As we roll into August, this weekend offers many exciting events for the whole family to enjoy. Check out local festivals, a horror convention, art exhibits and more!
Weekday Afternoons at the Zoo | August 4-5
Want to take a look at fantastic wildlife? Head over to the Oklahoma City Zoo on weekdays for free general admission to all. Take advantage of this awesome opportunity to keep the kids busy right before school is back. Check out different types of reptiles, sea life, birds and beasts. See lions, tigers and bears — oh my! — for free until August 19. 12–2 p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens, OKC.
Paseo First Friday in August | August 5
The Paseo Arts District offers featured art galleries, live entertainment and local vendors this Friday to kick off the month of August. No need to stress over food, as there are 10 restaurants to choose from. The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center announces three new exhibits for the month. Gallery I will showcase mixed media artwork by Rae Stone, a painter and educator residing in Oklahoma City. “Each piece will combine warm and cool neutrals with bold, seemingly clashing colors to create areas of high contrast,” said Amanda Bleakley, the executive director of the Paseo Arts District. “Colors and shapes will blur the boundaries of background, middle ground and foreground by layering organic shapes, strong colors and lines creating layers that the viewer can’t tell where each may end and begin.”
Gallery II features “Tour de Quartz,” which highlights artwork produced by students from the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. From photography, drawings and paintings, the students’ artwork will showcase their dedication to learning eight artistic disciplines taught by professional artists at the institute. Gallery III is set to display the “Oklahoma State Fair Student Show,” with dozens of first-prize winning pieces to admire. 6–9 p.m., Paseo Arts District, NW 27th & 30th streets and Walker & Hudson avenues, OKC.
Cruise n Booze II | August 6
The Second Annual Cruise n Booze on Film Row takes place this Saturday! Hosted by Core4 Brewery, a local microbrewery, you’ll find ample opportunity to try different alcoholic beverages while engaging with the community. Cars, bikes, and organized clubs are anticipated for a hang out at the Paramount parking lot. Worried about food? Not a problem as Tacos El Paso will be serving lunch. Live musical performances will also be showcased during this afternoon of good drinks and fun! 2 p.m., 701 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC.
The Head and the Heart | August 6
This Saturday, The Head and the Heart is set to perform at the Criterion. Produced by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and engineer Jesse Shatkin, the band’s newest album, Every Shade of Blue, might just blow its anthemic indie crowd away. As a self-released group in 2011, The Head and the Heart hit the jackpot with alt classics such as “Rivers and Roads” and “Lost in My Mind.” Special guest Dawes is set to join the band for a lively musical performance. The Head and the Heart recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon once again, so you expect a fantastic show coming to the heart of Oklahoma City this weekend. 7:30 p.m., The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan Ave., OKC.
Foam Glow | August 6
Glow crazy this weekend with the Foam Glow 5K race! With a pre-race party an hour before the race begins, grab your gear and be prepared to be coated in color! Once the race begins, foam cannon zones will spray you with UV foam across the course. All participants will receive medals, T-shirts, a race bib number and temporary tattoos! Once you’re a rainbow of glow-in-the-dark foam, head over to the after-party for live music, activity booths and plenty of dancing. Vendors will also be set up for runners to purchase signature items along with plenty of photo opportunities! 8:30–10:30 p.m., Remington Park, OKC.
2nd Annual Sunny Dayz Mural Festival | August 6
This weekend, the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival takes place in celebration of women and nonbinary folks in the arts. Created in March 2021, this nonprofit event advocates for public mural art throughout Oklahoma. This year, artists from across the nation gather to participate in painting murals in downtown Edmond. Vendor booths, live performances and merchandise will be included at the festival, along with a new initiation of a high school mentorship program that will align the goals of Sunny Dayz with its advocacy for female and nonbinary art students. Grab a bite to eat from Cooked The Food, Seafood Connect, BlueJ’s Rollin’ Grill and Big Biang Theory. For drinks and desserts, visit the Paseo Daiquiri Lounge, Just Desserts OKC, Equity Brewing Co., Willow Coffee Co., Happy Camper Handcrafted Sodas and Boom Town Creamery. Don’t stress about the heat, as shade tents and hydration stations will be placed throughout the event. 12 p.m.–8 p.m., 123 N. Broadway, Edmond.
OKC Black Arts Festival | August 6-7
Plenty of fantastic vendors and performers are gathering to celebrate the Black Arts Festival! Free school supplies and backpacks will be given away to students, and there’ll also be barber shop booths for kids. Local artists also have the chance to showcase their work at the festival’s booths. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., 3671 N. Lottie St. OKC.
Horror Con 2022 | August 6-7
Did Halloween come early? Oklahoma City’s Horror Con arrives this weekend as a family friendly horror-filled event! With shows including celebrity guests and cosplay, you’ll be spooked with excitement. Bring the kids along to ask questions during the Q&A panel and check out some unique regional vendors. Special guest Lou Ferrigno, best known for his title role in The Incredible Hulk, will also be attending! Remington Park, OKC.
