The Gazette's Halloween Parade rolls through downtown OKC

The Oklahoma Gazette’s Halloween Parade lurches onto the scene once again with its macabre celebration of artistry and creativity in Midtown and Downtown Oklahoma City on Saturday, Oct 27.

Gazette’s Halloween Parade began as the Gazette’s Ghouls Gone Wild Parade in 2007 with almost 20,000 spectators and 64 entries. Last year, the parade boasted attendance of more than 60,000 with almost 100 entries and more than 2000 participants and 200+ volunteers! Gazette’s Halloween Parade has been recognized by Creative Oklahoma, Inc. as a “Great Inspiration” in recognition of its endeavors that set an example to stimulate creative thought and action in Oklahoma. 

For more information about the parade or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit okgazetteparade.com.

Broadway/TV star joins Canterbury Choir on stage

Canterbury's Broadway to Bricktown Concert will premiere on Saturday, Oct. 27, with 2012 Tony Award nominee and three-time Emmy winner Ron Raines.

Raines, an Oklahoma City University alumnus, is returning to Oklahoma specifically to perform with Canterbury and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Known for his role as Alan Spaulding on the soap opera Guiding Light, Mr. Raines has made a rich career in musical theatre. He has had leading roles on the stage including Showboat, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, Man of La Mancha and has also been featured in multiple roles at the New York City Opera. Beginning Oct. 8, Ron will play the part of Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies, which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score/Choreography in 2012.

Canterbury's Broadway to Bricktown Concert is performed at the Civic Center Music Hall on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. This evening for musical theatre lovers will be for one night only so make sure you get your tickets today at 405-232-SING. 

It's giveaway time! For your chance to win tickets to Broadway to Bricktown, complete this online Canterbury Choral Society giveaway survey. Good luck!

Meet your new best friend on 9th street this Saturday

OK Humane is bringing Woofness on Wheels to downtown OKC. Woofness on Wheels is a "Pawgressive Pet Adoption Tour" with a total of 5 stops across the Oklahoma City Metro Area with a mission to find loving homes for over 200 dogs and cats in only 2 days.

Join us for the Woofness 9th Street Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. - midnight for a celebration of “man’s best friend!” This dog-friendly festival will feature vendors for you and your pets, fire breathers, entertainment, and food from great local restaurants. The Woofness Adoption Caravan will be rolling in around 5 p.m. and will stay open until 10 p.m.  Don’t forget: it’s ONLY $25 to adopt your new best friend!

Follow OK Humane on Facebook or on Twitter (@OKhumane) for all of the latest updates. Please help spread the word and save lives by sharing this event with your friends.

The Downtown Dogs playgroup kicks off tonight

Urban Neighbors, downtown OKC's neighborhood association, invites all downtown dogs (and their humans) to join “Downtown Dogs!” On the first and third Thursday of every month, Urban Neighbors will gather at the Myriad Gardens Dog Park for a yappy hour right after work.

From 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., let your dog play while you meet your neighbors and learn about downtown’s neighborhood association.

...Just a reminder, if you plan on walking to the park, don’t forget to pick up after your pet!

OKC Ballet presents Director's Choice this weekend

Oklahoma City Ballet takes over the Civic Center stage this Saturday and Sunday, with the season premiere triple bill “Director’s Choice”. This is a great way to enjoy a night (or afternoon) of dance, with one ticket allowing you to see three amazing – and very different – performances: 

Anthony Tudor's Lilac Garden
Set in the gracious, Edwardian era, this traditional ballet tells the story of a young woman betrothed to a man she does not want to marry, which mirrors the society in which power and position are uppermost.

Nicolo Fonte's Left Unsaid
This contemporary piece has been hailed as "inventive, creating expressive original shapes built on an undercurrent of implicit human relationships". The choreography showcases unique movement language, and highly developed fusion of ideas, dance and design.

Margo Sappington's Cobras in the Moonlight
Fusing tango and ballet, and set to the driving rhythms of Astor Piazzolla, Margo Sappington's Cobras in the Moonlight is an exciting, sultry piece of choreography.

Two Performances:
- Saturday, Oct. 20, 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 21, 2:00 p.m.

Fun family events before and after the production. For more information, visit okcballet.com.

It's giveaway time!  Complete this online Director's Choice giveaway survey for your chance to win a pair of tickets to this weekend's performance:

Whose life are you running for?

Participate in the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure and show everyone whose life you are running for. Komen OKC Race for the Cure is happening this Saturday, Oct. 27  at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Expo opens at 7 a.m. and all funds promote local and national research, education, screening and treatment programs. 

Get more information and register online at komencentralwesternok.org.

Show your team spirit - support a good cause

Each Friday during the month of October, the Komen Central and Western Oklahoma Affiliate hold a pep rally supporting 4 of our local teams. During the pep rally, attendees will get free popcorn, cotton candy, and other fun food. Attendees will also be eligible to participate in Komen trivia to earn discounts on their 2012 OKC Race Registration.

