The month of September each year comes with anticipation of cooler days and the Oklahoma State Fair. There’s really no substitute for deep fried Oreos, livestock, midway amusements and live acts that run the gamut from curious to raucous.
But nothing in 2020 has escaped the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic – even our beloved State Fair, which was cancelled this year for the first time in its 114-year history.
Never fear. We’ve compiled a few ways to satisfy your fair craving and hopefully carry you through to next September.
Wheeler Ferris Wheel. The 100-foot-tall wheel can’t replace all the rides, but this one does give you an excellent view of downtown. A single-ride ticket is only $6, and you can take a picnic lunch with you.
Fair food around town. Tim’s Drive Inn in Warr Acres is well known for making Indian tacos year round and they have corn dogs, too. The Jones Assembly is offering some help next week with the Jones County Fair. The patio walk-up window will have a fair menu featuring corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples, sheet-pan pizza and corn on the cob.
Food trucks. Half the fun of the fair is the variety of different foods, and food trucks can certainly help fill that void. Try the Andouille corn dog at Bistro 2 Geaux, or grab some tacos at Taco Nation, Taqueria Sanchez, and Taqueria El Rey, or hit up Plato’s Provisions for excellent vegan fare. For pizza, The Saucee Sicilian has been a local favorite (rightly so) for years.
Live music. Well, not live in person, but Ponyboy has a streaming concert series, and Sept. 19, it’s The Mastersons, a Brooklyn-based alt country act. Live shows are happening regularly at JJ’s Alley in Bricktown, including Dani Carson on Sept. 19, and The Hamilton Supperette and Lounge has live music every Thursday.
Arcade games. Check out Brickopolis Entertainment and HeyDay Entertainment in Bricktown, the Main Event near Chisholm Creek and ShowBiz Cinemas for game-based fun, including laser tag and arcade games. For a more adult-centric vibe, head over to Flashback Retropub in Film Row for a full bar and more than 60 stand-up games.
