It's summer: season of glitter, floaties, bikes, hammocks, picnic baskets, and road trips. Before the heat gets to you, let's make some plans. Here's The Pickup's absolutely full-to-bursting list of the summer's biggest festivals, concerts, and theatre performances, Tulsa's best splash pads and cold treats, and the best day trips outside the city.
FESTIVALS
T.E.G. International Jazz Fest
June 6
Guthrie Green, 111 Reconciliation Way
This one-night-only festival is summer's first big music blowout. Jazz pianist Max Holm, vocalist Cynthia Simmons, and headliner saxophonist Paula Atherton play under the stars at Guthrie Green alongside a local vendor showcase. —Alicia Chesser
Tulsa Tough
June 6-8
Blue Dome District / Tulsa Arts District / Riverparks
Tulsa transforms into a three-day block party-meets-pro cycling race for the annual Tulsa Tough, where locals line the barricades to cheer, clang cowbells, and take in the action up close. Founded in 2005 by a group of locals, Tulsa Tough has since grown into a nationally renowned cycling festival, drawing elite athletes and hometown heroes alike. This year marks its 19th edition, with new additions like a Hand Cycling category, vintage bike rides, public beer gardens open on Friday night, and public VIP tickets available for purchase. If you’re into ‘90s nostalgia, you can also watch Smash Mouth at the Big Ride concert after the races on Saturday night for $10. From the family-friendly Townie Ride to the debauchery of Cry Baby Hill (this year’s theme is the Righteous Baby Stones), and whether you're racing the Gran Fondo or just chasing glitter and good vibes, Tulsa Tough is when summer in T-Town truly begins. Just one rule: don’t forget to #TakeMondayOff. Tickets are generally not required for Tulsa Tough, but you can purchase VIP tickets for Friday night here. —Megan Shepherd
GOFF Fest: Bruce Goff's Birthday Party
June 8, 11am-6pm
Riverside Studio, 1381 Riverside Drive
Celebrate Bruce Goff’s June 8 birthdate with GOFF Fest, an annual festival honoring the life and work of Oklahoma’s unconventional architect, Bruce Goff, whose designs include the Tulsa Club Hotel, The OATH Studio (Adah Robinson’s studio and home), Riverside Studio (home to the Spotlight Theater), the interior of Christ the King Church, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, and many more. This birthday party features architectural playscapes from SCRAPS Design, prime viewing of the Cry Baby Hill Tulsa Tough races, tours of the Spotlight Theater, a re-staging of the Tulsa International Airport 2024 exhibition Bruce’s Tulsa, film clips from GOFF the documentary, and indoor live streamings of the Cry Baby Hill races. Enjoy refreshing AC, a cash bar and restrooms during the races. Free. —Alicia Chesser
Juneteenth
June 18-21
Historic Greenwood District
Tulsa’s Juneteenth festival is many things: a way for the community to come together and bring shared stories to life, a family reunion for historic Greenwood and North Tulsa, and a celebration of community, legacy, and strength. This year’s theme is, in fact, “Family Reunion,” inviting participants to honor the past, present, and future, and recommit to our collective journey toward freedom, justice and equality for all. Since its founding in 1989, Tulsa’s Juneteenth has grown into one of the largest and most significant Juneteenth celebrations in the nation, drawing more than 50,000 attendees each year. Expect live music and entertainment, food trucks, public art exhibitions, workshops, and community and fellowship. 2025 also brings some new out-of-the-box activations, including a Legacy and Luxury runway show featuring visionary designers, stylists, and cultural figures from across Oklahoma. Other events include a 5k run through historic Greenwood and plenty of family-friendly events all weekend long. The festival is free to attend, but some events, like the runway show, require tickets. —Megan Shepherd
Loud & Queer Music Festival
June 29
Noise Town, 2611 W. 40th Pl.
