Oklahoma City’s hotels, restaurants and attractions have been growing rapidly in 2021 and even more exciting openings are coming in 2022. Here’s a look at all the new things expected to open in the Modern Frontier in the year ahead:
Renaissance Hotel
Construction on the 10-story, 182-room Renaissance Hotel is nearly finished in Bricktown. Located at the southeast corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue, the property will be the entertainment district’s first full-service hotel. We saw a new restaurant – The Old Spaghetti Factory – open on the same block in Oct. 2021 and this new hotel will bring even more amenities to the area when it opens in early spring 2022.
The National at First National Center
As one of OKC's most cherished skyline buildings, the First National Center towers over downtown OKC at 32 stories and 1.1 million square feet. Originally built in 1931, for decades the iconic art-deco style building was a focal point of downtown activity, with its hallowed Great Banking Hall serving as the heartbeat of Oklahoma City commerce, deal-making and business large and small. Since 2017, the building has seen major renovations that will transform the space into a mixed-use facility, featuring a full-service upscale Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, called The National, with 149 rooms, 210 urban apartments, new restaurants and modern retail spaces. The $275 million project is expected to be complete early in 2022 and will include six dining outlets, two ballrooms, a barbershop, a speakeasy and private dining options in the building.
Route 66 Road Fest
In honor of the 100th anniversary of America’s Mother Road in 2026, Oklahoma City is throwing a celebration like no other. With the highway spanning over 400 miles within its borders, Oklahoma City is proven to be the perfect place to host this milestone celebration. If you are a Route 66 enthusiast, are interested in mapping out the perfect road trip, marveling at vintage cars, discovering new local and regional music, and exploring America’s rich history in an environment fun for the whole family, then you won't want to miss the AAA Route 66 Road Fest June 18-19, 2022 at the OKC Fairgrounds. Included throughout the Road Fest are opportunities to experience all the exceptional towns, attractions and activities that The Mother Road has to offer.
Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine
With the first phase of construction expected to be completed in summer 2022, the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine will be a resource for the entire archdiocese and a beacon of faith. The Shrine Church is designed in the Spanish mission style, mirroring Blessed Stanley’s church in Santiago Atitlán. Inside the 6,000 square-foot facility, visitors will find an orientation room with a video documentary, a gift shop and a museum. The museum will highlight the story of Blessed Stanley Rother’s life and mission, featuring artifacts from every stage of his life and provide information about his martyrdom and beautification.
Lower Park
Scissortail Park is a $132 million, 70-acre urban oasis extending from the core of downtown Oklahoma City to the shore of the Oklahoma River. While the first 36 acres of Scissortail Park opened in September 2019, the remaining 40 acres will open in 2022 just south of the Skydance Bridge. New features of the Lower Park include more open and natural spaces with a focus on areas for athletic events and pickup sports, including a soccer field, sports pavilion, pickleball courts, futsal court and two basketball courts.
Crystal Bridge Conservatory
Since its opening in 1988, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory has remained the centerpiece of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of tropical and desert plants within 13,000 square feet and divided into two distinct climates: wet and dry. The Inasmuch Foundation committed $2.5 million to renovate the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. This includes a complete renovation of the interior conservatory spaces to enhance visitor engagement with a more diverse plant collection, interactive educational exhibits, improved ADA accessibility and a museum-quality gift shop. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory grand re-opening is expected in fall 2022.
Bar K
Oklahoma City will be the second location for this growing bar and restaurant concept with a furry fan base. Opening in 2022, Bar K will be the first commercial development in the Boathouse District on the Oklahoma River, featuring a bar, fast-casual dining for both owners and pets, and two dog parks; one inside and one outside. The two-acre site also showcases an area called Petfinder Park where pet adoption agencies can bring dogs in need of a home.
Modern Frontier Attractions Pass
Visit OKC recently launched a digital passport where you can earn prizes for visiting dozens of attractions across the metro. Exclusive discounts are also available through the digital pass, see how it works and sign up here.
