Oklahoma
From OKC Thunder basketball to Blake Shelton in concert, 20+ Oklahoma New Year’s events
Gwen Stefani appeared at husband Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma City concert
Gwen Stefani appeared at husband Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma City concert March 17 at Paycom Center
Brandy McDonnell, Oklahoman
It’s almost time to bid farewell to 2023 and greet 2024.
New Year’s Eve in downtown Oklahoma City seems sure to be less festive since Arts Council OKC opted this year to discontinue its long-running Opening Night celebration. There doesn’t seem to be anything that will take the place of the family-friendly performing arts showcase and midnight fireworks display.
Still, celebrants can find plenty of fun options across Oklahoma for ringing in the new year, including the OKC Thunder’s annual Dec. 31 home game, the Oklahoma City run of “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” and First Day Hikes in more than 20 state parks dotting the Sooner State. Plus, many music venues across the state will host NYE shows featuring touring or homegrown acts.
Here are 20+ New Year’s events across Oklahoma where you can celebrate the end of 2023 and the start of 2024:
‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’
When: Dec. 26-31.
Where: Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker.
Information: https://www.okcbroadway.com/tina.
OKC Broadway will close out 2023 with the stage biopic of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, who died in March at age 83. Featuring her most beloved hits, the musical shares the inspiring journey of the Nutbush, Tennessee, native who broke barriers to become a Grammy Award-winning icon and one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. The show is recommended for people ages 14 and older.
OKiCON, Norman
When: Dec. 29-31.
Where: Embassy Suites Norman, 2501 Conference Dr.
Information: https://www.okicon.org.
Say sayōnara to 2023 at an anime convention with special guests, panels, cosplay and more.
Damon Wayans Jr.
When: Dec. 29-31.
Where: Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E California.
Information: https://www.bricktowncomedy.com.
The actor and comic will perform two stand-up shows a night during his OKC run.
Circle Cinema’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ New Year’s screenings, Tulsa
When: Dec. 29-31.
Where: Circle Cinema, 10 S Lewis Ave., Tulsa.
Information: https://www.circlecinema.org.
The Tulsa nonprofit theater’s tradition continues, hosted by local drag performers. Attendees are urged to come in costume, buy $5 prop bags and participate in the interactive cinematic experience. The pre-film party begins at 9 p.m., and the 1975 cult-classic movie plays at 10 p.m.
Noon Year’s Eve Eve at OKC Museum of Art
When: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 30.
Where: Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive.
Information: https://www.okcmoa.com/events.
With museum admission, adults and children can participate in scavenger hunts and sketching activities in the galleries, create a crown and partake in punch, cookies and a balloon drop at noon in the lobby. Children 17 and younger always receive free admission to the museum.
Oklahoma Opry New Year’s Eve Eve
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 30.
Where: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
Information: https://www.ohfo.org/tickets.
Oklahoma singing ventriloquist and “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynne will headline the Oklahoma Opry’s fundraising concert and auction, which will include homegrown performers Kaitlin Butts, Lucas Ross and Jason Young.
Also at the event, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson will present the Wanda Jackson Trailblazer Award to country singer and Ameripolitan Music Award winner Leona Williams.
The Oklahoma Opry in October launched its $10 million Brick by Brick Capital Campaign so it can convert the 114-year-old warehouse at 19 E California Ave. into its new music hall and school.
OKC Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Paycom Center, 100 W Reno.
Information: https://www.nba.com/thunder/schedule.
The Thunder will play their 16th consecutive New Year’s Eve game in front of a home crowd in downtown Oklahoma City.
Uptown Get Down
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23.
Information: https://towertheatreokc.com.
The high-energy lineup for this psychedelic 21-and-older NYE celebration will include Thunder Jackson, stepmom, and Blue Morrison. Tape will be the event’s host, Nia Moné will lead the midnight toast, and the disco after-party will continue until 2 a.m.
Upstairs at Ponyboy, Gold Lincoln and Friends will keep the party going all night long.
WinStar New Year’s Eve with Blake Shelton, Thackerville
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Lucas Oil Live, WinStar World Casino and Resort, 777 Casino Ave, Thackerville.
Information: https://www.winstar.com/events.
