Summer in OKC

Book a trip to Oklahoma City this summer and find out for yourself why Southern Living named us one of the best places to visit in the South! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there's no shortage of summer excitement happening in Oklahoma City. Explore the coolest ways to beat the heat, new attractions and fun experiences you won't find anywhere else.

100 Years of Route 66

Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in OKC! Oklahoma boasts more than 400 miles of Route 66 – more than any other state – and Oklahoma City serves as a center point. Travelers will find a mix of historic and modern experiences along the route, as OKC is home to some of the Mother Road's most iconic landmarks, attractions and destination dining. Attend the Route 66 “Kickin’ It” Centennial Birthday Bash on May 30, featuring a Centennial Concert series spotlighting Oklahoma entertainers and a sky-dancing Neon Nights Drone Show. 

Summer Events & Festivals

With all the upcoming events and festivals, the summer is an exciting time to visit OKC! Here are some of most popular festivities that both locals and visitors flock to each year. 

• Chuck Wagon Festival, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: May 23-24
• Paseo Arts Festival, Paseo District: May 23-25 
• NCAA Women's College World Series, Devon Park: May 28 - June 5
• Pride Month, across Oklahoma City: June 1-30 
• deadCenter Film Festival, across Oklahoma City: June 10-14
• Prix de West, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: June 12-13
• Juneteenth on the East, East End District: June 18-20
• Stars & Stripes River Festival, Riversport: June 27

Explore OKC's Must-Visit Attractions

• Oklahoma National Guard Museum is reopening in their new building this summer! The new space will focus on telling the entire story of the Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard, from pre-statehood to modern times.
• Experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations by visiting the First Americans Museum. The museum showcases state-of-the-art exhibitions in First American history, culture and art. 
• The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum brings the West to life through their exhibits and galleries. Make sure to save time to visit their interactive outdoor exhibit, Liichokoshkomo', which features replicas of an Intertribal Village and Western structures.
• Did you know that summertime is the favorite season of the animals of the Oklahoma City Zoo? It's true! See more than 1,900 animal species at OKC's wildest attraction. While you're there check out Expedition Africa, the Zoo's largest habitat expansion, covering 12 acres.
• Explore one of the world's largest public collections of Dale Chihuly glass at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. You don't want to miss The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce exhibit coming this summer, featuring six centuries of painting by European, Puerto Rican and North American artists from the Museo de Arte de Ponce, including masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Gustave Courbet, John Singer Sargent, Francisco de Goya and many more.
• Go glamping in the Conestoga Wagons & Teepees at Orr Family Farm and make memories the whole family will remember. Reservations include exclusive access to Orr Family Farm activities and, of course, s'mores roasted over an open fire.
• Come to remember at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. With cutting-edge exhibits and interactive displays, the museum expertly walks visitors through the events of April 19, 1995 and the justice and healing that followed. Include time to visit the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial at night for an impactful and stunning scene.
• Take in the downtown Oklahoma City skyline on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel in the Wheeler District! 

OKC Barbecue

Nothing says summer quite like a barbecue meal, and you can find some of the state's best BBQ in Oklahoma City. Browse through local favorites below and make plans to chow down.