Take your family and an empty stomach to these 4 fun, foodie-friendly, metro-area events

JaNae Williams, The Oklahoman
·4 min read
People enjoy food during the 2022 Asian Night Market Festival featuring food, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show and more at Military Park in Oklahoma City.
People enjoy food during the 2022 Asian Night Market Festival featuring food, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show and more at Military Park in Oklahoma City.

If you're looking for a way to fill your weekend schedule and your stomach, then the Oklahoma City metro area has you covered. With Oklahoma City set to come alive Friday-Sunday with free events for the whole family to delight your palate and offer a feast for all of your senses, there's no reason to stay home and miss the fun.

Here are four free can't-miss events for the weekend that will all bring the flavor right to you.

1. Gourmet Gallery 22nd Anniversary and Annual Made In Oklahoma Tasting Event

Gourmet Gallery, 3325 S Boulevard, Suite 107 in Edmond, has been bringing the best in Oklahoma-based and beyond products for custom gift baskets and more to savvy shoppers for over two decades. The in-store selection includes a wide selection of snacks, sauces, drinks, specialty foods and so much more.

Gourmet Gallery's 22nd Anniversary Celebration will coincide with its annual Made In Oklahoma tasting event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with chances for guests to try products, obtain recipes and more from some of the shop's best and most beloved Oklahoma businesses.

Vendors set to be on site at the event and providing samples include Butcher BBQ, Trader Dave’s Gourmet Treats, Cutters Cross Specialty Products, Pepper Creek Farms, Rick’s Chocolates, Prairie Gypsies, Mrs. Chadwick’s Bakery, Bedre Chocolate, Cajun Cowboy and Scott Farms.

Guests also will be able to take advantage of a 20% off storewide discount during the event.

A crowd fills the street by food vendors during the 2022 Asian Night Market Festival featuring food, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show and more at Military Park in Oklahoma City.
A crowd fills the street by food vendors during the 2022 Asian Night Market Festival featuring food, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show and more at Military Park in Oklahoma City.

2. Asian Night Market Festival

The Asian District Cultural Association's annual Asian Night Market Festival is set to take place over the course of two days at Military Park. The event brings together vendors, performers, artisans and more for festivities ranging from a food-eating contest to a fashion show.

More: OKC's Asian District Night Market Festival now 2 days of food, celebration: What to know

Set to take place during the festival this year are the grand opening of the much anticipated Bun Box, 2600 N Classen Blvd., from Jenny Nguyen, whose family are the proprietors of citywide favorite Lee's Sandwiches; and Chefs Fest 2023 hosted by Super Cao Nguyen, 2668 N Military Ave.

Bun Box is the new noodle concept from Nguyen set to open at 7 p.m. Friday. Acclaimed chef Danny Bowien will once again come offer support to fellow culinarians from his hometown by providing his skills for the opening to bring two special dishes to Bun Box.

On Saturday, Chefs Fest 2023 will bring more than 40 chefs together to show off Oklahoma's culinary excellence from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can purchase tokens valued at $5 to purchase dishes priced in $5 increments from chefs across various disciplines and cuisine styles who will rotate throughout the day at various booths.

More: Super Cao Nguyen gears up for Chefs Fest 2023 with full slate of culinary talent

People walk on July 15 by food trucks during Heard on Hurd in Edmond.
People walk on July 15 by food trucks during Heard on Hurd in Edmond.

3. Back-to-School night at Edmond's Heard on Hurd

While you can attend Heard on Hurd monthly from March through October, August is the time when the event celebrates back-to-school.

Bring the whole family and enjoy more than 30 food trucks, shopping from local vendors and kids' activities including photos with Woody and Buzz from "Toy Story" in the Citizens Bank of Edmond Community Lobby. Plus, the Edmond Public Schools Foundation is the featured nonprofit for Heard on Hurd this season, allowing for a chance to give back to local educators and schools.

Live music kicks off at 6 p.m. with Carter Sampson, followed by performances from Ross Clayton and headliner KALO. Food trucks at Heard on Hurd serve up a variety of eats from barbecue and burgers to samosas and s'mores, so everyone in the family can find something to satisfy their cravings.

Waffle Champion in Oklahoma City turns 10 this month and is celebrating with a neighborhood block party in Midtown.
Waffle Champion in Oklahoma City turns 10 this month and is celebrating with a neighborhood block party in Midtown.

4. Waffle Champion's 10-year Anniversary Block Party

Round out your weekend with Waffle Champion at its 10-year Anniversary Block Party. The event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at 420 NW 11.

To celebrate turning 10, Waffle Champion is taking over the neighborhood with live music from Jabee & Friends, Stepmom, Swim Fan, Chelsea Days, and a slate of DJs throughout the day, plus various food trucks, family friendly activities, shopping with Midtown vendors and more.

Coinciding with the celebration of the Midtown location's 10th anniversary, ownership has announced that construction is underway on a second location 1200 W Covell Road in Edmond with goals of opening in late September launch.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: From Made in Oklahoma to Heard on Hurd, check out OKC foodie events