A Better Life OKC Blog

Find Your Community: OKC Volunteer Opportunities

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Volunteer registration for the 2028 Olympics opens this July, giving residents the chance to play a role in one of the biggest events in our city’s history. But you don’t have to wait until 2028 to make a difference.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to build connections, discover new interests and become part of the community. Whether you’re passionate about animals, the arts, education, health care or helping others in need, there’s an organization that could use your time and talents.

Oklahoma City has a network of thousands of nonprofit organizations serving our community’s greatest needs. Not sure where to start? Explore available volunteer opportunities at United Way of Central Oklahoma's online Volunteer Center.

One of the best ways to feel at home in a city is to help make it better. You may arrive to lend a hand, but you just might leave with new friends, new experiences and a deeper appreciation for the place you call home.

This Week in OKC (July 13-19, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

There's plenty to experience around Oklahoma City this week, from world-class sporting events to family-friendly attractions and free ways to get active.

Arabian & Half-Arabian Youth National Championship Horse Show

July 17-25 | OKC Fair Park

As the Horse Show Capital of the World, there’s no shortage of exciting equestrian events that happen in Oklahoma City throughout the year. Next up is the return of the Arabian & Half-Arabian Youth National Championship Horse Show, bringing more than 1,000 magnificent Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses to OKC Fair Park.

ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – Opening Ceremony

July 18 | RIVERSPORT

A prequel to the weeklong competition, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will kick off Saturday night, July 18, with a free Opening Ceremony event. It’s your chance to help welcome more than 300 athletes to OKC with live entertainment from local artists.

UFC® Fight Night

July 18 | Paycom Center

Returning to Oklahoma City for the first time in nearly 10 years on July 18, UFC® Fight Night will deliver a can’t-miss card filled with thrilling matchups featuring some of UFC’s biggest stars, top contenders and rising prospects. Fans can expect a night of excitement and entertainment as UFC continues to bring the best in mixed martial arts to cities around the world.

Fitness at the Wheel

July 19 | Wheeler Ferris Wheel

Fitness at the Wheel happens every Sunday from May through September with a rotating lineup of local fitness studios leading all-level workouts. Bring your yoga mat, water and a friend, and enjoy a fun, free way to move together at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel.

Experience One of the World's Most Exciting Olympic Sports in OKC

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

With Oklahoma City set to host all canoe slalom events during the 2028 Olympic Games, anticipation is already churning – but you don’t have to wait until 2028 to experience the thrill of world-class whitewater competition.

This July, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will take place at the RIVERSPORT Whitewater Center July 20-25, kicking off with a free Opening Ceremony event on July 18. More than 300 athletes from 40+ nations will race through the whitewater course to become world champions in canoe slalom, kayak slalom and kayak cross.

You might be wondering, “What is canoe slalom?” Think of it as an obstacle course on whitewater. Combining speed, strategy and precision, athletes race against the clock navigating a series of suspended gates through powerful rapids. Spectators are just feet from the action, offering a rare chance to experience this growing Olympic sport up close.

The excitement extends beyond the competition. Enjoy live music and cultural performances, explore local food trucks, browse the Route 66 Centennial Car Show and experience the electric atmosphere as Oklahoma City welcomes the world.

Tickets start at just $6. Purchase tickets and see the full competition lineup at okc2026.com.

This Week in OKC (July 6-12, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Summer is in full swing, and there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the week in Greater Oklahoma City. From live music and baseball to museums and local favorites, there's something for everyone.

Oklahoma City Comets Baseball
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Spend an evening cheering on the Comets while enjoying one of downtown's favorite summer traditions.

Why go:

Family-friendly entertainment

Great food and downtown atmosphere

A perfect summer night out

Live Music Across the Metro

Catch performances throughout the week at venues including The Jones Assembly, Beer City Music Hall and Tower Theatre.

