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 cities on the rise! 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.

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.

Savannah Bananas, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark: May 16-18
Chuck Wagon Festival, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: May 25-26
Paseo Arts Festival, Paseo District: May 25-27
NCAA Women's College World Series, Devon Park: May 30 - June 7
Pride Month, across Oklahoma City: June 1-30
deadCenter Film Festival, across Oklahoma City: June 6-9
Prix de West, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: June 7-8
Juneteenth on the East, East End District: June 14-15
Stars & Stripes River Festival, Riversport: June 22
USRowing's RowFest, Riversport: July 13-21

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Splash it Out

For the perfect summer day in Oklahoma City, just add water! From water parks to splash pads, OKC has plenty of places to cool off when the heat turns on.

Go whitewater rafting AND surfing in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City at RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures! The facility has outdoor thrills for all age levels. For more chill experiences in the Boathouse District, float along the Oklahoma River on a standup paddle board or kayak.
Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City (formerly White Water Bay) features more than 25 acres of classic water park fun, including family raft rides, a lazy river, water slides and a huge wave pool. You'll have to try them all.
Cool off at OKC's urban oasis, Scissortail Park! Frolic through the interactive splash pads or rent a paddleboat and hit the lake.

Explore OKC's Must-Visit Attractions

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 Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer exhibit coming this summer, featuring costumes from the 1930s to the 1960s that were worn by some of Hollywood's biggest stars of the 20th century.
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.