Things to Do in Oklahoma City in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Oklahoma City
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak festival season - Red Earth Festival typically runs early August with Native American art, dance, and authentic food vendors throughout downtown
- Indoor attractions are perfectly air-conditioned escapes - Oklahoma City Museum of Art, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum run extended summer hours
- Thunder season for NBA fans - if playoffs extend or summer league events occur, you might catch basketball action at Paycom Center
- Swimming weather is ideal - outdoor pools at hotels and Riversport Rapids whitewater rafting provide perfect cooling relief
Considerations
- Brutal afternoon heat makes outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable 11am-6pm - you'll be ducking into air conditioning every 20 minutes
- Sudden thunderstorms can cancel outdoor plans with little warning - storms typically build fast and hit hard for 30-45 minutes
- Higher hotel rates due to summer travel season and potential Thunder playoff crowds - expect 25-40% premium over shoulder seasons
Best Activities in August
Underground Oklahoma City Tunnel Tours
August heat makes the underground pedestrian tunnel system a revelation. These guided tours through downtown's subterranean network offer blessed air conditioning while exploring prohibition-era speakeasies and Cold War bunkers. Perfect when surface temperatures hit 36°C (97°F). Most locals don't even know about the tunnel system's history.
Riversport Adventures Water Activities
The Oklahoma River becomes your salvation in August heat. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding provide cooling relief while the artificial rapids create perfect water conditions regardless of natural river levels. Early morning sessions (7-9am) avoid peak heat and afternoon storms.
Stockyards City Western Heritage District
Early morning cattle auctions (starting 8am Mondays) let you experience authentic cowboy culture before the heat becomes unbearable. The historic district's shops and restaurants offer air-conditioned browsing of genuine Western wear and artifacts. Visit before 10am or after 7pm when locals emerge.
Bricktown Entertainment District Evening Tours
August evenings in Bricktown come alive after 7pm when temperatures drop to bearable levels. Canal boat rides, rooftop bars, and outdoor patios become magical as the district lights up. The canal stays refreshingly cool, and evening thunderstorms often create dramatic skies perfect for photos.
Oklahoma City National Memorial Dawn Visits
The outdoor memorial requires early morning visits in August - arrive by 7am for powerful sunrise lighting and comfortable temperatures. The museum's air conditioning provides respectful refuge while learning about the 1995 bombing. The reflecting pool and Survivor Tree are most moving in soft morning light before crowds arrive.
Automobile Alley Air-Conditioned Gallery Crawls
This revitalized district offers climate-controlled art galleries, vintage shops, and specialty boutiques perfect for August afternoons. Local artists often host studio tours in converted warehouses with industrial cooling. The district connects via covered walkways and short, shaded blocks ideal for hot weather navigation.
August Events & Festivals
Red Earth Festival
North America's premier Native American cultural festival brings together over 100 tribes with traditional dancing, authentic artwork, and native foods. The downtown venue provides air-conditioned spaces between outdoor performances. Witness competitive powwow dancing and purchase museum-quality pottery, jewelry, and textiles directly from artists.