A Better Life OKC Blog

Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in OKC

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd, Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a cultural celebration rooted in indigenous Mexican and Spanish Catholic tradition. The origin of this tradition goes back over 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated throughout North America to honor lost loved ones, welcoming them back for an evening of food, drink and celebration.

Here are four different opportunities to celebrate Día de los Muertos this fall in Oklahoma City.

OKC Festival de Vida y Muerte – Scissortail Park

Sunday, November 1st from 12-9 p.m. | Free Admission

Included in this free downtown festival is a cultural market, Catrina & alebrije pet parade, community ofrendas, local vendors and more. Don't forget about face painting for the kids as well as live music performances throughout the day.

Día de Muertos Celebration – Resurrection Cemetery

Sunday, November 1st from 3-6 p.m.

Join Resurrection Cemetery and the Catholic Cemeteries of Oklahoma City for a day of remembrance and celebration. The afternoon will include mariachi music, food trucks, face painting and a community ofrenda.

Lives of the Dead Exhibit – Sam Noble Museum

Now – January 3rd from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Explore the animated world of Día de los Muertos this fall at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma. This newly instated exhibit shares over 1,000 years of artistic visions of the dead, emphasizing Latin American folk art.

Day of the Dead Half Marathon – Draper Park

Sunday, October 25th at 8 a.m.

Whether you are running the kids' dash, 1 mile, 5K, quarter marathon, the full 13.1 or cheering on the sidelines, there is something for everyone to participate in this weekend. Before the race, take part in the costume contest, and once you have completed your run, stick around for the music, treats and celebration with your fellow runners.

How to Check Your Polling Location

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Whether you are new in town or a first-time voter, here is some information on how and where to vote for Oklahoma residents.

Check Your OK Voter Portal

Your OK Voter Portal is a one-stop shop for all things voting in Oklahoma. Here, you can find out more information on voting locations, view a sample ballot and verify your voter registration.

Early Voting Days

Early voting occurs Wednesday, October 28 through Saturday, October 31. These polling locations are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., and on the weekend from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Finding Your Early Voting Location

In-person absentee voting or “early voting” is available prior to every election and is held at a specific early voting location. Every county has at least one of these sites, click here to find yours.

Election Day

Election day is November 3rd. Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Finding Your Voting Location

In Oklahoma, if you vote on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place for your ballot to count. Use the OK Voter Portal to find your polling place.

Mail-in Ballot Information

If you requested your mail-in ballot before the deadline, mail-in ballots must arrive by 7 p.m. Nov. 3, but hand-delivered absentee ballots are due by the close of business Nov. 2

Proof of Identification

State law requires every voter who votes in person at the polling place or during early voting to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. Here are some ways to do so:

Photo ID:

Must have been issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government.

County Election Board Voter Identification Card

Voters may use the free voter identification card they received by mail from the County Election Board when they registered to vote.

This Week in OKC (Oct 20-26)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

While the weather is cooling off, there is still plenty to see and do in the city before the holidays are in full swing. Check out these four fun-filled events this week.

Tails and Trails at Haunt the Harn

Thursday, Oct. 22 | 5–8 p.m. | Harn Homestead Museum

After 20 amazing years of Haunt the Harn filled with wagon rides, candy and all things fall, Harn Homestead welcomes Storyteller Theatre to help them make this event bigger and better than ever. Enjoy interactive story encounters, themed trail walks and more this Halloween season.

SMO21+: Once Upon a Time

Friday, Oct. 23 | 7–10 p.m. | Science Museum Oklahoma

For any adult looking for some fairytale fun this fall, check out Science Museum Oklahoma's Once Upon a Time, an evening of hands-on activities inspired by classic tales.

Braum’s Affair of the Heart

Oct. 23-25 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday & Saturday | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | OKC Fair Park

Celebrating over 40 years as one of OKC's favorite shows, Braum's Affair of the Heart is back with 275 local artists to shop from. Here, you will find unique gifts, home décor, boutique clothing and more.

Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66

Oct. 20-25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursdays, Sundays & Mondays | 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays | Myriad Botanical Gardens

This week is your last chance to catch Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66 before it closes for the season! See the transformation of Myriad Botanical Gardens for yourself and enjoy the pumpkin murals depicting iconic Route 66 attractions.

