Things to Do in Oklahoma City in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Oklahoma City
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect fall weather with daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) - ideal for walking the Bricktown Canal and outdoor festivals without summer's oppressive heat
- State Fair of Oklahoma runs through mid-October with 50+ food vendors, live music, and the famous Big Tex ferris wheel - book hotels 3 weeks ahead as this drives occupancy to 85%
- Thunder basketball season tips off bringing electric energy downtown - preseason games offer 40% cheaper tickets than regular season
- Fall foliage peaks in late October at Martin Park Nature Center and Lake Hefner trails, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops without the crowds of East Coast destinations
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from 13°C (55°F) mornings to 27°C (80°F) afternoons require layered clothing and planning flexibility
- October brings Oklahoma's second tornado season - though rare in the metro, weather alerts can disrupt outdoor plans with little warning
- Fall break for local universities means popular spots like Campus Corner and Bricktown get crowded with college students on weekends
Best Activities in October
Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Tours
October's mild temperatures make the outdoor memorial perfect for contemplative walks. The 70°F (21°C) weather eliminates summer heat stress while exploring the reflecting pool and survivor tree. Indoor museum provides climate-controlled backup during the 10 rainy days typical in October.
Bricktown Canal Boat Tours and Walking Districts
October's comfortable 18-24°C (65-75°F) range makes canal-side dining and water taxi rides enjoyable without summer's humidity. Fall colors reflect beautifully in the canal waters, and outdoor patios reopen after closing during July-August heat.
Stockyards City Rodeo and Western Heritage Tours
Cool October evenings are perfect for authentic rodeo experiences. Weekly Friday night rodeos run through October with comfortable spectator weather. The historic stockyards area offers walking tours showcasing working cattle auctions - indoor/outdoor mix works well with October's variable conditions.
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tours
October showcases the gardens' seasonal transitions with manageable outdoor temperatures for walking trails. The climate-controlled Crystal Bridge tropical conservatory provides perfect rainy day backup during October's 10 wet days. Fall plantings peak in mid-October.
Arts District Gallery Walks and Museum Tours
October's mild weather makes walking between galleries comfortable, while indoor venues provide shelter during afternoon showers. The monthly First Friday Gallery Walk happens outdoors in perfect fall temperatures instead of oppressive summer heat.
Lake Hefner and Martin Park Nature Trails
October's 15-25°C (60-77°F) temperatures are ideal for hiking without summer heat exhaustion. Fall migration brings 40+ bird species to Lake Hefner. Trails offer 3-8km (2-5 mile) options with peak fall colors in late October creating excellent photography conditions.
October Events & Festivals
State Fair of Oklahoma
Running through mid-October, this massive fair features 200+ vendors, carnival rides, livestock shows, and the famous Fletcher's Corny Dogs. The cooler October weather makes walking the fairgrounds comfortable compared to September heat.
Deadwood Saloon Halloween Events
Historic Guthrie's premier Halloween destination offers haunted saloon tours, costume contests, and live entertainment throughout October weekends. The 45-minute drive from OKC is worth it for authentic Old West atmosphere.
Thunder Season Opener
NBA preseason and early regular season games bring downtown energy to Paycom Center. October games offer cheaper tickets and fewer crowds than peak season, with comfortable walking weather to nearby restaurants and bars.