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Sooner Weekend: An Affair of the Heart, Women’s Gymnastics, Mardi Gras Parade & More

#SoonerWknd: An Affair of the Heart, Women’s Gymnastics, Mardi Gras & More

Escape to the ultimate shopping paradise, mambo your way through Norman and feel like a little kid again — all in one weekend.

1. Free UPB movie 'Spectre'

A direct sequel to the 2012 film ‘Skyfall,’ this action-packed motion picture is one of the best being featured in UPB’s Spring Film Series — absolutely free. After uncovering a secret message from an ominous organization called SPECTRE, the iconic 007 discovers more information than he had hoped for. Featuring music from Grammy-winner Sam Smith, the 24th Eon Produced James Bond film is the one you don’t want to miss. With showings at 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight Friday at Meacham Auditorium (and a Saturday matinee at 4 p.m. for those of you who aren’t night owls), there’s no excuse to skip out on "Spectre."

2. Women's gymnastics meet

Buzzing off their big win in the Metroplex Challenge last week, the No. 2 OU Women’s Gymnastics team is ready to flip its way into your hearts. Featuring routines from Gymnast of the Week, Chayse Capps, Event Specialist of the Week, McKenzie Wofford, and Newcomer of the Week, Nicole Lehrmann, these talented Sooners never fail to fill up the Lloyd Noble Center. Grab your Sooner Card (this makes your entry free!), warmest crimson gear and prepare to lose your voice as the women return home to compete against Big 12 opponent and West Virginia at 1:45 p.m. this Sunday.

3. An Affair of the Heart

This biannual crafts fair has been around since 1985 — so you know it has to be good. With exhibits featuring arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, accessories and gourmet foods, this shopping paradise is the ideal place to get a Valentine’s Day gift that is sure to make your Sooner swoon. Get your tickets, a group of your closest friends (maybe even tote some matching scrunchies and shirts) and head to the Oklahoma State Fair Park any time from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

4. 'The Lion King Jr.'

Feeling a bit nostalgic? Relive your childhood dreams and watch a classic Disney movie unfold live right before your eyes. Located in the Sooner Theatre, "The Lion King Jr." production features an impressive cast of third- through seventh-grade students guaranteed to make your 6-year-old self proud — and tickets are only $10. See a part of historic downtown Norman and feel like a kid again at any of the showings this weekend. Have your choice of a 2 p.m. showing Friday and Saturday with the opening cast, or catch the closing cast at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

5. Norman Mardi Gras Parade

The 22nd annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade is the most happening place to be this weekend. The colorful celebration will bring N'awlins right to Norman with its "Mardi Gras Mambo" theme. Starting downtown from Jones Avenue at Main Street, the parade will feature an official royalty of activists Stacey Wright and Danielle Brown (founders of #YESALLDAUGHTERS), the Fatimah Middle Eastern Dancers Krewe and food trucks to fill your stomach with gumbo, donuts, hot chocolate and more. Be sure to clear your schedule and get there early (7-8ish is the starting time) so you can spend Saturday night dancing in the streets!

Have an event you’d like promoted in #SoonerWknd? Upload it to the OU Campus Calendar here and it could be featured in an upcoming events roundup. Have questions about the calendar or events submissions? Reach out to Morgan Day at morgan.day@ou.edu.