Race participation types include Bronchos, Sooners, Cowboys and Thunder Up for the Cure – those registering for these events will receive an additional t-shirt featuring a limited edition design featuring their favorite team. There are two more weeks to join in the fun:

• Cowboys for the Cure Pep Rally – Friday, Oct. 19
• Thunder Up for the Cure Pep Rally – Friday, Oct. 26

It's all happening at the Downtown OKC, Komen Office, located at 115 Park Avenue. See you there!

OKC Barons kick off their season this weekend

The Barons' season opener kicks off tomorrow! To celebrate their opening weekend, they're hosting a pregame party on Saturday, Oct. 20. These pregame parties are a new element for fans to enjoy prior to each Saturday night game. In addition to having the chance to win a vehicle, fans can enjoy a Barons-themed pregame experience outside in the south plaza of the Cox Convention Center.

Starting at 4:45 p.m. each Saturday, Barons fans can play floor hockey in the Barons Floor Hockey Caravan setup, enjoy live music from a band associated with the ACM at U.C.O and $2 drafts of Budweiser. The band playing at the Barons game this Saturday is Peach.

Attending the Barons Fan Fest could prove fruitful for one fan per Saturday. Barons fans wearing Barons regalia to the pre-party will have the opportunity to earn tickets to that night’s game and become an automatic finalist for the Drive Away Each Saturday contest. Each Saturday home game, one Barons fan wins a brand new car. On Saturday, October 20, the lucky winner drives away in a GMC Sierra pickup truck.

A variety of ticket packages are available to meet every individual or group need. Multiple-game packs, Flex Packs and Full Season Seat options are available. Call the Barons’ front office at 405-232-4625 for information on group outings, season seats and other ticket packages. For more info, visit okcbarons.com.

OKC Philharmonic hosts Monster Mash for kids of all ages

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic's Discovery series for kids includes 3 entertaining performances. the first event of the series provides guests with an afternoon of costumes, Halloween theme music and treats for kids of all ages. The concert features "Danse Macabre," "Sorcerer's Apprentice" and more!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 28. for more information about Monster Mash and the Discovery series, or to order tickets online, visit okcphilharmonic.org.

Notre Dame/Oklahoma Pep Rally and Concert

On Friday Oct. 26, the Notre Dame Club of Oklahoma City will host a Pep Rally/Concert on the Myriad Gardens Great Lawn starting at 8:00 p.m.

The Notre Dame Marching Band will be present and perform a concert. Also scheduled to speak are Dolly Duffy (ND Alumni Association Director), and Jason Beckstrom (football player from the 1999 team that was the last to play OU).

This event is free and no reservations are required – all football fans, ND and OU alike, are invited!

OKC Downtown College highlights college programs for adults

Are you, or someone you know, interested in completing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or MBA?  If so, don’t miss the next free “Tuesday Topics” lunchtime seminar from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the OKC Downtown College.

As a working adult you can choose to participate in one of many programs that can fit your busy schedule. Learn about the Reach Higher program (Oklahoma’s degree completion program designed for working adults) and get your questions answered by representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and five colleges and universities at the seminar!

A complimentary box lunch will be provided. Call 405.232.3382 or email info@downtowncollege.com to reserve your place before noon on Oct. 29. 

Tuesday Topics is brought to you by these sponsors: The OKC Downtown College, Allegiance Credit Union, Norick Downtown Library, and Downtown OKC, Inc.

Midtown Renaissance hosts Halloween parade watch party

The Midtown Renaissance is hosting Black Cat on a Hot 10 Roof on Saturday, Oct. 27 on the rooftop of Packard's New American Kitchen (201 N.W. 10th). This gathering offers the best view of the Gazette's Halloween Parade along with a costume contest with cash prizes, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and live entertainment. 

Tickets are $30 and you can get them by calling 405.605.3771.

Got opinions? Share 'em!

Many believe vibrant cultural opportunity not only nourishes the creative spirit in all of us, but connects us to each other and makes our community a better place. The Arts Council of Oklahoma City and Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs are working on a project that brings arts out into the community and they want to know what you think about our community's arts and cultural offerings.

Please take a few minutes to complete this online survey to share your opinions. All responses will be strictly confidential. Email addresses will not be added to any other lists or shared with anyone - not even the survey sponsor.  Everyone who responds before October 26 will be entered into a drawing for a gift card, so don't delay! 

Upcoming meeting keeps downtowners in the know

Join the City of Oklahoma City and Hargreaves Associates for the second of three MAPS 3 downtown Park community meetings. Conceptual plans will be presented based on input from the first meeting.

It's happening on Thursday, Oct. 25, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave. - 4th floor auditorium).

