A Better Life OKC Blog

Memorial Day Weekend in OKC

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This story originally appeared on VisitOKC.

From attractions to outdoor fun, there's so many exciting ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with your friends and family in Oklahoma City!

Festivals in OKC

In the Paseo Arts District, more than 85 visual artists, live performers and food vendors will fill the streets for the Paseo Arts Festival, showcasing Oklahoma original artwork of all kinds. Stop by the annual Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for a Western good time – butter making, bandana decorating, Western reenactments and more.

OKC Attractions

This holiday weekend, enjoy some of OKC's top attractions. Come to remember at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, or see the city's wildest residents at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The exciting features of RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures will also be making their summer debut – just be sure to check their website for reservation information first! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, soak up the sun at OKANA Beach, a nearly 200,000 sq. ft. outdoor paradise with ziplines, a sandy beach and an adults-only swim-up bar. Watch the OKC Comets play ball at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, followed by fireworks!

Outdoor Recreation

Summer is just beginning, making it the perfect time to opt outdoors and experience Oklahoma City's lakes, parks and trails. Get on the water with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental in the Boathouse District, or rent a paddleboat from the Scissortail Park boathouse. For fun on foot or wheels, check out Myriad Botanical Gardens, Martin Nature Park or Bluff Creek Trail. Cruise OKC’s stretch of historic Route 66, home to iconic landmarks, modern attractions and destination dining along the Mother Road.

Things to do this week in OKC (May 19-25, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Memorial Day weekend brings one of the busiest stretches of spring event season to Oklahoma City, with live theater, outdoor festivals, local art and family-friendly experiences happening across the metro.

The Wiz

May 19–24 | Civic Center Music Hall

The Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz heads to Oklahoma City for a week-long Broadway run, bringing a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz through a soundtrack rooted in soul, gospel, rock and ‘70s funk.

The production features choreography from JaQuel Knight, known for Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and Black Is King, along with direction from Schele Williams and additional material from Amber Ruffin.

Why go:

Fresh Broadway revival of a classic musical
High-energy choreography and modern staging
Strong option for a downtown night out

Good to know:

Multiple performances scheduled May 19–24
Part of the Broadway in OKC series

Fourth Fridays in West Village OKC

May 22 | West Village District

West Village launches its monthly Fourth Fridays series this month, bringing live music, sidewalk activities, pop-up markets and extended hours to the growing downtown district. The recurring series runs monthly through October.

Why go:

Easy Friday night outing downtown
Live music and pop-up shopping
Chance to explore one of OKC’s growing districts

Good to know:

Runs from 6 to 10 p.m.
Free and family-friendly

Breakfast with the Animals

May 23 | Oklahoma City Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Breakfast with the Animals series continues with a special morning experience inside Expedition Africa. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the African Savanna while learning more about the Zoo’s animals through encounters and educational programming.

A portion of every ticket sold supports gorilla conservation efforts.

Why go:

Unique breakfast experience at the Zoo
Animal encounters and educational activities
Patio seating overlooking the savanna

Good to know:

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
Indoor and outdoor seating available, weather permitting

The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma

Now open | Oklahoma History Center

The Oklahoma History Center’s new exhibit, The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma, explores how the state’s more than 400 drivable miles of Route 66 shaped communities across Oklahoma and continues to attract travelers today.

Major artifacts include a 1915 Model T Roadster, a restored Taft Stadium sign, a Big Boy statue and a 1961 Corvette on loan from the National Corvette Museum.

Why go:

Timely look at Route 66 ahead of its centennial
Historic vehicles and roadside artifacts on display
Interactive elements throughout the exhibit

Good to know:

Open Monday through Saturday
Included with regular museum admission

49th Annual Paseo Arts Festival

May 23–25 | Paseo Arts District

The Paseo Arts Festival returns Memorial Day weekend for its 49th year, bringing more than 60,000 visitors to the Paseo Arts District for one of OKC’s signature arts events.

The festival features visual artists from across the country, more than 50 live performers across two stages and a large food court with more than 20 vendors.

