In need of a Father's Day gift? Here are some Oklahoma events you can take in with Dad

Dino Lalli
·3 min read
Eventgoers check out the classic vehicles at the 2020 Relics and Rods Car Show and Fireworks Display in Wilburton. This year's event is June 25.
Eventgoers check out the classic vehicles at the 2020 Relics and Rods Car Show and Fireworks Display in Wilburton. This year's event is June 25.

Happy Father’s Day! I realize this particular day may have snuck up on some of you. And honestly, I should have written this article to appear last Sunday. But that shows how organized I’ve been these past few weeks.

So you may be reading this and realize it is too late to get a gift. Well, maybe that is not the case. May I suggest some ideas for you? These suggestions obviously can be given at a later date.

If your father enjoys cars, you could take him to the Knights Auto Club Car Show on June 25 at Boy Scout Park in Shawnee. This annual show attracts about 150 entries each year, and one can enjoy a dazzling display of classic cars and custom hot rods.

Also in Shawnee, you can attend the Happy Festival, June 24-26, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. Music and camping, along with relaxing, are what’s on the agenda. It doesn’t matter if you’re camping in a car, tent or RV, there is lots of space available at the festival.

Another car themed event is the Relics and Rods Car Show and Fireworks Display, set for June 25 at 302 W Main St. in Wilburton. This, too, is an annual affair that features not only an impressive fireworks display, but you can watch some burnout and big flame competitions, along with participating in a citywide cruise night.

If your dad enjoys military history, on June 25, take a unique tour to remember the Battle of Honey Springs at the battlefield in Checotah. One can see the exact locations of military actions and learn about key aspects of the engagement.

The pandemic was one of the reasons drive-in theaters have come back. So, how about taking in a drive-in movie at either the Admiral Twin in Tulsa or the Winchester Drive-in located in Oklahoma City?

What’s more American than taking in a baseball game? You can experience America’s favorite pastime June 21-26 when the Oklahoma City Dodgers will play the Round Rock Express in Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City.

Does your dad enjoy pop culture? If so, then what a fun time you can have by attending the SoonerCon celebration, June 24-26, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman. This is also an annual festival that highlights literature, geek pop culture and fandom in the state. Over 100 literary, arts, media, science and comic book guests will be in attendance, along with a full schedule of musical and performance guests.

Buy him an Oklahoma State Park gift certificate, or maybe purchase a round of golf at a state park golf course. And to go one step further if he loves golf, you can buy an Oklahoma Punch Card, which can allow him to play five rounds of gold at any state course. Buy him a bottle of wine from an Oklahoma winery or some vinyl records. My daughter bought an old-fashioned turntable a few years back, and I love it. There are quite a few vinyl record stores across the state from Guestroom Records in Norman and Oklahoma City to Monkey Feet Music, also in Oklahoma City, to Studio Records in Tulsa.

Buy your dad a bottle of wine from an Oklahoma winery.
Buy your dad a bottle of wine from an Oklahoma winery.

As you look for any gift, please remember to shop local. And don’t forget you also can pick up some last-minute fun gifts at various Travel Information Centers across the state.

More: Looking for a summer camp for your kids? State parks have options.

Dino Lalli is the co-host and one of the feature reporters for the weekly television travel show "Discover Oklahoma."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Discover Oklahoma: Take in an event with Dad for Father's Day gift