The Witching Hour Is Almost Upon Us, Tulsa!!

Boo!!  Well, I've already been out and about in Thrill Town today - there's a Halloween "Bag It" Sale going on at the local Goodwill Stores - where you can get 50% off any apparel that can fit in one of their bags:

I almost felt like it was Black Friday!  But, although it was crowded, it wasn't bad, there was still a LOT of stuff when I left around 1pm, and many shoppers there didn't even know about the sale!  I definitely got my money's worth and then some!  Gotta love Goodwill!

Now I'm off to get some more last minute Halloween shopping done before I come back and celebrate my cat Mischief's 4th birthday.  Then I'm heading to the gym for a much needed workout, and since we unfortunately ended up missing Dinner Club, we still need to carve our pumpkin!  Then the plan is to head to El Guapo's for their Halloween party!  Be sure & check my updated Halloween guide for this weekend's main events, in addition to some stuff I have listed below!

Friday:
Vincent Price Double Feature - Gardner's Used Books, 8:30pm.  Start your Halloween weekend chills and thrills by going to this free movie night!  They're also having a costume contest, so dress to kill!! (pun intended!)

Saturday:
Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden Open House - 10am-1pm. Even though it is Halloween, you might want to make room for the last Open House of the year.  For those of you, like me, who aren't familiar with the Botanical Garden, check out their site!  Currently in its first phase of construction, the Garden will be home to 60 acres of various themed gardens, a 7-acre kajem an amphitheater, visitor center, observation tower, and much more, while another 100 acres of ancient forest and prairie being preserved.  Located in the Osage Hills just northwest of Downtown, this weekend's free Open House will feature a snake curator, and 1.5 mile walking trail through a persimmon grove where you can pick your fill!  Check the website for directions.
Arsenic and Old Lace - Philbrook Museum, Oct. 31st, 1pm. Free with museum admission.
Ida Red Thriller Dance Class - Brookside, Oct. 31st, noon -3pm. The free class starts at 2, followed by a costume contest at 3.  Then, later on that evening, you can show off your newly learned dance at the
"This Is It" Thriller Bash - Doubletree Hotel Warren Place, 8pm-1am.  There will be a special tribute performance and the largest thriller dance-off ever, followed by the "Jazzoween" costume contest. Tickets are $15 in advance at Starship Records & Tapes.
And if you haven't yet, be sure & catch  Michael Jackson's This Is It   during its two week limited engagement (sadly, from my understanding, not playing in IMAX here in Tulsa).

One last thing:  Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend - Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday morning!  Be safe my little witches and ghosts, Happy Halloween!  See you around T-Town!  :)

It's Pumpkin Week, Tulsa!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I sure did, as always!  Oktoberfest (twice!), Owasso for the Health Fair & Harvest Fest, Catoosa for the Route 66 Pecan & Fun Fest, watching the Oilers win their opening game (woot!!),and the Arabian Horse Show!  (see an upcoming post for the complete recap!)
We're now just days away from one of my favorite holidays, and already I've been getting into the spirit of things by roasting pumpkin seeds and making some baked squash.  Mmmmm.....next up, pumpkin cake, pumpkin pie, Dinner Club Wednesday night where we'll all be carving our pumpkins and roasting more seeds!
Lots o' cookin' this week!!

Update:  Well today's Wednesday, the week is flying by as usual, and I went on a 'mission' early this morning - the Great Halloween Hunt, if you will.  All I was looking for basically was a cheap carving kit, those disposable butane lights for pumpkins, and a long butane lighter.  The lighter was easy enough, but the carving kit??!  I hunted high, low, and everywhere in-between!  Walmart, Kmart, Target, Halloween Express, Party America, and yes, they had carving kits, but they were all expensive, and I just wanted the basic dollar carving utensil and scooper.  I know I bought one at Walmart last year, but got rid of it in the move out here!
Finally, I lucked out at the second Walgreens I checked, and it was a good thing I asked about it!  Alas, though, no lights to be found anywhere, so I settled with tea lights.  That will work.  I also picked up our pumpkin for tonights' Dinner Club extravaganza!  I can't wait.  I've been baking all afternoon - my secret recipe soon-to-be world famous pumpkin cake, and pumpkin pie!!  Mmmmm.....
I've got some of the Halloween classic horror movies all lined up from Netflix:  The Shining, Sleepy Hollow, Wrong Turn, The Funhouse, to name a few, and of course, let's not forget the perennial cult favorite, Halloween!  Now, save a trip to Goodwill for some last minute costume accessories, I'm all set for the big day & A Rocky Halloween!!
Be sure & subscribe for updates!!!  See ya around Halloween Town!  :)

Get Your Groove On With Brats, Beer, Chicken Dances and much more in Tulsa this weekend!!!

It's definitely fall weather here, T-Town, as we head in to another event & fun-filled weekend!  Here's just a sampling of what's going on:

Friday:
Josh's Sno Shack - get a free snow cone (that's ANY flavor, size or add ins!) till 10:30 pm tonight!  Yes I know it's cold, but it's free!  So bundle up, think summer heatwave and head on over to Josh's!  You'll be glad you did  :)

Now thru Sunday:
Oktoberfest - get there before 4 tonight and admission is free!  Will you get 'ogschdocha' or 'fetznrausch' while doing the Chicken Dance?!  In any case, "Prost!!"
Arabian Horse Championship Show - Expo Square, running now through Oct. 31st. Arabian horses will be competing for titles in various classes; and there's also barn parties, shopping and the opportunity to get up close & personal with these beautiful creatures! Call the ticket office at (918) 744-1113 for more info.


