Good morning, Stillwater.

Local fall festivals bring fun events to area venues this fall.

GardenFest at the State Botanic Garden will have food and kid activities on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Poketoberfest on campus will offer German food and games on Oct. 1; The Twelves Fall Festival will feature a pumpkin patch and hay maze on Oct. 4; Stillwater Octoberfest will bring live music and beer on Oct. 4; and the 44th annual Fall Festival at the Payne County Expo Center will showcase over 150 vendor booths on Nov. 7-8.

OSU hosted its second annual Land-Grant week, which began Monday—featuring campus events and tabling that celebrated the university’s role in providing hands-on education and research to communities statewide.

The celebration highlighted extension programs in all 77 counties that offer direct support to agriculture and student learning.

Brandy McDonnell, an O’Colly alumna, won the Rabkin prize for arts and entertainment writing—earning $50,000—and became the second Oklahoman to receive this national honor, showing how Oklahoma State helped prepare her for a career in journalism.

OSUPD Chief Mike Beckner said student safety and free speech are top priorities after the fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk, with tailored security for events featuring controversial speakers.

He added that OSUPD is forming a police advisory board with the Student Government Association—SGA Vice President Victoria Smith expects it to be finalized by month’s end.

Oklahoma State University hosted Benjamin Peters on Sept.

25 to launch the Global Briefing Series of the fall semester. His talk—Shifting Digital Environments: U.S. Geopolitics and the Future of Ukraine—explained how digital systems affect power and conflict.

Student government restructured its MAC funding committee into MPAC to meet an Oklahoma law that stops state funds for diversity and inclusion programs.

Christian Jimenez was named director and MPAC will provide funding for travel and events for all student organizations—broadening support across campus.

On Sept. 18, Chef Reimund Pitz awarded OSU’s Silvio Ceschini, Ashley Peterson and Chef Mark Cochran the National President’s Medal for leadership and mentoring at the Distinguished Chef’s Series in Stillwater — the honor recognizes their contributions to culinary education.

Mike Gundy is no longer the Cowboys’ coach after a two-decade run that featured strong teams in 2011 with a Fiesta Bowl win, 2021 with a near-Big 12 title, and 2023 with a Big 12 Championship appearance—his tenure also included notable seasons in 2016 and 2017 that helped build OSU’s football legacy.

Youth Art Sale

All Day — Downtown Stillwater Association — $15 entry fee — Celebrate local young talent at a juried showcase of original youth artwork during Octoberfest.

Kansas State Wildcats at Oklahoma State Cowgirls Women's Soccer

6:00 PM — Neal Patterson Stadium — Free entry — Cheer on the Cowgirls as they take on Kansas State in a thrilling Big 12 matchup.

OSU Homecoming: Walkaround

5:30-9 p.m. — ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center — Free entry — Celebrate America’s greatest Homecoming tradition with stunning house decorations created by the Greek community.

United States Marine Band Concert

Time TBD — McKnight Center for the Performing Arts — Free admission — Experience America’s oldest military band with a patriotic concert featuring classic Sousa marches and modern pieces.

LexiCon 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Stillwater Public Library — Free admission — Engage in an exciting cosplay contest and showcase your creativity.