When you are wondering where to head for your winter vacation, StayInTulsaOK can lead you in our direction, especially as winter in Tulsa may look different than the winters you are used to in your hometown. It may snow, but probably not, and if it does, the snow won’t last, nor will it be that frequent, and the temperatures that do drop a little will rarely fall below 30 degrees, ensuring that any adventures you have remain comfortable ones. And because the best way to get to know the place you are visiting is by attending the special events they offer each year, we have prepared this guide to our favorite winter events in our favorite place on earth, our hometown of Tulsa.
December Shines Bright
As you may expect, Tulsa is a bright and lively place in the month of December, offering a variety of events and festivals guaranteed to enhance your holiday escape to our charming abodes and some of our favorites are listed below.
Nutcracker Festival, Early December, Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E 21st Street
Billed as Oklahoma’s most exciting holiday festival, the month starts out strong with the Nutcracker Festival. This event is a new one, but we already love it and if you do nothing else holiday related during your December visit, THIS is the one you should attend. Offering holiday themed activities, live holiday presentations that include music and theatrical performances that are guaranteed to elevate your holiday spirit, it is also home to an exciting array of culinary delights. Featuring an ice skating rink, and indoor train, and a 30-foot LED Christmas tree, Santa will make an appearance with his reindeer and if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping, THIS will be where you finish, crossing every person off your list with a tour up and down the aisles of its holiday market. This event lasts two days, so if you miss one day, you have a second chance on Sunday.
Philbrook Festival Night, Weekends through the Middle of December, Philbrook Museum, 2727 S Rockford Road
Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing on weekends through the middle of December, attending Philbrook Festival Night is a longstanding tradition in Tulsa households. The Philbrook Museum was once just the Philbrook house, an Italian Renaissance style villa built in 1927. Today it offers a peek into the past and is also the center of many local events, with Festival Night being our favorite. The entire home and gardens are lit with a dazzling array of thousands of twinkle lights, prompting oohs and ahhs at first sight, and then when you discover all there is to do, you will never want to leave. Santa takes time from his busy schedule to appear and the museum becomes his workshop as your kids work to create a one of a kind art piece, helped along by museum elves. (Santa’s elves are rather busy right now!) Offering food, drinks, and another opportunity to shop as the shops of Philbrook will stay open throughout the event, this is another shouldn’t miss Tulsa event.
Winter on BLVD Music & Arts Festival, Mid-December, 3306 Charles Page Boulevard
Winter on BLVD Music & Arts Festival isn’t really a holiday event, but we assure you, you will enjoy it anyway. Offering a revolving show of electronic music performers, live art installations, and a variety of vendors selling their artistic masterpieces, you can cross more names off your list as you wander the aisles of vendors all offering something spectacular that you and your recipients simply won’t be able to live without. Obviously, there will be food and drink, our Southern mamas raised us right, and because it’s not a party without dancing, a silent disco is sure to be the highlight of the event!
New Year’s at Roof Sixty-Six Bar, December 31, 121 S Elgin Avenue
Christmas isn’t the only December holiday, and when it comes time to celebrate the last day of the year, a rooftop party held at Roof Sixty-Six bar promises to light up your night and lead you to a new year filled with good luck, fortune, and all the love you deserve. The views are stunning from the rooftop and the $5 cover charge ensures you can save your vacation funds for more drinks and snacks, this party is one we recommend all attend!
More Fun to Be Had in January
We admit, we ease down the drama a bit in January, spending this midwinter month trying to recuperate from the stress and chaos of Christmas, but there are still plenty of low key events to attend, including the ones we have listed below.
Hangover Ball, Early January, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 Main Street
Having begun its life in 1924 as a garage for one of our local oil baron’s automobiles, Cain’s Ballroom was purchased in 1930. Dance instructor Madison “Daddy” Cain purchased the space and its existence has been all about the music ever since. The Hangover Ball starts the new year out on the right foot, offering the opportunity to dance away any remaining aches from your New Year’s Eve hangover. 13 performers sing for their supper at this fun event and as you sing along, dance along, and forget about your headache, you will know that the 12 months ahead of you are bound to be fantastic ones!
Chili Bowl Nationals, Mid-January, Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa Expo Center
While most car races are held outside due to necessity, the Chili Bowl Nationals, an indoor midget car race shows that we Oklahomans are a little bit different, and we are perfectly ok with that description! Offering a week’s worth of exciting races, the floor of the Tulsa Expo Center is covered in dirt and the colorful midget cars show off their mad skills, racing round and round the dirt track that is only about 1/5th of a mile long, all hoping for victory. Nicknamed the Super Bowl of Midget Racing, the event started all the way back in 1987 with just 52 midget cars and in the 2020s, as many as 341 cars will do their thing for your amusement. Also offering a Trade Show that takes up to 20,000 square feet of non-dirt covered floors, visitors can purchase all varieties of race related paraphernalia, including apparel and race gear from over 100 vendors.
Tulsa Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM, 1 S Market
The fully equipped kitchen of your StayInTulsaOK winter sanctuary lacks one thing: the food and drinks you will need to nourish yourself and keep hydrated. Fortunately, that is an easy thing to fix with a quick trip to the grocery store. Reasors is one we recommend, but you can also make a Saturday visit to the Tulsa Farmers Market. Winters aren’t cold enough for this outdoor market to shut its gates, but they do open an hour later to increase the time for the sun to do its thing. Buying our produce, flowers, and a variety of other foods and gifts has been a local tradition since the first farmers market opened in April of 1998, back when it was held in the parking lot of Jason’s Deli. Although some things have changed, including its location, many of its original vendors still set up shop in its new location. As with most farmers markets, there may be live music playing during your visit, special events occurring at various times throughout the year and even as Tulsa continues to grow in size and in importance, the feel of a small town, the closeness of neighbors who have become friends, remains strong.