The Pride parade might have moved to October, but June is packed with LGBTQ+ celebrations. Pride Month ends with a bang at Loud & Queer Fest, a one-night explosion of sound in West Tulsa, featuring OKC's hardcore heroes Inferna as well as a long list of loud, proud local bands. The show benefits local mutual aid efforts; cover is $20. —Alicia Chesser
Folds of Honor Freedom Fest, Presented by QuikTrip
July 4
River West Festival Park / DreamKeepers Park
[Garbly Marlboro MAGA voice] “Freedom ain’t free,” but this fireworks show is. Cringey name aside, the Freedom Fest firework show is a staple of a classic Tulsa summer. Staged from the 21st Street Bridge on the Arkansas river from River West Festival Park and across the bridge in DreamKeepers Park, the Folds of Honor Freedom Fest (known colloquially as “fireworks at Riverparks”) features the city’s best public fireworks show. KRMG 102.3FM offers an accompanying soundtrack to go with the stunning display, which starts at 9:30pm and ends with a grand finale at 10:00pm. The festival also features plenty of pre-show events, like a BMX stunt show at 6pm at River West Park, inflatables, live music, and the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile at DreamKeepers Park. Coolers, blankets, and lawn chairs are all welcome. Tickets are not required; just be sure to get there early with walking shoes on. This event is estimated to draw around 80,000 spectators this year, making parking, you know, a bit of a nightmare. —Megan Shepherd
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
July 9-12
Okemah, OK
Known by insiders at WoodyFest, the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival pays homage to the trailblazing American troubadour in his birthplace of Okemah, Oklahoma. It’s just an hour away from Tulsa, and it’s well worth a day trip to enjoy the festivities. Fans of Guthrie’s music and the social sentiment behind it make the yearly pilgrimage to Okemah for a family reunion of sorts, where truck beds become seating, porches become stages, and families and neighbors spread out blankets to enjoy folk music from Oklahomans and beyond. Standouts on the 2025 lineup include Hays Carl, Evan Felker, Sarah Lee Guthrie, The Red Dirt Rangers, John Moreland, Kalyn Fay, Jacob Tovar, Mallory Eagle, Pony Bradshaw, and many others. Known for its laid back nature and down-home family feel, WoodyFest is a come as you are festival experience perfect for families, friends, and large groups. Expect a multi-venue experience, with daytime shows at The Crystal Theatre and evening shows outdoors. Reserved seating is already sold out for most shows, but GA tickets still remain. Purchase a 3-day pass for $150, get a caravan of friends together, and set up camp in Pastures of Plenty to soak up the full experience under the sky. —Megan Shepherd
Circle Cinema Film Festival
July 11-15
Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave.
Okie cinephiles, take note: Circle Cinema Fest is back for its seventh year, with a solid lineup of original storytelling and filmmaking. Held annually at Circle Cinema, Tulsa’s only nonprofit arthouse movie theatre, CCFF offers Tulsa film fanatics a way to gather, screen, and showcase their works among a crowd of dedicated film lovers. With special emphasis on made-in-Oklahoma films, shorts, and documentaries, it’s a great way for Oklahoma-based filmmakers to platform their craft. The festival will award two selections: one for Best Oklahoma Documentary, and one for Best Oklahoma Narrative Feature. Submissions have closed, but if you’re interested in screening next year, be sure to attend to get a feel for the festival. —Megan Shepherd
Porter Peach Festival
July 17-19
Porter, OK
Now in its 59th year, the Porter Peach festival is Oklahoma summer canon, and for good reason. Long known for its peach production, Porter has been popping out award-winning peaches since before statehood. The fertile farmland between the Verdigris and Arkansas rivers near Porter offers perfect soil for peach farming, where the town has been producing and shipping peaches nationally since the early 1900s (though local demand means most Porter peaches now stay in Oklahoma).
