This Weekend at Grand Lake - Jan 22, 2026

Good Morning!

Did you miss me last week? Everything is good… just took an unexpected January week off.

Because… I’ve really been working on getting a new and improved Grand Lake Living website live - and… HERE IT IS!

Now it is not perfect, and there are still some cosmetic things that need to be done, but it is a big job taking a website from 250ish published pages down to about 30.

But, this smaller website will be better for you, as website users, to help you find the info you need, better for me, as the website guy, to keep things updated, and, better for those people we don’t know yet… those that are out there searching for info on this Grand lake of ours.

I’ve also added a “News & Updates” section to the Home page, to drop in that info you need to know.

I’ll be getting more pictures added, some content tightened up, logos added for featured businesses (ahem… NOW is a GREAT time to get your business featured if it isn’t already), and that sort of thing.

But, I also need your help. So check it out at GrandLakeLiving.com and visit your favorite pages - check out the pages about Grove, Monkey Island, and South Grand Lake; check out the Restaurants, Fishing & Boating pages; check out the new and improved Homes For Sale page - and let me know what you think.

Alright, so that is my plug for that.

Also, I guess it is supposed to snow. Maybe a lot. I’m not expecting that 2 ft like some are saying, but, that’d sure be something.

And after the snow, bitter cold.

So, be careful out there… stay warm… ask for help if you need it… and soon it will be a sunny and beautiful 80-degree spring day at Grand Lake.

Here’s what you need to know. Not much happening this weekend, and things scheduled for Saturday are already getting canceled, so this is more of a look at the next few weeks around the lake and things you might have missed.

This Weekend at Grand Lake

Lake Level - The lake level as of 8 am is 742.3’ with minimal, periodic generation happening. Lake temps are in the 40s.

Eagle’s Nest Buffer Zone - Once again, new activity in an established bald eagle nest, located in an area below the Pensacola Dam main spillway, has prompted GRDA to close access to the area, as it has done in previous years. A portion of the spillway area, popular as an off-roading destination, will also be closed to visitors to help protect the nest. HERE is the latest info, including a map of the closed area.

GRDA Ends Annual Dock Stickers - Starting in 2026, GRDA will no longer mail annual dock permit payment stickers. Dock numbers must still be clearly displayed, and proof of payment should be kept for your records. Questions? Contact GRDA Dock Billing at 918.256.0670.

Wolf Creek Expo - Those of you that are here probably already know this, but we are just a few weeks away from the opening of the brand new Wolf Creek Expo Center - a brand new spot at Wolf Creek Park for trade shows, exhibits, fishing tournament events and so much more. The first event in the new facility will be the Oklahoma Tackle, Hunting & Boat Show, Feb 12-15. Besides the show, there will also be a Crappie Tournament & a Bass Tournament happening at the same time. All the details on the show and the tournaments can be found HERE.

New BBQ x 2 - There are 2 (Two!) new BBQ joints around the lake. The first it Our House BBQ (← FB link), now open in the old Honey Creek BBQ spot at The Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove. They’ve opened to great reviews, and overflowing crowds - so get there early to get your Q. I think they are open for lunch and dinner Wed through Saturday. The other is Red’s House BBQ (← FB link), now open in the old Bradford’s BBQ spot at the Ketchum Eats Food Park. Again… nothing but great reviews. I think Red’s hours are 11 to 7, Tuesday through Friday, so not open on the weekends right now. But you can check that out.

Burger Dude - Continuing on the food front, The Burger Dude, who has been a fixtured at the Ketchum Eats Food Park since it opened, has moved down the street to the old Prime Meats, Eats & Sweets location. And with that, will come more menu items, but those burgers have quickly gained a reputation as the best around the lake, because they are delicious! You can find him and stay updated on his Facebook page HERE.

More Restaurant Updates - A couple of local spots are closed for the next couple of months. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La is closed until March 10th, and BOOM on Grand in Grove shared a post and said they are closed and would back in the spring. But Drift on Grand is still open and Juan Montez at Red Arrow is OPEN as they get their new building built - and by all accounts it is coming along quickly!

Library - A new year and a new month at the always-busy Grove Public Library. The calendar is HERE.

Support The Businesses That Make This Possible!

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!

• Shops of Treasures is Northeast Oklahoma and Grand Lake’s guide to antique, thrift, and gift shops. Check it out!

• 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 has all sorts of great businesses

• Always on the lookout for reliable Grand Lake contractors

• Need a Vacation Rental at Grand Lake?

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! Just send an email with entertainment updates to [email protected]. Anyhoo… here is what I do know for this weekend’s entertainment at the lake:

Friday, Jan 23

• Wilkie Jay at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• The GBD Trio at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Dillon Leggett at Pickles - 8 pm

• The Outlaw Band at R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon - 8 pm

• Magen Faulconer at South 125 Bar & Grill - 8 pm

• Encore at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Jeff Tatum at Grand Lake Casino - 9 pm

Saturday, Jan 24

• Magen Faulconer at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Lil Red & Sidepiece at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Erin Fitzgibbon at The Monkey Bar - 9 pm

• Borrowed Money at Grand Lake Casino - 9 pm

Don’t forget about Trivia Tuesdays at The Anchor