This Weekend at Grand Lake - Jan 29, 2026

Good Morning!

First off - thank you to everyone who reached out with feedback on the new, streamlined GrandLakeLiving.com. I genuinely appreciate it, and yes… the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Here’s the short version of why I made such a big change: the way people search for, find, and consume information has fundamentally changed. Big, bloated websites with hundreds of pages don’t perform better anymore — they perform worse. They’re harder to keep updated, harder for visitors to navigate, and harder for search engines to understand.

So I made the decision to do something a little counterintuitive:

I took Grand Lake Living from 250+ pages down to about 25 highly focused, intentional pages.

The result?
• It’s easier for visitors to find what they’re looking for
• It’s easier to keep information accurate and fresh
• And it performs far better for people who are discovering Grand Lake for the first time

That last part matters because those “new eyes” are exactly who local businesses want to reach.

If you own a business around Grand Lake and you’re not listed yet, this new version of the site is built specifically to highlight you, not bury you in a sea of pages. Fewer pages means more visibility, clearer messaging, and better results for the businesses that are included.

If that sounds like something you want to be part of, now’s a great time to reach out.

Just reply to this email or send a new one to [email protected] and we’ll figure it out.

Alright, let’s get into what’s happening around the lake this week… we’ve got another cold weekend ahead, a few things happening locally, and the Tulsa Boat Show getting going on Monday. Here you go!

This Weekend at Grand Lake

Lake Level - The lake level as of 8 am is 741.6’ with minimal, periodic generation. Lake temps are in the 30s and 40s, and DO NOT TRUST any ice you might see formed.

Coffee & Conversations - Start your Friday with Coffee & Conversations at The Legacy Event Center from 8:00–9:30 AM, featuring local government representatives and a chance to ask questions and stay informed on community issues. The event is free and includes coffee and breakfast pastries. ☕ RSVP by calling (918) 786-9079 or emailing [email protected]

January Indoor Market - Beat the winter blues this Saturday at the January Indoor Market at White Buffalo Lodge (33621 S 595 Rd, Grove, OK 74344) from 9 AM–2 PM, featuring a great lineup of local vendors offering fresh foods, baked goods, handmade items, and unique gifts. With free entry and plenty of food and warm drinks available, it’s a perfect way to shop local and spend a cozy Saturday supporting area makers.

A Rock Sails By - Opening Sunday, Playmakers Theatre in Grove kicks off February with A Rock Sails By, a witty and heartfelt comedy exploring science, belief, and the unexpected connections that can change us. Performances run select dates Feb. 1–15, with tickets $15 for adults and $8 for students—a great winter night out filled with laughs and thoughtful moments. 🎭 Reserve your seats by calling (918) 786-8950 or emailing [email protected] with your preferred performance date, number of seats needed, and a return phone number.

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.

Restaurant Updates - The Burger Barn and More in Ketchum has moved down the street to the old Meats, Eats & Sweets location - AND, he is opening on Thursdays now! Our House BBQ is now open at The Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove, and Red’s House BBQ is now open at the Ketchum Eats Food Park. 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 will 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.

The Latest From The Grand Lake Bum

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 30

• Ryan Graham at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Pullen Strings at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Whiskey Poet Society at R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon Anniversary Party, including a Mechanical Bull! - 8 pm

• Magic J at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Diversity at Grand Lake Casino - 9 pm

Saturday, Jan 31

• Erin Fitzgibbon at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Beaty Creek Band at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Lil Red & Sidepiece at South 125 Bar & Grill - 7 pm

• The Downbeat at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Swade Diablos at Grand Lake Casino - 9 pm

Don’t forget about Trivia Tuesdays at The Anchor

Supporters You’ll Find At Next Week’s Tulsa Boat Show