Will Rogers Afternoon Frolic 2026

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Circle Cinema are proud to announce the third annual Will Rogers Afternoon Frolic on Saturday April 25! Tickets on sale now, just $7 adults and $5 kids 12 and under.

All are welcome to join us in celebration of the life, legacy, and work of Will Rogers. Will exemplified the Okie spirit in everything we did, and the Afternoon Frolic is a great way to learn more about one of the most famous Oklahomans while enjoying his films on the big screen. You can also learn more about Will and other events and initiatives from the Will Rogers Memorial Museum at Will Rogers.com.

The afternoon includes a double feature of Will Rogers films, lunch with Ike’s Chili and roping demonstrations. The year’s films are the feature-length “Life Begins at 40” followed by the silent short movie “Ropin’ Fool” accompanied by a live organ played by Bill Rowland. Before showtime, visitors can make their own rope and learn a rope trick while viewing original movie posters and behind-the-scenes images shot on set of the films. Lunch will be available for purchase from Ike’s Chili (not included in ticket price.)

-ORDER OF EVENTS-
11:00a - Lobby activities
Arrive any time between 11am-1pm for fun in the lobby! The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will have roping demonstrations and guide you through making your own rope. And of course, Ike's Chili will be on sale for lunch before the films.

1:00p - Film screenings
At 1pm everyone will move into the big screen for the two classic Will Rogers film. First up is the 1935 feature-length comedy “Life Begins at 40.” Will plays the easy-going publisher of small-town paper going up against a hard-nosed banker while trying to clear the name of a man framed for bank robbery. After the feature, stay for the 19min 1922 silent "The Ropin' Fool" with live pipe organ accompaniment by Bill Rowland on Circle’s 1928 theater pipe organ.