Some months are so stacked with things to do that I, whose literal job it is to keep up, struggle to keep up. Let’s zoom out a little bit, so we can navigate this insane spring-summer transition with style. Here are 17 events we want to make sure you don’t lose track of in the flurry of our weekly Tulsa Picks lists—festivals, shows, and under-the-radar happenings that you’ll want to plan ahead for as you move through May.
Mayfest
May 9-11
Tulsa Arts District
Invitational galleries, art and craft vendors, kids' activities, food trucks: you know the drill. It’s Mayfest, Tulsa’s annual springtime art extravaganza and the unofficial start of festival season. This year's music lineup features the likes of Mýa, Kaitlin Butts, Casii Stephan, Damion Shade, and more throughout the three-day festival. Don’t miss the series of talks and special events for creatives on Saturday, including a Creative Social Hour at 2pm.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
May 10-11
EXPO Square
“For lovers of the strange, unusual, and bizarre,” says this annual expo’s website. More like: for me, personally. Tulsa is one of 40 stops on this year’s national vendor tour of all things dark and weird, from taxidermy to horror-inspired clothing to jewelry, bones, and “funeral collectibles.” Weirdly, there’s an incredibly warm and friendly vibe in this space; with zero tolerance for discrimination, it’s a welcoming zone for anyone who values the odd and the curious.
Black Wall Street Rally
May 15-17
Historic Greenwood District