Spring is in full swing in Oklahoma! Grilling season has commenced, daylight has lengthened, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the unfortunate smell of bradford pear trees fill the air. Aw yes, there’s nothing like it.
With the changing of the season, we are given a beautiful opportunity to come out of hibernation and enjoy the great outdoors with the ones we love. Here is a list of ways my family and friends love to enjoy these cheerful 75 degree days:
Festival of the Arts
This annual event provides fun for all ages. Located downtown at Bicentennial Park from April 23-28, you will find rows upon rows of artists displaying an array of different mediums, stages graced with a variety of musical acts and other entertainment, and So. Much. Food. I would venture to say that the food, similar to the fair but with less fried options, is one of the largest draws for crowds. Check out www.artscouncilokc.com for further information and plan a day or evening to gather with family and community.
Myriad Gardens
Honestly, one of our favorite things to do on a lovely spring day is pack up a tasty picnic and head to the Myriad Gardens. There is so much green space to roam around on, as well as the children’s play area, carousel, dog park, and the beautiful botanical gardens in the Crystal Bridge (admission is not free in here unless you have a membership). You must check out their calendar because it is full of ongoing and new events every month—from gardening with children to cooking classes, dancing, movies, and free concerts. Check out www.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.
The Wheeler District
Here you’ll find a playful atmosphere and backdrop on any day or night of the week. You can take a spin on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel and enjoy a different view of downtown Okc; if you haven’t done this yet, you should definitely do it at least once (preferably on a less windy day, and an Oklahoma sunset just takes it to the next level). You can still enjoy this space without riding the ferris wheel. There are hammocks that line the green space, lawn games, and various food trucks that come out in the evenings to provide a bite to eat.
Out & About
Our city is constantly unveiling new concepts, restaurants, events, etc. and I have only touched on a few of my favorite places to visit in the spring. There is also Riversport, the Okc Zoo, taking in downtown and midtown by streetcar, local farmers markets, catching an Okc Dodgers game, and so much more. There are so many opportunities to get out of the mundane and to engage in some spring fun with your people.
Home Fires
If you consider yourself more of a “homebody” (this would be me most of the time) or you delight in playing hostess, fire up the grill or fire pit and have a gathering at home. If you have access to a projector, you can throw a sheet up on the side of the house or along the fence and watch a movie together under the stars. Some of my favorite evenings have been spent gathered on our patio getting lost in stories, laughter, and a delicious meal enjoyed al fresco.
Time to start planning out your weekend! How will you embrace this season and find new, exciting ways to live more deeply in community?
Meet the Author!
Megan Mathews is a former art teacher who now fills her days with teaching and loving on her two children. She is part owner of Cuppies & Joe and also enjoys using her art background on various design projects. Megan adores time with her husband, Sundays with her family, good coffee and cuisine, quiet moments in creation, and making memories with her littles.