Saturday:
Smith Farm Marketplace Heath Fair - Owasso (off of Hwy 169 & 96th St N.), 10am-1pm. Get healthy at this free event brought to you by St. John Health System Owasso.  There will be lots of health screenings, info, goodies, prizes and stuff for the kids, including a (weather permitting) LifeFlight helicopter fly-in!
Harvest Art Faire: Potters, Paints, and Posies - "Little Square" at 15th & Boston (my neck o' the woods!), 10am-3pm.  Over two dozen local artists will be on hand as well as a debut of new rose varieties.  Check out Mrs. DeHaven's Flower Shop and The Gadget Company.  While you're there be sure and stop in Ooley's Salon and tell my awesome hairdresser & neighbor, Ty, I said 'Hi'!!
Downtown Muskogee Heritage Day - 10am-5pm. Gander on over to Downtown Muskogee and step back in time to the 1880s as you enjoy Native American song and dance, shootouts in the street, a medicine show, bluegrass concert, crafts, a Kids Corral, and even an "authentic" cook-on-site chuck wagon dinner! The event is free, but the chuck wagon meal and bluegrass concert is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 12.
Route 66 Pecan & Fun Fest - Route 66 Nut House, Claremore, 10am-5pm.  Are you nuts?  If not, you can definitely go nuts at this free family event featuring a car show, crafts fair, kid's are, pecan pie eating contest, and an old-fashioned Sock Hop, not to mention NUTS!!
Owasso Harvest Festival, Centennial Park - 15301 E. 86th St N., 11am-9pm. Held in conjunction with the OK State Chili Cook-Off, this free event includes chili tasting, a car show, hay rides, pumpkin carving, costume & scarecrow contests and more stuff for the kids.
Lobsterpalooza at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church and Preschool - featuring live Maine lobsters at $20 each, or $20 for 1 1/4 lb cooked, and a parish potluck lobster boil at 6:30.  Proceeds benefit the preschool and childrens' ministries. You need to pre-order or sign up for the potluck by Oct. 19.  Call 918-492-7140.
7th Annual Drumright Wine Fest - Whitlock Park, Drumright, noon-6pm. If you love wine festivals (and who doesn't?!), this is one of the largest and best in the state, and one you don't want to miss!  This year there will be samples from 6 Oklahoma wineries, live music, art, food, drawings and more! A trolley will also be giving free rides to the winery all afternoon.  Admission is $12 for tasters, $5 for non-tasters.
Speaking of wine, il Bacio, South Tulsa's newest upscale wine bar is now open. Featuring over 120 wines & over 70 beers, mark your calendars for their upcoming Grand Opening Party Oct. 30th starting at 4pm.
Oilers Opening Game - BOK Center, 7:35pm. Tulsa takes on the Wichita Thunder in this bound to be exciting season opener; let's not forget it's 'Big Al bobble head night' plus the Oilers Ice Girls!!  Tix are $10-30.
Playdate Tulsa - Flytrap Music Hall, Sat. 8pm.  A 'PlayDate' is an "alternative to the typical night out", providing a fun atmosphere for grown ups, where you get to play all kinds of games, socialize & meet people, while enjoying great food, music & cocktails.  Admission is only $10 to this awesome event where you can get to be a kid again!

Sunday: 
Music on the Lawn - Tulsa Historical Society, 3-6pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets (you'll need those to help keep warm!) to this free family oriented fun event including live music, concessions, and the Grand Opening of the "Your House, My House" hands-on exhibit sponsored by the Tulsa Children's Museum, as well as, of course, access to all of the Historical Society's museum exhibits.

Wow - I am speechless....seems every weekend there's increasingly MORE stuff to do than there is time!  I can't even fit it all on my calendar!  Don't forget my Haunted Halloween Fun Guide too!!!  I don't know where to start, but I'm sure I'll be having lots of F-U-N!!  Hope you do as well!
See you around T-Town!!  :)

Ladies Night Out or Do the Chicken Dance!

Depending on your mood (oh, and gender!) there's two great events from which to pick tonight in T-Town:

Fables, Fantasy and Fairytales - 7-9pm at the Tulsa Convention Center.  Tickets are $15 for the Fall Collection presented by Ihloff Creative Team; proceeds benefit Resonance.

Oktoberfest - 5-11pm, River West Festival Park.  Get your free ticket for tonight at Geek Rescue! 

I can't decide!  Maybe I'll attempt both?!?! 

See you around T-Town!!  :)

Great Deals this week in Tulsa!

'on the QT':  I first realized how much this company values its customers during my initial visit to one of the stores when I moved out here.  To me it's the "mother" of all 7-Elevens....bigger, cleaner, 'friendlier'.  But it really all started during this last Driller season.  At quite a few of the games, QT reps were on hand giving away free sandwiches as well as coupons for free sandwiches upon leaving the game.  As if that weren't awesome enough, last month Quick Trip had the free sandwich coupon offer at coupons.com - but note that this offer may or may not show up, (you might have to refresh or enter a different zipcode), and I've had problems trying to print the coupon.  For even more coupons and special offers, join the QT Web group - the first thing you'll receive is a coupon good for a free hot dog & soft drink!  I love Quick Trip!!!  :)

Speaking of great deals, do you have your ticket for the Oktoberfest yet?  If not, you can get one FREE, good this Thursday, courtesy of Geekrescue.com.  Get ready to enjoy some brats, beer, and of course, do the Chicken Dance!!! 

I just realized this past weekend that there's a new farmer's market in town, and it's right down the street!  At 18th & Boston, right in front of Pink, every Sat. from 8-noonish.  Will get more details on this for you soon!

If you haven't already, be sure and check out my frightful Halloween guide - chock full of everything from where to shop for costumes and parties, to pumpkin patches and area haunts!!  Keep checking back as I'm continually updating that post!

