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 is 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 four exhibitions are currently on view. 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 Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum, both of which debuted in 2023, offer visitors two additional attractions to explore for free.
Festivals
There are also multiple free festivals over the course of the summer. From May 24-26, the Paseo Arts Festival will take over the streets of the Paseo Arts District, featuring over 100 visual artists, 50 musicians and 20 food vendors.
For children under 12, the Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum grants free entry. Stop by the Adventure District to enjoy this western-themed event from May 24-25.
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 from May 30 to June 1 in the lively 39th Street District. Later in the month, the Oklahoma Pride Alliance will host its fifth annual PrideFest at Scissortail Park from June 27 to 29. The celebration culminates with the PrideFest Parade on Sunday, June 29, starting at 11 am.
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 6, 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.
