Oklahoma City's event calendar reflects its energetic blend of Western heritage, Native American culture, and modern urban energy. From the iconic National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum events to lively arts festivals in the Bricktown and Scissortail Park districts, the city offers year-round celebrations. The calendar is punctuated by major sporting events, deep-rooted cultural observances, and beloved food festivals that showcase Oklahoma's unique culinary traditions. Each season brings its own signature gatherings, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
January
🎊Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade & Celebration
A community parade and series of events honoring Dr. King's legacy. Features marching bands, floats, civic organizations, and a keynote speech, followed by cultural performances and educational activities.
February
🍽️Chocolate Decadence
A beloved fundraiser for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Attendees sample exquisite chocolate creations from the city's top chefs, bakeries, and chocolatiers, along with wine and beer pairings.
March
🙏Easter Sunrise Service at the Cross
A long-standing Oklahoma City tradition. A non-denominational Easter sunrise service held at the 160-foot cross on the grounds of the First Christian Church of Edmond, just north of OKC. Thousands attend this moving outdoor service.
🎊St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
A festive parade through Bricktown with floats, bagpipers, and marching bands, followed by a street festival in the Bricktown Entertainment District featuring Irish music, dance, food, and green beer.
April
⚽Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
A world-class marathon, half marathon, relay, and 5K race that honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. The emotionally powerful course winds through the city.
🎉Festival of the Arts
A premier, week-long celebration of visual and performing arts. Features over 140 visual artists, continuous live music and dance, a vast international food festival, and hands-on art activities for all ages.
⚽OKC Dodgers Baseball Games
Cheer on the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, at the beautiful Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Enjoy family-friendly promotions, fireworks nights, and a great view of the game.
May
🎉Paseo Arts Festival
A active, juried arts festival held in the historic Paseo Arts District. Features works from over 100 visual artists, live music on multiple stages, street performers, and food vendors, all amidst charming Spanish Revival architecture.
🎵Calf Fry Festival
A major country music festival held just outside OKC in Stillwater, drawing huge crowds. Features top-tier national country acts over multiple days, along with food (including the namesake calf fries) and a party atmosphere.
June
🎭DeadCenter Film Festival
Oklahoma's largest film festival, showcasing over 100 independent films, including features, documentaries, and shorts. Includes filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and lively parties throughout downtown.
🎭Red Earth Festival
One of the nation's largest Native American cultural festivals. Celebrates the traditions of over 100 tribes with spectacular dance competitions, a grand parade, fine art market, and traditional foods.
🎉Oklahoma City Pride
A week of events culminating in a colorful, joyous parade through the 39th Street District and a large festival in Scissortail Park with live entertainment, vendors, food, and community resources.
July
🎊Fourth of July Celebration
Oklahoma City's official Independence Day celebration at Scissortail Park. Features a free concert by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, followed by one of the state's largest fireworks displays synchronized to music.
August
🛒H&8th Night Market
A popular monthly street party and night market in the Plaza District. Features dozens of local food trucks, live music, local artisans, and a lively, pedestrian-only street atmosphere.
September
🎉Oklahoma State Fair
A massive, 11-day fair featuring carnival rides, live concerts, agricultural exhibits, competitive livestock shows, creative arts displays, and an enormous variety of classic and inventive fair food.
October
🎉Oktoberfest
A lively, authentic German festival in the historic Stockyards City. Features traditional German music, dance, food, and beer. Includes stein-holding competitions, wiener dog races, and a large family area.
⚽Thunder Basketball Games
Experience the electric atmosphere of an NBA game as the Oklahoma City Thunder play at the Paycom Center. Known for a passionate fan base and exciting, young team.
⚽Oklahoma Regatta Festival
One of the largest rowing events in the US, held on the Oklahoma River. Features collegiate, junior, and masters rowing competitions, along with a lively festival village with food, music, and activities.
🍽️Asian Night Market
A celebration of Asian cultures through food, held at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Dozens of vendors offer dishes from across Asia, alongside cultural performances, art, and activities.
November
🛒Holiday Pop-Up Shops
Seasonal markets pop up across the city, such as the Mistletoe Market at the Myriad Gardens. Feature local makers, unique gifts, holiday decor, and festive food and drink in a beautifully decorated setting.
December
🎉Opening Night
A massive New Year's Eve celebration across downtown OKC featuring live music on multiple stages, interactive art installations, food trucks, and a spectacular midnight fireworks show. Family-friendly activities are available earlier in the evening.
🛒OKC Winter Market
A festive indoor market featuring local artisans, farmers, and food producers. Find unique gifts, holiday decorations, fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items in a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
🙏Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services
Many churches across Oklahoma City hold special services, including candlelight vigils, midnight Mass, and Christmas Day celebrations. Notable services are held at St. Joseph Old Cathedral and First Church of Christ, Scientist.
🎭Oklahoma City Ballet: 'The Nutcracker'
A magical holiday tradition. The Oklahoma City Ballet performs this classic Tchaikovsky ballet with lavish sets and costumes, accompanied by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tips for Attending Events
Oklahoma weather is highly variable. For spring and fall outdoor events, prepare for both warm sun and chilly winds. Summer events require sun protection and hydration; winter events demand warm layers.
For major downtown festivals (Arts Festival, Pride, Opening Night), use the EMBARK public streetcar or park in a designated satellite lot with shuttle service to avoid downtown parking congestion.
Many popular festivals and the State Fair offer discounted admission tickets if purchased online in advance. This often includes skip-the-line privileges.
At outdoor summer events, bring cash in addition to cards. While many vendors accept cards, transaction speeds can be slow, and some smaller food trucks or artisans may be cash-only.
For events at Scissortail Park or the Oklahoma River, bring blankets or lawn chairs unless specified otherwise. Check event policies on coolers and outside food/drink beforehand.
Hotel rooms in downtown and Bricktown sell out months in advance for peak periods like the Memorial Marathon, NBA Playoffs, and the State Fair. Book accommodations as soon as your plans are set.
Event Categories
Major community-wide celebrations, often multi-day, focusing on arts, culture, heritage, or seasonal themes.
Events centered on the arts, theater, film, dance, and cultural heritage, including museum exhibitions and performances.
Professional, collegiate, amateur, or community sporting events, competitions, and races.
Public observances of national, state, or local holidays, often with parades or public ceremonies.
Seasonal or regular markets featuring local vendors, artisans, farmers, and food producers.
Observances, services, and festivals tied to specific religious traditions and holidays.
Concerts, music festivals, and live music series spanning various genres.
Festivals, tastings, and events primarily focused on culinary experiences, local cuisine, and beverages.