Your Guide to Haunted Happenings and Everything Halloween around Tulsa!

Happy Halloweenie T-Town!!  From pumpkin patches to haunted attractions, I've got you covered, Tulsa!
This is actually a compilation that I'll be adding to as the month progresses and I find out about new events, and as always, I welcome your input/feedback on anything I might be overlooking!

While we haven't gotten ours just yet, here's a guide to some of the area's Pumpkin Patches:
Carmichael's - located in Bixby, they have a free Petting Zoo & Hay Maze as well as pony and camel rides, hay rides, a cane maze, pumpkin pie fudge, and lots of you know what!
Livesay Orchards - in Porter; their Pumpkin Playland includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin! The kid's play area has a hay maze, learning centers, an observation bee hive, pumpkin games and more!  Admission is $3 which includes the hayride; pumpkins cost extra.
Pumpkin Town - on the corner of 81st and Mingo, check out their calendar for weekend events going on throughout the month! In addition to pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decor, there's also hay rides, pony rides, and other kids' activities!
Pleasant Valley Farms - located at 22350 W. 71st Street, hours are 9am-dark, daily throughout this month.  They also have hay rides, a petting zoo, and of course pumpkins!
Shay's Landscaping, Nursery & Pumpkin Patch - If you're out in Bartlesville and wanting to pick your own, then stop by Shay's where there's mazes, hayrides and pony rides, a gift shop, snacks and more!
Shepherd's Pumpkin Festival - located in Claremore, the free pumpkin patch includes a petting zoo, games, story times, a maze, and a learning center all at an Amish barn and real working farm.  They also have $4 hayrides, and $2 scarecrow making, in addition to pumpkins and fall decor for sale!
Southern Hills UMC - at 6160 S. Lewis, open daily, has pumpkins, crafts and kids activities, with all proceeds going to missions here and throughout the world.
Park Plaza Church of Christ -  located at 5925 E. 51st St., also is selling pumpkins and offering hay rides and kids games with proceeds from the pumpkin patch going to Key Elementary School.
The Great Pumpkin Patch - Red Fork Church of God, 5010 W. 41st St. Admission is free to the pumpkin patch which also includes craft activities, baked goods, storytelling and Christmas decor.
Two other Tulsa churches hosting pumpkin patches are:
St. Peter's Episcopal Church on 21st St., and St. Matthew's United Methodist Church on East 31st St.

If 'fear factor' is your thing, you can definitely get your heart rate up at the area's haunted attractions:

The Haunted Castle of Muskogee - As I've already been to this hauntingly good time, I'll let you read all about my experience.  With 9 different attractions on 60 acres, in my opinion this is one frightful adventure you won't want to miss!
Scream Country - Drumright.  Now in its 12th year, this attraction lives up to its name with 3 haunts deep in over 40 acres of dark twisted forest.  There's the Dead Block Zombie Prison, Night of the Scarecrow Corn Mayhem, and Grimm's Scary Tale Forest.  In addition concession and merchant vendors will be offering ghoulish delights to the brave.  Tickets here are $18, or $35 for a Scream Pass.  A frightfully great time I'm sure!
Psycho Path Haunt - Sperry. Even the name and website are spooky!  Psycho Path features a ride (not your ordinary hayride!) deep into a 'haunted forest', and a walk-through 'haunted' Spybuck Manor.  Tickets for the ride are $17, while the Manor Walk-Thru is $8, or you can purchase a combo ticket for both for $20, or VIP Combo (express line) for $40.  Concessions and souvenirs are also available.  Woah, I just read the 'warning and disclaimer' section on the site - I don't think this is for the faint of heart!!  ; )
Frozen Morgue Funeral Home & Coffin Works - Located in Chouteau (near the intersection of US 69 & 412 south of Pryor).   Beware!  The Mortician awaits you but the moment you enter you'll be walking with the terrorizing undead! There are actually two haunted attractions: Crypt of the Vampires and CarnEvil of Lost Souls.  Tickets for either attraction are $7 or $12 for both haunts. There are also 'Doom Buggy Rides' Oct. 23rd-24th at $5 per person.
The Hex House - located across the street from Woodland Hills Mall, the House features 3 levels of fright, with each level more intense than the last?  Can you survive all three or will you need to escape early?  The Hex House is based on a real legend, and you can read about it here.  This must be pretty scary, as kids under 10 aren't allowed, and ages 10-13 with a parent/guardian. Tickets are $15, or $20 for a speed pass.  Speed pass...that's another sign that this place is popular; usually speed passes are something you see at Disney or Universal Studios.
The Maize - in Broken Arrow.  Open weekends this month, you can do more than get lost in the haunted mazes (there's 2); there's also paintball, campfires, hay rides, and stuff for the kiddies. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for kids.
Nightmare XVII - at Guts Church.  I haven't been to this, but I must say I am intrigued.  Even the website doesn't really tell you much, but you get a general 'idea.' Admission is $8, for those 12+, and runs weekends in October.
Cherokee Cemetery Tours - What could be ghostlier?  Guided candlelight tours of Ross Cemetery & Fall Cultural Festivities at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill.  Hear stories of generations past as you walk the grounds of Cherokee ancestors and watch historical reenactments.  There will be food and fun for the whole family including storytelling, pumpkin decorating and face painting as well as arts and crafts and concessions.  Admission is $10.
Tulsa Spirit Tours - Speaking of ghostly tours, how cool is this?  Getting to board the Old Time Trolley for tours of some of T-Towns rumored haunts and learning about some of Tulsa's rich history sounds like quite a night.  These tours are so popular, they aren't even advertised and sell out quickly - they may, in fact, be "souled out" by the time you're reading this.  If you're lucky, however, $30 will land you a spot for one of the trolley tours, and keep in mind no one under 16 is allowed without a parent/guardian.  SOLD OUT!
Haunted History Tour - at the Tulsa Garden Center, Oct. 31st, 7-10pm.  If you can't make a Tulsa Spirit Tour, be sure and join the Paranormal Investigation Team as they give you a ghostly tour of the mansion and its spooky history.  For ages 10+, tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door.