This Week in OKC (Oct 13-19)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Fall has finally arrived in Oklahoma City, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. From a taste of cowboy culture to German-inspired food and festivities to a celebration of Indigenous art and traditions, these three events offer something different to enjoy around OKC this weekend.

OK!toberfest

Oct. 15–18 | OKC Fair Park

OK!toberfest is bringing a taste of Germany to Oklahoma City with four days of food, music, dancing and festive fun. Enjoy German favorites like bratwurst and sauerkraut, listen to live bands, watch traditional German dancers and join in the stein-holding contests. The festival also features shopping, activities for families and plenty of opportunities to soak up the Oktoberfest atmosphere. Sunday is Family Day, making it a great option for a weekend outing with the kids.

Stockyards Stampede

Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Historic Stockyards City | Free admission

Saddle up for a day of Western heritage at the annual Stockyards Stampede! This family-friendly event brings cowboy culture to life with a Longhorn parade, chuck wagon cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and the Made in Oklahoma Market. Families can also visit the Kids Corral for activities such as pony rides, face painting and dummy roping. It’s a fun way to explore one of OKC’s most historic districts while celebrating the traditions that make Oklahoma unique.

Red Earth FallFest

Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Scissortail Park | Free admission

Celebrate Indigenous art, culture and community at Red Earth FallFest in downtown OKC. Browse the Native art market for original jewelry, pottery, beadwork, paintings and other handmade creations, then enjoy food trucks and the Red Earth Youth Powwow, which highlights the next generation of Native dancers and cultural traditions. With open green space and a playground nearby, Scissortail Park offers plenty of room for families to spend the day together.

A Season of Music: Explore the OKC Philharmonic's 2026-2027 Lineup

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Looking for a memorable night out in Oklahoma City? The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s 2026–2027 season offers plenty of reasons to make live music part of your plans. From beloved movie soundtracks and holiday favorites to classical masterpieces and rock anthems, this season brings a wide range of musical experiences to the stage at Civic Center Music Hall.

Whether you're a longtime symphony fan, planning a date night or introducing the family to live orchestral music, there's something to discover.

Something for Every Music Lover

The OKC Philharmonic's upcoming season spans genres, generations and musical styles. Here are a few highlights to add to your calendar.

Classics That Tell a Story

Experience the power and beauty of orchestral music with the Philharmonic’s Classics series. Upcoming performances include Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway on November 21, Fairytales: Stories in Sound on January 9 and A Night in Vienna on April 10. The season concludes with Voices of Triumph: Symphonic Masterpieces on May 15, 2027.

Movie Magic and Holiday Favorites

The orchestra brings familiar stories to life through live musical performances, making for a memorable outing for movie lovers and families alike.

On November 28, experience Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Live in Concert, pairing the beloved holiday film with a live orchestral performance. Later in the season, How to Train Your Dragon takes the stage January 15–16, followed by Bugs Bunny at the Symphony April 23–24, featuring classic animated characters and orchestral music.

For a festive night out, A Very Merry Pops returns December 4–5, alongside A Tinsel Tradition: Songs of Christmas on December 5.

Rock, Broadway and More

Think orchestral music is all classical? Think again. The Pops series brings familiar sounds and contemporary favorites into the concert hall.

Highlights include Music to Die For: Songs From the Shadows October 30–31, a Halloween-season performance, and Ebony & Ivory February 19–20. In March, the orchestra celebrates one of rock's most iconic bands with The Music of the Rolling Stones on March 19–20.

Make It a Night Out in Downtown OKC

Attending a concert is a great opportunity to explore downtown Oklahoma City. Make an evening of it with dinner before the performance or drinks afterward, and enjoy a night centered on music, food and time together.

All listed performances take place at Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City unless otherwise noted. Doors generally open at 6:30 p.m., with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Plan Your Philharmonic Experience

Ready to find your next night out? Explore the complete OKC Philharmonic 2026–2027 season schedule to browse upcoming performances and ticket options.

