What to Do in Tulsa This Weekend

The leaves are turning, the northerlies are blowing and the falling pecans are better than springtime, softball-sized hail at keeping me awake at night.

Yep, fall is in full swing here in T-Town. Everything seems ablaze at the home of the Center of the Universe, the Golden Driller and more art deco architecture than you can shake a stick at.

Wait - Tulsa. My home town. At the center of the entire universe. Ha! Who knew?

Needless to say, there's lots going on in a town of such great gravity (and pecans). As you do every Friday morning when you listen for weekend stuff to do on the KRMG Morning News with Joe Kelley, mark up your itineraries now with the most exciting events in Tulsa from this week's edition of the Weekend Rundown.

Tasha's Picks for the Weekend of Oct. 23

Friday

Oktoberfest Tulsa
When: Thursday-Sunday
Where: RiverWest Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.
Break out your lederhosen, folks - it's time for the chicken dance. At this year's Oktoberfest, get your fill of everything from kids' activities and carnival rides to bratwurst and, for the first time ever at Oktoberfest Tulsa, locally brewed beer. If you head out on Friday, be sure to swing by the Ttownmoms.com booth and find me. I'll want to give you a good old-fashioned howdy.

Saturday

Thrill the World 2009
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Where: in Claremore
What could be more gratifying than landing in the pages of the Book of Guinness World Records? You have what looks like a really good chance at doing just that this weekend, practically in your own backyard. The Thrill Claremore project is part of the larger Thrill the World, a worldwide attempt to break the World Record for the Largest Simultaneous Dance using Michael Jackson's hit, “Thriller.” The goal? To get 270,000 Thriller dancers grooving at once, all to beat a record set in 2002 by 197,569 Canadian elementary school students doing the Hokey Pokey. Be nice and pre-register, and don't forget to show up at 5:30pm (wearing a zombie costume, of course). You'll want to be organized undead, after all. Proceeds of the event benefit the United Way.

Sunday

Music on the Lawn
When: Sunday, 3pm
Where: Tulsa Historical Society, 2445 S. Peoria Ave.
One of the things I love dearly about this city is its rich history. It's a bit strange, yes, and even tragic and shady in certain spots, but no one can deny that it's captivating. Get your fill of Okie-style history this weekend at the grand opening of Your House, My House, a hands-on exhibit sponsored by Tulsa Children's Museum. Mid-Life Crisis Band will bring the tunes as long as you bring a picnic basket and some buddies. This event is free and open to the public – mmm, just the way I like it.

Music

KISS Tickets
When: Saturday, 10am
Where: BOK Center
KISS has added five more dates to their North American tour, and Tulsa has been given the green light to get ready to rock. Tickets to the Dec. 8 KISS concert in Tulsa at the BOK Center go on sale this weekend. Prices range $29.50-128.

Mute Math
When: Saturday, doors at 7pm
Where: Cain's Ballroom
Don't miss this Grammy-nominated group, declared by Alternative Press as “the #1 band you need to see live before you die.” Tickets are $23.25 in advance, $29 the day of the show.

Bob Dylan and His Band
When: Saturday, doors at 7pm
Where: Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady
This American pop and folk and poetry and painting and songwriting icon and general Renaissance man will be rockin' right here in the Brady District this weekend. Tickets are $49.50 and $59.50.

The Music of Italy
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Where: Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Watch Tulsa Symphony break out its version of The Italian Job. Maestro David Lockington, music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, returns to conduct a concert of music from or inspired by Italy. Tickets range $10-65. Be sure to catch the pre-concert at 6:30 with Lockington, y'all.

Drive-By Truckers
When: Sunday, doors at 7pm
Where: Cain's Ballroom
Drive-bys and truckers - didn't think they went together, did you. James McMurtry and Taddy Porter are openers. Tickets are $15.


Halloween

Get Zombified!
When: Friday, 4:30-5:30pm
Where: Martin Regional Library
Learn survival strategies with local zombie expert Chris Askers as he leads a discussion on zombie history and biology and shows how to produce realistic-looking injuries. For teens. Preregistration is required. Call 669-6340 to register.

