This Weekend at Grand Lake - May 1, 2026

A BUSY First Weekend of May at Grand Lake!

Author

Geoff Monical
April 30, 2026

Goooood Morning!

Now this, THIS… is a truly “Welcome Back to the Lake” kind of weekend.

All of your favorite and soon-to-be favorite waterfront restaurants are open (well, still waiting on Eddy’s), the big Cinco de Poker Derby Golf Cart Poker Run on Monkey Island and an on-the-water poker run at the South end, food truck fun on both ends of the lake, live music all over the place, and more things I’m forgetting right now, but you’ll find out below.

I’m just going to get right into it, because 1) I’m running late this morning thanks to the big dog getting skunked at zero-dark-thirty this morning, and 2) there is SO much to get to.

So let’s do that, here’s what you need to know for THIS First Weekend of MAY at Grand Lake!

🏡 This Week's Featured Sponsor: Grand Lake Vacation Rentals

Planning a summer weekend at the lake?

Grand Lake Vacation Rentals has 21 properties to choose from in and around Grove — waterfront cabins, cozy cottages, and spacious houses that sleep the whole crew.

Whether it's a couples getaway at one of the Carey Bay Cottages (pet-friendly, boat parking included!) or a big group trip to Peachtree Lane with its outdoor hot tub and pickleball court, they've got you covered. Full kitchens, king beds, high-speed WiFi, and lake access — basically everything you need to actually relax.

Pro tip: book direct through their site and skip the Airbnb and Vrbo fees.

Lake Level - The lake level as of 8 am is 745.1’ with 2 main spillway gates open and ongoing generation. Lake surface temps are still mostly in the mid to upper 60s, depending on where you are.

Food Truck Friday & Arts Festival - Grove's Downtown Square comes alive this Friday with the Creative Alliance Arts Festival taking over Food Truck Friday. Local artists and vendors will be set up on the lawn, face painters will keep the kids happy, and a whole lineup of food trucks will handle the rest. Pier Pressure provides the live music for the evening. From 5 to 9 pm, free admission, family-friendly, and a great reason to get downtown early.

Food Truck Friday - Ketchum is getting in on Food Truck Friday too! Head over to Ketchum Eats Food Park from 6:30 to 8:30 for a free night of live music from Kevin Hannah & The Road Benders — think rock n roll, rockabilly, a little country, and a little funk. Casa Garcia, Red's House BBQ, and Cregan's Confections & Ice Cream will be on site for food. Grab your lawn chairs, BYOB, and make a night of it.

First Friday Wine Share - Don’t forget about Grove’s First Friday Wine Share, happening this month at The Wagmoor, which is approximately 3 miles east of Tom Cat Corner on E 250 Rd. Just bring yourself, a bottle, a glass, and maybe an appetizer to share with the group. All are welcome. 5 to 6:30 pm.

Fly-In Breakfast - This one's cool — Grove Regional Airport is hosting a Fly-In Breakfast Saturday morning from 7 to 11, and pilots and non-pilots alike are welcome. Come check out airplanes on display, grab a hot breakfast, and let the kids loose on the bounce house. They're also celebrating 10 years in the west terminal and introducing FlyHome Aviation, Grove's new full-service flight school and FBO. If you've ever been curious about flying, $50 Discovery Flights will be available with instructors on hand to answer questions.

4th Annual Cinco de Poker Derby - Alright… this thing is BIG! The biggest day on Monkey Island this weekend — and it's not even close. The 4th Annual Cinco de Poker Derby puts 400+ golf carts loose across the island for a free-roam poker run with stops at The Quarterdeck, MarineMax, South 125 Bar & Grill, The Monkey Bar, and Whitecap at The Landings. Cards turn in at The Shebang between 4:30–5:30 PM, then everyone converges on Big Shots for the Kentucky Derby on the big screen, a massive live auction (including an $8,000 hot tub and a custom golf cart giveaway), and Southern Accents live at 9 PM. All proceeds benefit the Toby Keith Foundation and the WAAMI Organization. (Full details & raffle tickets at grandlakeliving.com/events/cinco-poker-derby)

Pirates Poker Run - Break out the eye patch — the Pirates Poker Run is back on South Grand and it's raising money for the Ketchum Back Pack Program. Pick up your hand for $20 at Cedar Port Marina starting at 10 am and hit stops at Cherokee Yacht Club Marina, Arrowhead Marina, and Sharky's Bar to build your best poker hand. Best pirate costume wins up to $300, and top poker hands pay out up to $300 as well. (Dress the part — it's worth it.) Grab a bonus chip by having dinner at Sharky's on Friday night. Turn in your hands between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Sharky’s, where Rockfisch plays live starting at 6:30.