The Tishomingo-based country music superstar will ring in 2024 with a performance at WinStar’s state-of-the-art, 6,500-seat arena that opened to audiences in October.
The “Neon Light” hitmaker will cap the casino’s four-day, four-show, end-of-year showcase, which also includes concerts by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s Lynyrd Skynyrd on Dec. 28, comedian Ron White on Dec. 29 and country band Midland on Dec. 30.
Ole Red Two-Steppin’ New Year’s Eve, Tishomingo
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Ole Red Tishomingo, 214 W Main St., Tishomingo.
Information: https://olered.com/tishomingo.
Shelton’s hometown restaurant, bar and venue is offering ticketholders a chance to dance to the end of 2023, with two-stepping, performances by Emily Rhyne & Oklahoma Legacy and pop and dance music from 95.7-KKAJ DJ Mike Elroy.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m., attendees will be served a scratch-made dinner including a dinner salad, Ole Red’s famous Honey Bee Chicken, cheddar smashed potatoes, coleslaw, rolls and a slice of cheesecake. The music starts at 9 p.m.
Riverwind Casino New Year’s Eve with Midland, Norman
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino, 1544 State Highway 9, Norman.
Information: https://www.riverwind.com/entertain/showplace-theatre.
After performing at WinStar on Dec. 30, the Grammy-nominated country band from Dripping Springs, Texas, will play a NYE concert at another Chickasaw Nation-owned casino.
Haus Lab NYE 2024
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW 2.
Information: https://beercitymusichall.com.
The event will feature house music all night long into the New Year. The lineup for the 21-and-older show includes Sydney Lee, Ric Float, GEM and Fayze.
Mike Hosty’s New Year’s Eve Show, Norman
When: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: The Deli, 309 White St., Norman.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/michaelhosty.
The beloved Oklahoma one-man band will play his usual Sunday night show at The Deli, a 21-and-older, nonsmoking bar on Campus Corner, serving up his original songs and free Pizza Shuttle slices.
New Year’s Eve at The Jones with My So Called Band
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: The Jones Assembly, 901 W Sheridan Ave.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/TheJonesOKC/events.
Partygoers can dance the night away to the popular Oklahoma tribute bands covers of 1990s and early 2000s favorites. Bump Worldwide is also on the lineup for the 21-and-older event. Celebrants can buy food from the patio walk-up window and partake in a midnight Champagne toast.
Adèle Wolf’s New Year’s Follies
When: 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Civic Center Music Hall’s Little Theatre, 201 N Walker.
Information: https://www.adelewolf.com.
The internationally renowned Oklahoma performer and producer will ring in 2024 with her annual world-class, Las Vegas-style revue. Champagne will be available for a midnight toast. The show is recommended for people ages 18 and older.
Bluebonnet Bar NYE with Jared Deck, Norman
When: 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Bluebonnet Bar, 321 E Main, Norman.
Information: https://www.bluebonnetbar.com.
The Americana singer-songwriter will play a hometown show with no cover for music fans ages 21 and older.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza featuring Branjae, Tulsa
When: 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: LowDown, 108 N Detroit Ave., Tulsa.
Information: https://www.lowdowntulsa.com.
The Tulsa soul singer and her talented band will help music lovers ring in 2024 at a 21-and-older event that features dancing, a charcuterie grazing table, dessert table, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight.
Opolis New Year’s Eve 2024, Norman
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Opolis, 113 N Crawford Ave., Norman.
Information: http://opolis.org.
The Wednesday Band, Olympus Mons and Cowboy Jr. will play an all-ages NYE show at the Norman micro venue.
Jason Boland & The Stragglers Return for New Year’s Eve, Weatherford
When: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: JC Cowboys Event Center and Concert Hall, 23894 S Frontage Road, Weatherford.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/jccowboyseventcenter/events.
The popular Oklahoma-Texas Red Dirt band will perform in concert for fans 18 and older. Edmond country singer-songwriter Kyle Rainer will kick off the show, and the venue will open at 4 p.m. so attendees can get appetizers or dinner from the onsite steakhouse.
Hard Rock Tulsa’s 2024 Release Party with Bret Michaels
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, off Interstate 44 at exit 240.
