Sure the markets and restaurants we mentioned earlier are great, but if you really want to you can immerse yourself in various cultures, be sure to check out the many international festivals that go on throughout the year.
Our friends over at the Oklahoma Department of Tourism have a great resource for festivals statewide, but here are some special ones to note.
Grab Your Stein
Every year in early fall, the City of Choctaw and the Choctaw Chamber host Oktoberfest, a weeklong extravaganza featuring German food, beer, wine and dancing at Choctaw Creek Park on Harper Road. In the mix as an organizer also is Old Germany Restaurant in Choctaw. This year, come between Aug. 29 and Sept. 6 to sample some schnitzel, bratwurst and strudel, and enjoy live music throughout the week.
Go Greek
St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts a Greek Festival every year. The star of course is Greek food – traditional Greek-style dinners, gyros, kalamari, baked goods and other dishes, but you’re also going to see dancing and as well as traditional music and a marketplace. Follow plans for 2014 at the church’s website as they develop.
Ciao!
McAlester in southeast Oklahoma will host the annual Italian Festival from May 16 through 18 this year at the Southeast Expo Center and Fairgrounds. Organized by the McAlester Italian Festival Foundation, Inc., the festival includes shopping, food, entertainment, friendship and a celebration of the area’s Italian heritage.
Let’s Salsa!
In September, during Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Capitol Hill Main Street, or the Calle Dos Cinco Historic Main Street, organization hosts Fiestas de Las Americas, a multicultural celebration that includes a colorful parade, music and dance, arts and more.
Czech It Off Your Bucket List
And last, but certainly not least, are two festivals celebrating the state’s Czech heritage: the Oklahoma Czech Festival in Yukon and the Kolache Festival in Prague. For one more celebrating a variety of nationalities, travel outside the metro area to attend the International Festival in Lawton in southwest Oklahoma.
[Photos courtesy of Old Germany Restaurant, McAlester Italian Festival, Travel OK]
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