Musical Events:
Freaktoberfest 2009 - Friday, Oct. 16th, 7pm-2:00am. Costume contest and raffle in addition to great local live music at Tulsa's 'Most Kick Ass Halloween Party!'  Tickets are $10 at the door.  Get freaky Tulsa!
Murderfest Tulsa - Sunday, Oct. 18th, Cain's Ballroom. Doors open at 1pm, and for $13, the event features 16 bands as well as a costume contest!
All Hallows Hangover - Rose Bowl Events Center (7419 E. 11th), Friday, Oct. 30th, 6:30pm.  General admission tickets are $10.  Mischief night celebration with 3 local headliners performing.

Theatre:
Costumes - An Original Hallowe'en Musical, Oct. 22-24th, to be held at Woodward Park (Linnaeus Garden Barn).  You're actually encouraged to come in costume to the performance by local actors and musicians, and the garden will be lit and open during intermission.  Tickets are $10, call for reservations and more info (918) 746-5125.
Finders Creepers - Sapulpa Community Theatre, Sapulpa. Oct. 23-25. Two boys visit their uncle who just happens to be a mortician; before long strange things start to happen! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and reservations are required so call (918) 227-2169.
The Seven Deadly Sins - Fri., Oct. 30th, 8pm at the Living ArtSpace, Brady District. A costume party with poetry by some of our best locals, followed by a performance by the Portico Dans Dance Troupe.  Tickets are $7. Come dressed as the "sin" of your choice!
Dracula - Tulsa PAC, Oct. 29th-Nov. 1st.  Tickets are $20-70 for the Tulsa Ballet's performance.

Just for Kids:
5th Annual Hogwarts on the Hill Party - at the Hope Unitarian Church, 8432 S. Sheridan Rd, Sat. Oct. 24th, 6-9pm.  A FREE Halloween Party & Family Fun Night, come in costume, play games & win prizes, and there will also be a special magic show!
Halloween Bass Pro Style - Oct. 24-25th, 30-31st (times vary).  Free crafts, marshmallow roasting, apple cobbler samples.
Hallowmarine at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks - Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for kids, and features a trick-or-treat trail, haunted feed shows, carnival games, and pirates.
HallowZOOeen at the Tulsa Zoo -General admission is $7, and features a trick-or-treat trail, haunted train ride, games, and more.
Camp Cute & Spooky at Discoveryland.  Lots of activities for the kiddies, including a "Monster Mash" dance stage, a trick or treat trail through an 'enchanted forest', a haystack jump, bonfire and more. Admission is $6.
Nightmare on Yale Street - Kingspointe Village, 61st & Yale, Oct. 29th, 5pm. A family fun-filled evening of a fun run/walk, trick-or-treating, costume contests, food & drinks, with proceeds going to LIFE Senior Services.
BooHaHa - Brookside.  Starting at 8am on Halloween, this free event will have a Kids' Zone, trick or treating, a pet costume contest, followed by a children's costume contest, and Parade.
Family Fun Fest - First United Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., Oct. 31st,  6-8pm.  Carnival games, food, music, giant inflatables and more. Costumes are encouraged, but nothing scary please!  Game & concession tickets are $.25 each.


Tulsa Parks/Community Centers/Libraries:
Spook-A-Rama - at Kiddie Park, Bartlesville, Oct. 16th & 17th, 6-10pm. Featuring the Great Pumpkin Contest, Costume Parade, trick or treating and the 6th Annual Fall Fun Fest, which offers game booths, candy and prizes.
Annual "Pumpkin" Hunt - Central Park, Broken Arrow, Halloween 5:30pm.  What a great idea:  You've got your Easter Egg Hunts, why not have a pumpkin hunt?!  Imagine 4,000 plastic 'pumpkins' filled with candy, and kids are encouraged to come out in costume for this free event, to be followed by the Main Street Merchants Night Out Against Crime, which promises more treats for the kids.
Hey, I'm all for it, but this candy addict dreams of the day when they have one for ADULTS!!!  4,000 eggs, I mean, pumpkins!  I want to go trick or treating, who's with me?!?!?
Tulsa area Parks will be holding various events Halloween weekend, everything from pumpkin painting and parties, to Halloween carnivals, to spook hunts, games, crafts, and contests; even a flashlight candy scramble (I remember doing that back in Tampa for the neighborhood kids!) and parades!  Check the Park link for event locations & times.
Also check out the Tulsa City-County Library, where your local branch will be presenting everything from story telling to plays, games, pumpkin decorating and much more!

Other Events:
Barktoberweenfestivary at the Dog Dish - The Farm Shopping Center, 51st and Sheridan. Sat., Oct. 24th, 1-3pm.  Celebrating its 7th anniversary, the Dog Dish will be having a party for four-legged guests and their owners.  There will be a costume contest, and Oktoberfest canine fare as well as door prizes!  Maybe I should dress my kitty up as a dog for this!  Meow, ahem, I mean, Woof!
Vampire Prom Nite Murder Mystery - at the Whispering Vines Vineyard & Winery, 7374 W. 51st St., Oct. 24th & 31st. Tickets for the 3 hour interactive dinner show are $59.95, and if you're lucky enough to solve the mystery, a bottle of award winning Oklahoma wine!  There will also be a haunted scavenger hunt in the orchard!  Don't forget to wear your costume!
"A Knight of Murder" Spooky Hallowine Dinner Party - Vinita, Oct. 31st, 6-9pm. Halloween must be popular for wine murder mystery parties; here's another one!  Tickets are $30, and after making your reservation, you'll be sent an invitation, your "character", and suggestion for your costume.  There will be prizes too!

