Welcome Back Weekend at Grand Lake - March 5, 2026

Goooood Morning!

It looks like Grand Lake is officially waking up from winter this weekend.

With Welcome Back Weekend fun (Poker Run!), a boat show, casino night, wine share, and a few other good excuses to get out of the house, there’s suddenly a lot going on around the lake again.

If you’ve been waiting for that moment when the lake starts to feel alive again… this might be it.

It does sound like the weather might be a little bumpy Friday afternoon and evening, with a few leftovers Saturday morning, but then a beautiful early March weekend after that.

And don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2 am. Set those clocks ahead an hour before you call it a night on Saturday. That way, you’ll convince yourself you really slept in when you wake up on Sunday.

Let’s get to it! Here is what you need to know for THIS Weekend at Grand Lake;

This Weekend at Grand Lake

Lake Level - The lake level as of 9 am is 742’ with little to no generation. Lake temps are mostly in the mid to upper 40s and slowly creeping up.

Poker Run - The annual Welcome Back Weekend Poker Run returns Saturday! Participants travel by land or water to five stops around the lake — including Arrowhead Yacht Club, Cedar Port Marina, Cherokee Yacht Club, VIP Pizza, and Mooney’s — collecting poker chips before wrapping up with dinner, entertainment, and prize drawings Saturday evening at Cherokee Yacht Club. See the events page for the full schedule and details.

Biz After Hours - The South Grand Lake Chamber is hosting a Business After Hours tonight (Thursday!) from 4:30 to 6:30 at The Dam Hotel/Disney Island Outfitters in Disney. Such a cool historical building that dates back to the building of the dam. Rain or shine, all are welcome to come visit and network and enjoy a few beverages and snacks.

Har-Ber Village Opening Weekend - Har-Ber Village kicks off the season with its annual Opening Day this weekend, including a special Members-Only preview on Friday (9–3:30) and the public Opening Day on Saturday (10–3). Both days feature the grand reopening of the newly redesigned Pharmacy & Barbershop, a fun step back into Grand Lake history.

Grand Lake Boat & Sport Show - Happening Friday through Sunday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Jay, offering a great chance to start planning your summer on the water. Browse pontoon boats, deck boats, fishing boats, marine accessories, electronics, dock services, and more — plus talk with local experts about boating, maintenance, and safety. Admission is free. The show opens at Noon on Friday and 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Casino Night at Marine Max - Kick off Welcome Back Weekend at Casino Night at MarineMax Grand Lake on Friday from 5–8 PM on Monkey Island. Enjoy an evening of blackjack, craps, Wheel of Fortune, and more while exploring boats and getting excited for the upcoming boating season. They do ask for an RSVP Here to join the fun.

First Friday Wine Share - Blair’s Boutique & Consignment is the host for this month’s First Friday Wine Share in Grove, Friday night from 6 to 7:30. Just bring a glass, your favorite bottle, and maybe an appetizer to share, and enjoy the always fun group.

Pie Auction & Fish Fry - The Ketchum Ag Boosters are hosting their inaugural Pie Auction, Fish Fry, and Student Worker Fundraiser on Friday at 6 pm in the Ketchum High School cafeteria. Enjoy a fish fry dinner for $10 per plate (dine-in or to-go) and stick around for the pie auction while supporting local FFA students and their programs.

Two Hip Chicks Roadshow - Their Modern Market returns Saturday from 9 to 4 at the brand-new Wolf Creek Expo Center for their annual shopping event. With 80+ booths featuring food, crafts, boutique items, vintage finds, and rustic décor, it’s a great excuse to grab a few friends and spend the day browsing and shopping. Admission is $5 at the door (kids 13 and under are free), and the first 25 shoppers get a swag bag of goodies.

Kids Night Out - If you need a few kid-free hours Saturday night, Kids Night Out at The Anchor at Shangri-La runs from 6–9 PM, giving parents a chance to enjoy a quiet dinner or evening on Monkey Island.

Restaurant Updates & Openings - VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina opens TODAY at 11 am. Next week adds a couple more openings at Shangri-La Resort: Doc’s Bar & Grill opens for the 2026 season on Tuesday, and The Galley at The Anchor starts its spring hours (Thursday–Monday at 11 AM). Boom on Grand reopens next Thursday with their popular Trivia Night. Our House BBQ is now open at The Hilltop Inn & Suites in Grove, and Red’s House BBQ (tried it last week → delicious!) is now open at the Ketchum Eats Food Park. Juan Montez at Red Arrow is OPEN as they get their new building built (it is looking NICE!). There will soon be a Mexican food trailer at Ketchum Eats Food Park. And, Burger Barn & More is now open down the street from the Ketchum Eats Food Park. By the way, have you seen Ketchum Kenny at the food park???

Grove Playmakers Spring Break Auditions - 🎭 Grove Playmakers is hosting a full lineup of spring break auditions and open houses for youth and adults interested in performing, dance, Readers’ Theatre, and even adult fitness classes using dance exercises. Auditions include the July/August intergenerational production of A Wrinkle in Time, youth rhythm performance groups, and upcoming seasonal productions. Multiple sessions are scheduled March 14–21, with flexible options available if you’ll be out of town. For details or to sign up, call (918) 786-8950 or email [email protected].

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

The Latest From The Grand Lake Bum

Special Thanks To More Sponsors:

• JT Services - One call does so much; HVAC, Septic, Plumbing, Storm Shelters, ever portable toilets.

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

• Ready to build your dream Grand Lake home? Kennedy Homes is ready to help.

• Falcon Roofing is expanding to the Grand Lake area, offering roofing, remodeling, and more!

• The Regatta on Grand in Grove is THE luxury RV resort on Grand Lake.

• MarineMax on Monkey Island, whether you are shopping for a new boat or need repairs.

• ProGuard Exterminators does more than pest control - they take care of your lawn weed control and fertilization as well. Now is the time!

• Need a hotel in Grove?

• Shoreline Solutions is THE CALL to make for your retaining wall and erosion issues.

• Get your golf cart ready for lake season with help from The Golf Cart Guyz.

• South Grand Vision brings eye care expertise to you in Langley.

• All Things Exterior does, well, just that, throughout the Grand Lake area.

• EverGreen Weed Control & Fertilization wants you to know that NOW is the time to spray pre-emergent if you have Bermuda grass.

• 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!

Wondering about the upcoming Grand Lake Boat Show? Maybe the Welcome Back Weekend Poker Run? Or what about BMR or the Big Bass Bash? Here you go:

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, March 5

• Prime Rib night at Mooney’s

• Erin Fitzgibbon at The Monkey Bar - 8 pm

Friday, March 6

• Jesse Dean at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• The Big Cheese Band at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Whiskey Poet Society at R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon - 8 pm

• D’Eleganz at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Big Smitty at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

• Dillon Leggett at Pickles - 9 pm

Saturday, March 7

• Jimmy Lee Jordan Band with COBE at Cherokee Yacht Club - Poker Run Check-In starting at 5 pm

• Sierra Bravo at Mooney’s - 7 pm

• Ashlynne Grey at Scissortail Marina - 7 pm

• Encore at Cherokee Casino Grove - 8 pm

• Brad Hemphill at Grand Lake Casino - 8 pm

• Dustin Treiber at The Monkey Bar - 9 pm

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