It’s nice to love where you live. And it’s even nicer to see that love reflected on your screens, by civic advocates, cultural cheerleaders and local creators dedicated to spotlighting—and celebrating—Oklahoma City. For some, that might mean following accounts that showcase OKC’s natural beauty, or the characters that comprise it. For others, it’s about learning more about our city, engaging with its unique districts and rooting for our world champions. Here are accounts to follow that really represent the Oklahoma Standard.
Mayor David Holt
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When it comes to hometown pride, no one roots harder than Mayor David Holt (@mayordavidholt). A loyal attendee through last year’s OKC Thunder run (more on that later), our mayor is someone who whole-heartedly believes in the city he represents, and the teams, neighborhoods, organizations, businesses and people who make it such a cultural patchwork. In addition to supporting sports teams, restaurants, Pride festivals and public transit, Mayor Holt is a great follow for local news, city developments and voting reminders.
Mike Hearne
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With a tagline that reads, “Convincing You To Move To Oklahoma,” “This Is Oklahoma” (@thisisoklahoma) is a podcast that shares inspired stories from a different local each week (including me and our Editor-in-Chief!), by host—and all-around Oklahoma enthusiast—Mike Hearne (@mikehearne_).
Oklahoma City Thunder
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Nowadays, as you drive into OKC from any direction, you’re greeted with highway signs commemorating our NBA World Champions, and rightfully so. The presence of the Oklahoma City Thunder (@okcthunder) is one of the most unifying aspects of our city, with fans and followers from all walks of life, cheering on the team that catapulted OKC into the big leagues.
Paseo Arts District
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Rather than list every OKC district with an Instagram account, we’ve pared it down to the ones that tend to have the most events and attractions. Like the Paseo Arts District (@paseoartsdistrict), with more than 80 artists working amid galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The Paseo Arts Festival takes place every Memorial Day, and First Friday is a monthly open-gallery night.
Plaza District
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Another dynamic district, the Plaza District (@plazadistrict) puts on Live on the Plaza events so often that you’d be hard-pressed to visit during a time when nothing was happening. Packed with street art, vintage shops, acclaimed restaurants and buzzy bars, it’s a neighborhood you’re gonna want to follow.
Zach Nash
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For a daily dose of homespun pride, Zach Nash (@zachnash) is a photographer and OKC city worker documenting the lives of Oklahomans via candid shots that capture us at our most authentic. He even created a website, oklahomans.us, “capturing and sharing the moments and people that make Oklahoma what it is.” It’s not all Oklahoma, though. Along with his wife, Independent Shopkeepers Association Executive Director Cléo Nash (@cleoelise), their global adventures will inspire wanderlust, too.
Visit OKC
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The city’s chamber of commerce, and the official guide for things to do, places to stay and must-see attractions, Visit OKC (@visitokc) puts out content that’s at once insider-y, illuminating and scenic. One post might round up a batch of moody late-night bars, while others offer stunning skyline panoramas or guides to local Route 66 stops. It’s also great inspiration for new restaurants and staycation ideas.
Matt Payne
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An Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of Matt Payne Media, Matt Payne (@mattpaynetravelphotography) is the kind of multi-hyphenate who also happens to be an incredible photographer. Along with world travels, his OKC imagery captures the quiet grandeur of our Modern Frontier, from floral fields in Scissortail Park to Lake Hefner, aglow against a fiery sunset.