Information: www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
The doors open at Hard Rock Live with “All the Cool Kids Presents: DJ Lux with Jeffrey James” performing with DJ 2Legit on the turntables. At 11:30 p.m., Poison frontman Bret Michaels takes the stage for a special performance and countdown to the 16,000-balloon drop at midnight inside the venue.
The event is free and open to the public, but guests must be 21 or older to attend.
The casino-resort will feature live music across seven stages on Dec. 31, starting at noon with DJ Queen Jesseen in the Grand Lobby.
First Day Hikes at Oklahoma State Parks
When: Various times on Jan. 1.
Where: State parks across Oklahoma.
Information: https://www.travelok.com/articles/first-day-hikes-at-oklahoma-state-parks.
More than 20 state parks across Oklahoma are participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative, which takes place in all 50 states and encourages individuals and families to stay active with a hike outdoors.
From the Osage Hills to Lake Texoma, people are encouraged to dress warmly, put on sturdy shoes, explore the diverse natural wonders of Oklahoma’s state parks — and, hopefully, start on the path to a healthy habit.
Scissortail Park’s First Day Walk
When: 11 a.m. Jan. 1.
Where: Scissortail Park Love’s Travel Stops Stage, 415 S Robinson.
Information: https://scissortailpark.org/events/first-day-walk-2024.
Start off the New Year with a walk in the park, presented by the Greater Oklahoma City Parks and Trails Foundation. The public is invited to congregate with their dogs, their children, their family and friends at the northeast corner of the downtown OKC green space on Oklahoma City Boulevard between Hudson and Robinson for a walk around the park.
Cain’s Ballroom’s Hangover Ball, Tulsa
When: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 1.
Where: Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main, Tulsa.
Information: https://www.cainsballroom.com.
The legendary Tulsa venue continues its tradition of starting the New Year with a strong dose of Red Dirt, Texas country and Americana music. This year’s lineup includes Cody Canada, Robert Earl Keen, BJ Barham, Mike McClure, Jamie Lin Wilson, John Fullbright, Elle Gorman, Elysha Lemaster, Dierks Canada, Stella Hales and Wyatt Wilson.
WACO, Texas (KXXV) — To say the least, it has been a memorable four games for Baylor football so far this season.
A walk off field goal by Arizona State at McLane Stadium brings the Bears to 2-2 for the season and now they are heading to Stillwater looking to bounce back against Oklahoma State.
Watch the full story here:
Baylor looks to bounce back in road game against Oklahoma State
“Saturday’s game was a tough one,” head coach Dave Aranda said. “But, I think the message there is that hey, you can prepare, you can practice, you can do all of the things — that doesn’t mean you’re gonna win. There’s still more things that you gotta do.”
“There’s no participation trophy for preparing right and staying late and doing the extra all these details matter and so we’re really focused on that,” he added.
The Bears enter Stillwater following the firing of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy after 21 years on the job. While the Cowboys are reeling, the Bears understand that they still have a talented roster.
“They play hard, you know. They get after the ball, their record doesn’t reflect the kind of team they are. They got a lot of talent and they’re gonna be ready to play,” safety Devyn Bobby said.
“Same thing we always talk about — respect all, fear none. We take that into every week, you know they’re still a great program. They have great coaching staff, great athletes on the field, so we gotta be prepared and ready for them,” wide receiver Kobe Prentice said.
After the Arizona State game, head coach Aranda spoke about complimentary football. While the defense had a great game last week, the offense struggled — and they are looking to find that balance.
“Obviously we didn’t get the win, so we got to get better so you know a lot of people might say we had a great game but we didn’t get to win — we could have had more stops, had more turnovers, but you know we’re still having to attack everyday mindset and we’re trying to get better,” Bobby said.
“The higher level than all of that is the team is that you know if one side’s down the other side picks it up. We need to be able to have that, you know, when we’ve played at the level that we need to play, we play that way and so we’re going to continue to aim for it,” Aranda said.
Baylor vs Oklahoma State is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. this Saturday.
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Mike Gundy thinks Oklahoma State football woes are ‘fixable’ this season
Mike Gundy says he has no desire to stop coaching the Oklahoma State football program amid the Cowboys’ 11-game losing streak against FBS competition.