Runners World Halloween Party - 4329 S. Peoria, Brookside, Oct. 29th, 5:30 pm. Free event including a   costumed run followed by a costume contest, food & drinks and prizes!
Tulsa Run - Starting off Halloween bright & early at 7am, the 31st annual Tulsa Run Downtown includes 15km, 5km, and 2km (fun run) runs.  At 8:00 am, the Finish Line Festival begins with award ceremonies at 11:30am.
TU Homecoming - Fri & Halloween, at Tulsa U Campus/H.A. Chapman Stadium. Pep Rally & Bonfire followed by fireworks Friday night; on Sat., there will be trick or treating, food & music before the Golden Hurricanes take on SMU at 1:00pm.


Parties:
El Guapo's 1st Annual Halloween Extravanganza - Fri., Oct. 30th, 10pm-2am. Promising lots of fun with drinks, music, costume contests, and prizes!
It's all happening downtown at the Brady District: The Brady Fall Art Festival starts the party off at10am, with the Brady Merchants Association 'Grown-up Trick or Treating' from 6-8pm.  Crossland takes the stage at 8pm, followed by the Rocky Horror Show at 10pm, and the After Party at Club Majestic/The Hunt Club/
along with the Brady Theater Halloween Party!!
Halloween TGS Style - While you're in the Brady District, stop in at Tulsa Glass Blowing from noon-6pm where you can make your own pumpkin or witch ball for $45 per person.
2nd Annual Halloween Ball - at the Marquee, 222 N. Main St., Brady District, Oct. 31st, 8pm, Admission is $5 (in costume), $7 (without costume).  Party it up, dance the night away with DJs and costume contests!
35th Annual Freaker's Ball - Cains Ballroom, Oct. 31st, 7pm.  Featuring a $1000 Costume Contest, and Monster Mash with over 20 local bands; tickets are only $10!
1st Annual Spider Ball - IDL Ballroom & Enso's (1st & Detroit), Oct. 31st, 8pm-2am.  Free mega dance party in TWO clubs! For ages 21+ only, not only will there be music, but a full liquor bar! And this is a costume party, so don't forget to dress up! (or you can wear black & white).
PlayDate Halloween - Allen Chapman Activity Center, Oct. 31st, 8pm.  Admission is $10, and don't forget to dress in costume!
Also, as I'm sure you already know, lots of bars & clubs around T-Town will be hosting their own Monster Bashes, including everything from the Hard Rock down to Elote - be sure and check this week's Urban Tulsa Weekly for your favorite pub!


After Halloween:
Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival - Brady District, Sunday, Nov. 1st, 2-11pm. Continue the Halloween festivities into Sunday with this family arts fest.  Altars will be set up to remember those who have passed on; there will be bands, entertainment, food & beverages and souvenirs. Admission is $5, 12 & under free.

Costumes & Party Supplies, Decorations:  
Top Hat Magic & Costumes - located at 4016 S. Yale, Top Hat Magic has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years!  And, they have rental costumes as well as accessories, props and much more!
Spirit Halloween - 8518 E. 71st St., Suite A (next to Incredible Plaza), (918)-459-6973.
Halloween Express - with two Tulsa locations to serve you, the site has 10% off downloadable coupons.

Whether you're out & about town scaring up some fun, or throwing your own 'Boo Bash', be safe and:

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful...." (well, not really!)

But, it is kinda fitting as we are in the frightful season, AND...since I heard this might be the coldest winter Tulsa's had for over 100 years, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!"
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though, guys and ghouls, because it's not even the end of October yet and there are lots of things going on this weekend, between Halloween, and Sweetest Day (Saturday the 17th, for those romantic minded sweethearts out there!)
In fact, because there are soooooo many Halloween goings on, from pumpkin patches to party/costume shopping to haunted houses, I've devoted an entire post to all of that good stuff!
Meanwhile, here's your sneak peek at what non-scary things lie waiting for you around the corner this weekend:

Friday
Chili on the Square @ Bartlett Square, 5th & Main St., 11am-1pm. Benefitting BlendedLove.Org,
for only $5 you get chili and live music, with a special appearance by Mrs. Oklahoma.  What better way to spend your Friday lunch hour?


Saturday
Pancake Breakfast & Fall Bike Show - From 9-11am, the Brookside Lion's Club will be serving up free pancakes & sausage, followed by the Bike Show, where you can enter your motorcycle to be eligible for $1500 in prizes and trophies! Celebrating 95 years of Harley in Oklahoma, the event will be held at the Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson at 4848 S. Peoria, Brookside.  I've gotta go to this, it's actually being held at the same time as Daytona's Biketoberfest.  Daytona Beach, (where I lived before I became a Tulsan!), is famous for quite a few things: spring break, the Indy 500 and NASCAR, not to mention the annual Bike Week in February, and Biketoberfest.  Even though I'm now out here in Tulsa, and no longer own my sweet Ninja, I have really great memories of both bike events (as well as Daytona), that I'll save for sharing in a future post.  Let me just say that there's nothing like driving down Main Street, with thousands of onlookers, party-goers and fellow bikers cheering you on!  It's like YOU are the Parade!!!  But I'll be there in spirit this weekend as I celebrate locally!    :)

The Sea of Orange takes Oklahoma by storm Saturday led by none other than OSU alumni Garth Brooks as he Grand Marshals, (along with outstanding ball players Barry Sanders and Robin Ventura), the OSU Homecoming parade.  Being from Bulls Country and alumni of USF myself, I know what a big deal these homecomings and the subsequent games usually are, and even though a lot of friends and people I know are OSU grads, shamefully I have not been to a Cowboy game yet!  I must find out what all this "Go Pokes!" is about!!  The parade will be held in Downtown Stillwater of course, at the corner of Main and 12th, starting at 2pm.  It will even be simulcast online!  Then OSU takes on Missouri starting at 8:15pm, which will not only be broadcast on ESPN2, but there are plenty of 'watch parties' going on all over as well; just check out the current issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly!
Hopefully the Cowboys will follow up the Sooners' earlier game win in Texas!!  I'm excited already!!!