With a lineup spanning classical favorites, movie music, holiday traditions and rock, the Philharmonic offers a fresh way to experience Oklahoma City's arts and entertainment scene throughout the year. Pick a performance, invite a friend and enjoy an evening of live music in the heart of OKC.

Thunder Up: Things to Do During Thunder Season in OKC

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Basketball is back in Oklahoma City! The Oklahoma City Thunder – 2025 NBA Champions – are gearing up for another season. From catching a game at Paycom Center to finding a local watch spot or sporting some new Thunder gear, here’s how to get in on the action around OKC.

2026–2027 Oklahoma City Thunder Schedule & Tickets

The Thunder are already in preseason action ahead of the 2026–2027 NBA regular season, which tips off Tuesday, October 20, with a road matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The team returns to Oklahoma City for its first home game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, October 22, at Paycom Center.

Plan your next game night with the official Oklahoma City Thunder schedule, where you can find upcoming matchups, game times and broadcast information. Ready to see the action in person? Browse tickets for Thunder home games.

Game dates and times are subject to change.

Where to Watch Thunder Games in OKC

Prefer to watch with friends? Make a night of it at one of Oklahoma City’s restaurants and entertainment venues. Grab a bite, order your favorite drink and enjoy the game alongside fellow fans.

Check out The Jones Assembly, Truck Yard, Social Capital, Fassler Hall, Remington Park or Deep Deuce Grill. Check with each venue for game broadcasts and any game-day specials.

Make a full evening of it with Visit OKC’s guides to dining and entertainment in Oklahoma City.

Where to Buy Oklahoma City Thunder Gear

Show your Thunder pride with official team merchandise or locally inspired apparel. For NBA-licensed gear, visit the Thunder shop at Paycom Center or browse the official online shop.

For a local twist, shop apparel and gifts at Shop Good, Opolis Clothing, DNA Galleries or Blue Seven. You’ll find plenty of ways to represent Oklahoma City, on game day and beyond.

In Oklahoma City, Thunder basketball is about more than what happens on the court. It’s about rallying behind our team, celebrating alongside our neighbors and sharing a little OKC pride wherever we go. So pull on your Thunder gear, gather your crew and get ready for another season of unforgettable moments. Thunder Up!

This Week in OKC (Oct 6 - 12)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Spooky season is in full swing across Oklahoma City. Whether you’re looking for haunted thrills, a night out in costume or a pumpkin-filled fall tradition, these upcoming events offer plenty of ways to celebrate October.

Fright Fest at Frontier City
Select nights through Oct. 31

If haunted houses and roller coasters are more your speed, Fright Fest is back at Frontier City. After dark, the park brings out haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment and nighttime rides, with a few new experiences added to the lineup this year.

Ghoul’s Night on the Plaza
Oct. 9 | 6–10 p.m.

The Plaza District is getting into the Halloween spirit with Ghoul’s Night. Wear a costume, walk around NW 16th Street and check out themed activities and specials from businesses throughout the district.

Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66
Through Oct. 25 | Myriad Botanical Gardens

Pumpkinville is back at Myriad Botanical Gardens with a Road to Route 66 theme. Expect thousands of pumpkins, seasonal activities and displays inspired by familiar Route 66 landmarks, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa, POPS Arcadia and Cadillac Ranch.

Halloween season brings plenty of ways to celebrate in OKC

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Spooky season is officially here, and OKC has plenty going on if you’re looking for an excuse to lean into it.

Pumpkinville at Myriad Botanical Gardens is back with a Road to Route 66 theme, which feels very fitting for Oklahoma. Expect colorful pumpkin displays inspired by landmarks like the Blue Whale of Catoosa, POPS Arcadia and Cadillac Ranch.

If you’re planning something with the family, there’s also Haunt the Zoo, Bricktown’s Brick-or-Treat and Kids Boo Fest at Frontier City. Orr Family Farm’s Fall Festival is a good pick if you want to make a whole day of it, and the Oklahoma Railway Museum’s Halloween Train is a fun option if you want something a little different.

OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is also getting in on the fun with Boo Bash, featuring games, pumpkin painting, music and trick-or-treating. And if you want your Halloween with a little Oklahoma flair, HalloWest at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum mixes costumes and candy with Western-themed crafts, storytelling and dancing.

