The timeless and action-packed love story of Romeo & Juliet by OKC Ballet will grace the stage at Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall February 20-22, making tickets a great gift to surprise that special someone on Valentine's Day. With music from Sergei Prokofiev and choreography from Devon Carney, this production brings the classic play from William Shakespeare into vibrant kinetic life. OKC Ballet Director of Communications and Development Whitney Cross tells Ben all about this production and what else is in store for the ballet company in 2026. Also on this week's show, the editors give their best date night tips for this Valentine's Week, and podvents gives us all sorts of ideas for where Cupid might make an appearance. You won't want to miss it!

Tulsa-based visual artist Ebony Iman Dallas is releasing her memoir Through Abahay's Eyes this spring—but it's a work that has been decades in the making, if not over the course of her entire life. Dallas grew up without knowing her birth father, or even the true story behind his death. Through a series of unlikely events, she was eventually able to connect with her father's family and embark on a new journey of cultural- and self-discovery. Dallas joins the Oklahoma Today Show this week to talk more about her milestone new literary work and how readers can snag a copy for themselves. Also on this week's episode, the editors think of other Oklahomans with fascinating life stories, and podvents let's us know the best music to play when raising a virtual turnip. You won't want to miss it!

Are you the very model of a modern major general? Probably not, but guests are welcome to pretend for a moment when they go to see Tulsa Opera's production of The Pirates of Penzance at the University of Tulsa's Lorton Performance Center this Friday and Sunday. Sung in English with musical accompaniment from the Tulsa Opera Orchestra, this classic swashbuckling romance and slapstick comedy from Gilbert & Sullivan tells the story of a love-struck former pirate trying to evade his past. Jason Zacher, who portrays the Pirate King in Tulsa Opera's production, joins the show to talk about this can't miss show and how he gets into character as a bureaucratic buccaneer. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex food options in the state, and podvents tells a tale as old as time. You won't want to miss it!

Historic Route 66 celebrates its hundredth birthday in 2026! This is big news for Oklahoma tourism, as the state hosts more drivable miles of the Mother Road than any other state. It likely won't be the last time you hear about the centennial celebration on our show this year, but we need someone to set us up for the year's long international observance. The perfect person for that job is Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Martin joins us in the studio this week to talk about the historical significance of the highway, how and when to celebrate this year, and what we can expect from Route 66 in the future. Also on this week's show, the editors give some advice for those who are trying to stick to their healthy eating goals in the New Year while still supporting local business, and podvents challenges viewers to find Ben out in public. You won't want to miss it!

Pigeons and humans have been in close contact for thousands of years. In fact, pigeons are among the very first birds to be domesticated. There is no doubt that people have formed a special relationship with these birds, and that is especially apparent to anyone who goes to visit the American Pigeon Museum & Library in Oklahoma City. That's exactly what Ben did for this episode, meeting with museum employee Ashlee Mikesell for a quick tour and meet-and-greet with some special live birds. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their own favorite museums and educational centers across the state, and podvents wishes a happy eightieth birthday to a music icon. You won't want to miss it!

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you our inaugural Okie Awards show in its entirety. In lieu of our regular program, here is an event the whole Oklahoma Today team put a lot of hard work into making possible. Held December 11 at the Chicken Shack on Route 66 in Arcadia, this was our award show honoring some of the most Oklahoma things of the year. It was also a good time to look back at some of the things we had done on the show in 2025. If you couldn't make it, you missed a great party, but you can at least enjoy the event virtually on YouTube. Keep an eye out for the Faux-kies—awards that aren't quite official but are a lot of fun!

As the new year approaches, many are thinking about curbing all the holiday excess and starting 2026 off on the right foot. Well, the best way to do just that is with a visit to an Oklahoma State Park for a traditional First Day Hike. Dozens of state parks will be participating—Roman Nose, Great Plains, Lake Murray, and more! Oklahoma State Parks head naturalist Torie Thompson tells us where to go to start the year with activity in nature. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their New Year's resolutions for 2026, and podvents tells us about Bingo with a twist. You won't want to miss it!

Oklahoma cities and towns large and small go all out for Christmas, and Chickasha takes special pride in its own holiday celebration. This week on the Oklahoma Today Podcast, Ben ventures out to the Chickasha Festival of Light to see one of the top light displays in the nation. More than three-and-a-half million twinkling lights dazzle drive- and walk-through spectators in this winter carnival atmosphere throughout Shannon Springs Park. We meet with Festival of Light coordinator Matthew Stockman to learn all about this winter wonderland. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the most memorable gifts they recall receiving, and podvents lets us know where to bring your Wranglers this holiday. You won't want to miss it!