A Better Life OKC Blog

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Still need to check off a few summer bucket list items? Sometimes, the best experiences are hiding in the place you already call home.

This weekend, give yourself permission to experience Oklahoma City like one of the record-breaking 25 million visitors who traveled to OKC in 2025. No plane ticket or road trip required.

Start with that attraction you’ve always driven by but never explored. Spend an afternoon roaming through one of OKC’s districts, stopping into local shops and restaurants along the way. Seek out a mural you’ve seen in photos but never stopped to appreciate in person. Or go all in and book a local hotel for the true staycation experience.

One of the best parts of living in Oklahoma City is that there’s always something new to discover. Restaurants open, neighborhoods evolve, attractions add new experiences and longtime favorites give you plenty of reasons to return.

Check out more OKC inspo at VisitOKC.com, clear a few hours on your calendar and play tourist. You might discover something new — or simply rediscover what made you love OKC in the first place.

All Aboard: The OKC Streetcar Is Now Free

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Getting around downtown Oklahoma City just got even easier. The OKC Streetcar is now permanently fare-free, giving residents and visitors a convenient way to explore some of the city’s most popular places.

The move follows a free fare pilot program tested this summer, which showed just how much removing the cost could encourage people to ride. During this period, streetcar ridership increased 71% compared to the same month last year. Now, free fares are here to stay.

The streetcar connects more than 4.5 miles of downtown OKC, with stops throughout Downtown, Automobile Alley, Bricktown and Midtown.

Heading downtown for dinner? Park once and hop aboard to explore somewhere new afterward. Catching a Thunder game or concert? The streetcar can help you make an evening of it with a stop for drinks or dinner before the event.

For downtown employees, free streetcar service also opens more possibilities for the everyday moments – grabbing lunch a few blocks away, meeting a friend for coffee or exploring another part of downtown during the workday.

Find a stop, plan your route and rediscover downtown OKC. Your ride is covered!

Check out Visit OKC's guide to the streetcar here.

This Week in OKC (August 11-17)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

From Broadway and world-renowned masterpieces to live music and hands-on creative experiences, there are plenty of ways to see, hear and experience the arts in OKC this week.

Hamilton
August 11-22 | Civic Center Music Hall

Don’t throw away your shot to see Hamilton on stage in OKC! The Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical tells the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through an unforgettable blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s cultural phenomenon brings history to life with a groundbreaking score, dynamic choreography, and a story of ambition, love and legacy.

The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce
Through September 20 | Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Travel through six centuries of art without leaving OKC. The Sense of Beauty brings 60 works from Puerto Rico’s Museo de Arte de Ponce to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, featuring European, Puerto Rican and North American artists. See masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Francisco de Goya, John Singer Sargent and others alongside the museum’s iconic Flaming June by Frederic Leighton.

Uncovered: 90’s R&B
August 15 | Factory Obscura

Turn up the nostalgia at Factory Obscura with Uncovered: ’90s R&B. Local musicians will put their own spin on favorites from artists like Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Brian McKnight, while also performing original songs they think could have been hits in the ’90s. It’s an all-ages celebration of the R&B classics we’re still singing along to today.

Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Various Times & Locations

Why just watch the arts when you can join in? Get creative at a Paint & Sip with Impermanent State, step into the studio for a free Coffee and Class ballet session with Oklahoma City Ballet or bring your instrument to a Ukulele Jam at the American Banjo Museum. Whether you want to paint, dance or make some music, there’s an opportunity to flex your creative muscles this week.

This Week in OKC (August 4-10)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

From live music and country concerts to world-class horse shows and cat videos on the big screen, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of your weekend in Oklahoma City. Here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.

AQHYA World Championship
July 31-August 9 | OKC Fair Park

The world's largest youth American Quarter Horse competition returns to Oklahoma City. Young riders from around the globe compete in English, western, ranch and halter events after qualifying throughout the year. Admission is free, making it a great opportunity to experience top-level equestrian competition.

CatVideoFest 2026
August 7-9 | Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Enjoy the internet's best feline moments on the big screen at CatVideoFest 2026. This family-friendly compilation features hilarious and heartwarming cat videos, animations and music videos. Better yet, a portion of every ticket sold benefits local animal welfare organizations, making it a fun event for cat lovers and a good cause.

Cody Johnson
August 7-8 | Paycom Center

Country star Cody Johnson returns to Oklahoma City for two nights with special guests Scotty McCreery and Chayce Beckham. Known for chart-topping hits like 'Til You Can't and his energetic live performances, Johnson brings his signature Texas country sound to the Paycom Center.