Psycho Path Haunted Attraction
When: Now-Saturday; Oct. 29-Halloween; 7-11pm
Where: 15157 E. 106th Street North in Sperry
The woods are shrouded by a blanket of fog. All you can see is the narrow path taking you deeper and deeper into the darkness, where creatures wait behind every twist and turn. Your blood suddenly runs cold - you've realized there's no turning back. The Psycho Path may be your only way home. Yikes! When there's a haunted path, a spooky ride-through and a haunted house, there's sure to be scares and screams for all. Tickets range $8-40; visit the Psycho Path site for details and ticket sales.

The Hex House
When: Now-Saturday, 7:30pm; Oct. 28-30, 7:30pm; Halloween, 7pm
Where: Southeast corner of 71st and Memorial, next to Incredible Pizza
Hex House claims to be Tulsa's only extreme haunted attraction. One thing's for sure: It's not for children. Not for wimps or the faint of heart, Hex House promises to stupefy and terrify.

Halloween Glassblowing
When: Anytime during October
Where: Tulsa Glassblowing, 19 E. Brady
For the low, low price of $45, anyone aged 12 and older can walk right in to Tulsa Glassblowing on Brady and whip themselves up a good lookin' glass pumpkin or witch ball. The possibilities, they are endless - and spooky, too.

Tulsa Corn Maize
When: Now-Nov. 8; Wed-Fri, 5-10pm; Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 12-6pm; Closed Mondays; Haunted Maize open at dark Fri-Sat., Fall Break and Halloween
Where: 32506 E. 61st Street in Broken Arrow
There's more to do at the Tulsa Corn Maize than just get lost. Let me count the ways: a paintball shooting range; campfires; a haunted maze; a cow train; hay rides; rubber ducky races; and a corn box (you have to see it to believe it). Admission is $6 per youth aged 4-12, free for kids 3 and under and $8 for adults.

Haunted Castle Halloween Festival
When: Friday-Saturday; Oct. 29, 30 and Halloween; Hours are 6-10pm
Where: The Castle at Muskogee, 3400 Fern Mountain Road
Fun for kids and the young at heart alike, The Castle at Muskogee delivers nine spooktacular events, ranging from not-so-scary to really-really-scary, across a 60-acre Halloween-themed park. From the sinister, fog-shrounded forest to the carnival atmosphere of Halloween Land, everyone is sure to find performances and activities they'll never forget. Check out the ticket combos, which are printable from your desktop and range $15-$25, on The Castle Web site.

Scream Country Haunted Forest
When: Friday-Saturday; Oct. 30-Halloween, 7:30-11pm
Where: Deep in the woods of Drumright
Located deep in the woods, haunting more than 40 acres of dark, twisting forest, Scream Country will have been scaring the pants off Oklahomans for the 12 year in a row in 2009. See the haunted forest, the haunted house (a.k.a. Dead Block, the world's first maximum security zombie prison) and the corn mayhem, all with one ticket. Admission is $18, or skip the line and pay $35 for a scream pass.

Costumes
When: Now-Saturday, 8pm; also, 2pm on Saturday
Where: Linnaeus Garden Barn, southeast corner of Woodward Park
Rather celebrate the sweetly spooky side of Halloween than the ghastly and the goulish? Costumes, a Halloween musical by local actors and musicians, might just be the thing for you. The audience is encouraged to come in costume, and the walkway-lit garden will be open for exploration during intermission. Tickets are $10, which is donated to Tulsa Garden Center. Make reservations by calling 746-5125. Thanks to Tulsa People for publicizing this song-worthy event.

Camp Cute & Spooky
When: Saturday; Oct. 28, 29 and 30, 7-9pm
Where: Discoveryland!
Kids 10 and under can hit the trail to west Tulsa for an evening of great Halloween fun at Discoveryland!'s entertainment complex. Catch everything from a trick-or-treat trail through a lighted enchanted forest to a haystack jump to the "Monster Mash" dance stage. Admission is $6 (or $5 for the crafty among you who head to Quiktrip or Incredible Pizza for those $1 off coupons) and includes all activities. Don't forget to don those costumes.

Owasso Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, 11am-9pm
Where: Centennial Park in Owasso, 15301 E. 86th Street North (park at Owasso High School and ride the shuttle to the festival)
This festival, held in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Chili Cook-Off, packs an entire day of activities for the entire family. Look for hay rides, a costume contest, a scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving, face painting, balloon art, a car show and, of course, chili tasting. It's all free and open to the public.

