If you have been around Oklahoma City for long, chances are you have heard about the Metropolitan Area Projects and how they have transformed Oklahoma City into the vibrant hub that it is today (we confess that it is one of our favorite topics). Right now, construction is underway on several of the eight MAPS 3 projects that voters approved in 2009. Read on for an update on the progress that is moving Oklahoma City forward.

MAPS 3 Trails
Because of MAPS 3, Oklahoma City is becoming better connected and healthier through the addition of three trails to the Oklahoma City trails system. The MAPS 3’s Will Rogers Trail opened in March and it connects Lake Hefner with the Oklahoma River – that’s 8.1 miles added to the trail system, and all but two blocks are protected for pedestrians and cyclists.

Also in March, city officials broke ground on the MAPS 3 Lake Draper Trail, which circles Lake Stanley Draper with a 13-mile path. The $12.6 million trail is expected to be completed this fall. The Lake Draper and Will Rogers trails join the 7.5-mile West River Trail, which was completed in 2015, in connecting thousands of residents, workers, shoppers and visitors to the growing Oklahoma City trails system.

Oklahoma City Streetcar
Have you noticed all the construction in downtown Oklahoma City? While it may be inconvenient now, those growing pains are leading to the completion of the MAPS 3 Oklahoma City Streetcar, the future of public transit in Oklahoma City. The first streetcar was delivered to Oklahoma City in February and testing has already begun on the completed rails. Want to see the streetcar for yourself? The public is invited to the MAPS 3 OKC Streetcar open house on March 30. The first 300 people get a free streetcar t-shirt at the event, which runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the OKC Streetcar Storage and Maintenance Facility at Southwest Seventh Street and Hudson Avenue.

Oklahoma City Convention Center
Conventions and events are big business in Oklahoma City. In fact, the hospitality industry is the third-largest in our region – and it’s growing. A big part of that growth is the MAPS 3 Downtown Oklahoma City Convention Center, which will replace the aging Cox Convention Center.

The new convention center and its adjacent headquarters hotel will allow Oklahoma City to compete for 80 percent or more of the events held in the United States, further developing the region’s hospitality industry. The $277 million center, which is projected to open in 2020, will feature nearly 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 30,000-square-foot ballroom and 45,000 square feet of additional meeting space. Oklahoma City Council has approved designs and opened the bidding process for construction is open, with the groundbreaking scheduled for later this year.

Can’t get enough of the debt-free public projects that are transforming Oklahoma City? Sign up for the MAPS 3 newsletter. 

When it comes to Myriad Botanical Gardens, 30 has never looked so good. Thirty years ago this month, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at Myriad Botanical Gardens opened to the public and, since that time, Myriad Botanical Gardens has served as the heart of downtown Oklahoma City and a breath of fresh air for all Oklahoma City residents.

The history of the gardens starts much earlier, however. This jewel of Oklahoma City was born during the downtown urban renewal project of the late 60s. Myriad Gardens was part of I.M. Pei’s plan for downtown Oklahoma City’s revitalization, and it’s one of the only parts of his plan to be fully realized. In order to win public support for the idea of a centrally located garden, city leaders made a trip to Denmark to study the Tivoli Gardens for design inspiration. A nation-wide search was made for the architects that would design the Myriad Gardens, which was named after “the Myriad,” the building now known as the Cox Convention Center. In 1971, the New York architectural firm Conklin + Rossant was chosen, and city leaders broke ground on the 17-acre plot for the garden on Nov. 17, 1977.

Unfortunately, construction was delayed as the oil bust of the 1970s and ‘80s diminished the project’s funding, so the area was constructed as money was available. In 1981, leaders formed the Myriad Gardens Foundation to raise private funds for the construction of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Construction resumed from 1983-1985 and the building finally opened to the public on March 25, 1988.

More recently, Myriad Gardens and its Crystal Bridge received a facelift thanks to funds from the construction of Devon Tower and Project 180. This $176-million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas included new landscaping, a new children’s garden, a new restaurant space, and reglazed acrylic panels on the Crystal Bridge. Today, Myriad Gardens is stronger than ever and spring is the perfect time to explore all that it has to offer. Check it out for yourself by attending one of their upcoming events or classes.

