Last Updated on August 25, 2022, 8:36 PM | Published: August 25, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — As August begins drawing to a close, it leaves the door open for the last, milder vestiges of late-summer weather. Still plenty warm, yes, and still more than enough of that classic Oklahoma humidity, but gone seem the days of the dangerous, sweltering, multi-month heatwaves that mostly dashed any hopes of truly enjoying the outdoors.
And that means we can finally get outside and see the summer off with a month full of fantastic open-air arts and culture all across the city.
From timeless singalongs to undying classical drama to a celebration of countercultural athleticism to the all-time favorite fair foods, September is shaping up to be a full month of fun unbounded by walls.
Higher Ground: Stevie Wonder Tribute Concert – Myriad Botanical Gardens – August 26th
What could be better than a full-scale celebration of one of the greatest and most important songwriters in American history? Well, singing along surrounded only by the best in curated nature and an endless summer sky, that’s what.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens presents a tribute concert as part of their annual summer concert series, and this year they’re paying respect to possibly the most towering giant of Soul, Funk, and R&B, Stevie Wonder.
Expect loads of performers, including plenty of surprises, featuring the remarkable local talents of Stephen Salewon, Koolie High, Lacy Saunders, Renee Hayes and so many more.
Visit myriadgardens.org for more information.
Art After 5 – Oklahoma City Museum of Art – Every Thursday in September
If you’ve never spent an evening on the rooftop terrace at OKCMOA, then you’ve never enjoyed some of the best views our city has to offer.
Recently renovated, the museum’s terrace will be open to guests and visitors each Thursday evening through the late summer, offering beer and wine in addition to discounted museum admission.
Sure, there are countless great places to grab a drink around the city, but how many can offer both rooftop views and the promise of some great, socially lubricated art debate?
Visit okcmoa.com for more information.
SKATE! on the Plaza – September 9th
The Plaza’s monthly artwalk tends to grab a theme and run with it, but in September, it’ll be rolling.
Originally set for July but postponed for the heat, it’ll be a celebration of all things “skating.” The day is set to feature live skateboarding lessons, trick skaters, loads of live music from the best in local punk and hip-hop, and of course, plenty of skating-inspired artworks, including a full fashion show presenting (presumably) the very best in knit caps and checkerboard shoes.
The whole thing is sponsored in part by The Plaza’s premiere destination for all things wild and weird, Dig It, and the city’s favorite indie skate shop, Money Ruins Everything.
Visit plazadistrict.org for more information.
OK Shakespeare in the Park presents: Hamlet – Paseo – September 9th through 24th
There might be no better way to experience the English language’s greatest existential tragedy than sitting beneath the stars, where the scope and scale of existence itself can engulf you as it does Shakespeare’s doomed, hesitant hero.
Oklahoma Shakespeare is celebrating its 38th year in 2022, and with a season that has already seen acclaimed productions of “As You Like It,” “Emma,” and David Ives’ “Venus in Fur,” the company is set to close out the summer with a bang (or with a prick, as it were) with a striking production of the Bard’s masterpiece.
Visit okshakes.org for tickets and more information.
Ballet Under the Stars – Scissortail Park – September 17th
As if Scissortail Park couldn’t get any more beautiful, OKC Ballet will be gracing the space with a night of dance and movement to usher in the autumn.
With a full evening schedule of warm-ups and all-ages dance lessons before a showcase performance featuring everything from ballet classics to contemporary conceptions, the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere could provide the perfect opportunity to entice newcomers to the art form.
Visit okcballet.org for more information.
Oklahoma State Fair – September 15th through 25th
No list of late-summer outdoor activities could be complete without a reminder that the state fair kicks off in just a few short weeks.
Will there be rides older than most of the visitors? Will there be raucous, beer-soaked shows and concerts? Will there be horses? Will there be metric tons of fried food? Will there be horses worryingly close to the food?
You better believe it.
There are no jokes that can be made about the fair that aren’t dwarfed by the genuine local love and appreciation of the time-honored event, and like an annual pilgrimage or cross-cultural ritual, we’ll all make our way out for a corn dog, or a roasted corn, or an Indian taco.
Or maybe all three.
This year’s newest adventurous additions to the menu include some unprecedented eats in the form of pickle pizza, alligator meat corn dogs, deep fried cookie dough, and the implausible combination of words that is the chicken bacon ranch waffle stick.
Better bring some antacid.
Visit okstatefair.com for more information.
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
