<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=13012" rel="attachment wp-att-13012"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/5644328619_38ab037d13_b-944x629-500x333.jpg" alt="by Larry Lamsa" title="prairie chicken" width="500" height="333" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-13012" /></a>

The redbuds are popping. Patios are packed. The winter-white plains give way to waving green grasses as the clouds skate to the ends of the sky, not to return until 'round about Halloween.

Spring is at hand in Oklahoma, and these are just a few of the signs. The gateway to a summer full of fun across the state yawns before you, lined with a collection of festivals and shindigs that are sure to satisfy both young and old.

From prairie chickens to Bigfoot, from jousting to chalk art, from vikings to world champion cow-chip flingers: Here are the best festivals and things to do in Oklahoma this April.