In compiling a list of what makes our city so great, we reinforced that Oklahoma City presents a multitude of storied histories and endless activities. There is so much to appreciate; to learn and see and do. So many notable people and places have rightfully garnered national attention. Our city holds such an interesting mix of trivia tidbits and bragging rights. And believe us — it was hard to limit our list to 50. (There are so many more!) Numbers aside, OKC is a gem, wonderful and wild, poised to excel and ripe for exploration.
1. Friendly People. For almost two decades, some citizens of OKC have pushed for our city to have the slogan “The Big Friendly.” Oklahoma’s population has steadily risen each year since 2012, and it is no wonder why so many migrate to our great state. Both locals and tourists agree that we are the most welcoming, friendly folks around.
2. MAPS. OKC is committed to bettering the community in part by MAPS, debt-free capital improvement programs funded by temporary sales taxes. The landscape of our city has been forever changed by this series of voter-supported endeavors; everything from Scissortail Park to the streetcar to miles of trails and sidewalks are all thanks to the MAPS initiatives.
3. OKC Thunder. Our NBA team brings excitement and relevancy to the city — and beyond, since practically the entire state of Oklahoma seems deeply passionate about this squad. Its arrival into our town through the maneuvers of some ambitious owners and residents was synonymous with us becoming a big-time metro. With a new arena on the horizon and arguably the most promising young team in the league, we are in for many more years of fandom.
4. Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The OKC Thunder has a local tradition: Every new player is taken through the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum as an introduction to our city — our heart, strength and sense of community. The grounds offer a moving tribute to resilience and remembrance.
5. Food and Drink. OKC serves an incredible variety to sip and savor. From hole-in-the-wall treasures to edgy concepts to James Beard nominees and winners, our restaurant scene is turning more and more heads. Where will you go? That’s simply a matter of taste.
6. Cultural Festivals. Year-round events celebrate OKC’s diversity and community. Don’t miss annual attractions such as the Red Earth FallFest, Greek Festival, Norman Music Festival, Oklahoma Folklife Festival, Czech Festival, Las Fiestas de las Américas, Heard on Hurd and the Chuck Wagon Festival — just to list a few.
7. Cost of Living. The economy was on everyone’s mind this year, with inflation still recovering from the pandemic. But we can all agree that living in OKC is still more affordable than almost any other major city, with the cost of living being an estimated 12% lower than the national average.
8. College Football. Since Oklahoma does not have an NFL team (yet), college football teams have a massive following. This was a down year for both teams, but residents still flock to the University of Oklahoma in Norman and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on game days. Watch parties are also plentiful with OKC fans yelling “Boomer Sooner!” and “Go Pokes!”
9. National Weather Center. The top American meteorologists hail from here. In addition to providing training, the National Weather Center brings federal, state and academic minds together for accurate and timely forecasts and a better understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere. Rail, sleet, snow and tornadoes can’t dampen our day. We remain “weather aware.”
10. Philanthropy Scene. We go gaga for galas, because OKC nonprofits know how to throw a great party. Fundraising events (and the millions of dollars procured) reflect a city that is generously filled with good hearts and good times. We thrive from the community and family foundations investing in our city, year after year.
11. Parks and Recreation. With roughly 235 sunny days a year, Oklahoma City is a great place to get outside and enjoy one of the 260 parks across the city. These range from the size of a city block to over 1,000 acres, and collectively offer so much to explore.
12. Cowboy Culture. OKC celebrates the best of the American West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and throughout Stockyards City — a premier place to buy boots, hats and a great steak. Once you’re cowboy-geared up, seek out a rodeo or horse show. OKC hosts more national and international equine championship events than any other city worldwide.
13. Murals and Public Art. USA Today named OKC a top 10 city to view street art. Admire colorful works along Plaza Walls, Western Avenue and Bricktown. Artist Denise Duong has installed many murals throughout the city that reach several stories high. Our mural count is growing, too, thanks to the annual Sunny Dayz Mural Festival and the talented artists partaking in the paint.
14. Mayor David Holt. Mayor Holt has led our community forward, being a bipartisan champion, since he took office in 2018. As an architect of the MAPS 4 project and currently serving as the Dean of OCU’s School of Law, he is one busy guy! He is the city’s first Native American Mayor and was the first to designate Indigenous People’s Day. Our 38th mayor is truly a man for all Oklahomans.
15. Museums. There is so much art and culture available throughout the city, found in over 200 museums. For art lovers, check out Oklahoma City Museum of Art or Oklahoma Contemporary. We also proudly have more obscure museums like Factory Obscura, The American Pigeon Museum and Library and the American Banjo Museum, just to name a few.
16. Softball. Since 1990, OKC has hosted the Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on NE 50th, which also holds the USA Softball Hall of Fame Museum. Eight NCAA teams head to Oklahoma each year to compete, cheered on by thousands of fans. And our own Sooners have been on a winning streak since 2021!