TailSpin: A Scissortail Park Music Festival
August 7-8 | Scissortail Park

Spend two evenings of free live music at Scissortail Park during TailSpin Music Festival. Friday features Oklahoma City's indie rock band Husbands, while Saturday's headliner is alternative rock favorites Letters to Cleo. Local and regional acts round out the lineup for a memorable summer weekend in downtown OKC.

Your Saturday, Planned: A Route 66 Adventure Through OKC

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Need a weekend plan? Here's one that blends iconic landmarks, local neighborhoods and plenty of reasons to fall in love with Oklahoma City.

As Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026, there's never been a better time to explore the Mother Road. Oklahoma is home to more than 400 miles of Route 66 — more than any other state — and OKC sits right along its path, making it easy to create your own road trip without ever leaving state lines.

Start your morning with coffee, then head out in search of some of OKC's most recognizable Route 66 landmarks. Snap a photo with the colorful Kicks 66 sculpture next to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, admire the Route 66 Shield mural in the Britton District and find the Route 66 Robot on NW 23rd Street.

By lunchtime, let the road guide you into one of the city's distinctive districts. Grab a bite in the Asian District, browse the local shops along Western Avenue or spend the afternoon exploring Uptown 23rd. If you're looking for something unexpected, stop by the Pigeon Museum, enjoy the scenic trails at Lake Overholser or tour the art collection at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The best part? No two Route 66 Saturdays have to look the same. Every neighborhood offers its own personality, from the nightlife of the 39th Street District to the charm of Britton and the family-friendly attractions of the Adventure District.

Sometimes the best summer adventures aren't hours away — they're right here at home. This weekend, roll down the windows, turn up your favorite playlist and discover why life along Route 66 is still worth celebrating 100 years later.

Roots on the Route

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The best neighborhoods don't just give you a place to live — they give you a place to belong.

That's part of what makes Oklahoma City's Route 66 corridor so unique. While visitors come to experience the Mother Road, residents get to enjoy its character every day. From historic homes and tree-lined streets to walkable districts and neighborhood restaurants, the communities connected by Route 66 offer a lifestyle as diverse as the city itself.

If you're drawn to timeless architecture and established neighborhoods, areas like Heritage Hills, Mesta Park and Crown Heights offer beautiful homes, mature trees and easy access to downtown. Prefer a more urban lifestyle? Midtown, Deep Deuce and Automobile Alley put apartments, coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment just steps from your front door.

Looking for creativity and community? The Plaza District and Paseo Arts District are filled with local businesses, galleries, festivals and colorful public art. Along the historic Route 66 corridor, neighborhoods like Uptown 23rd, the Asian District and the Britton District continue to blend Oklahoma City's rich history with exciting new restaurants, shops and gathering places.

Of course, home is about more than the house itself. It's morning walks through your neighborhood, becoming a regular at the corner coffee shop and finding your favorite patio for dinner with friends. It's discovering parks, festivals and local businesses that become part of your everyday routine.

Whether you're searching for your first apartment, your forever home or simply the neighborhood that feels like the right fit, Route 66 connects some of Oklahoma City's most distinctive communities.

What drivers should know about OKC's new "Peanut" roundabout

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

Oklahoma City drivers have a new traffic pattern to learn. The city’s first double roundabout — nicknamed “The Peanut” — is now open at the intersection of NW 10th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Virginia Avenue.

The new design may take some getting used to, especially for drivers who regularly travel through the area. The most important thing is to slow down, pay attention to signs and choose the correct lane before entering.

Drivers should yield to vehicles already moving through the roundabout and continue with the flow of traffic once inside. Avoid stopping or changing lanes unless it is necessary to prevent a collision and use a turn signal when preparing to exit. Motorists should also watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists.

The double roundabout was designed to improve traffic flow while reducing the risk of serious crashes. Roundabouts encourage slower speeds and reduce the number of places where vehicles cross paths compared with traditional intersections.

As Oklahoma City continues to grow and invest in its transportation network, residents can expect to see more roadway improvements designed to make getting around the city safer and more efficient. In the meantime, drivers traveling through “The Peanut” should remain patient and give themselves time to adjust to the new layout.

Three things to do in Oklahoma City this weekend

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

From international softball to bull riding and a summer night at the ballpark, Oklahoma City’s sports calendar is packed this weekend. Here are three events to check out around the city.

Watch international softball return to Devon Park

The USA Softball International Cup returns to Oklahoma City for the first time in six years, bringing five days of international competition to Devon Park from July 30 through Aug. 3.