Why go:

One of OKC’s biggest annual arts festivals
Live music, local food and original artwork
Great way to explore the Paseo Arts District

Good to know:

Free to attend
Shuttle parking available throughout the weekend
Family-friendly event

From Broadway performances and outdoor festivals to Route 66 history and Zoo experiences, Oklahoma City’s late-May calendar offers plenty of ways to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Chuck Wagon Festival returns to celebrate Western traditions in OKC

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Head to the 35th Annual Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for a weekend packed with authentic Western experiences for all ages. The two-day festival, set for May 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, features chuck wagon food samples, live music, crafts, artisan demonstrations and family-friendly activities celebrating the traditions of the American West.

Guests can sample traditional chuck wagon cuisine and First American foods while learning about the history and preparation behind each dish from participating cooks and chefs. Chuck wagon cooks from across Oklahoma and neighboring states will serve up classic cowboy fare throughout the weekend, while visitors can also enjoy sarsaparilla samples and other festival treats.

Hands-on activities throughout the festival will include bandana design, leather stamping, rope making, watercolor painting, archery, mural coloring and storytelling sessions. Families can also explore children’s craft stations, face painting, giant puzzles, dress-up areas and photo opportunities with a longhorn. Live entertainment throughout the weekend will feature country and western dancing along with Western reenactors.

Artist demonstrations will showcase traditional Western and Native crafts, including sculpture, painting, basket weaving, leather working, quilting, pottery, beading and flint knapping. Visitors will also can explore Liichokoshkomo’, the museum’s interactive outdoor expansion highlighting the diversity of the American West through inter-tribal Native dwellings, a pioneer village and natural history features. Prosperity Junction and the museum’s current gallery exhibitions will also be open during the festival.

The Chuck Wagon Festival has become a longtime Memorial Day weekend tradition in Oklahoma City, offering families and visitors a hands-on way to experience Western and Native American history and culture.

Scissortail Park Night Market returns May 15

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City’s spring evenings are made for being outside, and Scissortail Park’s Night Market offers one more reason to spend a Friday night downtown.

The Night Market returns Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. along the path at Scissortail Park. The event brings together local entrepreneurs, artisans, makers and small businesses for an evening of outdoor shopping under the stars. Visitors can browse everything from gifts and jewelry to home décor, candles, fashion, food, plants, bath and beauty products and more.

The market has become one of Scissortail Park’s most popular seasonal events, drawing thousands of people to shop local and enjoy the park after hours. Along with vendors, the evening often includes food trucks, live music and entertainment, creating a relaxed way to support Oklahoma businesses while enjoying one of the city’s public spaces.

For residents looking for a low-pressure night out, the Night Market is an easy add to the calendar. Whether you are meeting friends, picking up something from a local maker or just looking for a reason to spend time downtown, it is a good reminder of how much there is to experience in the heart of Oklahoma City.

Things to do this week in OKC (May 12-18, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City’s spring calendar keeps finding new ways to get people outside, active and connected to the city. From adults-only nights at the Zoo to guided bike rides through downtown and brewery hopping on two wheels, this week’s lineup offers a mix of laid-back fun, local flavor and fresh ways to experience OKC.

Sip & Stroll at the Oklahoma City Zoo

May 15 | Oklahoma City Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sip & Stroll offers an after-hours experience for guests 21 and older. From 6 to 10 p.m., visitors can explore the Zoo without kids while enjoying drinks, bites and select Zoo experiences.

Admission includes access to the event, along with an elephant presentation, the Children’s Zoo barnyard and the Endangered Species Carousel.

Why go:

Adults-only evening at the Zoo

Outdoor night out with drinks and bites

Access to special Zoo experiences

A different way to enjoy spring in OKC

Architecture Bike Tour

May 16 | Downtown Oklahoma City

This season is a good time to put Ride OKC on your radar. The guided bike tour gives residents and visitors a chance to slow down, get outside and experience Oklahoma City’s history, public art, architectureand hidden gems in a new way.

The 7.5-mile ride takes participants through downtown districts and notable landmarks, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Overholser Mansion, the Olympic Training Site and the Land Run Monument. A Ride OKC bicycle is provided, and the route is designed to be leisurely, with mostly flat terrain and frequent stops for photos and storytelling.