Barktoberweenfestivary
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Where: Dog Dish, in The Farm Shopping Center at 51st and Sheridan
Dog Dish is celebrating its lucky seventh anniversary, and we, along with our four-legged friends, are all invited. In this party – the anniversary, Barktoberfest and Howl-oween rolled into one – features a costume contest, Oktoberfest fare for our furry friends and, of course, pupcakes. Look also for complimentary canine hors d'oeuvres and door prizes.

Vampire Prom Nite Murder Mystery
When: Saturday, 7pm; Oct. 31, 7pm
Where: Whispering Vines Vineyard & Winery, 7374 W. 51st Street
Solve the murder and win a bottle of award-winning, Oklahoma-grown wine, not to mention bragging rights. These three-hour shows sold out last year, so get your tickets now. Tickets are $59.95 and includes dinner, the show, tax and tip.

Catch more info on all the Halloween goings on, right here at TashaDoesTulsa.com. Check here for pumpkin patches, here for kids fun, here for grown-ups fun and here for anything and everything free – and spooky.


For the Kids

Starry Safari
When: Friday, 6pm-Saturday, 9am
Where: Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum
Ever dream of waking up to the roar of lions, the barking of prairie dogs or the howling of monkeys? This weekend, you'll get your chance. Become a Tulsa Zoo member and head for Mohawk Park for a not-so-typical camp out, a stargazing activity featuring the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium and the Nature Exchange show, Xtreme Science Live. Campers will be fed dinner and breakfast, and they'll have the run of the zoo train and enjoy carousel rides, evening docent chats, marshmallow roasting and songs and tales around the campfire. Call the Zoo at (918) 669-6603 for more details and to reserve your spot.

Mother & Son Dance
When: Friday, 6:30-8pm
Where: Owen Park Community Center, 560 N. Maybelle Ave.
Moms, aunts, grandmas and older sisters, now is your chance to teach that boy to dance. Enjoy games, cookies and punch and, of course, lots of dancing to music by a live deejay. Cost is $5 per couple.

OK Video Game Exhibition
When: Saturday, 9am-5pm
Where: SpiritBank Event Center
If the kids won't crawl out from the hole they dug in Bueno and Burger King wrappers around the TV and game console, catapult them (don't ask me if this is legal, because if it's not, I don't want to know) to SpiritBank Event Center this weekend. Check out classic/retro gaming, game tournaments, arcade games and vendors and exhibitors buying, selling, trading and, of course, showing off. Admission is $5, and kids 7 and under get in free.

Route 66 Pecan & Fun Fest
When: Saturday, 10am-5pm
Where: The Nut House in Claremore, 26677 S. Highway 66
'Tis the season for pecan pickin', my fellow Okies. Get your grabber-on-a-stick and head to Claremore this weekend for everything from a pecan pie eating contest to an open car show. That's all free and open to the public, and if you stick around until 8 that evening, you can ditch your clodhoppers at the Route 66 Sock Hop. Tickets to the dance are $15.

Smith Farm Marketplace Health Fair and More
When: Saturday, 10am-1pm
Where: Smith Farm Marketplace, in Owasso just off of HWY 169 and 96th Street North
Looking for a free way to get healthy? Thanks to St. John Owasso and medical providers from St. John Health System, anybody and everybody can head to Owasso this weekend to scope out free health goodies, scads of info and health screenings. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be there, too, along with fire engines, ambulances and, weather permitting, a LifeFlight helicopter fly-in and landing. Look also for the Jupiter Jump and the chance to win prizes from the radio remotes and Smith Farm Marketplace merchants during the event.


Theater

Side Show
When: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 8pm
Where: Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Who doesn't love a tale of conjoined twins? This musical, nominated for four Tony Awards, tells of the twins' search for survival and love through both the high and low points in their search for careers in vaudeville. The best part? This musical is based on a true story. Judging by the popularity of reality television shows, we all love that very, very much. Tickets are $30.

Dear Nebulon
When: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 8pm
Where: Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth Street
Recorder, locally famous for their costuming and sad robot lullabies, will collaborate with Tulsa playwright extraordinaire John Cruncleton to produce a one-hour visual presentation. Tickets are $7.

Finders Creepers
When: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm
Where: Sapulpa Community Theatre, 124 S. Water
Two boys pack up and hit the trail to spend the weekend with their Uncle Bob, only to discover that he's a mortician and there's a funeral scheduled for Monday. It's not long before things start to go bump in the night. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Reservations are required, so call the theater at 227.2169 before heading out.