OKC’s music scene is hot, with a variety of venue sizes and artists to choose from in April. Read on for highlights, and be sure to visit each venue’s website for the complete schedule.

• Philippe Quint (April 7, Civic Center Music Hall) – Russian-American classical violinist Philippe Quint will reimagine traditional works as part of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s Classics series.
• John Moreland & Deer Tick (April 11, Diamond Ballroom) – Singer-songwriter and Oklahoma native John Moreland is making a stop in his home state with Deer Tick, an alt-rock band steeped in folk, blues and country influences.
• Bowling for Soup (April 22, Tower Theatre) – With a career spanning more than two decades, Bowling for Soup will bring its trademark power pop that will have you singing along. (1985, anyone?)
• David Byrne (April 25, The Criterion) – Founding member of Talking Heads David Byrne is touring to promote his first solo album in 14 years, “American Utopia.”
• Oh Wonder (April 26, The Jones Assembly) – Viral online sensation Oh Wonder will bring their signature R&B tunes to The Jones Assembly alongside the UK’s Astronomyy.

With warmer weather on the horizon and major festivals and sporting events filling the weekends, April is a month full of opportunities to have fun. Check out the April in OKC video from our partners at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for a look at all of this month’s happenings.

Tuesday, March 27
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.

Wednesday, March 28
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.

Thursday, March 29
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Uptown Uncorked; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Friday, March 30
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Ty Doll $ign; 8:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Saturday, March 31
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Cedric the Entertainer; 10 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Sunday, April 1
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Greater Tuna; 1:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, April 2
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; 478-2250; Free with museum admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Dweezil Zappa; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Many outside of our state borders think of Oklahoma’s geography as uninspiring, to say the least. However, you don’t have to live here long to realize Oklahoma’s topography is diverse. From mountains to sweeping plains, sand dunes and mighty rivers, Oklahoma’s 32 state parks allow you to experience and discover all our great state has to offer.

From rappelling at Red Rock Canyon State Park to boulder hopping and climbing at Robbers Cave State Park, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own dune buggy or rent an ATV and fly over the dunes at Little Sahara State Park or grab your wet suit and have a scuba adventure in Lake Tenkiller's dive park. The range of activities offered at state parks includes golfing, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and even cave exploring (check out the Alabaster Caverns State Park near Freedom).

In addition to relaxing in the beautiful surroundings - lakes, mountains, sand dunes and forests - you can hike, bike, fish or participate in organized park activities. Then rest in a comfortable lodge or cabin, or camp in your own tent or RV.

Some areas of interest worth exploring that aren’t on the state parks’ list include the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service near Lawton, Quartz Mountain Nature Park in southwest Oklahoma and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve operated by the Nature Conservancy.

As temperatures warm up, we are feeling the need to head outdoors and stretch our legs a tad. Oklahoma City’s vast array of city parks offer all the fun you can think of under the sun.

To keep you in the know, the Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation department has created a handy guide to enjoying its amenities during the 2018 spring season.

From enjoying a pool day to taking a nature walk, the guide has something for every interest and every age. View the 2018 Summer Program Guide here, and let us know your favorite way to enjoy your neighborhood parks in the comments.

Speaking of parks, if you have been on the southern edge of downtown lately you’ve noticed tons of dirt moving. Scissortail Park, the new 70-acre downtown park, is coming closer to reality. Keep up-to-date with the park’s progress here.

Over the past decade, Oklahoma City has invested heavily in its trails system in an effort to remake the city and promote more healthy living.

Oklahoma City’s first neighborhood trail opened in March as civic leaders cut the ribbon on the  MAPS 3’s Will Rogers Trail. As the second of three trails funded by MAPS 3, Will Rogers Trail connects Lake Hefner with the Oklahoma River. The final of three MAPS 3-funded trails, at Lake Stanley Draper, broke ground this month.