Why go:

A fresh way to explore downtown OKC

Great for residents and visitors

Bike use included; no personal bike needed

Relaxed pace with plenty of stops

Bikes & Brews

May 16 | Downtown Oklahoma City

For a different kind of bike tour, Ride OKC’s Bikes & Brews experience combines downtown sightseeing with Oklahoma City’s craft brewery scene.

The approximately three-hour tour stops at five breweries, with a sample beer included at each location. Riders also get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process while learning more about downtown OKC’s districts, notable sites and history from a local guide.

Why go:

Explore five local breweries in one outing

Beer samples included at each stop

Behind-the-scenes brewery experience

Fun option for a group outing

Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a weekend outing with friends or simply an excuse to enjoy the spring weather, these events showcase some of the most fun and creative ways to explore Oklahoma City this season.

Calderón Dance Festival returns to Myriad Gardens for fifth year

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Calderón Dance Festival will return to Myriad Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 16 for a free, all-day celebration of dance, culture and community.

Now in its fifth year, the festival honors the life and legacy of Shannon Calderón, an Oklahoma City dancer, choreographer, instructor and business owner whose work helped open doors for generations of dancers. Calderón believed dance should be accessible to anyone with the passion to learn, regardless of background, experience or ability to pay.

That belief continues through a festival designed for everyone. From noon to 8 p.m., attendees can take part in free classes, watch community showcases, enjoy live performances and experience dance battles across multiple stages. The day will highlight a wide range of dance styles, from traditional and cultural forms to contemporary and specialized movement.

The festival will feature local professionals, emerging artists and nationally recognized performers, including world-renowned Flamenco artists ReVoZo and Anthony Brown, choreographer for Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” and “IF.”

The Calderón Dance Festival first launched in 2022, bringing to life Calderón’s final wish for a citywide dance event where all could participate. Five years later, that vision continues to grow, inviting Oklahoma City to gather, move and celebrate the power of dance.

A Better Life Means Celebrating Mother's Day in Oklahoma City

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Mother’s Day offers a moment to slow down and recognize the women who shape our lives — and in Oklahoma City, there are countless ways to make the day meaningful.

Across the city, families will gather for brunch, spend time outdoors and create simple moments that turn into lasting memories.

For many, the day begins around the table. Restaurants across OKC will be filled with families celebrating over brunch, from elevated dining experiences at The Lively Hotel to classic settings like The Skirvin Hilton. Local favorites such as Cafe Kacao will once again draw early crowds, a reflection of the city’s growing food scene and the traditions families build around it.

But Mother’s Day in Oklahoma City extends far beyond a meal.

Experiences across the city offer opportunities to spend time together in meaningful ways — from a peaceful afternoon at Myriad Botanical Gardens to a scenic cruise along the Oklahoma River. These moments highlight what makes the city special: accessible experiences that bring people together.

Spring also provides the perfect backdrop. Parks fill with families, patios come alive and neighborhoods across the metro reflect the energy of the season. Whether it’s a walk, a picnic or simply time spent outside, the setting itself becomes part of the celebration.

Moments like these speak to a larger story about Oklahoma City — a place where quality of life is defined not just by growth, but by connection.

Because a better life means having the time and space to celebrate what matters most.

And on Mother’s Day, Oklahoma City provides the perfect place to do just that.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon by the numbers: a record-setting year

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This story originally appeared on VeloCity.

A record-breaking 30,000 runners and walkers took part in the 2026 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, with participants traveling from all 50 states and 17 countries. The annual race weekend once again brought tens of thousands to city streets, showcasing Oklahoma City’s ability to host large-scale events while drawing national and international participation.

The event spanned three days, including the Health and Fitness Expo, kids races and senior marathon, with thousands of volunteers supporting race operations and hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the course. The scale of participation reflects both the marathon’s continued growth and its role as one of the city’s most meaningful annual traditions.

Top finishers

Marathon

Men’s champion: Steven Baker (Tulsa, OK) — 2:23:18

Women’s champion: Maddie McQuirk (The Village, OK) — 2:53:22

Half marathon

Men’s champion: Rory Linkletter (Canada) — 1:10:56

Women’s champion: Jaci Smith (Dayton, Ohio) — 1:15:52

Quarter marathon

Men’s champion: Chris Floyd (Moore, OK) — 36:26

Women’s champion: Mariela Rodas (Guatemala) — 43:26

Men’s champion: Ryan Walker (Norman, OK) — 15:11 * (age 16)

Women’s champion: Jenny Simpson (Boulder, CO) — 17:58

*Walker’s 15:11 finish came nearly two minutes faster than last year’s winning time of 17:05.