The Exonerated
When: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 8pm
Where: Heller Theatre @ Henthorne, 4825 S. Quaker
Don't miss the drama of the true stories of six former death row prisoners who were released from prison after their convictions were reversed. Take a closer look at their false accusations, wrongful convictions and eventual exoneration.


Sports

OU v. Kansas

When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Where: Lawrence
Watch the Sooners take on the Jawhaws on Cox Cable Channel 8.

OSU v. Baylor
When: Saturday, 11:30am
Where: Waco
Don't miss the Cowboys smackin' down the Bears this weekend.

U.S. Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show
When: Now-Oct. 31
Where: Expo Square
What's this little horse show all about? It's about being the most prestigious North American championship in the industry of Arabian show horses, of courses. This event offers Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses while both amateur and professional riders or handlers compete in competitions from halter and native costuming to western and hunter classes. Believe it or not, this horse show also offers world-class shopping and barn parties.

Oklahoma Boulderfest
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Chandler Park, 6500 W. 21st Street
Want to hang someone off the side of a rock? Hey, don't threaten the Chandler Park Climbers Coalition with a good time. The CPCC is gearing up for the second annual Boulderfest, an outdoor rock climbing festival features food, music, overnight camping and a whole lot of “bouldering.” Keep in mind, this event is for experienced climbers only, but it's worth a day at Chandler to check it out.

Spaghetti Dinner for Route 66
When: Friday, 7pm
Where: Spaghetti Warehouse, 221 E. Brady
Make plans now to join Fleet Feet Tulsa in downtown Tulsa for Williams Route 66 Marathon Night. This dinner promises to be a great chance to obtain insight into the race and needed final prepartions, thanks to the advice of experienced marathon runners (a.k.a. super humans) and leaders in the running community. Plus, there will be lots of carbs in attendance. Who's to argue with that? Don't forget to RSVP.

Oilers Opening Game
When: Saturday, 7:35pm
Where: BOK Center
It's here! Tulsa's own hockey team will take on the Wichita Thunder in its first home game in the 2009-2010 season. Tickets are $10-30. Plus, it's Big Al bobble head night. Plus, Oilers Ice Girls. Have I said enough? See you there.


Benefits

Red Ribbon Run
When: Saturday, registration at 7:30am; 1-mile fun run at 8:30am; 5K run at 9am
Where: Starting and ending at Riverside Drive and 31st Street
Whether your group is looking for a last practice before the Tulsa Run the morning of Halloween, or for just a nice Saturday morning event, check out what's going on at Riverside and 31st this weekend: The eighth annual Red Ribbon Run, benefitting Tulsa-based nonprofit Operation Aware. The run is part of the national Red Ribbon Week, which celebrates the choice to live drug free. Plus, runners get free massages and the chance to take home sweet prizes. Preregistration for $15 is available today (Friday) at the Operation Aware office, 7226 E. 41st Street, and race day registration for $20 starts at 7:30am Saturday. The race is free for students aged 11 and under.

Laps for Little Ones
When: Saturday, 8am
Where: Cascia Hall Track
The Little Light House is a Christian center of development for children aged birth to six years with special needs. It's mission is huge, and so is its need for your help. Do your part by running or walking around the track at Cascia Hall this Saturday. To register, to sponsor a runner or even to participate as a couch potato (now, this is my kind of running event), visit The Little Light House on the Web.

Mission Run
When: Saturday, starting at 9am
Where: Fifth Street, downtown Tulsa
Get revved up for the Tulsa Run next weekend by running for the homeless this weekend. Mission Run, which will benefit the John 3:16 Mission, features everything from a fun run (starting at 9:50am) to a 10K (starting at 9:45am). The course starts on Fifth Street between Elgin and Frankfort, and awards and prizes will go to the quickest. Race day packet pickup and registration will be at First Baptist Church downtown starting at 7am.

MDA Bad (Bikers Against Dystrophy) Ride
When: Saturday, 10am
Where: Registration at Myers-Duren
Donate a minimum of $25 to ride in this biggest, baddest ride around. Check out this annual fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Association, which features a ride, prizes, food and fun, all for a very worthy cause. Don't miss the afterparty at SoCo's Sports Bar & Grill for lunch and prizes, including a weekend getaway.