Outside of the newest additions to the trail system, Oklahoma City has many options throughout the metro that residents can choose from when looking for a nice exercise trail. The trail system of OKC currently has 10 intertwined trails stretching across the majority of the city. These trails include the Bert Cooper Trails, Earlywine Trail, Hefner-Overholser Trail, Katy Trail, Lightning Creek Trail, Overholser Trail, South Grand Trail, Tinker-Draper Trail and the West River Trail. Recreational activities abound around each of these trails, so the options are endless. The Bert Cooper Trails are located along Lake Hefner with easy access to the restaurants along the East Wharf, fishing docks, Stars & Stripes Park and the Lake Hefner Golf Course. The Overholser Trail is another trail with fun amenities including kayak and canoe rentals, a café, and even zip lines. If you are feeling really adventurous and sporty we recommend the Oklahoma River Trails. You can run and bike along the river and stop at OKC’s famed Boathouse District and grab a canoe or kayak. No matter your interests, Oklahoma City’s expanding trail system will give you a way to enjoy the great outdoors.

One thing that consistently surprises newcomers to our great city is the width and depth of Oklahoma City’s bioscience sector. When most people think of biosciences they think of the coasts. However, for decades, cutting-edge research that has helped save countless lives has happened in the heart of downtown OKC. In fact, the industry employs more than 51,000 in our region.

In an attempt to better explain the history and look towards the future of the industry, bio tech in Oklahoma City has a new story feature at www.greateroklahomacity.com/biostory. The story focuses on Oklahoma City’s rising biotech industry. With a format intended to be easily shared with clients, coworkers and friends, the storytelling section of the Chamber’s economic development website combats the disconnect between Oklahoma City’s impressive growth and outdated perceptions about Oklahoma City’s culture. “Brilliant: Soaring Science from a Rising Bio Campus,” the second installment of the series, demonstrates how Oklahoma City’s pioneering spirit shows up in the futuristic achievements of the region’s biotech industry. From its foundations until today, the feature walks the reader through how synergy, discovery and sharing Oklahoma City’s bioscience industry with the world has made the region a frontier for achievement.

Each chapter of the story offers the chance to engage with more contextual content, with links to interviews with some of Oklahoma City’s brightest researchers, virtual tours of research space and more. Like all Chamber websites, this site is responsive and can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and computers, which means it will look great however you choose to read it. The story is also easy to share with friends, co-workers and contacts outside of the Oklahoma City area.

Tuesday, March 20
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Black Angels; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Wednesday, March 21
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Colter Wall; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Thursday, March 22
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Austin Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
The Dead South; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Shrine Circus; 7:30 p.m.; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, March 23
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Shrine Circus; 7:30 p.m.; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary;
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
The Lacs; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Saturday, March 24
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Shrine Circus; 10 a.m.; 2 & 7:30 p.m.; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary;
Greater Tuna; 7:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Eric Johnson; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Sunday, March 25
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
30th Anniversary Celebration of the Myriad Gardens; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens; This event is free.
Greater Tuna; 1:30 p.m.; Civic Center Music Hall; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Shrine Circus; 2 & 7:30 p.m.; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary;
Monty Python and the Holy Grail; 4 & 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.
Portland Trailblazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 6 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, March 26
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; 478-2250; Free with museum admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.

Oklahomans have always been accused of being football crazy but few could have predicted just how fútbol crazy Oklahoma City has become. Thanks to the Oklahoma City Energy FC, the love of soccer has swept across the metro. 

The Energy will kick off their 2018 season March 17 against their rivals the Roughnecks FC out of Tulsa at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City. This will mark the franchise’s fifth season and the club will be welcoming a new head coach this season, Steve Cooke. The Energy FC have made the playoffs three straight years which has led to raucous home crowds. The club routinely draws 4,000 fans to their matches.

Check out the 2018 schedule and get your tickets today.

If you are anything like us, after each Energy home game we are ready to do our best Pele impersonation. The good news is OKC offers plenty of places to get involved in the beautiful game indoors.

