We’ve compiled a list of concerts, races and festivals you won’t want to miss out on. Grab your family and friends and head to the city for a weekend full of fun.
CONCERTS
The War On Drugs | September 21
At The Criterion this Wednesday, catch Grammy Award-winning rock band The War On Drugs off of its acclaimed 2021 album. Formed in 2005, this band is best known for its mixing of Americana, synth-sprinkled spin on driving rock music. With the group’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore Tour, you’ll want to grab a few drinks and dance to the lively sounds playing at the heart of Oklahoma City. 8 p.m., The Criterion, 500 E Sheridan Ave., OKC.
The Beach Boys | September 24
As iconic group The Beach Boys celebrate 60 years of creating music, they make their way to Oklahoma City at the Civic Center Music Hall this Saturday. Special guest John Stamos will be in attendance as part of the band’s Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer tour. Starting with their first hit in 1961, The Beach Boys have now sold over 100 million records across the globe. All net proceeds from the concert benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s “Food For Kids” program. Get ready to sing along to your favorite tunes, and don’t forget — a digital download of album 12 Sides of Summer by Mike Love is included with every ticket. 7 p.m., Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, 201 N Walker Ave., OKC.
Bricktown Banjo Bash | September 24
Head over to the American Banjo Museum this weekend for the second annual Bricktown Banjo Bash. This free, family-friendly music festival is outdoors with live performances from Oklahoma artist such as Kyle Dillingham, Edgar Cruz, Alan Munde, Lucas Ross, The Hunt Brothers and many more. Arts and crafts stations will be set up along with local food vendors. Grab a few bites to eat, bring the kids along to get their hands messy, and listen to the sweet sounds of the banjo this Saturday afternoon. 2–8 p.m., Bricktown between Reno and Sheridan avenues, OKC.
Races
Down Syndrome Festival and 5K | September 24
Race by yourself or as a team to support individuals with Down syndrome at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Walk or run to the finish line to raise awareness, acceptance and inclusion at this free event hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. The starting line begins on Sheridan Avenue, and the 5K will finish on the Great Lawn for a series of exciting festivities. Food trucks, cotton candy, carnival games and face painters will be in attendance, along with live music, talent shows and inflatables. Bring the whole family along to support a great cause and enjoy the warm weekends of September. 8 a.m., Devon Lawn at Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC.
Thunder Run | September 25
Want to show your Thunder fandom for Oklahoma City’s basketball team? Sign up the family for Rumble’s Family Fun Run Sunday morning, with the Thunder 5K following after. Lace up your running shoes and get ready to tear through the finish line with a finisher’s medal and Thunder Run shirt that’s free with registration. Grab a swag bag, race bib and of course, one Loud City ticket to a Thunder game in October or November. Wear your orange and blue and get ready to speed down the streets of OKC. 9 a.m., Paycom Center, OKC.
Oklahoma Derby | September 25
We aren’t the only ones running this weekend, as the Oklahoma Derby kicks off Sunday at Remington Park. Watch the afternoon horse races worth more than $1 million and compete in the Oklahoma Derby Day Hat & Tie Contest with hundreds of dollars as prize money. Not interested in the horses? Enjoy the Derby Day Wine Tasting Festival, with a variety of sips from wineries from across the state. Play your luck with the casino games, or pick a horse to bet on. Anyone who takes part in this weekend’s activities at Remington Park will get a chance to win a prize basket at the end of the day. 3–7 p.m., Remington Park, OKC.
Festivals
Oklahoma State Fair | September 23-25
Are you ready to try a fried stick of butter or a giant turkey leg? How about a deep-fried cookie? If that’s not for you, don’t worry, as the Oklahoma State Fair has far more than just epic snack foods. With carnival games, rides, competitions and educational exhibits, there’s tons of show-stopping events. Live music and food vendors will be set up across the fairgrounds, so come hungry. You can expect to see livestock, car shows and family entertainment throughout the state fair this year. Don’t miss out, as this is the final fair weekend until next year. Starts 10 a.m., 3001 General Pershing Blvd. OKC.
Scissortail Park Takes Flight | September 23-25
The new section of Scissortail Park will open to the public this weekend to connect to the north end of the park through the Skydance Bridge. To celebrate this MAPS 3 project presented by The Chickasaw Nation, tons of exciting and interactive events are planned. Friday’s theme is “Celebrate”, so hang out on the soccer, basketball and pickleball courts and experience the OKC Philharmonic concert to end the night. Saturday, “Play” with zumba classes, nature areas, soccer fields, farmers markets and painting classes. To finish the weekend, “Relax” during Sunday’s final events, including yoga, horticulture walking tours, bike rentals, therapy dogs and more. Scissortail Park, OKC.
TinkerFest | September 24
Bring the kids over to the Oklahoma City Science Museum for an all-day celebration of curiosity and hands-on activities. This free festival shines light on the exciting experiments located throughout the museum, including skills from artists, engineers, crafters and educators. Guests of all ages can experience art exploration through many different activities, from butter-making to flying a drone. Over 50 different operations will be available at Tinkerfest, so be prepared for an overwhelming amount of excitement and creativity. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 2020 Remington Place, OKC.
Oklahoma Contemporary Open House| September 24
Visit the Oklahoma Contemporary this weekend for a curated experience of arts and culture. Celebrate the opening of “La casa que nos inventamos”, which features almost 50 works by Guadalajara artists, and attend a palm reading session by Isa Carrillo. Artist Claudia Cisneros will perform Cruz Roja, so stay for the show and grab a bite from local chefs. Live mariachi music and photo opportunities will be provided, so snag some pics and get ready to enjoy a weekend full of new artwork. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 11 NW 11th St., OKC.