Downtown Library seeks local authors to perform short stories

Pages OKC, a new arts organization in Oklahoma City is looking for short stories written by Oklahoma authors or stories about Oklahoma for a series entitled 'Sooner Stories'. The performances will be held at the Ronald J. Norick Library the last Tuesday of the month from October to May. The performances begin at 7:30pm.

Authors wishing to submit work may submit two ways: either through the Pages OKC website, or they can mail submissions to PAGES OKC, Sooner Stories, Post Office Box 772, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

Anyone wishing to attend the first two performances on October 30 and November 27 can do so by contacting Pages OKC through the info request pagesokc.org.  Tickets are free, however, reservations are required.

Chris Waddell to visit Boathouse District On OKC Tour

Chris Waddell, the most decorated male skier in Paralympic history, will be at the Devon Boathouse to share his inspirational program on Thursday, Oct. 18. The night will begin with an informal reception at 5 p.m., followed by Waddell’s program at 6 p.m. The reception and program are open to the public but seating is limited and reservations are required.

Waddell has won 12 medals in a span of four Paralympic Games. He spent 11 years on the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and is one of few athletes who have medaled in the summer and winter games. In 2009, Waddell became the first paraplegic to reach the summit, unassisted, of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Reservations can be made by emailing okcbf@okcbf.org. The Devon Boathouse is located in the Boathouse District at S.E. 6th St. and Lincoln Boulevard.

Bricktown Haunted Warehouse returns for another season

The 27th annual Bricktown Haunted Warehouse presented by Dr. Pepper will be held at the Coca Cola Bricktown Event Center (425 E. California) - the former site of the Oklahoma Casket Co. This haunted house features over 20,000 square feet of thrills, with surprises around every corner. 

For dates, hours and ticket information, visit bricktownokc.com.

Other downtown news

Revised plans for Kevin Durant restaurant in Oklahoma City's Lower Bricktown are set for review
The Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority on Wednesday will be asked to approve revised renderings for what will be a restaurant in Lower Bricktown affiliated with Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant.

Construction begins on $36 million apartments in Oklahoma City's MidTown
The site of the $36 million, 250-unit Edge apartments, at NW 13 and Walker Avenue, was long home to the blighted remains of Mercy Hospital until it was acquired and cleared by Oklahoma City in 1998.

Native Roots grocery prepares to open in Oklahoma City's Deep Deuce area
The owners of Native Roots initially planned to keep their Norman store open, but they changed course as they confronted the increased competition from other stores.

Other downtown events

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, various locations, ongoing

American Moderns, 1910–1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell, OKCMOA, ongoing

Oct. 18 - 6 Degrees of Bacon, 1115 N. Harvey

Oct. 18 - Orchids in October, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 18 - Downtown Dogs, Myriad Gardens Dog Park, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 18-19 - Paranormal Explorer Series: Sixth Sense, Downtown Library

Oct. 19 - Broadway Ball benefitting Lyric Theatre

Oct. 19-21 - OKC Barons season opening weekend

Oct. 20 - Woofness on Wheels, 9th Street (Automobile Alley)

Oct. 20 - Speed Dating, Ages 56+, Downtown Library

Oct. 20 - Creepy Conservatory, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 20 - Master Pumpkin Carving Workshop, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 20 - Composting at Home: Rotten Luck!, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 20-21 - OKC Ballet's Director's Choice, Civic Center

Oct. 21 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Denver, Chesapeake Arena

Oct. 21 - Make-A-Scarecrow Sunday, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 24 - Movie Night, Downtown Library

Oct. 26 - Paranormal Explorer Series: Sixth Sense, Downtown Library

Oct. 27 - Gazette's Halloween Parade

Oct. 27 - Broadway to Bricktown, Civic Center

Oct. 27 - Oct. 27 - Haunt the River

Oct. 27 - Pumpkinville Halloween Party, presented by OG&E, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 29 - Silver Linings Playbook screening (create an account and get passes here)

Oct. 31, Movie Night, Downtown Library

Oct. 27- Canterbury Choral Society opening concert, Civic Center Music Hall

Nov. 1 - Downtown Dogs, Myriad Gardens Dog Park, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Portland, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 2-3 - All Soul's Day Celebration, Wings of Desire

Nov. 2-3 - Camp on the Catwalk, Myriad Gardens

Nov. 3 - All About Pies, Myriad Gardens

Nov. 4 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Atlanta, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 6 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Toronto, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 8 - Brown Bag Lunch Speak Series: Wreath Making, Myriad Gardens

Project180 Update

Don't frown at the construction downtown... let us show you how to get around!

Visit the Project180 website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Be informed and prepared for traffic changes downtown by joining the Project180 mailing list

Get the Project180 weekly map here

Check out the Downtown Traffic Advisory updates. This list provides a summary of downtown streets expected to be under construction for the next few weeks.

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Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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