Ian Munsick at The Battlefield - Shangri-La is kicking off its brand new concert series in a big way — Ian Munsick takes the stage at The Battlefield Par 3 Course on Saturday night for what should be a really special evening on the lake. All ages are welcome, parking is free, and food and drinks will be available on site. Gates open at 5 and the show is at 8. Tickets are required for this one, so grab them on Eventbrite before they're gone. (Tickets here)

More in Grove - Grove’s City Wide Garage Sale happens Friday through Sunday and the first Grove Farmer’s Market of the season is Saturday from 9 to 1

On The Water Eats - Whitecap at The Landings is now open! Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina opens for the season Friday. Mooney’s is now open at Noon on Mondays! The Quarterdeck, Blind Swine on Duck Creek, VIP Pizza, Boom on Grand, and Ugly’s Grill & Bar are now all open.

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

Trouble on the Water?

  • Emergencies - Dial 911

  • Tow Boat US Grand Lake - (918) 782-8600

  • GRDA Non-Emergency - (918) 256-0911

  • GRDA Lake Rules and Maps

The Latest From The Grand Lake Bum

the Grand Lake Bum

Special Thanks To More Sponsors:

🏆️ GIVEAWAY ALERT

Have you been to Shangri-La Resort lately? Right in your backyard, there is so much new to discover … from the new pizza spot now delivering locally, to family fun at The Anchor sports bar, game room and arcade, lakeside eats at Eddy’s, fresh flavors at Doc’s, and elevated dining at The Summit.

Now is your chance to be part of the Shangri-La family.

They are giving away a Day Out for Two including:

  • Golf for two

  • Pizza and beers at The Anchor following + $25 game card for arcade fun

To enter:
• Follow @shangrilaokresort on IG and on FB at Shangri-La Resort
• Tag two friends in the comments (every extra comment = bonus entry)

Whether you come for the golf, stay for the food, or make a day of family fun, this is your sign to plan your next Shangri-La escape.

Giveaway ends May 15 and one winner will be announced May 16 via DM.

No purchase necessary. Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident to enter. Blackout dates may apply. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram or Facebook.

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 30

  • Thursday Trivia at Boom on Grand

  • Erin Fitzgibbon at The Monkey Bar - 8 pm

Friday, May 1

  • The Hydramatics at Mooney’s - 7 pm

  • Nothing Fancy Band at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

  • Brett & Teri at Sharky’s - 8 pm

  • Beaux Jenkins at R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon - 8 pm

  • The Downbeat Duo at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

  • Blues Doctors at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

Saturday, May 2

  • Magen Faulconer at The Monkey Bar - 2 to 5 pm

  • Lil Red & Sidepiece at Juan Montez - 6 pm

  • RockFiscH at Sharky’s - 6:30 pm

  • Ryan Graham at Mooney’s - 7 pm

  • Rebecca Hawkins Project at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

  • D’Elegantz at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

  • TBD at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

  • Southern Accents at The Poker Derby Party at Big Shots - 9 pm

Sunday, May 3

  • Dillon Leggitt at Sharky’s - 3 pm

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.

Amazing Mediterranean-Style Villa

Rarely does a property of this caliber come to market on Grand Lake. This magnificent one-owner Mediterranean estate sits on a private two-lot point with approximately 660 feet of shoreline and water views on three sides. Designed for elegant lakeside living and entertaining, highlights include a resort-style pool overlooking the lake, an outdoor entertaining pavilion with full kitchen and bar, winding lakeside walkways, and multiple gathering spaces for relaxing or hosting. Inside, nearly 6,800 sq ft of living space offers 4 bedroom suites and 6 baths. The covered boat dock features a 14'x35' boat slip plus 2 jet ski ports. Peace of mind comes standard with an 18-camera monitored security system. This is Grand Lake living at its finest.


📍 28910 S 593 Rd, Buffalo Shores III in Grove
📞 Victoria Perry | REMAX/Grand Lake – (918) 520-1982
🔗 OwnOnGrandLake.com

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

Buffalo Shores South – Grove

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this immaculate 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers space, flexibility, and serious value at $480,000. With 2 living areas, 2 kitchens, a safe room, and a private 2-bedroom suite with its own entrance, it’s ideal for multi-generational living or rental income. An oversized 3-car garage, optional HOA amenities, and proximity to marinas, golf, and shopping make this one a standout.

📍 3114 Buffalo Lane, Grove
📞 Ileta Bray | Legacy Real Estate – (918) 801-5912
🔗 View Full Listing | MLS #25-2399

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

Horse Creek Views

Wake up to breathtaking Grand Lake views from this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath lake home overlooking Horse Creek, priced at $465,000. Featuring high-end finishes, quartz countertops, a massive 12x42 deck, and a shared dock with boat lift and PWC ports, this property is perfect for relaxed lake living or weekend escapes. Just minutes from shopping, golf, and casinos.

📍 25325 S 542 Road, Afton
📞 Ileta Bray | Legacy Real Estate – (918) 801-5912
🔗 View Full Listing | MLS #26-389

Meanwhile, on the Grand Lake Living website:

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