Started in 1967 as a way to raise funds to build a community center, the festival has been running ever since, supported largely by Livesay Family Orchards as a way of preserving and passing down Porter’s unique heritage and small-town charm. Every year, dozens of Porterans gathered at the same community center to hand-peel the peaches—a homegrown labor of love. This festival is all small town charm and summer vibes, with a prized peach auction, tractor pulls, a talent show and peach queen pageant, a “peachy things” culinary contest, a catfish dinner, a car show, and free peaches and ice cream for everyone on Saturday. Once the festival program is released in June, make a day trip out of it to shop local artisans and take in the hometown parade. —Megan Shepherd
Latch Fest
August 8-10
Whittier Bar
Latch Fest honors a local stray cat named Latch whose arrival at Whittier Bar in 2021 inspired this annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit T-Town TNR, a Tulsa nonprofit focused on humanely reducing the stray cat population through trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return programs. The festival features three days packed with live music from a variety of bands and vendor tables highlighting creative local makers. Stay tuned for the full lineup and vendor list, which will be announced soon on their Instagram @latchfest. —Katie Wiehe
Blue Whale Comedy Festival
August 14-17
Tulsa Arts District
Blue Whale Comedy Festival is back and bigger than ever in 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary with shows across the city. After a knockout 2024 lineup anchored by Reggie Watts and Michael Longfellow, BWCF returns this August for four days of live comedy, improv, podcast tapings, and laughs all across the Arts District. This year’s headliners include David Cross on Friday, August 15, and Broad City breakout Hannibal Buress on Saturday, August 16, both at Cain’s Ballroom. Thanks to its multi-venue nature, BWCF feels like Tulsa’s own little South by Southwest, with shows ranging from the Cain's mainstage to subterranean sets at Lowdown, and a high likelihood of celebrity sightings at the bar after-parties. Day passes start at $85. —Megan Shepherd
73rd Annual Cherokee National Holiday
August 29-31
Tahlequah, OK
Every year on Labor Day weekend, more than 100,000 people travel to Tahlequah, the capital city of the Cherokee Nation, to celebrate the September 6, 1839 signing of the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma after the tribe was removed here on the Trail of Tears. This year’s theme is "Gadugi: Unity Through Generations," and the festival includes a parade, an artisan market, and a weekend of events honoring Cherokee heritage and sovereignty. —Alicia Chesser
Neon Prairie Music and Camping Festival
September 6-7
POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat, 5323 W. 31st St N.
Neon Prairie bills itself as a two-day music, art, and cultural experience “curated based on core ethos centered around sustainability, cultural respect, and extraordinary experiences.” At their inaugural festival in 2024, that meant performances from national artists like Killer Mike and Marc Rebillet, as well as local powerhouses Johnny Mullenax, Branjae, Damion Shade, and Steph Simon. 2025’s lineup seems to double down on the vaguely neon hook with headliner Steve Aoki, while also throwing it back to the 1990s and 2000s with cult fan favorites Blind Melon, Silversun Pickups, and The Floozies. Beyond the music, festival-goers can participate in immersive art installations, activities like glow yoga, sound healing sessions, and late-night after-parties, all held inside POSTOAK’s thousand-acre forest 15 minutes north of downtown. New this year is a special kickoff event on September 5, and a parking lot pass for folks who prefer to shuttle back and forth to town. Prefer to stay onsite? Check out POSTOAK'S lodging accommodations, or grab a camping pass to go full boar in the forest all weekend long. Tickets are required, and start at $75 for single-day GA passes. —Megan Shepherd
MUSIC & COMEDY
OK Roots Music: Wine & Jazz Fete
June 7-8
Multiple venues
The 7th annual Wine & Jazz Fete features headliner ESPIRAL7—a Latin ensemble from Colombia—on Sunday night at LowDown (21+). On Saturday, all ages can head to Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness to hear Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga "Chuj" Mackey and enjoy complementary traditional Native food by Chef Nico Albert Williams. Prices vary. —Z.B. Reeves
Ken Pomeroy
June 7 and 8
Mercury Lounge, 1747 S. Boston Ave.
It's been a big year for Norman's Ken Pomeroy: a tour with John Moreland, a profile in Rolling Stone, and a new album, Cruel Joke. Her smoky voice and heart-piercing lyrics carry weight beyond her years, and she's going places fast. These shows at Mercury Lounge are currently sold out, but if you hear of a ticket up for grabs, don't hesitate. Hot tip: Pomeroy will play a free short set and sign records at Josey Records on June 6 at 5pm. —Alicia Chesser
Thunderwof. Comedy Special Screening: "The Horse and The Wof."
June 12, 7pm
Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave.
