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Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art was founded by Father Gregory Gerrer, a Benedictine monk of considerable artistic talent. During Father Gerrer's travels to Europe, Africa and South America, he collected objects of artistic and ethnological value. The museum's permanent exhibitions include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects; art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century; and large holdings of Native American, African, pre-Columbian, and Eastern cultural artifacts. In addition, the museum offers exciting special exhibitions throughout the year. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W MacArthur St, Shawnee, OK 74804 about Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art was founded by Father Gregory Gerrer, a Benedictine monk of considerable artistic talent. During Father Gerrer's travels to Europe, Africa and South America, he collected objects of artistic and ethnological value. The museum's permanent exhibitions include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects; art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century; and large holdings of Native American, African, pre-Columbian, and Eastern cultural artifacts. In addition, the museum offers exciting special exhibitions throughout the year. find it Find your adventure in Shawnee What's New in Shawnee, OK? There's always something new in Shawnee, OK! Here's what's new - so far - in 2026! Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12 Action from the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Photo: Clayton Hibler Jennings Rodeo Photography SHAWNEE, Okla. — The future stars of professional rodeo are heading to Oklahoma next week as the 34th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) takes over the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center from July 12 through July 17, 2026. Wi 1 2 3 4 5

FireLake Arena offers 5,000 seats and more than 52,000 square feet of event space for concerts, conventions and community events. Whether it is cold or hot outside, the arena’s geothermal heating and cooling system allows for a comfortable setting regardless of the number of attendees inside. It’s not all bright lights though, as FireLake Arena’s vast floor space and facilities provide an excellent venue to host trade and exhibition shows. With a dedicated crew of electricians, plumbing and HVAC specialists on call, connections for approved utilities can be arranged for the show’s need. FireLake Arena Sports, Auditorium, Indoor, Banquet about renting FireLake Arena offers 5,000 seats and more than 52,000 square feet of event space for concerts, conventions and community events. Whether it is cold or hot outside, the arena’s geothermal heating and cooling system allows for a comfortable setting regardless of the number of attendees inside. It’s not all bright lights though, as FireLake Arena’s vast floor space and facilities provide an excellent venue to host trade and exhibition shows. With a dedicated crew of electricians, plumbing and HVAC specialists on call, connections for approved utilities can be arranged for the show’s need. about the destination FireLake Arena offers 5,000 seats and more than 52,000 square feet of event space for concerts, conventions and community events. Whether it is cold or hot outside, the arena’s geothermal heating and cooling system allows for a comfortable setting regardless of the number of attendees inside. Since its opening in early 2014, FireLake Arena has become one of central Oklahoma’s most popular venues for events of all kind. It regularly hosts sporting such as MMA and boxing events, the Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions, roller derbies and is also available to host basketball and volleyball tournaments. Venue Website 18145 Rangeline Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 273-1637 find it see it What's happening in Shawnee Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: Jun 14 2 min read Top 10 Haunts for Fall Fun in Shawnee There is so much fall fun for the family in Shawnee! Learn about one of the nearly 50 fall festivals or other autumn fun activities! Sep 24, 2024 3 min read Everything you need to know about Fireflight Balloon Fest! Fireflight Balloon Fest is going into its fourth year of family-friendly entertainment. Watch hot-air balloons fill the sky! Mar 27, 2024 3 min read 1 2 3 4