Why go:

National and local artists

Great nightlife

Something for every music fan

Explore Oklahoma City's Museums

Beat the summer heat by visiting destinations like the First Americans Museum, Oklahoma City Museum of Art or the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Why go:

Interactive exhibits

Fun for all ages

Discover Oklahoma's unique history and culture

Whether you're exploring downtown or discovering a new favorite spot, this week is another reminder that there's always something happening in Greater Oklahoma City.

OKC's Dining Scene Continues to Grow

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

One of the best parts of living in Greater Oklahoma City is discovering what's new.

From locally owned concepts to nationally recognized chefs, Oklahoma City's restaurant scene continues to evolve with exciting new dining experiences across the metro. New restaurants, neighborhood favorites and first-to-market concepts are giving residents more reasons to explore while attracting visitors from across the region.

The city's growing culinary scene reflects Oklahoma City's continued momentum. New restaurants create jobs, support local entrepreneurs and add to the vibrant districts that make our community unique.

Whether you're trying a new brunch spot, enjoying dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, there's always something new to experience.

A better life means having great food, great places and great experiences close to home.

Discover OKC's Parks & Trails This Summer

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, and Greater Oklahoma City offers plenty of places to explore.

From the walking trails and gardens at Scissortail Park to the miles of pathways along the Oklahoma River, residents have easy access to outdoor recreation just minutes from home. Whether you're taking an evening stroll, renting a paddleboat, biking with friends or enjoying a concert on the Great Lawn, these spaces bring the community together all season long. Scissortail Park's summer calendar also features free fitness classes, weekly farmers markets and outdoor concerts, giving residents even more reasons to get outside.

These public spaces are more than parks — they're investments in quality of life that encourage healthier lifestyles, strengthen community connections and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

A better life means having beautiful places to explore, relax and connect — right in your own backyard.

Experience a uniquely Oklahoma event at the National Little Britches Rodeo Association National Finals

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

If you’re visiting Oklahoma City around the Fourth of July, there’s more to explore than fireworks and summer festivals. From June 28 to July 4, the National Little Britches Rodeo Association National Finals will bring young competitors and their families to OKC for an event that highlights one of Oklahoma’s signature industries: equine.

Founded in 1952, the National Little Britches Rodeo Association is a youth organization for children ages 5 to 18. The event gives visitors a chance to see young competitors in action while experiencing the energy, tradition and community that surround Oklahoma’s equine industry.

The National Finals take place at the new OG&E Coliseum at OKC Fair Park, one of the city’s newest and most exciting event venues. The state-of-the-art facility is quickly becoming a major home for equine and agriculture-related events, continuing a long tradition at OKC Fair Park.

The coliseum replaces the Jim Norick Arena, which hosted major events for 60 years. Now, with funding from MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue and other sources, including a generous donation from lead donor partner the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, OG&E Coliseum is helping Oklahoma City welcome a new era of events, visitors and memories.

For out-of-town guests, the National Little Britches Rodeo Association National Finals is a fun way to experience a piece of Oklahoma culture. It’s family-friendly, full of tradition and a great reminder of how deeply the equine industry is woven into the state’s identity.

Whether you’re in town for the holiday weekend or looking for something different to add to your OKC itinerary, this event offers a memorable look at Oklahoma’s Western roots and the new venue helping carry them forward.

Events happening this Fourth of July weekend in Oklahoma City

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City is making it easy to celebrate Independence Day with events happening across the metro. Whether you want to enjoy live music, spend the day at the ballpark, cool off at a waterpark or end the night with fireworks, there are plenty of ways to make the holiday weekend feel special.

Here are a few Fourth of July celebrations to add to your plans.

Enjoy music and fireworks at Scissortail Park
July 3 | Red, White & Boom

Ease into the holiday weekend with Red, White & Boom, a free outdoor concert from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic at Scissortail Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy patriotic music with family and friends before the night ends with fireworks.

