Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty
Through June 23, 2024
This original exhibition created at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) honors five decades of glass and works on paper and shares the comprehensive story of artist Dale Chihuly. You’ll see new works on loan from the Chihuly Studio in Seattle as well as visitor favorites from OKCMOA’s Chihuly collection, one of the world’s largest public collections of the artist’s glass. okcmoa.com, 405/236-3100
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
July 7–9, 14–16, 21–23
This annual outdoor theater event brings worldwide fans to De Smet, South Dakota, where the author once lived. During the day, explore historic sites related to Ingalls Wilder, and then at dusk, watch as a family drama honoring her life and writings unfolds on a prairie stage.desmetpageant.org, 800/880-3383
Stratford Peach Festival
July 15
Stratford, the self-proclaimed Peach Capital of Oklahoma, throws a peachy festival that’s ripe for fun. Pick up a bushel of fresh peaches from local orchards, and enjoy peach-inspired food and drinks along with a car show, live entertainment, street games and more. facebook.com/2022peachfestivalstratfordok
The Dam Jam Music Festival
July 21–22
Kansas’ biggest party on the lake gets a new venue in 2023: Lake Afton in South Goddard. Enjoy camping, a car show, food vendors and live music. Headliners are Elle King and Yelawolf, with performances from at least nine others, including LANCO, William Clark Green and Sometimes Y. thedamjam.com
100th Annual Gold Discovery Days Celebration
July 21–23
Honor the 1874 discovery of gold in South Dakota’s Black Hills with this three-day celebration throughout the town of Custer. Discover a carnival, a car show, an arts-and-crafts fair, a hot-air balloon rally, a parade, sports competitions and, of course, free gold panning. custersd.com/Gold-Discovery-Days, 605/673-2244
Dodge City Days
July 27–August 6
Kickin’ Up Luck is the theme of this year’s 10-day festival in western Kansas. Festivities include a parade, a cattle drive, a car show, a PRCA rodeo, an arts-and-crafts show, KidsFest and a headlining concert by Chris Young with guest Tenille Arts. dodgecitydays.org, 620/227-3119
5th Annual South Dakota Chislic Festival
July 29
Celebrate the official state nosh at this free daylong, family-friendly party in Freeman. Dine on grilled or fried cubes of meat regarded as a regional specialty, or venture to other food booths at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum, which is transformed into a county fair-like atmosphere. sdchislicfestival.com, 605/496-9946
Greenwood Film Festival
August 2–6
This film festival happening near and around Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood Avenue—known historically as Black Wall Street—is celebrating its third year. Last year, the festival screened 20 films by local and international Black filmmakers showing different perspectives across the Black experience. Look for compelling films as well as workshops for film lovers and filmmakers again this year. greenwoodfilmfestival.com, 323/736-2470
Smoky Valley Classic Car Show
August 5
Shade-filled Swensson Park in Lindsborg, Kansas, known for its Swedish heritage, attracts throngs of auto enthusiasts for its car show featuring more than 100 classic automobiles. The park is just two blocks from the shops, restaurants and art galleries in the historic downtown. visitlindsborg.com, 888/227-2227
FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival
August 11–12
Bring lawn chairs and blankets or your RV to take in the free Fireflight Balloon Fest in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In addition to watching balloon launches and a balloon glow at dusk, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, vendor booths and fireworks from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. You can purchase a wristband for kids activities as well as tethered or commercial balloon rides from any of the 20 balloons on display. firelakeballoonfest.com, 405/275-3121