He's the son of an Oklahoma Black rodeo legend. He's a rapper and a comic. He is ThunderWof., and last year he was the first comedian to host a live recording of a comedy special at the historic Spotlight Theater—and the first Black artist to produce a sold-out show at that venue. This event at Circle Cinema marks the first-ever screening of a local comedy special in the art house theater's history. A Q&A follows the screening, hosted by comedian Evan Hughes. A portion of proceeds supports the Union Speech & Debate Team on their road to Nationals. $12, recommended for ages 18+—Alicia Chesser
Broncho with Husbands
June 14, 7pm
Guthrie Green, 111 Reconciliation Way
Is the song of the summer "Funny" by Broncho? Or is it "You Got Me" by Broncho? Might I also submit "Cool" and "Original Guilt," by, you guessed it, Broncho? Natural Pleasure, the Tulsa indie greats' fifth record, came out in April and it's decadent and gooey, and easily the dreamiest thing the band's ever put to tape. Go kick off your sandals and feel the grass under your toes at Guthrie Green when they play there June 14 with support from OKC greats Husbands. Free, all ages. —Matt Carney
Wu-Tang Clan with Run The Jewels
June 16, 8pm
BOK Center
Wu-Tang is forever, but as far as touring is concerned, this is the end of the road. The iconic hip-hop group brings their “Final Chamber” tour to the BOK Center, supported by the dynamic Run the Jewels duo. This final tour promises to deliver the raw energy and lyrical mastery fans have come to expect over the decades. With tickets ranging from $52 to $250, this is your chance to witness hip-hop royalty one last time. All ages. —Katie Wiehe
Jen Kober
June 19, 7:30pm
The Loony Bin, 6808 S. Memorial Dr., Ste. 234
Queer comedy hits Tulsa during Pride Month as Jen Kober takes the stage at The Loony Bin on her 2025 Pride Tour. You've seen her acting up in The Righteous Gemstones, The Mandalorian, and American Horror Story, and maybe heard her Best Comedic Performance award-winning segment on NPR’s “Snap Judgment.” Part stand-up, part storytelling, Kober's sets are sharp and heartfelt; she's been called "our 21st-century Lucille Ball." 18+; $28-$41. —Alicia Chesser
Penn Jillette
July 8, 7pm
LowDown, 108 N. Detroit Ave.
Best known as one half of Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette is the thinking person's clown. He'll spend an evening with Tulsa at LowDown, talking about his new semi-autobiographical novel, Felony Juggler; laughs and gags are on the agenda. —Alicia Chesser
Joe Pera
July 29, 7:30pm
Cain’s Ballroom, 427 N. Main St.
Ever since the sleeper hit show Joe Pera Talks With You turned the world onto the titular comedian’s brand of quiet, brainy comedy, the sweater-clad Pera has perfected the art of ho-hum observational stand-up. Despite his Xanax-grade voice, the grandfatherly Buffalo native packs a wallop of laughs into every trenchant observation about tomatoes, Dragon Ball Z, beans, and much more. 16+, $44. —Z.B. Reeves
Band of Horses
August 3, 7pm
Cain’s Ballroom
You’ve heard Band of Horses’ song “The Funeral” six million times, whether you realize it or not. The self-proclaimed “third best band in the Carolinas” brings the autobiographical indie rock of frontman Ben Bridwell to Tulsa as the final stop of their tour. All ages, $50. —Z.B. Reeves
THEATRE
Wicked
Celebrity Attractions
through June 15
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. S.
Before it was a blockbuster movie that took the world and TikTok by storm, Wicked was a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Based on the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, this production tells the story of the Witches of Oz: Glinda (the Good) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). A fast-paced musical with electrifying songs you’ll be humming for weeks after, Wicked is an event to hold space for (in your calendar). All ages. $62.50-$214.25. 7:30 p.m. Tues-Thur; 8 p.m. Fri; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sat; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sun. —Alex Isaak
Half Time
World Stage Theatre Company
June 6-15
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. S.
Based on a true story, Half Time follows a group of senior citizens who love to dance. They audition to perform at halftime for a major basketball team, but little do they realize that they’ll be tackling a new and ominous genre: hip-hop! This spunky tale reminds us that when it feels like the odds are stacked against us, the game isn’t over yet. The original Broadway cast featured direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) and performances by André de Shields and Lillias White (musical theatre nerds know they both played Hermes in Hadestown on Broadway). All ages. $20.50-$34. 8pm June 6, 7, 13, 14; 3pm June 7, 8, 14, 15. —Alex Isaak
The Hobbit
Tulsa Youth Opera
June 7 and 8
University of Tulsa Lorton Performance Center, 550 S. Gary Pl.
Before there was The Lord Of The Rings, there was Bilbo Baggins, living his peaceful life in Bag End, content to enjoy his pipe. Everything changes when the powerful wizard Gandalf and his band of Dwarves arrives at his front door, demanding that he join them on the adventure of a lifetime. The Tulsa Youth Opera, a tuition-free training opera for singers grades 3-12, will present Dean Burry’s 2004 adaptation of the Tolkien prequel. All ages, $15-$45. 6:30pm June 7; 2:30 June 8. —Z. B. Reeves
Twelfth Night
Tulsa Shakespeare Company
June 12-14 and 19-21
German-American Society of Tulsa, 1429 Terrace Dr.