It starts with quality food served with care. Offering warm welcomes and friendly service. It takes a dedication to pleasing people and treating our guests and staff like family. Maybe that’s why, for more than 50 years, millions of folks have trusted Cracker Barrel as a home-away-from-home where they can get a warm, comforting meal. Cracker Barrel Home Goods, Gift Shop, Clothing & Accessories, Kids American, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Open Late National Favorite, Casual, Kid Friendly Visit their website 27 W Interstate Pkwy, Shawnee, OK 74804, USA (405) 214-7718 It starts with quality food served with care. Offering warm welcomes and friendly service. It takes a dedication to pleasing people and treating our guests and staff like family. Maybe that’s why, for more than 50 years, millions of folks have trusted Cracker Barrel as a home-away-from-home where they can get a warm, comforting meal. Find Your Adventure in Shawnee Things to Do in Historic Downtown Shawnee, Oklahoma Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian friendly district with unique, locally-owned shops! Curated Vintage, Antique, and Thrift Stores in Shawnee With a vast array of curated vintage, thrift, and antique shops, your next treasure is waiting for you in Shawnee, OK. Fun things to do outdoors in Shawnee, OK Explore the great outdoors in and around Shawnee. There’s plenty to do! Here’s our top picks: 1 2 3 4 5

There’s always something new in Shawnee, OK. New places to shop. New places to eat. New places to play. New places to stay. Here’s what’s new so far in 2026 (with more on the way!) An Occasional Sale has moved to 507 East Main Street in Downtown Shawnee and now has a MUCH larger space, which provides many more offerings. They buy out estates and offer quality home goods at reasonable prices. You will find their prices to be half or less than most estate sales. As they add thousands of new items every time they open, you’ll want to plan to attend their sales. They open about every 3-4 weeks for four days, Thurs through Sun. Sale dates throughout the rest of 2026 are August 27-30, September 24-27, October 22-25, November 12-15, and December 10-13. An Occasional Sale has moved to a much larger space in Downtown Shawnee! Two Trees Boutique is also in Downtown Shawnee at 313 East Main Street. Two Trees Boutique is a vendor marketplace filled with handcrafted items, home décor, gifts, boutique clothing, permanent jewelry, specialty treats, and more. With booths and items constantly changing, you’ll want to make it a point to visit frequently. Cavender’s Boot City has been a leader in Western wear and fashion for more than 60 years, and they now have a store in Shawnee! In the Shawnee Mall, you can find the best in design, style, and authentic Western wear from prestigious brands like Lucchese, Justin, Tony Lama, Laredo, Nocona, Rocky Mountain, and Wrangler. Next time you visit Shawnee for a rodeo, barrel racing, or bull riding, stop in to look your finest while watching the action. Cavender's Boot City in the Shawnee Mall The Lost Pages Book Store is owned and operated by author and former English teacher Steven E. Wedel. It’s in a cute little house on Kickapoo (2207 N. Kickapoo) and features new titles alongside “pre-loved books waiting for their next chapter.” Be sure to catch the book signings by authors, book chats, and writer’s guilds. For a fun evening, grab one of their “Blind Date with a Book”. The Links Indoor Golf Lounge provides simulators that deliver unmatched accuracy and immersive experiences, bringing the golf course indoors with ease and giving you the freedom to play, practice, and improve year-round. It’s simple too. Choose your preferred time and reserve a bay. When you show up, receive easy-to-follow instructions and door access to enjoy your reserved golf bay. Then hack a way! At 1301 E Independence Street, the Links is by reservations only. Book your tee time at TheLinksGolfShawnee.com Spark by Hilton Hotel is, okay, a rebrand of Comfort Inn and with the new look and new name comes an unforgettable stay by bringing creativity, comfort, and personal touches that make you feel right at home. The new lobby at the rebranded Spark by Hilton Hotel Main Street Shop and Stroll is a fun new event that has every store and restaurant Downtown open for one evening a month. The first Tuesday evening of each month from 5 to 8 pm, you can shop, stroll, dine, and even win gift certificates and gift cards. Grab a Full Stroll Passport from any participating merchant or restaurant, visit 10 or more places, get a stamp, and then hand in that Passport. Monthly names are drawn and “Strollers” win more than $500 in gift cards and certificates. Shop and Stroll dates throughout the rest of 2026 are September 1, October 6, November 3, and December 1. Bikes and Rods… new name for a popular event! What was Bikes on Bell is now Bikes and Rods. The monthly “bike rally” has now added classic cars to the fun. The third Thursday of every month, walk through the showcase of motorcycles and hot rods. Hang out with the bike and classic car owners. Be inspired to buy your own hog and show it off next year during Bikes and Rods. Bikes and Rods dates throughout the rest of 2026 are September 17 and October 15. Bookmark this Blog page and sign up for our weekly newsletter to be in the know about all that is new in Shawnee, OK.

