This Weekend at Grand Lake - Oct 8, 2026
Rock crawling, OU–Texas, and one last taste of summer
Goooood Morning!
If last weekend was fall saying hello, this weekend is summer poking its head back in the door. We're looking at sunshine, highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid-60s. Leaves are starting to turn, the water's still warm enough, and the evenings are just about perfect.
It's a big one, too. Rocktoberfest takes over the rock-crawling area in Disney all weekend, and Saturday is OU–Texas, so expect some crimson and burnt orange around the lake. Add a craft fair in Bernice and a Cabaret night at Playmakers, and there's plenty going on.
Heads up: a lot of our lakefront spots have switched to fall hours. I've got the rundown below so you don't drive to a locked door.
Let's get to it! Here is what you need to know for THIS Weekend at Grand Lake:
⭐ Featured Sponsor: Forge Hospitality Group
If you've eaten at a Forge food truck around the lake, you already know why people line up for them. Their two trucks have built quite a following with their scratch-made deliciousness, and now Forge has a permanent home on Monkey Island at Rose Rock (the old Monkey Island schoolhouse).
Here's what's going on there:
Lunch: Wednesday–Saturday, 11 AM–2 PM, all scratch-made
The Patio: Friday and Saturday evenings, 5–8 PM, with food from the Forge Scratch Kitchen truck
Taste at Forge Kitchen: a Saturday-night Chef's Table at 7 PM. It's one seating with just 12 seats, so call ahead.
Take-Home Meals: pick up dinner at Rose Rock and skip the cooking
Beer, wine, and cocktails are available. They also do catering and in-home chef experiences. And you can find out the details on all of this on their new website, linked below.
📍 27600 S Hwy 125, Afton (Monkey Island)
📞 918-676-6240
🌐 Forge Website
(Quick side note: I built Forge's new website! If your business needs a website, or your current one could use some help, let’s talk. It doesn't matter what kind of business you run. Just reply to this email.)
🚤 This Weekend at Grand Lake
Lake Level: The lake level as of 8 am is 742.07' with minimal release at the dam. Lake temps are moving to the low 70s.
🪨 Rocktoberfest – The fall off-road crowd is back at the rock-crawling area below Pensacola Dam in Disney for a full weekend of climbing, crawling, and general mud-slinging. If you've never seen it up close, it's worth the drive just to watch. More on the area: grandlakeliving.com/disney-rock-crawling
🎭 Cabaret Around the World – Playmakers in Grove is hosting another "Cabaret Around the World" evening on Friday night, complete with a silent auction. These nights are always a good time and support local theater. Reserve your spot now: (918) 786-8950 or groveplaymakers@yahoo.com. The party starts at 7:30.
🛍️ Bernice Fall Craft Fair – Head to the Bernice Community Building on Saturday from 10 to 3 for crafts, Indian tacos, treats for the kids, and face painting. It's sponsored by the United Cherokee Alliance.
🍺 Vinita Oktoberfest – The 39th annual Oktoberfest at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Vinita on Saturday from 9:30 to 4 has German food, a Biergarten, and White Oak Rebellion in the entertainment tent. There's also a classic car show across the street this year. Admission is free, and proceeds benefit local charities.
🍽️ Fall Hours Heads-Up
Several spots have shifted to fall schedules:
Mooney’s is closed on Tuesday's and doesn’t open until 4 pm on Wednesday & Thursday
Whitecap at The Landings: opens at 4 PM Thursday and Friday, 9 AM Saturday and Sunday
Blind Swine Duck Creek: Friday 4–10, Saturday 11–10, Sunday 11–8
Scissortail Marina Bar & Grill: Friday–Sunday only
Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda: Friday and Saturday 11–8, Sunday 11–7
Beau's Delicatessen in Langley: closed Wednesday and Thursday
A few other changes: Our House BBQ in Grove has closed for good. The Fire Pit has moved to Grove, into the old Speedy's Chophouse spot, though it's not serving alcohol yet. And The Chicken Coop in Langley has sold to Pickles. The Coop closes in November.
🌶️ Coming Up Next Saturday: Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser at South 125 - Mark your calendar for next Saturday when South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island hosts a Chili Cook-Off to benefit local kids. Proceeds go to the Christmas & Back to School Shoes & Backpack Program, which helps less fortunate kids in our community. Kelly Luttrell & Jack Wride play live from 11 AM to 1 PM. Come hungry, grab a cold drink, and support a great cause. And call or text 918-801-6336 with questions about entering.
Library - HERE is the calendar for the always-busy Grove Public Library.
Trouble on the Water?
Emergencies - Dial 911
Tow Boat US Grand Lake - (918) 782-8600
GRDA Non-Emergency - (918) 256-0911
The Latest From The Grand Lake Bum
Special Thanks To Just Some of our Sponsors - but be sure to check out the GrandLakeLiving.com website to find ALL of the businesses that make this newsletter possible.
The Dog Barn offers boarding and daycare near Grove with indoor and outdoor play areas, and the owners live on site. Call (918) 219-5254.
Check out Lake Point Cottages new website (which I rebuilt for them!)
Hull’s Boat Lift and Dock Repair is the call to make if you’ve got dock or boat lift issues.
The Grand Lake area’s top mobile detailer? Total Detailing
You’ll find relaxation, recreation, and resort-style living at Monkey Island RV & Cabin Resort.
Tree issues? Give Kelley’s Tree Service a call.
Boat Floater of Oklahoma IS Oklahoma’s boat lift specialist.
Goldner Dock is your go-to everything dock company at Grand Lake.
