A Better Life OKC Blog

This Week in OKC (Oct 13-18)

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.

A reader's guide to OKC: My favorite indie bookstores across the metro

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

I rarely need an excuse to visit a bookstore. Give me shelves of new releases, enough time to browse and maybe a little treat along the way, and there’s a pretty good chance I’m leaving with at least one book I didn’t plan to buy.

Luckily, the Oklahoma City metro has plenty of independently owned bookstores worth getting lost in. From floor-to-ceiling shelves and sliding ladders to soda bars, bookstore dogs and spaces built for writers, each has something different to offer.

There are far more indie bookstores across the metro than I could fit into one list, but these are a few of the ones I find myself coming back to — and some of my favorite places to browse for my next read.

Full Circle Bookstore

There’s something about Full Circle that just feels like a bookstore. Maybe it’s the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Maybe it’s the sliding ladders — which, frankly, every bookstore should have.

Beyond the atmosphere, Full Circle’s size means there’s plenty to explore, with a wide selection that makes it easy to spend way longer browsing than you intended. And if you need a break between shelves, the in-store café is an added bonus.

Second Story Books

Second Story is one of those bookstores that feels like it always has something going on. Along with a great selection of books, the shop regularly hosts book clubs, events and other opportunities for readers to connect.

One of my favorites is the trinket swap, where visitors can trade tiny treasures with other readers. It’s a small touch, but it’s part of what makes Second Story feel like more than somewhere to pick up your next book — it feels like a community built around people who genuinely love reading.

Lost & Bound

A pink, cutesy bookstore with a soda bar and a resident wiener dog? I’m sold.

Lost & Bound is as much about the experience as it is finding your next read. The colorful shop pairs shelves of books with a soda bar, making it an easy place to browse, grab a drink and hang out for a while. And then there’s Noodle, the shop’s resident dachshund, who might just be the best part.

A Novel Idea

A Novel Idea is a bit of a drive from Oklahoma City, but it’s well worth the trip to Guthrie.

Along with plenty of books to browse, the shop hosts a rotating lineup of events that gives readers plenty of reasons to make the drive. But I also have to give them credit for one of my favorite bookstore social media accounts — any bookstore willing to communicate through memes has my attention.

Commonplace Books

Commonplace Books is for when I want my bookstore experience to feel a little more sophisticated.

The shop is clean, thoughtfully curated and especially good for browsing nonfiction. There’s an intentional feel to the selection and the space itself that makes wandering the shelves feel less overwhelming — while still giving me plenty to discover.

The Floating Bookshop

The Floating Bookshop wears its indie identity proudly — and I love it for that.

Books may be the main attraction, but there’s plenty to discover beyond the shelves, including zines, puzzles, cards and other little treasures that make it especially fun to browse. It’s the kind of shop where I can go in looking for a book and leave with several things I absolutely did not plan on buying.

Literati Press Bookshop

As someone who spends just as much time writing books as I do reading them, I have a soft spot for Literati Press Bookshop.

The shop regularly hosts Write With Me days, giving local writers a place to sit down, work on their projects and create alongside other people doing the same. I love any bookstore that makes space not only for the people reading stories, but for the people working to write them, too.

These are just a few of my favorites in a metro full of bookstores worth exploring. Whether you’re searching for your next five-star read, somewhere to meet fellow book lovers or just an excuse to wander some shelves for an afternoon, there’s plenty more to discover.

Just don’t blame me when you leave with more books than you planned.

Oklahoma Regatta Festival returns to the Boathouse District Oct. 2-4

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

Racing returns to the Oklahoma River Oct. 2-4 as the Oklahoma Regatta Festival brings three days of competition and family fun to the Boathouse District.

The annual festival features the Oklahoma City University Head of the Oklahoma, RIVERSPORT Rowing and Dragon Boat League Championships and the OG&E NightSprints, with teams taking to the water throughout the weekend.

Admission to the festival and races is free, with viewing available throughout the Boathouse District. Parking is $10 and free for RIVERSPORT members.

Racing from morning to night

The weekend begins Friday from 6-10 p.m. with the RIVERSPORT Rowing and Dragon Boat League Championships and OG&E NightSprints.

The festival’s signature nighttime races send competitors down a 500-meter course after sunset. Better Life readers will have some familiar faces to cheer for, too — the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber rowing team will compete in the ARL Women’s 500 at 8:40 p.m. Friday.

Spectators are encouraged to help light up the night with glow sticks, lighted costumes and plenty of sparkle. Friday night also includes the OG&E Watt Challenge, where visitors can test their own rowing skills to power light-up towers, along with basketball-inspired activities at the OG&E ThunderBolt.

On Saturday, racing begins at 8 a.m. with the OCU Head of the Oklahoma. Teams from across the country compete in 2.5-mile head races, with collegiate, masters and junior rowers taking part. Daytime racing continues until 4 p.m. before the OG&E NightSprints return from 7-9 p.m.

The Head of the Oklahoma resumes Sunday at 8 a.m., with the festival wrapping up at noon.

Watch from the riverfront

Spectators can find views of the racing throughout the Boathouse District, with the Finish Line Tower offering a spot to cheer as teams make their final push.

Those looking to upgrade their Friday night experience can purchase a $20 VIP viewing pass for the Devon Boathouse, which includes dinner, indoor viewing, air conditioning and access to a cash bar for guests 21 and older.

Whether you spend an entire day along the Oklahoma River or stop by after dark for the NightSprints, the Oklahoma Regatta Festival offers a front-row look at one of the sports that has helped shape the Boathouse District.

Our Favorite OKC Walking Trails

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Cooler weather is on the horizon, and with it, the prime time to spend outdoors in OKC. Whether you are looking for wildlife, stunning foliage or get some steps in, here are some of The Better Life authors' favorite trails.

Lake Hefner

With trails spanning from Lake Hefner all the way to Lake Overholser, this is the perfect starting place for an afternoon outdoors. Before you start your hike, make sure to take in the scenery around the Lake Hefner Lighthouse at East Wharf.

Bluff Creek

Just north of Lake Hefner sits Bluff Creek trail. This short 1-mile asphalt loop for running or walking, and the 3.5-mile network of dirt trails for off-road mountain biking is an ideal getaway not too far from the city.

Katy Trail

Katy Trail is an urban walking option in the heart of the city. This 6.5-mile trail passes many different iconic OKC sites, including the Railway Museum, OKC Zoo and Science Museum Oklahoma. You will also pass the Zoo Lake, a popular location for anyone interested in birding.

Lake Stanley Draper Trail

This 14-mile trail is one of OKC's busier walking spots and takes you in a loop around the lake. This moderate walk has a handful of available amenities, like restrooms, picnic areas and trailhead parking.

Will Rogers Trail

If you are looking to stay on the beaten path, Will Rogers Trail is over 16 miles of paved trailway that is perfect for walking, biking, jogging and sightseeing at Lake Hefner and the Oklahoma River.