Things to Do in Oklahoma City in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Oklahoma City
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Tornado season peak brings dramatic weather photography opportunities - April typically sees 30-40 tornadoes statewide, and storm chasing tours run daily with experienced meteorologists. The energy is palpable, and you'll witness weather phenomena most people only see on TV.
- Paseo Arts District First Friday reaches its stride in April with extended outdoor hours - galleries stay open until 10pm, street performers fill the sidewalks, and the weather cooperates enough that you can actually enjoy walking between venues without sweating through your clothes or freezing.
- Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser water levels are optimal after spring rains - rental shops stock their full fleet, sailing conditions are near-perfect with consistent winds, and the parks surrounding both lakes show that brilliant Oklahoma green that only lasts about six weeks before summer heat turns everything brown.
- Oklahoma City Thunder playoff season creates an electric downtown atmosphere - if the team makes the postseason, Paycom Center becomes the epicenter of the city's energy. Even if you don't attend games, the watch parties, bar crowds, and general buzz make April downtown feel genuinely alive in a way other months don't match.
Considerations
- Severe weather disrupts plans roughly 8-12 days per month - you'll deal with tornado watches, hail warnings, and sudden shelter-in-place situations. Flights get delayed or cancelled, outdoor events get postponed with little notice, and you'll spend more time than expected checking radar apps and listening for sirens.
- Pollen counts hit brutal levels, particularly from oak and juniper trees - if you have any seasonal allergies whatsoever, you'll be miserable. The yellow-green dust coats cars within hours, outdoor dining becomes a sneeze-fest, and locals who've lived here for decades still complain about April pollen.
- Temperature swings of 30-40°F (17-22°C) within 24 hours are common - you'll pack for 80°F (27°C) and wake up to 45°F (7°C), or vice versa. This makes packing genuinely difficult and means you're constantly carrying layers you may or may not need. It's exhausting.
Best Activities in April
Storm Chasing Tours in Central Oklahoma
April is THE month for this - tornado activity peaks, and professional meteorologists lead day-long expeditions into Tornado Alley. You'll learn to read weather patterns, see supercell formations develop in real-time, and possibly witness tornadoes from safe distances. The tours typically run 8-12 hours and cover 200-400 miles (320-640 km) depending on storm systems. It's genuinely thrilling and educational, though you need flexibility since tours launch with 6-12 hours notice based on forecast models.
Bricktown Canal and Entertainment District Walking Tours
April weather makes this actually pleasant - you can walk the mile-long (1.6 km) canal without the oppressive summer heat or winter chill. The district comes alive with outdoor seating, water taxi operations resume full schedules, and the evening temperatures in the 60s-70s°F (15-24°C) are perfect for strolling between restaurants, bars, and the ballpark. Catch a Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark if they're in town - minor league baseball in April weather is genuinely enjoyable.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Extended Visits
This is your backup plan for severe weather days, and you'll need it. The museum is world-class, genuinely interesting even if you're not into Western culture, and can easily fill 3-4 hours. The Prosperity Junction recreated Western town, the Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms, and rotating exhibits are all indoors. April sees fewer school groups than May, so you can actually move through galleries without fighting crowds of teenagers.
Scissortail Park Outdoor Activities and Events
The city's newest major park hits its sweet spot in April - 70 acres (28 hectares) of green space, performance venues, playgrounds, and food vendors without summer's brutal heat. The park hosts concerts, yoga classes, and food truck festivals throughout the month. Lake and fountain areas provide cooling effects, and the walking trails connect downtown to the Boathouse District. It's where locals actually spend time outdoors in April, which tells you something.
Oklahoma River and Boathouse District Water Sports
April water temperatures reach 55-62°F (13-17°C) - cold but manageable with proper gear. The rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboard scene here is legitimate - this is an Olympic training facility, not a tourist trap. You'll see serious athletes training alongside casual paddlers. The 7-mile (11 km) river course offers calm water, and April winds provide excellent conditions without summer's heat exhaustion risk. Dragon boat teams practice in April, and watching or joining a community paddle is surprisingly fun.
Plaza District Gallery Walks and Local Art Scene
This neighborhood comes alive in April as weather allows the monthly gallery walks to expand outdoors. The compact 6-block district packs 15+ galleries, vintage shops, and local restaurants into walkable space. First Fridays and Second Saturdays feature artist meet-and-greets, live music, and food trucks. It's got the creative energy Paseo had 15 years ago before it gentrified, and April weather means you can actually enjoy moving between venues without weather extremes.
April Events & Festivals
Opening Night at the Myriad Botanical Gardens
The gardens fully reopen for spring in early April with extended hours, the Children's Garden operational, and the Crystal Bridge Conservatory showcasing tropical plants at their peak. It's not a festival, just the gardens at their absolute best after winter dormancy. The timing means you get spring blooms without summer crowds or heat.
Redbud Classic Horse Show
One of the largest hunter-jumper competitions in the region takes over State Fair Park for 10 days. Even if you're not into horses, the atmosphere is interesting - serious competitors from across the Southwest, impressive animals, and a glimpse into a subculture most visitors never see. Admission is typically free for spectators.
Plaza District Festival
The neighborhood's largest annual event typically happens late April with 100+ vendors, multiple music stages, artist demonstrations, and food from local restaurants. It's grown significantly in recent years and now draws 15,000-20,000 people. Free admission, family-friendly, and genuinely represents OKC's creative community better than most events.