17. Lake Hefner. This man-made lake joined our landscape in the 1940s. Since then, it has become a destination for exercise, play dates and dining. Pick a patio to watch a sunset, sailboats and kitesurfers. And note that the extensive trails link up with other trails citywide.
18. Friendly Rivalry With Tulsa. As the two major metros in Oklahoma, Tulsa and OKC hold about 65% of the state’s population. The 1.5-hour drive along I-44 between the cities is a familiar route for many Okies. OKC holds the state’s NBA team and multiple major colleges; Tulsa boasts about its music scene, culture and world-class art deco architecture. But the comparisons are all in good fun, since deep down we will always have each other’s backs.
19. Expert Medical Care. State-of-the-art facilities offering everything from transplants to proton therapy bustle with physicians, nurses and staff who are as talented as they are compassionate. Patients statewide come to OKC for premium care. Resources are increasing with the addition of the Love Family Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital and the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital at the INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center.
20. Faith Culture. We have many diverse religions and stunning buildings that offer welcoming communities for all. We also have one of the highest church per capita ratios in the country. One of the biggest churches in the world, Life.Church, headquartered in OKC. It produced the Bible app, which has over 725 million downloads worldwide.
21. Oklahoma City Zoo. Our zoo remains a go-to destination for animal lovers of all ages, and its educational programs and ongoing conservation efforts deserve as much praise as the animals. Recent updates and awards make this zoo one of the apples of our residents’ eyes.
22. Honoring Military Families. Tinker Air Force Base is the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma, with over 26,000 military and civilian employees. Oklahoma City proudly honors our veterans with annual celebrations and the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial at the State Capitol Park. The Oklahoma National Guard Museum, formerly The 45th Infantry Museum, also pays tribute to the Oklahomans involved in both WWII and the Korean War.
23. Great Golf. Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club was recently in the spotlight as it hosted a nationally televised collegiate tournament, The Jackson T. Stephens Cup, in late October. Next year, it will host a USGA women’s event. Meanwhile, Oak Tree National — designed by famed architect Pete Dye — has held PGA and US Senior Open events, and is scheduled to host the 2027 US Senior Open. Ours is a good city for golfing.
24. Metropolitan Library System. With a strong network established throughout the metro area, our public library system makes just about any book — as well as engaging programs and community events — readily available, not to mention a fantastic e-book selection via the Libby app. It all checks out.
25. Oklahoma City Ballet. Every production is stunning, but none more so than the annual holiday classic: This month, the corps’ production of The Nutcracker will showcase new sets, costumes, lighting, story twists and more, further enhancing a performance we already know and love. Featuring the OKC Philharmonic and Canterbury Voices, this ballet is sure to surprise and delight like never before.
26. Lack of Traffic. Getting across town and finding parking is relatively easy, and often noted by newcomers and tourists. OKC’s rush hour is pretty close to just that — the hour before and after the work day have heavier volume on the roads. Otherwise, our major highways and streets are usually clear, so you will practically never be late to an event.
27. Downtown Destinations. So much to do downtown: Catch a live concert at Scissortail Park. Dine and drink alongside the Bricktown canal. Stop and smell the flowers at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Admire Dale Chihuly’s famous glasswork and stunning visiting exhibitions at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Have a historical happy hour at First National Center. And more!
28. Local Colleges. Oklahoma City is home to 15 public and private colleges, two of which are comprehensive universities. With world-class programs in musical theatre, film, international business and even forensic science, there is a reason so many high school graduates choose to stay in-state for their collegiate studies.
29. Route 66 — and Pops. The Mother Road runs through OKC, but one of its most iconic local stops is east of Edmond. It’s hard to miss the 66-foot-tall Pops bottle as you drive down Route 66 through Arcadia — and you wouldn’t want to. Stop for a photo opp and soda pop: Flavors vary from sweet to strange, including Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bazooka Bubble Gum, Dog Drool, Gooey Butter Cake and Enchilada. Pops is also a gas station and restaurant; fill up while you visit.
30. Historic Neighborhoods. Oklahoma City has several premier historic neighborhoods full of interesting architecture. Crown Heights, Heritage Hills and Mesta Park are just a few of the districts that are particularly stunning, especially this time of year. One of the most notable homes, the renowned Overholser Mansion, offers daily tours for visitors to take a walk through history.
31. The Flaming Lips. “Do You Realize” that band members share a love for Oklahoma City wherever they go? In 2007, the city named a Bricktown alleyway to honor our international ambassadors. More recently, the city proclaimed Labor Day Weekend as Flaming Lips Weekend as the band presented free concerts at the Zoo Amphitheater. Talk about rockstar moves.
32. OKC Memorial Marathon. Marathon day brings a burst of energy and visitors to OKC every year. Last year, nearly 23,000 runners from 14 countries and all 50 states participated in the city-wide event. Volunteers, residents and neighborhood watch parties line the 26-mile route to cheer on the athletes in the Run to Remember.