Grand Lake Boat Sales/Hi Lift Marina has an updated Ship Store, AND 24-hour gas docks. Nice!
Ready to build your dream Grand Lake home? Kennedy Homes is ready to help.
Accident? Ramos Law can help.
Shops of Treasures is Northeast Oklahoma and Grand Lake’s guide to antique, thrift, and gift shops. Check it out!
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment This Weekend
Thursday, Oct 8
Dustin Chadwell at Mooney's – 6:30–9:30
COBE by Request at The Monkey Bar – 8:00–10:00
Friday, Oct 9
White Oak Rebellion at Scissortail Marina – 7:00–10:00
Ryan Graham at Doc's Patio (Shangri-La) – 7:00–10:00
Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE at South 125 – 7:30
Michelle Warren & Soupbone at Mooney's – 8:00–11:00
An Evening of the Rat Pack at Cherokee Casino Grove – 8:00
Hollywood Riot at Grand Lake Casino – 8:00
Rocking Randy at Juan Montez – 8:00
Whiskey Bent at Alpha Bar – 8:00
Corey Lee at Pickles – 8:00
Karaoke with Sundown Entertainment at The Monkey Bar – 9:00–1:00 AM
Saturday, Oct 10
Wanda Watson at Mooney's – 7:00
Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE at Scissortail Marina – 7:00–10:00
Lil Red & Sidepiece at Juan Montez – 8:00
Downbeat Duo at South 125 – 8:00–11:00
Magic J at Cherokee Casino Grove – 8:00
Borrowed Money at Grand Lake Casino – 8:00
Gabby at Pickles – 9:00
DJ Phluf (Country Club Vibes) at Big Shots – 9:00
Sunday, Oct 11
Open Jam at The Monkey Bar – 3:00–7:00
Erin Fitzgibbon & COBE at Mooney's – 4:00–7:00
If I don't know about it, I can't include it here. So if you know about it… LET ME KNOW!
Featured Homes For Sale
Looking for that perfect Grand Lake area home? Check out these Featured Listings, and be sure to check out the Homes For Sale page on the Grand Lake Living website for more.
Luxury Living on Honey Creek
Luxury lakefront living on Honey Creek with gorgeous updates inside and out. Three levels of living space with two levels of outdoor decks overlooking the lake in a protected cove with magnificent views. 6,670 sq ft gives you plenty of room for family and guests — six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two fireplaces, and a huge basement shop for all your tools and toys. 20KW Kohler generator, water irrigation system, newer roof (3 yrs). Buffalo Shores Club House with pool just across the street. Move-in ready for summer entertaining on the lake!
📍 3000 Shore Drive, Grove
📞 Victoria Perry | REMAX/Grand Lake - (918) 520-1982
🔗 View Full Listing
Stunning Custom Grove Home
Custom home on 1.09 acres in Har-Ber Oaks, listed at appraised value with NO HOA. This 3 bed, 2.5 bath home features vaulted ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, a dedicated office, and formal dining — plus several new Anderson windows and a walk-in bath. Out back you'll find a large east-facing deck (morning coffee, evening shade — smart), a peaceful fenced yard with mature shade trees, and a six-year-old 25x40 shop with additional storage. Minutes from Grand Lake, shopping, schools, and two nearby golf courses.
📍 1201 Harobr Oaks Loop, Grove
📞 Ileta Bray | Legacy Real Estate – (918) 801-5912
🔗 View Full Listing | MLS #26-1251
Luxury Honey Creek Estate
This exceptional luxury estate sits on deep water Honey Creek with 2.3 acres and 227 feet of shoreline — offering the kind of privacy and setting that's hard to find on Grand Lake. The stunning 7,500 sq ft walkout home features a natural stone exterior, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, multiple living areas, a media room, and a wine room for the collectors out there. A newly added Great Room opens to a spacious wood deck with sweeping lake views, and the gourmet kitchen is built for serious entertaining. Outside, you'll find an inground pool and private day dock. There's also a 680 sq ft guest house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a 2-car carport — perfect for hosting family or long-term guests.
📍 1446 Rockie Dr, Grove
📞 Victoria Perry | REMAX/Grand Lake - (918) 520-1982
🔗 HoneyCreekHome.com
Patricia Island Beauty
A beautifully maintained brick home tucked into the Patricia Island Country Club community — minutes from the marinas, shopping, and downtown Grove. There's room to spread out with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,522 sq ft, plus a large manicured lot with a fire pit, covered front porch, and stamped concrete driveway. This covenant-controlled golf course community means low-traffic streets, friendly neighbors, and easy access to everything Grand Lake has to offer.
📍 4975 Lake Breeze Rd, Grove
📞 Ileta Bray | Legacy Real Estate – (918) 801-5912
🔗 View Full Listing | MLS #26-1530
Eucha Waterfront
Wake up to panoramic Grand Lake views in this stunning custom-built 2021 lake home that’s truly turnkey. Featuring an open-concept main level with 3 bedrooms / 2 baths, plus a walk-out guest suite with its own bedroom, bath, and living area—there’s room for everyone to relax and enjoy lake life.
Owner/Broker | MLS# 2551293
Zillow | Video Tour
Meanwhile, on the Grand Lake Living website:
These emails aren’t possible without the ongoing support of many great Grand Lake area businesses. Please visit the website and support the businesses that you see featured. I appreciate all of you!
Need a Place to Stay at the lake?
Lakefront Restaurants, and more, around Grand Lake
Monkey Island truly is Grand Lake’s playground
Don’t forget about the Gateway to Grand Lake: Grove!
South Grand Lake for that easy livin’…
Always on the lookout for reliable Grand Lake contractors
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