This Weekend at Grand Lake - April 9, 2026

Goooood Morning!

Well then, rolling into April, and we’ve got a lot going on this weekend.

Including the return of the Blind Swine in Duck Creek Friday at 4 pm (weather-permitting) and the opening of the new restaurant at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina.

Speaking of weather-permitting, one of the by-products of this 24-hour news cycle world we live in is people having weather forecasts at their fingertips.

And to that end, people putting on events or opening restaurants or whatever, sometimes get a little gun-shy based on a forecast.

Case in point is last week’s Food Truck Friday and Grove Cruise Night. That ended up getting postponed to this Friday night. Long before it ever rained.

My point is this… make sure to double-check everything you see shared in this newsletter. Every week, lol.

There is a chance of storms on Friday this week, so maybe the Blind Swine doesn’t open until Saturday. Or maybe Food Truck Friday gets postponed again. Who knows?

All I can do is, as of this fine Thursday morning, let you know what is scheduled to be going on this weekend at Grand Lake.

So, let’s get to it! Oh, and make sure you scroll all the way down to the real estate section to check out the 2 new beautiful lakefront listings in Grove that have been added.

Lake Level - The lake level as of 9 am is 743.2’ with some generation. Lake surface temps are mostly in the low 60s, depending on where you are.

Food Truck Friday & Grove Cruise Night - Trying again this Friday from 5–9 PM at the Grove Community Center (104 W 3rd St.). Food trucks, classic rides from every generation, and live music from Porter Crossing. Cars cruise from south Grove at 5:45 and park at the Community Center for the show. Great way to kick off the weekend.

🐦 Birders Meeting - This month's Friends of Grand Lake Audubon Society meeting features guest speaker and photographer David Haas, who'll take you on a visual tour of African birds. It's free, open to the public, and a great chance to meet fellow birders and learn how you can help protect local habitats. They've even got a Young Birders Club for the kids. Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Grove Community Center.

🎉 Cinco de Poker Derby Pre-Registration Party - The 4th Annual Cinco de Poker Derby on Monkey Island is just 23 days away, and this Saturday from Noon to 5 is your first chance to lock in your spot. Head to The Quarterdeck for drink specials, a sneak peek at their new food menu, raffles, giveaways, and early registration for the Derby. The golf cart raffle will be on display with tickets available, and the Lottery Board Raffle (donated by The Monkey Bar) is live — just $5 a ticket for a shot at some big money. This is where the momentum starts. Go HERE for ALL of the details on the Derby, which happens on Saturday, May 2nd.

🔥 Que'n at the Lake - This isn't just a backyard BBQ — it's a sanctioned rib cook-off bringing serious competitors to Grand Lake. Baby Back ribs, St. Louis ribs, a steak ancillary, and a free kids grilled cheese competition at noon. Pits fire up early, turn-ins run through the afternoon, and awards hit at 4 pm. If you're into competition BBQ (or just really good ribs), this one's worth the trip to Ketchum. It’s happening at the baseball field parking lot.

🤠 Gilley's on Grand - The South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce is throwing a honky-tonk party and you're invited. Think BBQ, bull riding (mechanical, but still), live music from Bobby DeGonia & Band, two-stepping, a silent auction, and a spinning photo booth. There's even a Calcutta auction for the bull riding competition if you're feeling lucky. Dust off those boots and get ready for a good time. Get your tickets HERE if you don’t already have them.

🎻 River Ridge Bluegrass Association - Doors open at 5pm with chili, PIE, and free coffee. Rarely Seen kicks off the pre-show at 5:30, followed by Spring Street at 6pm. Admission is just $5, and they're giving away a carved guitar and fiddle. If you love bluegrass, this is your Saturday night. Grove Middle School Auditorium, 517 W 10th St.

🚤 On Water Boat Show at Tera Miranda - Dickson Marine Sales & Service is bringing Veranda Luxury Pontoons to Tera Miranda for a three-day on-water boat show. Come check out the tritoons, take a test ride on the lake, and grab a bite at The Quarterdeck while you're at it. If you're in the market (or just boat-curious), this is a great excuse to get out on the water. Friday–Sunday, April 10–12 | 12–7pm.

🎭 "Hats Off To The Stage" — A High Tea Social - The Playmakers are hosting something a little different this time — a proper High Tea Social at their theater in Grove on Sunday, the 19th, at 3 pm. Think fancy teas, light bites, prizes, and live entertainment with a theatrical twist. Dust off your Sunday best (hats encouraged!) and bring a friend for an afternoon of elegance and community. Full Service seating is $25 (limited spots) or grab a Gallery Spectator ticket for $10. Either way, it's a lovely excuse to get dressed up and support local theater. Reserve your spot: Call 918-786-8950, email [email protected], or visit groveplaymakers.com.

On The Water Eats - We’ll soon have a new (old?) place on the water at The Landings, with Whitecap due to open soon. The Quarterdeck, Blind Swine, VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina, Doc’s Bar & Grill, and Boom on Grand are now all open.

Library - The always-busy Grove Public Library calendar is HERE.

The Latest From The Grand Lake Bum

Special Thanks To More Sponsors:

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• Tim Taylor’s Home Improvements helps Grove get things done!

• Waters Edge RV & Cabin Resort is South Grand’s premier place to stay.

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• 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!

This Weekend’s Entertainment

FYI, if I don’t know about it, I can’t include it here, lol. So, if you know about it… LET ME KNOW! Send an email to [email protected]. Anyhoo… here is what I do know for this weekend’s entertainment at the lake:

Thursday, April 9

• Thursday Trivia at Boom on Grand

• Erin Fitzgibbon at The Monkey Bar - 8 pm

Friday, April 10

• Bobby DeGonia at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Beaty Creek Band at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Lil Red & Sidepiece at Juan Montez - 8 pm

• Robbi Bell at Pickles at the Lake - 8 pm

• Becky Sparkman & Hired Guns at R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon - 8 pm

• The Downbeat at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Honky Tonk Renovators at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

Saturday, April 11

• The Conor Culpepper Trio at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Beaty Creek Duo at Pickles at Lake - 8 pm

• Yacht Rock with Tony Sabelo at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Heather Wright & Little White Liars at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

Sunday, April 12

• Open Jam with Becky Sparkman at The Monkey Bar

Meanwhile, on the Grand Lake Living website:

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