Previously known as the World Cup of Softball, the tournament will feature 20 games and teams from six countries. Team USA has won 11 of the event’s previous 14 tournaments and holds an all-time International Cup record of 83-7.

Fans can see several of the world’s top softball players compete at the venue that will host Olympic softball during the LA28 Games.

Cheer for the Oklahoma Wildcatters at Paycom Center

Professional bull riding returns to downtown Oklahoma City as the Oklahoma Wildcatters host Wildcatter Days at Paycom Center.

The three-day PBR Team Series event gives fans a chance to support Oklahoma’s hometown team as riders compete to stay on some of the sport’s toughest bulls. Performances begin at 7:45 p.m. Friday, July 31; 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; and 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.

Unlike traditional individual bull riding competitions, the team format puts riders together under one Oklahoma banner, with each ride contributing to the Wildcatters’ overall result.

Spend an evening with the Oklahoma City Comets

The Oklahoma City Comets continue a six-game home series against the Las Vegas Aviators at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark through Sunday, Aug. 2.

Friday’s game includes Harry Potter Night, a themed giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and postgame fireworks. Saturday features Salute to Armed Forces Night and a bobblehead giveaway, while Sunday includes pregame player autographs and an opportunity for children to run the bases after the game.

Friday and Saturday games begin at 7:05 p.m., followed by a 6:05 p.m. first pitch Sunday.

Mark 40 years of the Red Earth Festival

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

The Red Earth Festival returns to downtown Oklahoma City Aug. 1-2, marking 40 years of bringing Native artists, dancers and cultural presenters together.

First held in 1987, the festival was created as a multitribal event centered on Native art, dance and cultural expression. Today, it continues to give Indigenous artists a place to share and sell their work while allowing visitors to learn directly from the people who created it.

More than 130 Indigenous artists will participate in this year’s art market at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, offering paintings, jewelry, beadwork, pottery, sculpture, textiles and other original works.

The weekend will also include Native dance and music, Indigenous film screenings, panel discussions and youth art programming. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Who says extracurriculars are just for kids?

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, meet new people or simply shake up your after-work routine, Oklahoma City offers plenty of opportunities to discover a new hobby. From cooking and climbing to improv and book clubs, these local organizations make it easy to try something new.

Learn

Learn to cook at Sur La Table

Sharpen your culinary skills with hands-on cooking classes at Sur La Table in Classen Curve. The rotating schedule features everything from pasta making and baking to sushi, steakhouse favorites and international cuisine for cooks of all skill levels.

Create

Create something at the Paseo Arts Association

Explore your creative side through artist-led workshops at the Paseo Arts Association. Rotating classes cover painting, printmaking, jewelry making, mixed media and more, making it easy to experiment with a new hobby.

Take an art class at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Experiment with a new medium through adult workshops led by local artists. Recent classes have included fused glass pet portraits, crepe paper flowers, watercolor painting and portrait drawing.

Perform

Say "yes, and" at OKC Improv

No acting experience? No problem. OKC Improv's beginner classes teach the fundamentals of improvisational comedy through games, scene work and collaborative exercises while helping students build confidence and connect with others.

Move

Learn to row with RIVERSPORT

Try an Olympic sport through RIVERSPORT's Learn to Row program, where beginners learn rowing technique, water safety and boat handling on the Oklahoma River.

Climb at High Plains Climbing

Learn the basics of indoor rock climbing at High Plains Climbing, where beginner-friendly instruction and a variety of climbing routes make it easy to get started.

Join an OSSO Sports & Social league

Whether it's kickball, volleyball, softball or cornhole, OSSO offers recreational leagues for adults looking to stay active and meet new people. Register with friends or sign up individually to be placed on a team.

Pick up pickleball

The Greater OKC Pickleball Club offers organized play, leagues and social events for players of all skill levels, making it easy to get involved in one of the nation's fastest-growing sports.

Grow

Grow your gardening knowledge with Oklahoma Gardners Association

Connect with fellow plant lovers through the Oklahoma Gardeners Association. The group welcomes the public to its monthly meetings at Will Rogers Gardens, where guest speakers share practical, research-based tips on gardening and horticulture.

Connect

Join a book club at Second Story Books & Café

Meet fellow readers through one of Second Story's recurring book clubs, covering genres from romance and fantasy to horror and nonfiction. The bookstore also hosts a Silent Book Club, where guests read independently before socializing afterward.

Whether you're hoping to learn a new skill, meet new people or simply spend less time scrolling and more time doing, Oklahoma City's adult extracurriculars offer plenty of ways to make the most of your free time. Your next favorite hobby might be closer than you think.