Set in the vibrant art deco scene of the 1920s, the Shakespearean comedy promises to be an evening of rollicking fun. The story follows Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario after a shipwreck separates her and her twin brother. She seeks work with Duke Orsino, who is in love with a mourning Lady Olivia. Olivia ends up falling for Viola, thinking she’s Cesario, while Viola secretly loves Orsino, leading to a series of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic chaos. The play has inspired several well-known revivals and adaptations, including the 2006 comedy She’s the Man starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum. 13+, $15-$20. 7:30pm June 12-14 and 19-21. —Alex Isaak
Lysistrata
Pembroke Players
June 19-22, 2025
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. S.
Pembroke Players closes their season of women’s stories with the sexual satire Lysistrata, written by Aristophanes in 411 BC. But in true Pembroke fashion, there’s a twist. Instead of detailing a woman’s bold plan to end the Peloponnesian War, this adaptation is set in the tumultuous 1960s at the height of the Vietnam War. This reimagining aims to answer the question: how does one demand change in a culture unwilling to change? Mature audiences only. $31-34. 7:30pm June 19-21; 2pm June 22. —Alex Isaak
Cabaret
Theatre Tulsa
June 20-29
Theatre Tulsa Studios, 5521 S. Peoria Ave.
Only the magic of live theatre could transform this former Family Dollar into a jazz club from 1920s Berlin. But there we have it, mesdames et monsieurs: wilkommen to Cabaret, an immersive production in Theatre Tulsa’s black box studio. As pre-war Germany slowly yields to Nazi influence, the musical’s Kit Kat Club is a haven for transgressive decadence and, ultimately, a symbol of disappearing freedom. Hot on the heels of Orville Peck’s Broadway debut as The Emcee earlier this year, this production brings the timely warnings of Kander & Ebb’s Tony-winner home. It’s not good when it’s a good time to stage Cabaret, folks—but this production looks like a very good time. Various ticket tiers give you access to intimate table seating or a pre-show burlesque experience (both include a free drink). Mature audiences only. 8pm June 20, 21, 27, 28; 2pm June 22, 29. —Alicia Chesser
Ragtime
TPAC Produces
August 8-24
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. S.
Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow and written for Broadway by Terrence McNally—two literary heavyweights—Ragtime tackles heavyweight themes in American society through the stories of three fictional families, one Black, one Jewish, one white. Along for the journey are the likes of J.P. Morgan, Harry Houdini, Emma Goldman, and Booker T. Washington, who appear onstage alongside their non-celebrity fellows in early 20th-century America. Ragtime is a sweeping musical about the promises and perils of “the American dream”—again, timely. Delivering this massive production following its excellent run of Fiddler on the Roof last year, TPAC Produces continues to be one of the most ambitious theatre groups around. —Alicia Chesser
The Crucible
Theatre Tulsa
August 15-24
Theatre Tulsa Studios, 5521 S. Peoria Ave.
Rounding out the summer, Theatre Tulsa continues its Studio Series with a play most of us read in high school: Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Published in 1953, the story is a dramatized and partially fictional account of the Salem Witch Trials. While the characters question the existence of God and witches on the page, the piece as a whole was meant to parallel the McCarthy Era in the United States, when the government persecuted people accused of being communists. All ages. 8 pm Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23; 2 pm Aug. 16, 17, 23, 24. —Alex Isaak
Baller Splash Pads & Cool Pools
Having two young kids, I’ve become a connoisseur of Tulsa’s options for local water play, which are plentiful! But here are four spots that my family and I find ourselves returning to, plus some dates and ways to save a little cash on that summertime outing.
Gathering Place
Gathering Place has not one but two water play areas that kids of all ages love. Mist Mountain and its attendant Water Maze is especially fun for toddlers and great for just cooling off during a long visit to the park. The second, Charlie’s Water Mountain, is a three-level paradise of collaborative water play features, sandboxes, pumps, cooling areas and more. Unfortunately Charlie’s Water Mountain is closed for construction until at least mid-June, according to park staff, so you might plan your trip for later in the summer. Call ahead (918-779-1000) to confirm before you go. Gathering Place is always free to enter.
Chandler Park Splash Park
There’s a joyful sort of chaos to this massive west Tulsa splash park, with its big slides and overhead buckets that dump gales of water. It’s open from May 27 to August 31, charges a $1 cash fee per person to enter and is open each day for five sessions at a time. Sessions are available: 9-10:30 a.m. (Toddler time for ages 1-3); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1-2:30 p.m.; 3-4:30 p.m.; 5-6:30 p.m. Nearby shade pavilions make it a great spot for a big group.
