Fall temperatures might be in a state of flux, but the great number of exciting events in Oklahoma City each weekend stays constant. From quick canines to barbecue cooking to exquisite crafts, there’s something for everyone this October.
Light the Night Walk | Oct. 21
Get your steps in while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Participants will walk a one-mile route around Scissortail Park and receive a paper lantern — white for cancer survivors, red for supporters, and gold for those remembering a lost loved one. The walk will be held rain or shine, and dogs will be allowed to join the walk to “celebrate, honor and remember those touched by blood cancers. You can register for the event at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. 5:30 p.m., Scissortail Park, OKC.
An Affair of the Heart | Oct. 21-23
The largest arts & crafts fair in Oklahoma returns to the 405 with a three-day market full of handmade accessories, furniture, clothes, jewelry and even foods. Browse hundreds of local and national vendors from humble artists and boutiques to small retailers. Tickets are $10, although you can earn free admission if you’re a Braum’s buff by spending $25 in the grocery section. One ticket grants you unlimited access the entire weekend, and kids under 12 enter for free, so it’s a good chance to get some earlier holiday shopping done (if you think that far ahead). 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday; OKC Fairgrounds, OKC.
OKC BBQ Fest | Oct. 21-22
If you’re letting your grill chill this weekend, consider seeing how the elite pitmasters do it. This inaugural barbecue festival is an officially sanctioned competition of cooks across the country. The top teams will compete with chicken, ribs, brisket and pork for $30,000 in prizes, and attendees can view the action for free. Tickets are required for the winner reveals, as well as the array of craft beer and live music from national acts Walker Montgomery and Chris Colston and local groups such as Adam Aguilar and Chloe-Beth. Unfortunately, samples from the competition are for judges only, but vendors will be available on the grounds. $20-30, 3–11 p.m., Friday & Saturday, Chisholm Creek, OKC.
Lady of the Camellias | Oct. 21-23
The Oklahoma City Ballet opens its 2022-23 season with an adaptation by Val Caniparoli of Alexandre Dumas fils‘ 19th-century novel of the same name. Set to the music of Frédéric Chopin, performed by the OKC Philharmonic, it tells the story of two Parisian lovers separated by class and tragic conflict. Tickets start at $33 for adults and $23 for military veterans or children under 18. 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday; Oklahoma City Civic Center, OKC.
Fassler Hall Oktoberfest | Oct. 21-23
For three days, Fassler Hall is bringing back the German beer-consuming celebration to Midtown. Choose from over 20 Marzen-style beers from German, local and domestic brewers to sip (or chug). If brews aren’t your go-to attraction, consider tuning in to the stein hoisting competitions Friday and Saturday, when the final winner holding their parallel liter of beer earns a year’s supply of sausages. Speaking of which, the nearby City Garden will also play host to the annual Wiener Dog race Saturday at noon. A beefsteak dinner Sunday will benefit the Central Oklahoma Humane Society. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., 421 NW 10th St., OKC.
