Starting to feel more and more like sweater weather out there, right? It’s almost time to pull out that cozy wear, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and dive into the Modern Frontier vibes.
For all you sports junkies, OKC’s your spot. Loads of exciting places to catch a game, tournament, race, or match. Want to stay in the loop? Continue reading for a list of top events and festivals to check out, upcoming shows, and hot tips from those in the know.
Events & Festivals
Many of OKC’s annual events are back this fall, making it a great time to schedule your visit and experience the vibrancy of the city.
Oklahoma State Fair: Sept. 14-24
Live shows, amusement rides, and bomb food. Just three reasons to make your way to the state fair this year.
Get ready for one of North America’s premier State Fairs, a blend of fun, education, and competition! Everything kicks off at 10 a.m. daily, but if you’re heading for the livestock early, use the barn gates. Buildings are open till 9 p.m. during the week and an hour later on weekends, while the carnival starts at 1 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
For those looking to buy goodies, outside vendors stay up until 9:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. The Box Office? Check their varied times especially in September. Heads up on ticket prices: it’s cheaper before the Fair begins – adults at $10, kiddos six to 11 at $5, and an all-access season pass for $30 till Sept. 13.
During the Fair, prices go up a bit. Special discount days are peppered throughout, like Thrifty Thursday and Military Monday. And if you need to roll in style, rentals like wheelchairs and scooters are available near the SuperBarn.
Disney On Ice is bringing the cool vibes of Frozen & Encanto to Jim Norick Arena. Dive into Anna’s icy quest in Arendelle and groove with Mirabel’s magical fam in Colombia. Mickey and Minnie will be there to amp things up!
Tickets? They’re from $20 to $75 at the OKC Fairgrounds or online. Kids two and up need their own spot, under two are for free on a lap. Grab tickets by September 13 for bonus gate access. And a quick heads-up: only trust Etix for legit tickets.
At the Entertainment Plaza, the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage is lighting up every night of the Oklahoma State Fair with free concerts for every music lover!
From the seasoned charm of Tracy Byrd and the rising Alex Miller, the soulful Stokley, rock legends like Lou Gramm, the voice behind Foreigner’s classics, to Prince tributes with Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience, there’s no dull moment.
Dive into nostalgia with iconic groups like The Drifters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, or groove with Elvis vibes from Shawn Klush.
College Night features the relatable Kolby Cooper and local talent, Cam Allen. Hinder, an Oklahoma gem, makes a homecoming, while Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe fame brings the heavy metal magic.
Lastly, the rhythms of Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos promises an unforgettable night.
Experience over 100 years of exhilarating fun at the Oklahoma State Fair carnival! The Midway’s iconic carousel and adrenaline-pumping Mega Drop create lifelong memories. If you’re under 48″, check ride requirements before buying an armband, which isn’t advised for those under 36″.
Armbands come with terms, including no refunds, some exclusions, and potential risks. They’re available in advance at discounted rates, with special deals on Thrifty Thursdays and Triple Shot Tuesday.
During the fair, armband prices vary by day. New this year, ride coupons have gone digital; purchase reloadable cards at kiosks. Get a Fast Lane Access Pass for VIP boarding. Ready for a whirlwind of fun?
Oklahoma Regatta Festival: Sept. 29 – Oct. 1
Join us for the 2023 Oklahoma Regatta Festival at RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1! Dive into a weekend of thrilling rowing, kayaking, dragon boat, and whitewater raft races suitable for the whole family.
Kick off the fest with the OG&E NightSprints on Friday evening, showcasing corporate and dragon boat league champs. The OCU Head of the Oklahoma race will be featuring collegiate, masters, and juniors on Saturday and Sunday mornings. And don’t miss the debut of Paddlemania wrapping up the festivities on Sunday at noon!
Fiestas de las Américas: Sept. 30
Let’s vibe at Calle Dos Cinco for Hispanic Heritage Month! The Fiestas de las Américas Parade & Street Festival in the Historic Capitol Hill District is gonna be lit. Thousands come through to experience the amazing culture, food, and talent from the Américas. Don’t miss out!
- Parade of the Américas
- Kids Fiestas Zone
- El Mercado – Artisan Pop-up Shops
- Art Exhibit
- Artist Alley – Sip & Paint
- Food Trucks
- Live Music
- Cultural Stage
Plaza District Festival: Sept. 30
Mark your calendars for the Plaza District Festival on Sept. 30th! Once just a lil’ party for the Plaza District’s revival, it’s now the go-to spot for everyone in OKC and tourists wanting a slice of local flavor.
It’s all going down on Northwest 16th Street where you can catch local performers, artists, and some bomb food. And if you’re into street art, the Mural Expo is happening at the same time with the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate. You can watch top artists do their thing and jam to hip hop and DJ beats.
Red Earth FallFest Parade & Powwow: Oct. 14
Hey guys, if you’re all about embracing Native American culture, you’ve gotta check out the Red Earth’s Festival in OKC. Their main event, the Red Earth Festival, is happening June 1-3 at the Cowboy Museum.
Not only can you buy art from some of the best Native American artists, but you can also groove to live music, watch some tribal dances, and get hands-on with arts and crafts at Liichokoshkomo’. If you’re busy then, don’t stress! They’ve got the FallFest on Oct. 14 at Myriad Gardens. It’s packed with a parade, artsy market, and a Youth Powwow.
Just grab a blanket and some snacks, and you’re set for a chill day. Oh, and for the holiday lovers, the Red Earth Treefest is making a comeback, spotlighting Christmas trees with unique ornaments from 16 Oklahoma tribes.
An Affair of the Heart: Oct. 20-22
If you’re into unique crafts and antiques, then you should totally mark your calendars for An Affair of the Heart. This event is like THE go-to place in the Southwest for handcrafted goodies, antiques, and so much more. We’re talking about everything from quilts and toys to jewelry and art!
They’re popping into OKC three times this year, and the next one is on Oct. 20-22 at the State Fair Park. It’s $10 to get in (but free for kids 12 and under), and the ticket is good for the whole weekend. Oh, and parking’s on the house. They’re planning to fill the Bennett Event Center with over 500 booths, so you’re bound to find some cool stuff. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Halloween Season Events
Halloween hype is real in OKC! The city’s got a ton of events lined up to get everyone into the fall vibes and spooky season.
Frontier City’s Fright Fest (Sept. 16 – Oct. 29)
Frontier City’s Fright Fest is the go-to spot for Halloween this year. Expect some chill daytime family events and, when the sun goes down, get ready for some wild rides and haunted houses that’ll give you the creeps.
Haunt the Zoo (Oct. 7-29)
OKC’s zoo is turning spooky. As you wander around Haunt the Zoo, you’ll score some candy and check out some Halloween-themed spots. It’s the perfect mix of wild animals and Halloween fun.
Fall Season at Orr Family Farm (Sept. 23 – Nov. 11)
Fall Season at Orr Family Farm has a bunch of cool stuff going on in October, from cannon blasters to gemstone mines. And you can’t miss their Trick Orr Treat event on Oct. 29-30 – come in your best costume and get some treats around the farm.
Myriad Gardens’ Pumpkinville (Oct. 6-22)
Myriad Gardens’ Pumpkinville isn’t just your usual pumpkin patch. They’ve got games, crafts, rides, and a cool theme inspired by old-school postcards that’ll take you on a trip around the globe. So, grab your peeps and check out what OKC’s got in store this Halloween!
