Special Events

Downtown Oklahoma City is home to many of the state’s top community events. Spring and summer festivals include art, food, music, and recreation. Fall and winter offer visitors and residents the opportunity to stroll colorfully lit streets, take a spin on an outdoor ice rink, or watch rowing on the Oklahoma River. In whatever season you find yourself, there are always fun and exciting things to do year round! Get a glimpse of what’s going on downtown.

City Services and City of Oklahoma City special event and permitting information can be found here:
City Services Manual

 

Downtown In December

Downtown in December is a 40-day series of events and attractions sure to provide smiles and holiday entertainment for families and friends in the heart of Oklahoma City. Create life-long memories as you take part in this winter experience with thrilling outdoor ice skating, snow tube rides down the Southwest’s largest manmade slope, afternoon visits with Santa Claus, visits from Sonic’s Segway Santa, a festive 5K and fun run, free water taxi excursions, enriching free museum Sundays and a creative LEGO exhibit, all surrounded by twinkling holiday lights.
 

 

Opening Night 2011

The Oklahoma City Arts Council hosts Oklahoma City's favorite family-oriented New Year's Eve Celebration; December 31 from 7:00 pm to midnight in downtown OKC. Enjoy numerous entertainment venues and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.

  

 

 

 

Chocolate Decadence - SOLD OUT FOR 2012!

Historic Automobile Alley cordially invites you to celebrate Chocolate Decadence, one of Oklahoma City’s most anticipated events and Valentine traditions. Chocolate Decadence 2012 will be held Thursday, February 2 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., again at the Hudson-Essex Loft Offices (825 N. Broadway) -- one of the coolest venues this city has to offer. Don't miss the most decadent event of the year!
 

 

 

Downtown Oklahoma City Employee Appreciation Week

As an expression of appreciation to downtown employees, Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. teamed up with Leadership, Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class VI, to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. The week hosted a series of events and specials thanking downtown employees for all their hard work and dedication to downtown Oklahoma City. See you at the next Employee Appreciation Week this spring!
 

 

 

Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts

The Arts District continues to be the home of the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, who host one of America's top fine arts festivals each spring. The Festival of the Arts celebrates various art forms from music and culinary arts to visual and performing arts. There is a little something for everyone. The next festival is scheduled for April 24-29, 2012 at the Festival Plaza, Stage Center and the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Admission is free.

 

 

Dean A. McGee Awards

Each year, Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. honors three business and civic leaders for their outstanding contributions to downtown at the Annual Dean A. McGee Award Ceremony at the Skirvin Hilton.
 

 

 

 

SoundBites

Sound Bites Spring/Summer Concert Series is designed to entertain downtowners on their lunch break from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the Bank of Oklahoma Plaza. Diners are encouraged to visit one of the many fine downtown restaurants, grab a lunch to go, and come eat alfresco in the great outdoors.
 

 

 

 

Red Earth Festival

This annual gathering, held in Downtown Oklahoma City in early June is the largest in the world, drawing together more than 100 northern and southern Native American tribes for dance competitions and an arts festival. The festivities begin with an electrifying parade, featuring dancers, drummers and tribal princesses in buckskins, beads and feathers.
 

 

 

Downtown Dash

The annual Downtown Dash at St. Anthony's Hospital features a health expo and a 5K and 10K race.
  

 

  

deadCENTER Film Festival

 The 11th annual deadCENTER Film Festival will be held June 6-10, 2012 in downtown Oklahoma City. Named one of the top regional festivals in “The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide,” the annual festival will take place at seven locations over five days with more than 10,000 film enthusiasts from around the country expected to attend.