33. A Fast Start. Oklahoma City has had ups and downs over its century-plus of existence, but owns one of the wildest origin stories in modern history. April 22, 1889, was a day of chaos, excitement and utter confusion as men and women rushed to claim homesteads or to purchase lots in one of the many new towns that sprang into existence overnight. An estimated 11,000 agricultural homesteads were claimed. From zero to 50,000 residents in one exhilarating day.
34. Best Brews. In OKC, we brew both ways. Excellent coffees and beers can be discovered everywhere. Jump-start the day at Elemental, Coffee Slingers or Tawbi, where they roast their own beans. For happy hour, enjoy tap rooms at Roughtail Brewing Co. and Skydance Brewery, among many others. (OKC Brew Tours can guide you.) Angry Scotsman’s biergarten also boasts downtown skyline views.
35. The Oklahoma River. The Boathouse District offers kayaking, paddleboarding and scenic views. The new OKANA resort, opening soon, and Riversport OKC also make this area adventurous. In addition, look for the Oklahoma River to star in the 2028 Olympics’ canoe competitions.
36. Live Music and Performing Arts. On any given night, you can find a live band playing at one of the many options scattered across our city. The OKC Philharmonic always has a wild selection of symphonic shoes. Lyric Theatre and OKC Broadway bring in jaw dropping productions. Venues like ACM@UCO Live and The Criterion are downtown; the Tower Theater and The Blue Note are just two in the Uptown 23rd District … no matter which area of the city you explore, you are sure to find incredible live music.
37. The Film Scene. Oklahoma has recently begun a film rebate program offering cash back for all local waged employees associated with the production, up to $30 million a year. This has led projects like Twisters and “Tulsa King” to be filmed here and bring major attention to our state — and that’s good for everyone.
38. Wheeler District Ferris Wheel. This may be the best eBay find ever. Wheeler District developers purchased this iconic wheel on eBay and moved it from Santa Monica Pier in California to OKC in 2008. The Ferris wheel was given a new life in a new city. Consider that next time you go for a spin.
39. Paseo Arts District. This wonderfully walkable community is lined with galleries, studios and dining options. Upcoming and established artists have found a home here, a realization of visionaries John and Joy Reed Belt who revitalized the area.
40. Medicinal Marijuana. There’s no shop shortage here. The national average number of dispensaries per 100,000 residents is 3.1 — and Oklahoma City has 48.7 per 100,000 residents, according to a survey conducted by Real Estate Witch and Leafly. That’s more than any other city nationwide.
41. The State Fair. We love Oklahoma’s 10 glorious days of live shows, fried foods, carnival games and topsy-turvy rides. The great state fair also puts achievements in agriculture, manufacturing and commerce on full display.
42. The Oklahoma City Comets. In October, our minor-league baseball team was rebranded as the Oklahoma City Comets, who play all summer at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. With specials like $2 Tuesdays and fireworks every Friday night, a night out with America’s pastime is fun for the whole family!
43. Farmers Markets. Several regular farmers markets take place in Oklahoma City weekly, the most well known occurring at the OKC Farmers Public Market on S. Klein Ave. Other places to find fresh produce throughout the year are Scissortail Park, the Paseo and OSU-OKC.
44. Art at the Capitol. The largest collection of public art in the state can be found at the Oklahoma State Capitol. There are five floors of art to view, with 21 newly commissioned pieces, all telling the broad history of Oklahoma under the breathtaking rotunda.
45. Planetarium at SMO. Science Museum Oklahoma has been an Oklahoma staple since 1958, providing interactive learning experiences for people of all ages. But in September, the newly remodeled Love’s Planetarium opened featuring the highest technology in 4K digital projection. The stars are now even more dazzling at SMO.
46. Arts Festivals. Three amazing annual arts festivals in particular feature work from local, national and international artists: The Festival of the Arts takes place downtown each spring, aligning with the OKC Memorial Marathon. The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival follows this on Broadway the next weekend. The Paseo Arts Festival takes place in its namesake district every Memorial Day weekend.
47. MIO Products. Shopping local in Oklahoma is simple with stores across the metro proudly offering many Made in Oklahoma products. Supporting small businesses is so important, especially during the holiday season, and is made easy since our products really are among the best.
48. Plaza Power. There is a reason all of the celebrities that come through town end up being photographed in the Plaza District. It’s hardly huge, but with some of the tastiest food, the most eclectic shopping and of course the iconic Plaza Walls, it is one of the coolest — and most diverse — districts in the city. So many fun options make the sight seeing endless.
49. Wellness Communities. Oklahoma City is motivated to stay active and healthy. With gyms, recreation centers, yoga and Pilates studios and miles of miles of bike lanes, our residents are on the move. Many studios offer free community classes and several walking groups have banded together to make fitness accessible.
50. Innovative Startups and Excellent Corporations. We have a growing entrepreneurial scene fostering innovation. Small companies turn into big companies and give us some of our major employers and economic partners such as Paycom, Simple Modern, Express and Heartland.