Cool off at OKANA’s Star Spangled Beach Bash
July 4 | OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark

On the Fourth of July, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark will host its Star Spangled Beach Bash. The celebration will include performers, classic games, a live DJ, food and a fireworks finale, making it a full-day option for families looking to celebrate and stay cool.

Catch a game and postgame fireworks
July 4 | Oklahoma City Comets vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys

Baseball fans can spend the holiday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark as the Oklahoma City Comets take on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. After the game, fans can stick around for a postgame fireworks show.

Make it a full weekend at Frontier City
July 3-4 | Star-Spangled Nights

Frontier City will celebrate with Star-Spangled Nights on July 3-4. Guests can enjoy rides and attractions during the day, then close out the evening with a fireworks show.

Shop local for your Fourth of July cookout at the Farmers Market at Scissortail Park

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Planning a Fourth of July cookout? Before heading to the grocery store, consider making a stop at the Farmers Market at Scissortail Park.

Located at the corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard by the Promenade, the market is a great place to find fresh, local items for your holiday table. From produce and baked goods to meats and artisan products, visitors can pick up cookout essentials while supporting Oklahoma farmers, makers and small businesses.

What makes the Farmers Market at Scissortail Park special is that it is a producer-only market. That means vendors must raise, grow or make their own products. All items sold at the market are homegrown, handmade or vendor-created by locally owned operations within Oklahoma.

For shoppers, that means the market offers a direct connection to the people behind the products. Whether you are looking for fresh vegetables, local meats, baked treats or something unique to bring to a holiday gathering, the market makes it easy to shop local and add an Oklahoma touch to your Fourth of July plans.

The seasonal outdoor market operates every Saturday from May through October 2026, with a special spring preview market on April 11.

This Fourth of July season, support local and make your cookout feel a little more Oklahoma-grown.

Beyond Brunch: Ways to Celebrate Father's Day Weekend in OKC

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, and Oklahoma City offers plenty of ways to celebrate beyond the traditional gift exchange. Whether dad enjoys great food, outdoor adventures, live music or a little friendly competition, there are several Father's Day events happening across the metro throughout the weekend.

Take dad on a Father's Day Cruise

For families looking to spend time on the water, Oklahoma River Cruises is hosting a special Father's Day Cruise on Sunday. Guests can enjoy views of the Oklahoma River while celebrating with family in a unique setting that offers a different perspective of downtown Oklahoma City.

Raise a Glass at a Father's Day Old Fashioned Experience

For dads who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, Sailor & The Dock is hosting a Father's Day Old Fashioned Experience. The event explores specialty ingredients and flavor profiles while giving participants the opportunity to enjoy a Father's Day-themed tasting experience in Oklahoma City's growing food and beverage scene.

Enjoy a Father's Day BBQ at OKANA

OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is celebrating Father's Day with a barbecue experience designed for the whole family. The event includes a buffet-style meal, family activities and opportunities to spend time together at one of Oklahoma City's newest entertainment destinations.

Rock Out at The Jones Assembly

Live music fans can celebrate Father's Day with Yacht Rock Father's Day at The Jones Assembly. Featuring music, brunch and a laid-back atmosphere, the event offers a fun option for dads who would rather spend the holiday listening to live entertainment than sitting through a traditional family meal.

Compete in Dad Games at Dave & Buster's

Families looking for a little competition can head to Dave & Buster's for Dad Games, where participants can challenge one another through games and activities designed to celebrate Father's Day. It's a family-friendly option that combines entertainment, food and a little bragging-rights competition.

Make a Weekend of It

Beyond Father's Day-specific events, Oklahoma City offers plenty of opportunities to spend time together throughout the weekend. Families can catch an Oklahoma City Comets game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, explore the city's museums and attractions, enjoy outdoor recreation along the Oklahoma River or visit one of the many local restaurants offering Father's Day specials.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Father's Day weekend offers plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories with family while exploring everything Oklahoma City has to offer.