H.K. Kaiser YMCA
The outdoor pool here is a must for families. Bedecked with multiple tiers and staffed with plenty of lifeguards, it’s got a huge slide that will test your kids’ gumption. It’s for YMCA members and guests, but it may just be worth that family membership for the summer months.
McClure Park Pool
McClure Park pool is a hidden, idyllic gem on the city’s east side, surrounded by old-growth trees and friendly neighborhoods. A large lap pool is accompanied by a shallow area for kids to play in and a deep end complete with a rock climbing wall for the bold. Admission is $3 and it’s open throughout the summer from noon to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Water Play Dates To Mark On Your Calendar
June 10 - SwimTulsa Swimaroo | This annual swim meet at McClure Pool is a Tulsa tradition open to swimmers age 5 to 95. For more information visit swimtulsa.org.
June 19 - Juneteenth | Celebrate the holiday with $1 admission to all City of Tulsa pools.
July 28 - National Parents Day | Parents get in free to Tulsa pools when accompanied by their kids.
August 9 - Last Saturday | Enjoy free admission at all city pools for the last Saturday of the summer.
August 10 - K9 Splash | On August 10, the city turns Reed Park over to the dogs! They even have a special session for senior dogs only. Admission is $10 per dog.
Every Tuesday - Grandparents Day | Grandparents enjoy free admission when they bring their grandchildren to a city pool.
Beat the Heat - 100 Degree Days | City pools reduce admission to $2 per person whenever the temperature exceeds 100 degrees. —Matt Carney
Day Trips
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
15316 Co Rd 4201, Pawhuska, OK
Sometimes you just need to get away and visit the largest protected parcel of tallgrass prairie in the entire world. Lucky you, because it’s only an hour and a half away. Just past Pawhuska, on the edge of the Flint Hills, this 40,000-acre expanse of grassland is home to 2500 free-range bison. Hike on the designated trails or drive the 15-mile driving loop to get a sense of how huge this place is. Great for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. History buffs can also book a tour of the small cabin lived in by Osage historian John Joseph Mathews, who wrote and lived in the Tallgrass Prairie. Free, open from dawn to dusk. All ages. —Z.B. Reeves
Natural Falls
Colcord, OK
Natural Falls is a year-round destination packed with outdoor adventure, anchored by a breathtaking 77-foot waterfall. Explore scenic biking and hiking trails that weave through lush greenery, try your hand at fishing in peaceful waters, and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way. When you’re ready for some fun, challenge friends to disc golf or volleyball, then settle in for the night at one of the campsites or one of the park’s five cozy yurts. The park also served as a filming location for Where the Red Fern Grows, bringing a bit of movie magic to your outdoor experience. —Katie Wiehe
Illinois River Float Trips
Tahlequah, OK
Slather on the SPF and lie back. It's prime time for floating, and outfitters all along the Illinois River know how to help you do it right. (If you want to bring your own conveyance, you'll need a permit.) I'd say you'll almost forget you're in Oklahoma while you're drifting on the water, but the opposite is really true: you'll experience some of the state's most stunning natural beauty from your kayak or tube. —Alicia Chesser
Bentonville/Fayetteville
Located on the southwestern tip of the Ozark Mountains, the Fayetteville/Bentonville/Rogers/Springdale metropolitan area has bloomed in the past few years, with Bentonville seeing an almost 10% growth in the last five years alone. There’s a reason for that. The area is full of cultural destinations and natural beauty that will take your breath away—right before you keep moving, because the area is a hiker/biker paradise. Here’s a quick getaway in Northwest Arkansas:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
A monumental achievement of both art and architecture, Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges offers an unmatched collection of American art nestled in a gorgeous tangle of walking trails: the perfect day trip.
Dickson Street
The epicenter of Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas (be sure to learn how to call those Hogs), Dickson Street is a wildly strollable area, full of shops, restaurants, bars, and the Walton Arts Center. Don’t miss Dickson Street Bookshop, one of the best used bookstores of all time.
Mountain Biking
Bentonville calls itself “The Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” and it’s got plenty to back it up. Boasting 150+ miles, Bentonville’s system of mountain bike trails wind through the bluffs and hollers of Northwest Arkansas, passing by restaurants, bars, and scenic areas that’ll stop you in your treads.