Fall Wine Festival - Another wine fest this weekend, this one is at Roberdes Family Vineyards & Winery, 20505 E. 460 Road in Claremore.  Featuring wine from four local wineries, food & live music.  For more info call (918) 342-1038.  I did mention that today is Sweetest Day, didn't I?  ; )

Looks like Saturday is also going to the dogs!  (sorry, couldn't resist!)
Dogtoberfest - Sat., 11am-5pm, at the Village Vet Animal Clinic, 2026 W. Houston St., Broken Arrow.  There will be a pet costume contest, pet & owner look-alike contest, visit from Safari Joe's, and activities for the kids at this free event.
Paws in the Park - RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, 9am-noon. On the other end of town, there's going to be more pet costume contests, entertainment by Radio Disney, works of art, pet supplies and more, for this benefit for the Humane Society of Tulsa.
I'm an animal lover, but I currently have a cat...so I'm anxiously waiting for the feline events to come to town! In all fairness, we all know how much our Tulsa kitties want to participate in costume contests!  And how much would they love a "cat park"?!  (Although Woodward  is pretty nice, considering it's currently chock full of squirrels for the hunting!)  Sigh, in the meantime I suppose I can attempt to bring Mischief along to one of these events.  I don't even need to dress her up in a costume; I'm sure she'll turn plenty of (canine) heads!!  Hmm...on second thought, that might not be a good idea!  :D

For more ideas on stuff to do this weekend, see my special Halloween post!
Hope to see you around T-Town!  :)

Rain, Rain Go Away...Don't Spoil the Weekend for Tulsa!

Well, guys & gals, according to the weather forecast it's going to be rainy and getting colder as we head in to the weekend!  So get out your umbrellas and parkas, because there's lots to do, rain or shine!

Thursday:
Little Black Dress - is a having a special 1 year anniversary party starting at 6pm.
Rock the 918 -  A battle of six local bands featuring members of the health care field, and Tulsa's Young Professionals will be competing for People's Choice & Judge's Choice at Cain's, starting at 7pm. Proceeds benefit the United Way and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Oklahoma.  Tickets are $8, and fans can vote at the event for $2 per vote.
Also going on, the Rocky Horror Cast photo shoot (for the Oct. 29th cover of Urban Tulsa) and cast party at The Hunt Club.
Don't forget, this is the Fair's Final Weekend now through Sunday! The Blue Oyster Cult will be giving a free concert tonight (moved indoors because of the weather) starting at 8pm., plus get $3 off gate admission tonight with coupon from Tulsa World.  Be sure and catch the fair before it blows out of town on Monday!

Friday & Saturday:
3rd Annual Indie Emporium - at the VFW on Sixth St. Featuring over 40 of the hippest local craft vendors, make & take crafting stations, a fine arts gallery, workshops, demos, a fashion show of handmade clothing and accessories, music, food and more!  The Emporium will also be holding a canned food drive for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, as well as a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank. Tickets are only $8, and on Friday from 7-10 the first 50 guests will receive a free tote bag filled with "goodies"!

Saturday:
The first annual RiverRush - celebrating 35 years of the River Parks includes a 5k run, a 1km fun run, an activity expo showcasing all the recreation and entertainment River Parks has to offer (all starting at 7:30am), a gala dinner at 6pm on the lawn of Tulsa's historic Blair Estate, and closing the evening, a concert by Grammy award winner Joss Stone at 9pm!  (Due to the weather, all events except for the run have been moved to the BOK.)
Green Country Wine Festival - 10am-6pm, at Stone Bluff Cellars in Haskell. Admission is only $5, and wine tasting kits are $10 and include a commemorative glass, or individual tastes are $1.  The 10th annual festival will not only feature award-winning wine, wine tasting & winery tours, but also fabulous food, live music, arts & crafts vendors, and a children’s area!
2nd Annual Great Sand Springs Downhill Soap Box Derby Race - Downtown Sand Springs, starting at 9am.  Watch as over 100 gravity race cars compete down Main Street!  Kids' activities and a pumpkin patch, as well as a book fair at the high school will be there - best of all, everything is free!
Peace, Love and Chili - Blake Park, Fort Gibson Lake. A kids' fishing derby kicks off this free event at 7:30am, followed by 24 varieties of chili competing, with entertainment, music, food, and more!  Taster kits are only $5, which includes a burger and chips.
3rd Annual KiteFest will be held at 4295 S. Garnett, 11am-3pm.  The free event will be held rain or shine and includes a free kite for the first 500 kids, or you can fly your own! The Tulsa Windriders will be performing kite stunts and aerobatics, there will be radio controlled plane demos, kites and food available for purchase, music, and much more!  Did I mention all this was free?  What a great family event!
Top of the Hill Car & Craft Show - Chandler Park, 9am-4pm.  Featuring cars, crafts, a car parts swap meet, food, music and door prizes!