Oklahoma State football has fired head coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons, the program announced on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Gundy, previously the second-longest tenured head coach with one program in college football, led the Cowboys to a 1-2 start this season, including a 19-12 loss to in-state foe Tulsa on Sept. 19, which was OSU’s first at home to Tulsa since 1951. Oklahoma State also lost to Oregon 69-3 in Week 2.
“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership,” OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said in the announcement. “I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”
Oklahoma State is amid its longest losing streak to Power Four teams in program history, having lost 11 straight against such teams. The Cowboys went 3-9 last season and were winless in Big 12 play. Gundy leaves the program with a 170-90 career record and has the school’s winningest coach of all time. He has 108 more wins than Pat Jones, who ranks second in program history with 62 wins.
Gundy is owed a $15 million buyout from the school due to be fired prior to Dec. 31, 2027, according to his contract obtained by the USA TODAY Network.
Gundy said after the Tulsa loss that he had no interest in 2025 being his final season with the program, and was swarmed with questions about his future with the school.
“In 21 years it’s a different position than I’ve been in,” Gundy said. “As I say every week, my job is to evaluate the overall program, players, the systems … And then I have to make a decision on where we’re at based on what we have. That’s what I do. We’ve certainly been in a different situation a lot of years in a row, but currently we’re not in that situation.”
The 58-year-old coach helped build Oklahoma State into a perennial Big 12 title contender after taking over for Les Miles in 2005. He nearly led the Cowboys to the national championship in 2011, and was Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2010, 2021 and 2023.
The fall from grace was fast for the program, as the Cowboys earned a spot in the Big 12 championship in 2023, and also beat archrival Oklahoma in the final Bedlam for the foreseeable future.
Gundy, a former Oklahoma State quarterback and Midwest City, Oklahoma, native, has only coached four seasons at other schools in his career, serving as passing-game coordinator at Baylor in 1996 and receivers coach at Maryland from 1997-99. He was an assistant at Oklahoma State from 1990-95, and again from 2001-04.
Oklahoma State will turn to a new coach for the first time in over 20 years for the 2026 season, and they’ll look to lead the program back to the heights of Gundy’s prime in Stillwater.
The Big 12 is still having a rough time in the national landscape.
Over the weekend, the Big 12 had some interesting matchups as it secured an unbeaten record in nonconference games. While a couple of matchups between Big 12 teams on Friday kept the conference from having a perfect record, the 12 teams in action combined for a 10-2 mark, which is the best they could have achieved in Week 3.
However, that didn’t mean a whole lot for the Big 12 in the AP poll, which dropped on Sunday. The conference had only three teams in the top 25, with No. 12 Iowa State, No. 16 Utah and No. 17 Texas Tech representing the Big 12.
In terms of how bad that is for the Big 12, the conference’s most recent departures in Texas and Oklahoma came in at Nos. 8 and 11, respectively. Meanwhile, the other three power conferences have at least one team in the top four and multiple teams in the top seven.
Of course, the AP poll is only good for discussions, as evidenced by winless Notre Dame’s inclusion, with the independent program riding the coattails of last season’s runner-up performance. The real rankings won’t come until the final weeks of the year, with the College Football Playoff’s top 25 ultimately being all that matters in the end.
To put it simply, the AP poll is unlikely to have any impact on OSU this season. The Cowboys’ loss at Oregon will keep them from receiving a single vote for quite some time, even if they could somehow put together a sizeable winning streak starting with the Tulsa matchup.
Of course, if the Cowboys could find a way to put together any sort of streak, perhaps in a similar fashion to 2023’s winning streak, they might be able to break through anyway, given the Big 12’s status nationally. Sure, the Cowboys won’t be any sort of contender at the national level any time soon, but a 5-1 start would probably be good enough to get them into the polls and the Big 12 title conversation.
In terms of the long-term future, the Pokes might not even be saved by any type of resurgence. Considering the Big 12 is easily the laughing stock of the Power Four, it needs a program to essentially save it from becoming irrelevant in the national landscape.
With OSU being the laughing stock of the Big 12, there’s no reason to expect the Cowboys to be the saviors the conference desperately needs.
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