You’re in for a treat this weekend. Enjoy free coffee and ballet classes, the Asian Night Market Festival, alternative rock concerts, and more!
Wheeler District Summer Concert Series | August 19
Spend your back-to-school weekend underneath the Ferris Wheel lights in OKC’s Wheeler District! This Friday, bring the whole family along to enjoy live music from Swim Fan, Wood Willow and Don’t Tell Dena. You can enjoy the sunset while listening to local artists. Food trucks will also be available, with Wicked Hangry and BlueJ’s Rockin’ & Rollin’ Grill for dinner. Drink up at the Big Friendly beer bus, and don’t forget a treat with Just Desserts food truck.
In the mood to shop around? Various pop-up shops will also be on the lawn. Visit from the list of unique vendors, including Eternal Roots Boutique, Lucky Lulu, BekahSometimes, Latina Closet, Selva, Uptown Jerky, Harrow + Sickle, Avenues & Alleyways, Full Moon Sage, Reclaim Era, Divine Treasures, Angel Solutions and B’s Boutique. And of course, jump up on the Ferris Wheel this evening, as single ride tickets will be half-off. 7–10 p.m., Wheeler District, OKC.
Heard on Hurd: Back to School Bash | August 20
The Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd is hosting its Back to School Bash downtown this weekend. With live music to celebrate the start of the school year, you’ll get the chance to listen to local music by Clayton Fike, Twiggs and Brandon Birdwell on stage.
Over 30 food trucks will be available, from barbecue, Greek food, hot dogs, pizza and tacos, to ice cream, snow cones, cake and acai bowls. Take a look around at the plethora of pop-up shops with goodies from jewelry stores, artesian boutiques and art galleries.
Visit the Community Lobby with the kids to take a photo with UCO’s mascot Buddy Broncho alongside special guests Batman and Catwoman. Heard on Hurd’s featured nonprofit for the month of August is Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community, which is dedicated to breaking generational cycles of child abuse through counseling and loving homes. 6–10 p.m., 32 N. Broadway, Edmond.
Asian Night Market Festival | August 20
This Saturday, visit a brilliant cultural display at the Asian Night Market Festival. Dedicated to preserving the history of Asian immigrants in Oklahoma, this festival will include a wide assortment of food, art and performances. A banh bao eating contest is just one highlight of the festival. Mike Hoang, president of the Asian District Cultural Association that organized the event, dedicates his time to creating a community across cultures in Oklahoma City.
“As a second-generation immigrant to the United States, being voted by other leaders of the Asian community as the president of the Asian District Cultural Association was quite an honor,” said Hoang. “If our generation isn’t very intentional about passing on our heritage to future generations of Asian Americans, we are going to lose it forever.”
With a popular turnout in the past, the Asian Night Market Festival holds a special place in the heart of Oklahoma City.
“Unbeknown to us, the first Asian Night Market Festival struck a chord with the community,” said Hoang. “It far exceeded our expectations by a factor of five with over 15,000 at our very first event. We had an opportunity to showcase our culture and who we are as a community.
“At the end of the night, I overheard a kid having a conversation with some of his buddies. He said, ‘Nights like tonight make me proud to be Asian.’ I’ve thought about that kid ever since then. The mission of the Asian District, in my own words, is to be a space in Oklahoma City where future generations of Asian Americans can remember their heritage and be proud of who they are.” 5–11:30 p.m., Military Park, 2520 N. Classen Blvd., OKC.
OKC Ballet’s Coffee and Class | August 20
Experience a free dance class for those of all ages and varying abilities this weekend. This event is through BRIDGE, a new program at the Oklahoma City Ballet that focuses on education, mentorships and partnerships for inclusivity within communities. Through the art of ballet, OKC Ballet aims to be a bridge to the public. On Saturday’s special dance class, Golden Swans, Chance to Dance and Dance for Parkinson’s come together to create a morning full of learning dance for senior adults, those with Parkinson’s and dancers of all abilities. Make sure to grab a coffee and snack once you arrive. 9–11 a.m., Susan E. Brackett Dance Center, 6800 N. Classen Blvd., OKC.
My Chemical Romance | August 20
For you or your teens (or 20-somethings), head over to the Paycom Center this Saturday to rock with My Chemical Romance. With special guests Coheed and Cambria along with Dilly Dally, you can pack your night full of musical performances. This concert marks the kickoff of the band’s return to touring in North America, with Oklahoma City the first venue on its list.
7:30 p.m., Paycom Center, OKC.
Night Hike at Martin Park Nature Center | August 20
Immerse yourself in Oklahoma’s plants and wildlife at the Martin Park Nature Center this weekend. Most of the animals residing in the area become active at night, which gives you the chance to spot or hear them. Take a free staff-led hike throughout the park’s trails and see just how lively the animals of Martin Park can get when the sun goes down. 7:30–9 p.m., 5000 W. Memorial Rd., OKC.