The marathon continues to generate significant visitor activity across Oklahoma City, driving business to hotels, restaurants and local districts throughout the weekend. Its national draw reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a destination for major events.

At the same time, the race remains rooted in remembrance of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, blending athletic achievement with reflection and community connection.

From neighborhood cheer zones to volunteer support, the Memorial Marathon reflects a citywide effort that extends beyond race day. As Oklahoma City continues to build its national profile, the event remains one of the clearest examples of both community pride and momentum.

Things to do this week in OKC (May 5-11, 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Spring is in full swing across Oklahoma City, bringing a week filled with live sports, entertainment and opportunities to get out and experience the city. Whether you're planning a night out or looking for something more laid-back, there’s something for everyone.

Oklahoma City Thunder Playoffs

May 5 & May 7 | Paycom Center

Playoff basketball has returned to OKC, and the energy downtown is hard to match. The Oklahoma City Thunder tip off their second-round series this week, bringing a packed arena and a citywide buzz.

Why go:

High-energy, can’t-miss atmosphere

A true OKC experience

Perfect for a memorable night out

Wilco Live

May 5 | The Jones Assembly

Alternative rock band Wilco takes the stage for a one-night performance at one of OKC’s most popular venues. Dinner, drinks and live music make this an easy choice for a night out.

Why go:

Live music in a top local venue

Great date night or group outing

Combines dining and entertainment

Oklahoma City Comets Baseball

May 5–11 | Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Catch the Oklahoma City Comets in action for a relaxed evening in Bricktown. With spring weather and skyline views, it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy time outdoors.

Why go:

Casual, family-friendly atmosphere

Affordable and easy to plan

A classic spring activity

Whitney Cummings Comedy Show

May 8 | Tower Theatre

Comedian Whitney Cummings brings her stand-up tour to OKC for a night of laughs.

Why go:

Fun, high-energy night out

Great for groups or girls’ night

A different alternative to dinner plans

Oklahoma City Ballet Performance

May 9–10 | Civic Center Music Hall

The Oklahoma City Ballet closes out the week with a series of performances showcasing artistry and storytelling through dance.

Why go:

Elevated, arts-focused experience

Perfect for a slower-paced evening

A unique way to experience local culture

From playoff energy to live performances, this week highlights the variety of experiences across Oklahoma City — and why there’s always something to do.

Dinosaur Expedition stomps into OKC Zoo this season

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

More than 60 dinosaurs are roaming the grounds of the Oklahoma City Zoo this season, offering visitors a chance to step into a world that existed millions of years before modern wildlife.

The Zoo’s Dinosaur Expedition features lifelike animatronic dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, alongside full-scale skeletons, fossil digs and interactive photo opportunities. As guests move through the exhibit, the experience blends entertainment with education, drawing connections between prehistoric species and the animals that live at the Zoo today.

That tie-in is intentional. The exhibit highlights how many modern species share traits with their ancient counterparts and reinforces the role conservation plays in protecting those animals for the future.

The experience does come as an add-on to a regular Zoo visit. Admission to Dinosaur Expedition starts at $9, or $7 for ZOOfriends members, and does not include general Zoo entry. Guests will need to purchase both tickets to access the exhibit.

For those looking to add a little extra fun at the end of their visit, Dinosaur Expedition also offers the chance to ride a dinosaur. Options include dinosaur ATVs, walking dinosaurs and stationary dinosaurs that move their heads, arms or tails. Rides are $6 each or three for $15, and require exhibit admission.

The exhibit is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 1, weather permitting. A sensory-friendly hour is offered on the first Sunday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with all dinosaur movement,sounds and effects turned off to create a calmer environment.

Whether you’re planning a family outing or just looking for something a little different, Dinosaur Expedition offers a limited-time way to experience the Zoo through a prehistoric lens.