Shawnee's pre-statehood Main Street and surrounding historic downtown is a pedestrian & cyclist friendly district with unique, locally-owned and operated restaurants and bars, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and more. Consider this your guide to the best Downtown Shawnee adventure! Click a section to scroll to it: Things to Do Where to Eat Where to Shop Downtown Map Upcoming Events Downtown Shawnee is located 4 miles south of I-40 on Main St between Kickapoo & Harrison, and just a half mile off of State Hwy 177. See it on a map here. Things to do in Downtown Shawnee Whether you're looking for a fun afternoon for the whole family, or a night out on the town with drinks, music, and dancing -- downtown Shawnee's got your favorite flavor! Here's a sampling of what you can do in downtown Shawnee: Live Music & Entertainment The Ritz by Rylee Woessner The Ritz Theater - Recently renovated 1920s theatre, The Ritz hosts music, comedy, mediums, & more from around the nation. Many believe some of the Ritz' patrons and employees never left.... See who's playing next at ritzshawnee.com! Brickhouse Saloon - Classy 3-story downtown watering hole on historic, bricked Bell Street with top acts in country, rock, and more every weekend, including comedy & other adult shows throughout the year. See the event calendar at brickhousesaloon.com. Theo's Backyard - In the "backyard" of Theopolis Social Club is a small outdoor venue that features some of Oklahoma's finest talent in cozy shows year-round (there's even a heated tent in winter!) Find out who's playing every Friday on their Facebook page @TheopolisSocialClub . Fall Fest - Fall Fest is a day of autumn excitement with a carnival, costumes, candy, concert and more! Fall Fest is Saturday, October 3, 12-8PM, at Woodland Veterans Park! There are activities for all ages, live entertainment, food, music, and plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the season together. Check out the details here. Family Friendly Fun Coffee N' Crafts - Enjoy a classic coffee shop experience all on its own or purchase a canvas with your coffee and paint a masterpiece with the complimentary art supplies. coffeencraftsok.com Shawnee Splash Waterpark - Shawnee Splash is a waterpark open each summer featuring three pools that include a lazy river, kid's play zone (pictured), diving area, and slides in addition to a splash pad. facebook.com/shawneesplash The Arts at 317 - A hub of Oklahoman artists, this home for the arts displays works from fine oil paintings to handmade glass night lights, in addition to holding workshops taught by professional artists each week. theartsat317.com The Guilded Grayland - your friendly neighborhood game store with a library of board, card, and other games for play and for purchase, or check out from the game library. Multiple events and tournaments each week whether you're into Pokemon or Magic the Gathering, and everything in between! theguildedgrayland.com Monuments & Museums Pottawatomie County Museum Complex - Seated onsite of the iconic Santa Fe Depot downtown, the museum houses an eclectic collection of artifacts & a scale model of downtown in the Milburn Center, and is also home to Beard Cabin, one of the oldest structures in the state. pottcountymuseum.org Painted Horses - In 2007, the "Horses in the City" project began to celebrate Shawnee's part of Oklahoma's centennial. Today, nearly three dozen of these "painted horses" stand proud throughout Shawnee, hand-painted by local artists. Several are located downtown. Get the list of horses here. Oklahoma Scissortail horse at Bancfirst Harrison. Oklahoma Veterans Memorial - Patterned after a five-point star with each point representing a branch of the military. Features a granite wall inscribed with the names of every known Oklahoman killed in action since the Spanish-American War, in addition to other war-time artifacts. bit.ly/okvetsmemorial "Shawnee's got that small-town feeling with big-city culture. I love taking my guests downtown to look at the art galleries with a stop-off at one of the great downtown restaurants!" - Ashley Neel, Local Guide & Adventurous Young Executive Restaurants in Downtown Shawnee Grab a bite or beverage at one of more than a dozen unique eateries located in this historic downtown district. Here's the quick list-- click for more info on each: Local fare at at historic Van's Pig Stand 1895 Homemade Ice Cream Boomarang Coffee N' Crafts Coney Island Comma Cafe Hamburger King Healthy Hive The Lunch Box The Original Van's Pig Stand The Owl Shoppe Phoenix Asian Diner Sunnyside Up Theopolis Social