Things to Do in Oklahoma City in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Oklahoma City
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- State Fair of Oklahoma runs the entire month - this is THE signature September event with 1.1 million visitors annually, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and concerts at the fairgrounds. Gates open daily 11am-11pm with admission around $12-15, parking $10-12.
- Football season kicks off with both OU Sooners and OSU Cowboys home games - the energy in the city is electric on game days, tailgating starts 4-5 hours before kickoff, and even if you're not attending games, the bar scene and watch parties are worth experiencing.
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - you'll find hotel rates 20-30% lower than peak summer months, especially mid-week. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection without the premium pricing of major event weekends.
- Outdoor activities are actually comfortable in early September - mornings start around 19°C (66°F) before climbing, making it ideal for Scissortail Park walks, Oklahoma River trails, or Myriad Gardens visits before the heat builds mid-day.
Considerations
- The weather data provided appears incorrect - September highs in Oklahoma City typically reach 28-30°C (82-86°F), not the 84°C (183°F) listed, which would be unsurvivable. Expect warm but manageable temperatures with occasional heat spikes, not extreme heat.
- State Fair weekends mean accommodation prices spike and availability drops - hotels near the fairgrounds and downtown can be 40-50% more expensive Friday-Sunday throughout September. If you're not attending the fair, consider visiting mid-week.
- Severe weather season isn't quite over - September can still see thunderstorms roll through, typically late afternoon or evening. They're usually brief but can be intense with lightning and heavy rain for 30-45 minutes. Indoor backup plans are smart.
Best Activities in September
State Fair of Oklahoma Experience
September IS State Fair month in Oklahoma City - the entire cultural calendar revolves around it. Beyond the obvious carnival rides and deep-fried everything, the livestock exhibitions give you genuine insight into Oklahoma's agricultural heritage, and the nightly concerts feature surprisingly big-name country and rock acts. The fair runs all month at the fairgrounds, and locals treat it as a must-do tradition. Go on a weekday afternoon if you want shorter lines, Friday-Saturday nights for the full crowd energy. The humidity makes outdoor walking tiring, so pace yourself and duck into the air-conditioned exhibit halls regularly.
Bricktown Entertainment District Walking Tours
Bricktown is Oklahoma City's revitalized warehouse district with restaurants, bars, and the canal walk. September evenings are perfect for exploring on foot - temperatures drop to comfortable levels after 7pm, and the district comes alive with live music spilling from venues. The canal water taxis run until 11pm on weekends. This is where you'll find the densest concentration of nightlife, and it's walkable enough that you can bar-hop without driving. The baseball stadium (Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark) hosts minor league games through early September if you want affordable sports entertainment.
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Visits
September 11th adds particular resonance to visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which commemorates the 1995 bombing. The outdoor memorial is free and profoundly moving - 168 empty chairs representing each victim, the Survivor Tree, and reflecting pool. The indoor museum provides context and personal stories. September weather makes the outdoor memorial comfortable to experience properly, unlike July-August heat. Plan 2-3 hours total if you're doing both memorial and museum. This isn't entertainment, but it's essential Oklahoma City, and visitors consistently say it's one of the most impactful memorial experiences in America.
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Park Activities
The 15-acre Myriad Gardens in downtown is Oklahoma City's green centerpiece, featuring the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory - a cylindrical greenhouse with plants from around the world. September is ideal because outdoor garden walks are pleasant in morning or evening, and the conservatory provides air-conditioned tropical escape during midday heat. Free yoga on the lawn happens Saturday mornings, and the splash pad is still operating early September if you're traveling with kids. The park connects to the Scissortail Park via the SkyDance Bridge pedestrian walkway, giving you nearly 2 miles of connected green space.
Western Heritage and Cowboy Culture Museums
Oklahoma City takes its Western heritage seriously, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is world-class - not the hokey tourist trap you might expect. September is perfect for museum days when afternoon heat or rain drives you indoors. The collection includes genuine Frederic Remington and Charles Russell paintings, rodeo history, and the Prosperity Junction replica Western town. Plan 2-3 hours minimum. The Stockyards City district offers authentic Western wear shopping and cattle auction viewing on Monday-Tuesday mornings if you want the real working cowboy experience, not the sanitized version.
Oklahoma River and Lake Hefner Water Activities
Early September is the tail end of water activity season before operators start closing for fall. The Oklahoma River through downtown offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing - it's channelized and calm, suitable for beginners. Lake Hefner on the northwest side has sailing and a 9.5-mile trail that's popular for cycling and running. Water temperatures are still warm enough (around 24-26°C or 75-79°F) that falling in isn't miserable. Mornings before 10am or evenings after 6pm are most comfortable for outdoor water activities. By late September, some rental operations start reducing hours.
September Events & Festivals
State Fair of Oklahoma
The 17-day fair runs throughout September at the State Fair Park, typically opening the second or third Thursday and running through early October. This is Oklahoma City's signature annual event with over 1 million visitors. Features include livestock competitions, carnival midway with 80+ rides, nightly concerts, agriculture exhibitions, and competitive cooking. The food is intentionally over-the-top - fried everything, turkey legs, corn dogs - embrace it. Locals go multiple times during the run, often once for the fair experience and again for specific concerts.
Oklahoma Sooners and Cowboys Football Home Games
While OU plays in Norman (30 km or 19 miles south) and OSU in Stillwater (105 km or 65 miles north), Oklahoma City becomes the pre-game and post-game hub. Sports bars across the city, especially in Bricktown and Midtown, run watch parties with drink specials. Game days mean heavier traffic on I-35 and I-44. Even non-fans find the energy contagious - college football is borderline religion here. Check schedules in advance as home game weekends affect hotel pricing and restaurant wait times.
Plaza District First Friday Art Walk
The Plaza District, Oklahoma City's arts neighborhood, hosts First Friday gallery walks with artist studios open, live music, food trucks, and street vendors. It happens year-round but September weather makes the outdoor portion actually pleasant. Free to attend, runs roughly 6pm-10pm on the first Friday of the month. The neighborhood has murals, vintage shops, and local restaurants worth exploring even outside First Friday. Parking can be tight - arrive early or use rideshare.