Soccer City OKC:
Soccer City OKC is very popular among OKC residents, offering adult leagues throughout the year. Located at 4520 Old Farm Rd., Soccer City hosts coed, women’s and men’s leagues. The adult leagues last eight weeks including one game per week. The days of the games vary depending on each division making the scheduling flexible with a busy work week for players! Soccer City is a great place to go and be active after a work day. There is still time to sign up for the upcoming fall, winter or spring sessions.

Soccer City also offers leagues for youth and children. For more information visit www.soccercityokcity.com

Indoor Soccer Arena
ISA, located at 100 N McCormick Ave., has year-round leagues available to join. If you are looking to play and don’t have a team, this is the place to go. There are several different leagues to choose from with varying dates to accommodate your schedule! Teams include a range from boys and girls under 10 years old to coed over 25 years old and more.

Oklahoma City Sports Center:
Oklahoma City Sports Center is also a great soccer location. Open most week days after 5 p.m. and all day on the weekends, this arena is great for an after work activity. Oklahoma City Sports Center is located at 11100 N. Kelley Avenue.

It is time to make sure all your green clothes are washed because St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. We’ll be completely honest, it is not all that difficult to find a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Oklahoma City. Your favorite restaurant or bar will probably have the green beer flowing. However, there are handful of events we want to make you aware of:

• St Patrick’s Day in the Garden: This is a St. Patrick’s Day event the whole family can enjoy at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Food trucks, face painting, bag pipes and even Scottish dancing will all be taking place.
• O’City St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The official parade of Oklahoma City is back and will begin at 11 a.m. All sorts of local organizations will be showing their St. Paddy’s Day pride during the parade. The parade will take place on Sheridan between the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
• Bricktown St. Patrick’s Day Block Party: Kicking off at noon around Reno & Oklahoma Ave, this all day shindig will feature live music and food trucks. It is for all ages and the admission is free.

Spring Break for most Oklahoma schools and colleges will be taking place over the next couple of weeks. Here at Better Life HQ we want to make sure you know you don’t have to go to somewhere like Cabo or Cancun to have a good time. All you leave those places with are awful braids and regret. Trust us, that barbwire tattoo won’t wipe off.

If you stay in OKC you can whitewater raft downtown, sky dive indoors and so much more. Watch the video for more.

Tuesday, March 13
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
The Room; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Finding Neverland; 7:30 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, March 14
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Finding Neverland; 7:30 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, March 15
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Run the Alley; 6 p.m.; 708 North Broadway; 702-9291; This event is free.
Finding Neverland; 7:30 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, March 16
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Jurassic Quest; 3 p.m.; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Coop Showcase; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Admission is $10.
Finding Neverland; 8 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, March 17
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Jurassic Quest; All Day; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary.
O’City St. Patrick’s Day Parade; 11 a.m.; Bricktown; This event is free.
St. Patrick’s Day in the Gardens; Noon to 4 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens; This event is free.
Finding Neverland; 2 & 8 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Winter Jam; 5 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Hip Hop Showcase; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Sunday, March 18
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Jurassic Quest; All Day; State Fair Park; Ticket prices vary.
Finding Neverland; 2 & 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
WWE Live; 5 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, March 19
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; 478-2250; Free with museum admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Big Trouble in Little China; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.

Early next month Oklahoma City will have a new mayor for the first time in almost 15 years as David Holt will be sworn into office. On Feb. 13, Mayor-elect Holt was elected by an overwhelming margin to take over for outgoing Mayor Mick Cornett.

Holt is an Oklahoma City native who has been serving in the Oklahoma State Senate since 2010. Prior to that, Holt served as Cornett’s Chief of Staff for five years. Holt recently sat down for a Q&A for the Chamber’s POINT! newsletter to talk about his vision for our city.

Chamber: What inspired you to run for Oklahoma City mayor?

Mayor-elect Holt: On a civic level, I wanted to see our city’s momentum continue. I love Oklahoma City. This is my hometown and where our family has chosen to build our lives together. I felt as if I uniquely understood how to continue that momentum and make sure it reaches every part of our city. And on a more personal level, I’ve served at every level of government, but I felt the most fulfilled when I was at City Hall. This is where you can make a difference.

