves too seriously.

... where the phrase “Do it scared” came from.

“Do It Scared” comes from experience. Opening hotels before 30, accepting a nonprofit CEO role, renovating a historic museum, raising tens of millions and stepping onto large stages all required moving forward before I felt ready. Growing up in a single-parent home with limited resources taught me early that hard work creates opportunity. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; sometimes it’s simply deciding fear doesn’t get the final vote.

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

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