Basically, whether you’re here for the pumpkins, the candy or just the excuse to wear a costume, you’ve got options.

Indigenous Peoples Day at First Americans Museum

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

First Americans Museum is hosting Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12, bringing one of its largest annual community celebrations back to the museum campus.

Nearly 3,000 people attend each year for a full day of music, dancing, art, food and activities. This year’s theme, Sovereignty in Motion, highlights the ways Indigenous cultures continue to evolve through creativity, movement, storytelling, humor and community.

The day includes live performances, social dancing, Indigenous sports and games, hands-on activities, Lightning Talks, the annual Chalk Mural Contest, community booths and food trucks.

For guests who prefer a quieter start, a sensory-friendly Quiet Hour will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., with additional sensory supports available throughout the day.

It’s a packed day, but also a really easy way to spend time at the museum, learn something new and celebrate the Indigenous communities that are such an important part of Oklahoma.

Five festivals, one Saturday: Take on OKC's fall festival bingo challenge

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City’s fall calendar is packed on Saturday, Oct. 3 — and five local events are teaming up to give you a reason to experience more than one.

Fiestas de las Américas, the Pop-Up Market, Steamroller Printmaking Art Festival, Garde Art Market and Asian Night Market Festival have joined forces for a virtual festival bingo challenge encouraging visitors to explore events across the city.

Whether you’re playing along or just looking for something to do, here are five stops to add to your Saturday plans.

Fiestas de las Américas

10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill

Start your festival-hopping at Fiestas de las Américas, a daylong celebration of culture, music, food and community in Historic Capitol Hill.

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a cultural parade starting at Scissortail Park before continuing at Calle Dos Cinco. Throughout the day, visitors can catch folkloric dance and live music performances, shop the artist market and business vendor corridor, explore the children’s zone and experience the Travel the Americas showcase.

Pop-Up Market

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | NW 10th Street and Hudson Avenue

Shop small in Midtown at the Pop-Up Market, a one-day open-air market from the team behind the Holiday Pop-Up Shops.

More than 60 local shops and makers will offer everything from vintage finds and clothing to books, leather goods, jewelry, home goods and more. Presented by the Independent Shopkeepers Association, the market offers plenty of ways to support local businesses.

Steamroller Printmaking Art Festival

10 a.m.-6 p.m. | ARTSPACE at Untitled

See printmaking on a massive scale at the ninth annual Steamroller Printmaking Art Festival, where an industrial steamroller becomes a printing press for the day.

Local and regional artists will create oversized prints live, while visitors can try printmaking at interactive art stations, browse an artist market and local vendors, grab a bite from food trucks and find hands-on activities for kids.

Garde Art Market

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Oklahoma Contemporary

Shop original work from Oklahoma artists at the second annual Garde Art Market, hosted by The Garde, Oklahoma Contemporary’s young professionals group.

Artists working across painting, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, printmaking, woodworking and more will fill the free outdoor market, giving visitors a chance to find one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting local creatives.

Asian Night Market Festival

5-11 p.m. | Asian District

End the day in Oklahoma City’s Asian District at the eighth annual Asian Night Market Festival.

More than 100 vendors and immersive experiences will fill Classen Boulevard from NW 23rd to NW 27th streets with food, shopping and entertainment. Visitors can catch cultural performances, a fashion show, K-Pop Dance Competition and Lion Dance, along with free activities including karaoke, face painting, 360-degree video and the Mindbender ride.

The festival runs Oct. 2-3, and Saturday’s festivities continue after 11 p.m. with Asian Night Market AfterParty events, including a DJ set from Bling Empire star Kim Lee at Yours Truly.

How to play festival bingo

Festival bingo is completely virtual, with participating organizations sharing the card on their social media channels throughout the week.

Complete activities as you explore the events, then submit your finished card through the Fall Market Bingo BioSite. One completed submission will be randomly selected to win a prize pack featuring goodies from all five participating organizations.

With art, food, shopping, live entertainment and cultural celebrations across Oklahoma City, Oct. 3 is a good day to see just how much the city has to offer.