Don't leave the Greek Festival without a piece, or a box, of baklava.
Barbecue is the big attraction at Rock n Rib, but you'll also find traditional fair food.
The competitive Highland games, like this 16-pound hammer toss, are the highlight of the three-day Scottish Festival.
Pastries, including rugelach, are made by members of Temple Israel for Shalomfest.
You can't say there's nothing to do this weekend.
Summer's festivals have passed, and this week marks the unofficial start to the fall festival season.
If you're good at time management, you can make each of these. If not, pick a couple because you don't want to miss the music, the food, the games and the culture at these five festivals.
And, you don't have to wait until the weekend to have fun, since both the Greek Festival and the Rock n Rib Festival begin Thursday.
Here's a rundown.
Greek FestivalWhen: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1206 S. Guthrie Ave.
Cost: Free admission before 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Otherwise, $3. Children 12 and younger are free.
What to expect: The energy at this festival is contagious, with live Greek music and dancing at every turn. Even non Greeks get into the action, dancing in the aisles and swaying while standing in line for the festival's legendary baklava. The food is all handmade by members of the church, and it's reason enough to check out this festival.
Tip: Go to
tulsaworld.com/greekfestival to download free admission tickets.
Rock n Rib FestivalBarbecue from some of the country's top pitmasters will be the big draw to the Rock n Rib Festival. It runs downtown, outside the BOK Center, for four days with live music, barbecue and a kids area.
When: 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: BOK Center, Third Street and Denver Avenue
Cost: Free admission.
What to expect: The festival has grown each year since it began in 2009. The biggest crowds are at lunchtime and early evening, but don't let that detract you. Vendors and barbecue champs will have plenty of ribs – and baked beans and funnel cakes and Indian tacos – to go around.
Scottish FestivalIf you're looking for an entirely unique festival experience, this is the one.
Once called the Scottish Games, the name was changed because the games are now accompanied by so much more, including whisky tasting, dance, a Celtic dog parade, pipes and drums and Scottish food.
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 pm. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.
Cost: $6. Children 12 and younger are free.
What to expect: The highlight of the festival remains the Scottish games. Check out these competitive Highland games, which run all day Saturday and Sunday.
Hispanic FestivalIt's fairly small in size, but this long-running festival is rich with Hispanic art, music and food.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Centennial Green, Sixth Street and Boston Avenue
Cost: Free admission.
ShalomfestIt's one of my personal favorite festivals in Tulsa. The demonstrations and music are great, but I'll admit, it's the food that brings me back to Shalomfest every year. Corned beef, falafel, knishes and more are all made by members of Temple Israel. The pastries, like rugelach and black and white cookies, are to die for.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: 2004 E. 22nd Place
Cost: Free admission
What to expect: If you're there for the food, grab a plate and sample everything because it's all delicious. If you've never been to a bar mitzvah or a Jewish wedding, there's also a chance to see these ceremonies, and others, during demonstrations that day.