More art stuff this weekend:
Art on Main - Jenks, Saturday 10am-6pm.  Free event will feature over 100 artists showcasing a variety of mediums and Oklahoma wineries offering samples! Live music and a kids art area will also be on hand.
Free Second Saturday at the Philbrook - Saturday, 10:30am-4pm.  Free admission, and lots of stuff for the kids!
Sat & Sun: 4th Annual Cherokee Art Market - at the Hard Rock, free event features works on display and for sale by more than 150 Native American artists as well as a youth competition.
Speaking of art, last weekend Tulsa GlassBlowing held classes on creating your own glass pumpkin (they'll be doing it again Oct. 31st!).  This weekend, the Living Arts will hold a skeleton making workshop!  For only $20, you can build and paint your very own paper-mache skeleton for the Nov. 1st Day of the Dead Arts Festival!  To register call 918-585-1234.

And now two words:  Holiday Shopping!  Yes, it's that time of year again folks!  The countdown to Christmas is ON!  Only 76 days left, why not get a head start on finding some great xmas presents at these events:
Buddy LaFortune Community Center Fall Cleaning Rummage Sale - LaFortune Park, 8am-2pm.  You never know what you might find here, admission is free!
Junior League of Tulsa's Holiday Market - through Sunday, at the UMAC on South Mingo. More than 75 merchants from around the country will be there to satisfy your holiday shopping needs in just about every category! General admission is only $5 for the entire weekend!

Saturday and Sunday: 
WWII Warbird Weekend at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum:  Featuring fly-bys and aircraft on display.  On Sunday, there will be a Concert on the Lawn.  Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the Tulsa Praise Orchestra performing patriotic music while watching vintage aircraft take to the sunset sky!  Events are included with museum admission and are good both days.


Sunday:
Tulsa Photo Group Walk - 5-7pm, starting at 324 E. 1st St., Grab your camera and meet up with other local photographers, snap some sunset skyline pics downtown during this free group walk.  What a great way to end the weekend!!

Bundle up, stay dry, most of all, have a GREAT weekend and I'll see you around T-Town!!  :)

The Tulsa Weekend Recap!

Hope everyone had lots of fun this past weekend, there sure was plenty to do!!  From the Fair to Festivals, T-Town had it covered!

Here's what we ended up doing:

Friday evening we went to the Brady Arts District's First Friday Art Crawl.  Held on the first Friday of every month, this was our first time there.  Each of the stores on Brady had an "open house" exhibiting their works, and the artists were on hand to answer questions, and a few were even giving demonstrations and/or sketching!  I really liked the Glass Blowing Studio, and would love to take a class there in the near future!  After walking around and taking in all the art, we decided to stop in at Lola's (website is currently down) for a drink.  I had heard a lot about this place, and the thing that strikes you first is the hearse parked outside!  This is part of the "Dia de los Muertos" theme Lola has throughout the restaurant - it may sound morbid, but it's really iconic for celebration and good times.  I'm trying to think how best to describe the bar and restaurant, but only the words tres cool come to mind!  I was glad we went - I didn't really know anything about the Brady District, and in a future post I'll be compiling a list of different areas of Tulsa and downtown and the shops, bars, and restaurants in each!
After Lola's, we decided 'Dinner and a Movie' would be in order, so we headed over to Cheddar's to grab a bite. Even now, when I see the name, all I can think of is cheese!!  But what this restaurant is about is great food at great prices, and I don't mean cheese!  We usually get appetizers when we go out to eat, and tonight was no different.  Another great thing about this restaurant is it's location - a short hop across the parking lot from the movie theater!  And what movie did we go see?  Why Zombieland, of course!  A certain someone's latest "thing" has been 'zombie talk' (ie. "you know the zombies are coming right?", "we have to be prepared, the zombies will come up the back stairs and attack!!", yadda yadda yadda...!!!)  Now, I don't know if this is supposed to make me scared or what...but after seeing this movie, at least I'm more prepared by knowing some of the "rules"!!  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you NEED to see the movie!!  Because you never know when ZOMBIES will attack!!!  Remember Rule #1!!!  :)
Yes, I loved this movie!  Woody Harrelson was great!  And no, I did not lose any sleep or have zombie nightmares! 
In fact, I slept in Saturday, but got up and ready in time to make it to art festival #2, at Utica Square.  Despite trying to explore every nook and cranny, I doubt we saw all of the 90+ artists they had.  But I saw everything from paintings to clay bust sculpture demonstrations going on, and even managed to stop in a few shops and grab a bite at Pepper's Grill. 
Next up, the Halloween Castle in Muskogee!  I had gotten a free ticket good for this weekend, and had been looking forward to it since the Renaissance Fest they had in the spring!  I was not to be disappointed!  We got there shortly after they opened, and lines had already started to form!  For those who have never gone, they have 9 different attractions ranging from family friendly to 'not for the faint of heart' - you choose how scared you want to be!  Of course, we opted for the 2 scariest attractions:  Domus Horrificus and the Trail of Blood.  I tried to film being in each, but it was so dark you really couldn't make anything out.  I'm a haunted attraction veteran and fanatic, and I must say, the Castle definitely lives up to a frightfully good time!  There's something very realistic about the setting, especially being taken on a trailer through the forest and dropped off, left to umm, find your way back!  In the dark!  The indoor Domus Horrificus was excellent as well, especially the beginning (I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't gone yet, so I will say no more!)
In addition to the attractions, there were shops featuring costumes, candle making, your hand in wax; games of skill, ghost stories, fortune telling, and of course, food & drink.  A hauntingly good time, I highly recommend it.  I'll be posting an updated Halloween Guide soon!
Sunday we were going to try and go to the Brush Creek Bazaar and the Crosbie Heights Potluck Block Party, but we got tied up working on projects around the apartment, therefore getting a late afternoon start.  We did manage to go to the Great American Fleamarket over on Admiral.  I was feeling a little under the weather so we didn't stay long, and I would like to check out the 'Tulsa Saturday Flea' sometime as well.  I've been told these are "true fleamarkets" and they differ from the ones back east, like The Big Top in Tampa, or the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market.  I could shop for hours at those places, but they differ in that instead of being locals hawking their used goods (think 'one man's junk is another man's treasure), the Florida fleamarkets feature newer goods, produce, crafts, and often at "retail prices".  Neither are bad, just different and depends on what you're wanting.  A little known factoid about us is that we had a booth at the Daytona fleamarket a few years back!  (We sold kites & puzzles mainly) Just one of our many endeavors! 
In keeping with the unintended Mexican restaurant theme all weekend, we ended up at Mexicali's for a late lunch.  Not a bad way to end the afternoon before a quick stop at Reasor's for some groceries and then home to clean up and get ready for the work week!
Will probably be hitting the Fair this Thursday for Blue Oyster Cult, so until then, see you around T-Town!