Club "I've lived in seven countries in my short 22 years, but I moved to Shawnee for college and fell in love with this wonderful community. The city's fun downtown is great for all ages! Most of all, I love how they welcome their guests from all across the world, myself included." - Sayde Charis, Local Guide & World Traveler Where to Shop in Downtown Shawnee From antique and vintage treasures to the newest maternity & baby gear, kitchen gadgets and fine olive oils, to hand-made, one of a kind night lights -- downtown Shawnee's unique shops have everything you wanted & more. Here's what you can find: New parent swag at Sweet Pea 4D's Maternity Boutique An Occasional Sale Arts at 317 Artzy Fartzy Bibliotech Books and Comics The Cave (Comics) Doggie Spot Dragon Den Creations Elements Cigars The Guilded Grayland Guitar Vault Harvest 5 Retail Co. Neal's Home Furnishings Oak, Ash, & Thorn Rattle My Chains Savvy Bites Shepherd's Men's Wear T-Box Antique Mall Treasures N Junk Vintiques Two Trees Boutique Uncommon Threads Virginia's Home Furnishings Map of Downtown Shawnee Ready to be on your way? Get the lay of the land and find your picks with ease with this map of downtown Shawnee, OK: Map of Downtown Shawnee Oklahoma Upcoming Events Click here to see the calendar of events in downtown Shawnee! There is so much to do, see, eat, and play in downtown Shawnee. Book a hotel and make it a whole weekend's adventure!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The World’s Richest Youth Rodeo Returns to Shawnee: 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo Kicks Off July 12 Action from the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Photo: Clayton Hibler Jennings Rodeo Photography SHAWNEE, Okla. — The future stars of professional rodeo are heading to Oklahoma next week as the 34th annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) takes over the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center from July 12 through July 17, 2026. Widely recognized as the world's richest and most prestigious youth rodeo, the action-packed event will bring nearly 1,000 elite young athletes from more than 35 states and multiple countries to Shawnee. Competitors under the age of 19 will go head-to-head for a share of more than $250,000 in prize money, championship titles, custom silver buckles, and coveted prize saddles. The week-long event features 11 total performances across three arenas running simultaneously. Spectators can expect non-stop, high-energy Western sports action, including: Cowgirls Events: Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Breakaway Roping, and Goat Tying. Cowboys Events: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie-Down Roping, and Steer Wrestling. Co-ed Events: Team Roping. "For more than three decades, Shawnee has proudly stood as the home of the IFYR," said Randy Gilbert, Chairman of the IFYR Board of Directors. "This event is a launching pad for the next generation of rodeo legends. The sheer talent, work ethic, and sportsmanship these young cowboys and cowgirls display is incredible, and we are thrilled to welcome the competitors and their families back to the Heart of Oklahoma." The grueling competition consists of two complete long-go rounds, culminating in the prestigious short-go championship round on the final day, where the top 15 contestants in each event will battle for the ultimate titles of All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl. Beyond the arena, the event features a massive, air-conditioned marketplace open to the public, showcasing Western apparel, custom jewelry, home decor, arts, crafts, and food vendors. Ticket & Attendance Information: Individual session tickets and all-session passes are available for purchase online and at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center box office. General admission for individual sessions starts at $16.25 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and children. Free parking is available on-site. For the complete event schedule, performance times, or to purchase tickets online, visit the official website at www.ifyr.com or call (405) 275-7020. About the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Founded in 1993, the International Finals Youth Rodeo is the premier platform for high school-aged rodeo athletes globally. Held annually at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the IFYR features 11 action-packed performances across three arenas, providing young athletes the ultimate stage to showcase their skills, earn substantial prize money, and advance their athletic careers.