Other Stuff

Big Rig Expo
When: Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
Where: Tulsa Convention Center
If you like big trucks, you'll love what's going on at Tulsa Convention Center this weekend. Check out the Four Aces Truck Competition on Saturday at 10, and don't forget to try your luck on winning a 2010 Chevy Camaro RS. Admission to the exhibits is free, but the some of the educational workshops come at a cost. Check out Big Rig Expo online for more details.

WWII: A Day of Living History
When: Saturday, 10am
Where: Helmerich Library, 5131 E. 91st Street
This weekend brings history buffs the opportunity to explore the life of a WWII solider as created by the re-enactors of the 45th Infantry Division. See original military equipment, uniforms, period personal effects, vehicles and other memorabilia from the home front. Plus, visit with WWII veteran guest speakers.

Harvest Art Faire: Potters, Paints and Posies
When: Saturday, 10am-3pm
Where: Downtown Tulsa at 15th and Boston
Check out the “Little Square” at 15th and Boston, which boasts not only Mrs. DeHaven's Flower Shop, believed to be the oldest existing business in T-Town, but also The Gadget Company, another little shop with mind-boggling ties to Tulsa. Showcased there will be more than two dozen local artisans, as well as the debut of the newest rose varieties available this winter and holiday season. Admission is free, and pets (leashed, of course) and kids (both leashed and unleashed) are welcome.

350kies Take a Stand for Climate Action
When: Saturday, 2pm
Where: Centennial Park, Sixth and Peoria
Who's not on the green team these days? Now's the time to take part in what might turn out to be the largest day of climate change activism ever, consisting of 2,000 communities in more than 150 countries. The Tulsa event will feature a bike ride around downtown Tulsa, a collaborative art project, a group photo and speakers. Plus, all the cool kids will be there.

Playdate Tulsa
When: Saturday, 8pm
Where: Flytrap Music Hall
What is Play Date? It's an alternative to the typical night out, that's what. There will be drinks, food, music, Hungry, Hungry Hippos and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. After all, and as the saying goes, you don't stop playing because you get old; you get old because you stop playing. Admission is $10.

Nimrod's Conference for Readers and Writers
When: Saturday, 10am
Where: University of Tulsa, Allen Chapman Activity Center
If you're a writer – or a reader, for that matter – you can't miss this annual joining of the minds. This conference features a slew workshops and classes about everything from poetry and fiction to travel writing and fantasy, all taught by writers and lovers of words. Don't miss the readings at lunch, and don't – read: do not – miss the one-on-one editing sessions with Nimrod writers. Registration is $50. RSVP by writing the folks at Nimrod.

Kitchens a la Tulsa
When: Sunday, noon-5pm
Where: See the Kitchens a la Tulsa site for locations
If you're at home in the kitchen, you won't want to miss this self-guided tour of six new and renovated kitchens turning up the heat in Tulsa. The tour, which also comes with yummy morsels prepared by local chefs and food purveyors, benefits the Parent Child Center and the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Clinic. Tickets are $10 in advance (the price increases $5 if you wait to pay at the door) and are available at the Day Center, 415 W. Archer.

Breast Impressions
When: Sunday, starting at 3pm, gala at 7pm
Where: Woodland Hills Mall
You've seen articles about it in all the newspapers and on all the local news shows – plus, you've seen me talking on Twitter and Facebook about how many owners of the casted boobies I found out I knew after they were on display in south Tulsa at Woodland Hills Mall. Now it's time for a runway fashion show, a gala and a live auction of some of those breast casts I mentioned before, all in the name of saving the ta-tas with Tulsa Project Woman. Tickets are $50.


Movies

Saw VI
When: Opens Friday
In this latest installment of the horror saga, Detective Hoffman emerges as the unchallenged successor of Jigsaw's legacy of terror. Rated R for grisly, bloody violence and torture. Plus, language. Yikes!

Astro Boy
When: Opens Friday
A young robot boy endowed with incredible powers embarks on a journey of acceptance and learns what it means to be a hero. Sounds like a fun flick, especially since my boyfriend Nicolas Cage is starring – bring the kids along. Rated PG.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampires Assistant
When: Opens Friday
In this newest John C. Reilly film, a teenage boy finds his destiny when he stumbles upon a vampire and his traveling freak show. Guess how this one ends (not that I know. I was hoping you would). Rated PG-13.

Amelia
When: Opens Friday
Hilary Swank somehow bears a striking resemblance to the pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart in this film about her as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Rated PG. For smoking.

Pecan photo from The Nut House in Claremore.