Oklahoma City has a lot of positive momentum after three decades of successful public investments that in turn spurred even more private investment, jobs and development. As mayor, how do you plan to continue that momentum?

First, we want to make sure we take care of the basics—police, fire, streets, infrastructure. The good news is the voters approved major investments in those areas last September, and I’ll work to ensure those promises are kept. Second, we need to have an inclusive conversation about continuing the quality-of-life investments that have given us this positive momentum. Specifically, we’ll need to start talking soon as a community about whether to pursue a MAPS 4 and what challenges it might address. Third, to continue our momentum, we have to focus on education. And finally, we have to better incorporate the diversity of our city into decision making. To me, these are the foundational elements that allow us to continue this momentum and to extend it to every part of the city.

Four years from now, what is your vision for what Oklahoma City will look like?

We’ll have core services we’re extremely proud of. We’ll have more quality-of-life investments coming that ensure our momentum for another decade. We’ll have a hopeful vision for public education that we’re pursuing together. We’ll have a decision-making process that the whole city feels a part of. And I think with those things in place, we’ll have continued job growth and a continued sense of pride and optimism.

You can read the full Q&A here.

One thing newcomers to our great city are sometimes surprised of is the vibrant Asian community that permeates our city. The epicenter of the community and culture is the Asian District, located around NW 23rd and Classen.

Oklahoma City experienced an influx of Vietnamese immigrants in the 1970s who were looking to escape religious and political persecution. Those new citizens helped establish OKC as one of the most underrated centers of Asian cuisine in America. We aren’t kidding when we say our city has some of the best and most authentic Vietnamese food this side of the Pacific. Of course we’ve been known to succumb to hyperbole at times so don’t take our word for it. Check out this article on Vietnamese food in Oklahoma City from the New York Times.

The Asian District is not just limited to Vietnamese food though. You can also find Tokyo-style sushi, Taiwanese bubble tea, Hong Kong-style dim sum and so much more.

One of the newest additions to the district is the Vietnam War monument that was dedicated last summer. The monument is located in Military Park and features an American Soldier and South Vietnamese soldiers standing together.

The bustling district is also home to shops, nightclubs and Super Cao Nguyen, one of the largest Asian grocery stores in this part of the United States.

One of the most disheartening parts about wanting to cook something new is not being able to find the ingredients you need at your typical go-to grocery store.

Thankfully, Oklahoma City has a plethora of options outside of your standard grocery stores. Whether you’re going organic or looking for more ethnic flavors, the metro has a place nearby that has exactly what you’re looking for.

The hardest part would be finding where these places actually are; that is, if we didn’t make things a little easier for you first. Take a look at our specialty grocery store page on our website. Do you notice any stores missing from our list that people have to know about? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter.

It is March in OKC, and that means spring break and warmer temperatures. March is one of the busiest months in the 4-0-5, but our friends over at the CVB have you covered with their monthly What to OKC video. This month’s highlights include eight Thunder games, Miranda Lambert, Dropkick Murphys, Finding Neverland and more.

Tuesday, March 6
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
The Shape of Water; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, March 7
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.

Thursday, March 8
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Vince Staples w/ Jabee; 7 p.m.; The Jones Assembly; Ticket prices vary.
Shooter Jennings; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.

Friday, March 9
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
OKC Auto Show; All Day; State Fair Park; 607-0400; Ticket prices vary.
4th OKCine Latino Film Festival; 5:30 p.m.; 632-0133; Ticket prices vary.
Beers and Bierstadt; 5:30 p.m.; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; 478-2250; Tickets are $25.
LIVE on the Plaza; 7 p.m.; Plaza District; This event is free.
405 Pitstop; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.
Miranda Lambert; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Texas Legends vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, March 10
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
OKC Auto Show; All Day; State Fair Park; 607-0400; Ticket prices vary.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Iowa Wolves vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
405 Pitstop; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets prices vary.
Whiskey Myers; 8 p.m.; The Criterion; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, March 11
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
OKC Auto Show; All Day; State Fair Park; 607-0400; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, March 12
Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; 478-2250; Free with museum admission.
Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum; Regular Museum Hours; National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Regular Museum Admission.
Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.