As Summer break begins over the next month, everyone is looking for new ways to enjoy the beautiful weather outside. After months of cold and stormy weather, there's no reason to put stress on your wallet while soaking up the sun. Fortunately, there is a host of free activities in the Modern Frontier to keep you busy throughout the summer!
Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll definitely want to check out Scissortail Park this summer. From a family friendly farmers market every Saturday morning to the splash pad located in the park, there is plenty to do at OKC’s largest urban greenspace. If you like to shoot hoops or kick a soccer ball, lower Scissortail Park has great basketball courts and soccer fields for a couple rounds of friendly competition. Be sure to visit their event calendar to learn more about the many free events taking place at the park this summer!
Museums
If you want to check out some incredible art for free, head over to Exhibit C in the Horizons District or the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Automobile Alley. Exhibit C is a phenomenal, 10,000 square-foot art gallery and retail space containing First American artwork. The gallery is free to view, but guests have the opportunity to purchase art pieces and learn more about Chickasaw Country. Entry is also free at Oklahoma Contemporary, and several exhibitions, including "Anthony McCall: Solid Light" are currently on exhibition. Oklahoma’s largest selection of World War II artifacts are also on display at the Oklahoma National Guard Museum, which grants free entry year-round. The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and the Jim Thorpe Museum & Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, both of which opened in 2023, offer visitors two more attractions to explore free of charge.
Festivals
There are multiple free festivals over the course of the summer for you and your crew to explore and enjoy.
Juneteenth on the East brings Oklahoma City together each summer to honor the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Held in the East End District along NE 23rd Street, the festival features live entertainment, community programming and cultural celebrations. The 2026 event runs June 18 to 20 and includes a 5K Run/Walk on June 19, a main event at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre on June 20 and a headlining performance by Lupe Fiasco.
Each June, thousands of visitors flock to Oklahoma City to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. The city comes alive with a dynamic lineup of free events that are artistic, exciting and inclusive. Pride on 39th Street kicks off the festivities on June 5 in the lively 39th Street District. Later in the month, the Oklahoma Pride Alliance will host its sixth annual PrideFest at Scissortail Park from June 26 to 28. The celebration culminates with the PrideFest Parade on Sunday, June 28, starting at 11 am.
On June 27, Oklahoma City will celebrate rafting, rowing, kayaking and dragon boat racing during the Stars & Stripes River Festival at RIVERSPORT OKC. The family-friendly event features surfing, rafting, climbing, tubing and racing on the Oklahoma River throughout the day, ending with fireworks Saturday night. Admission is free, while parking is $10 and free for members.
Events
There are plenty of free weekly and monthly events in Oklahoma City that give attendees a small taste of what each district has to offer. The West Village District hosts a Fourth Friday event on the fourth Friday of every month that features different vendors and live entertainment as well as specials from local businesses. The Paseo Arts District will hold its First Friday Gallery Walk on June 5, giving attendees a chance to view artwork from numerous local artists for free. This event helps give these artists exposure while also creating a fun atmosphere for eventgoers. Additionally, the Wheeler District hosts its weekly farmer’s market from 6-9 p.m. every Friday evening.