Wilson Park
The first and oldest park in Fayetteville, Wilson Park's oddest attraction is “The Castle,” a concrete play space built in the '80s which looks and—especially to a kid—feels exactly like a real castle. With a pool, tennis court, and a great playground, it’s the perfect place to plop down as a family for a while. —Z.B. Reeves
Oklahoma City
deadCenter Film Festival
June 11-15
Oklahoma’s crown jewel for indie film lovers, deadCenter Film Festival is the state’s only Oscar qualifying festival and a five-day celebration of independent films from Oklahoma and around the world. From gripping dramas to quirky comedies and eye-opening documentaries, deadCenter brings fresh voices and bold storytelling to venues across Oklahoma City including Harkins Theater, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and Rodeo Cinema. More than just screenings, deadCenter offers nightly parties and networking events where filmmakers, industry pros, and fans connect over cocktails and conversation. Festival passes, available online, are $225 and grant full access, or you can grab $10 tickets at the door 20 minutes before each screening. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or new to indie film, deadCenter is your summer hotspot for discovering new talent and celebrating the magic of movies in the heart of Oklahoma City.
Stars & Stripes River Festival
June 28
The Oklahoma River in the Boathouse District becomes the place to be for the Stars & Stripes River Festival, running all day from 8am to 10pm. Experience intense rowing, rafting, and dragon boat competitions that bring thrilling action to the water, and then grab lunch or snacks from Big Water Grill, serving fresh food right on the river till 5pm. As daylight fades, get ready for a fireworks extravaganza that lights up the night and fills the sky with color.
The American Pigeon Museum is a quirky, surprisingly rich stop for a summer afternoon. Permanent exhibits cover everything from fancy and homing breeds to war history and competitive pigeon racing, offering a fascinating look at how these birds have played roles far beyond the city park. You’ll find stories of wartime bravery, racing legends, and some real-life birds hanging out inside the museum. Open Fridays from 1-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm, it’s always free to visit, though donations help keep things flapping.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art offers a vibrant lineup of rotating exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of artists and styles. Throughout the summer, guests can also experience a special exhibition of studio glass by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, whose colorful, light-filled installations bring a dynamic energy to the galleries. Admission is free for visitors 17 and under, and everyone can enjoy free entry on the second Sunday of each month. —Katie Wiehe
Cool Food
Ice Cream
Big Dipper
A newcomer on the scene, Big Dipper has big, memorable flavors in its three locations across Brookside, Sand Springs, and inside Mother Road Market. The salted caramel with brown butter ganache is a standout. Watch for their daily specials, which offer discounts on specialty items like milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches. —Z.B. Reeves
Rose Rock Microcreamery
Named after Oklahoma’s state rock, Rose Rock also uses the state nut (pecan) in its namesake flavor: strawberry with pecans and chocolate shell. Rose Rock runs the gamut with its flavors and offers plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Look for them on Cherry Street, Fifth Street, and Main Street in BA. —Z.B. Reeves
Cherry & Bark
This sweet little spot started as a pushcart and now holds down brick-and-mortar hours next door to Tina's in the SoBo District. The flavors are as creative as the owner, who used to be a professional tap dancer in Chicago. Think rosemary, grapefruit, and pecans, or black garlic and goat cheese, or lemon custard, or raspberry sorbet. —Alicia Chesser
Braum’s
You knew this was coming. We can’t get through a day in Tulsa without seeing a Braum’s; I don’t know why you’d think you could get through a “best ice cream in Tulsa” list without seeing it too. Whether you’re exhausted by the inundation or not, Braum’s ice cream consistently hits. A cone on the patio is a staple of Tulsa summer. —Z.B. Reeves
Agua Fresca
The proprietor of Aguas Frescas el Primo is becoming a local legend as Tulsans chase his roving agua fresca stand around the city. His incredibly refreshing fruit drinks are $7 (cash only) and packed with flavor. Aguas Frescas el Primo can be found at any or all of these locations, any or all days of the week: Pine and Lewis; Admiral between the flea market and Walmart; 11th and Sheridan; 46th and Peoria. —Alicia Chesser
Sno Cones
Parents know: when you see a Josh's Sno Shack, there's about to be salvation for your overstimulated, overheated children. (And yourself.) Get your Dragon's Blood fix at one of these locations across Tulsa. —Alicia Chesser