Ringing in the first of October in Tulsa!

We had a great night out yesterday - first stop, our local Dinner Club, which we realized we hadn't been to in months! (due to the conflict with "Thirsty Thursdays" Drillers games!).  Usually held on Wednesdays or Thursdays at least once a month, there's always a food "theme" and then you bring food/drink based on that theme.  It's usually held at a member's house, and rotates.  With around 100 members currently, we haven't hosted it yet, mainly because we had been, until mid-summer, living in only 400 square feet, and I thought that maybe it just might be a tad cramped!  Now we're in an apartment twice the size, so there's more room...for parties!!!  :)
Anyway....tonight's theme was "Breakfast for Dinner" - there was everything from mimosas to waffles to, umm, cold pizza!! Always a fun time with the DCrs  :)
As the DC was held near the Fair, we surveyed that opening night expectedly was a little crowded, but everyone we saw was in great spirits.  We would have gone in, except we had a B52s concert we wanted to take in!
We didn't get there until a few minutes after the show started, but in time to hear some of their great hits: Love Shack, Rock Lobster, Private Idaho, Roam and some of their current stuff!  They looked and sounded great!! As I anticipated, the Mystic River Lounge was packed with fans, as well as the entire casino floor!  Fortunately they had TV screens showing the stage throughout the casino, allowing you to view the concert from your slot machine stool!
This was the first time I'd been in one of the area casinos since I moved to Tulsa, and while I didn't play, it was fun to walk around and take everything in, including the B-52s!  (I heard they dined at Lola's while they were here - awesome!!)  It had also been the first concert I'd been to in a long time!  So I definitely had a fun night!!!  I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other area casinos too, although I gotta say, I'm a little disappointed that the Hard Rock does not have a "Hard Rock Cafe", well as yet, anyway.  I hope they open one in the future, that was a favorite dining spot of mine in Orlando!

Fall is in the air, Tulsa!

So get out and enjoy this great, crisp, beautiful weather we've been having - there's plenty on tap to do!

Ongoing through Oct. 11th - The Fair - Still haven't made it out there yet, but judging on the stories already filtering in, this year's is one of the best yet!  Be sure and let me know in the comments how YOUR time out there was - rides you went on, food you ate, awesome exhibits you saw, etc.!  I can't wait to go!

Now through Sunday:  Brush Creek Bazaar - A complete outdoor festival for the whole family including artists, entertainment, stuff for the kids, crafts, food and more!!  Admission is only $5, with proceeds benefitting Brush Creek Youth Ranch.

Friday:  First Friday Art Crawl - 6-11pm tonight in the Brady District downtown; free.  Wind your way through everything from the Gypsy Coffee House to Lola's, and end the night at Club 209!!
Sci-Fi & Horror Weekend (Fri & Sat) - Held at the Tulsa Convention Center, hours Friday are 3pm-10pm; Saturday 10am-8pm, with an "after-party" running from 7:30-10:30pm. Admission is $20 for one day or $30 for both days.  Everything a sci-fi geek and/or horror fanatic could want under one roof!

Saturday:  40th Annual Zoo Run - starting at 8:15, there's everything from a family fun run to a 10K race; afterwards there will be entertainment and activities.  See the link for more info on registration.
Art in the Square- This free event at Utica Square runs 10am-5pm and features over 90 local artists displaying their masterpieces.

Sunday:  Crosbie Heights Community Farm Potluck and Music Festival - Bring out the family, even the dogs! to this free event, starting at 2pm.  Make your favorite covered dish to help celebrate the block party as you enjoy live music, a kids zone, and the kick off of the area's newest Farmers' Market!

And that's a wrap!  (well, for now, anyway!!)  More posts coming, see you around T-Town!!!  :)

Happy October 1st, Tulsa!

Holy Halloween, Batman!  It's October 1st already!  I still have last weekend's recap to post, but I wanted to get all of the goings on for tonight out to you, so without further adieu, here goes:

The State Fair:  For those of you who might have been asleep for the past month, the wonderful aroma of fair food & livestock is definitely in the air starting today!!  Opening night tonight is $1 gate admission & $1 rides with that special coupon from Ford dealers, or $5 gate admission without!!  Be prepared for crowds and traffic jams!!!

Free B-52s Concert:  At RiverSpirit Casino, concert starts at 9pm, AND they are opening their brand new 1300 space parking garage!!  Woo-hoo!!

(RT@TulsaUnitedWay):  Today's our chili cook-off! All you can eat chili/desserts for $7! 11:30-1:30 1430 S. Boulder.

Sam Adams Octoberfest & Margarita Party:  To be held tonight at TGI Friday's, 41st & Yale, starting at 7pm.


On my way out the door - see you around Tulsa tonight!  Tune in tomorrow for more Tulsa happenings & updates!!!