Dotting our I’s with Hearts in February
February is the month of romance, with Valentine’s Day falling in the middle of the shortest month of the year, but there is more to be enjoyed than a romantic meal at Bodean (3376 E 51st Street) or a box of chocolates from Cricket & Fig Chocolate (5800 S Lewis Avenue #129). The events listed below are sure to enhance your Tulsa adventures.
Tulsa Anime Fest, Early February, 6110 S Yale Avenue
First there was Comic Con, followed by Pop Con, and here in Tulsa in February, the exciting and colorful Tulsa Anime Fest invites people from all over the world to celebrate their love of anime in Oklahoma. Offering special guests (often the actors that provide the voices for your favorite anime characters attend), cosplay contests, anime and Japanese culture vendors, cosplay contests, and even gaming championships, this event never fails to please. Also offering panels that discuss the anime world and trivia contests, every minute of this one day event is chock full of fun and color.
Tulsa OK Vintage Show, Mid-February, Exchange Center at Expo Square, 4145 E 21st Street
Shopping while on vacation is a time honored tradition that we know will never fade away and the Tulsa OK Vintage Show will give you the opportunity to fill up the empty spaces in your luggage. (Aren’t you glad there is a washer and dryer in your StayInTulsaOK escape, allowing you to pack light and save room for treasures?) Vintage shopping, however, is a trend that is growing in popularity, and this two-day event takes advantage of that fact while also offering some new merch for your perusal. Offering 55,000 acres of space in which over 150 vendors have taken over, setting up booths and tables that sell not just vintage clothing, but antiques, jewelry, collectibles, and all manner of fascinating wares that will demand to be chosen as your own. Also selling food and drink, you may find yourself returning for day two, as you simply won’t be able to explore everything offered in just one day!
Dark Mode Beer Fest, February, Archer Street in the Tulsa Arts District
Sometimes you just need a beer, and if one of those times takes place during your February visit to Tulsa, a visit to the Dark Mode Beer Fest will definitely satisfy your need! Our local hot spot, Welltown Brewing, is the host of this hoppy event, and as some of Oklahoma’s biggest breweries gather under the tent that will encompass this event, a good time is promised to be had by all. Live music performed by local bands will keep your toes tapping, food vendors will ensure that you don’t go too crazy, and firepits will keep you warm as you play a variety of games including cornhole and axe throwing. VIP tickets will include access to rooftop igloos for a fun addition to this event.
All Roads Lead Back to StayInTulsaOK
The fun you have during your winter visit to Oklahoma will linger in your hearts long after you return to real life, but while you’re here, our StayInTulsaOK seasonal sanctuaries will immediately feel like home. Warm your toes in front of roaring fires in our fireplaces, get off your feet and sink into plush sofas while watching your favorite shows on state of the art televisions. Offering a comfortable way to celebrate winter, we have a few suggestions for you listed below that will allow you to stay in and revel in all that our homes offer!
Stay in, stay safe, and stay cozy on New Year’s Eve, celebrating at home. Put on your comfiest jammies, pop a bottle or three, and dine on appetizers you bring out at different times throughout the night. At 11:30, turn the television over to Ryan Seacrest hosting Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve and watch the crystal ball drop in Time’s Square.
Celebrate your Valentine with a takeout dinner from Juniper Restaurant and turn off the television to celebrate the love you share. Maybe you can enjoy it picnic style on a blanket spread out in front of a fire and share a box of chocolates you purchased from Glacier Chocolates in Utica Square.
Contact us to reserve your favorite StayInTulsaOK winter retreat today!
There is something wonderful about exploring the events taking place during vacation explorations, each event, even as they seem familiar, somehow different due to the tastes of the people who live in those towns, offering an authentic peek into the area you are visiting. Tulsa, offering a taste of the south as well as quiet sophistication that seems to contrast with its hey y’all personality, is known as a town that likes a good party and the events in Tulsa, OK we list here will reflect that duality, giving visitors some fascinating adventures to enjoy. Coming home to our StayInTulsaOK sanctuaries after will add to your long list of adventures enjoyed, only these will be comfortable ones you will wish never had to end.
January
The new year brings us hope that the blank pages on our calendar will soon be filled in with exciting adventures and activities, but it also serves as a moment in time when we can let out the breath we have been holding, sink into our comfiest chairs, and take a nap while huddled under a soft and colorful throw, read a book, or just daydream about the possibilities. If January finds you in Tulsa, however, the activities listed below are sure to keep you interested.
The Chili Bowl Nationals, SageNet Center in Tulsa
Often billed as the Superbowl of midget car racing, the Chili Bowl Nationals have appeared in our hometown for over 38 years, generally taking place about two weeks after Christmas. Providing six days of fast driving, food, drinks, and cute little cars driving round and round the outdoor track will bring visitors a quirky kind of joy. The trade show that takes place every day of the show also gives guests a great way to pick out some very unusual car-related souvenirs.
Martin Luther King Day Parade
While the rest of the world seems to have forgotten the appeal of a hometown parade, we in Tulsa try never to miss an opportunity to enjoy one and the Martin Luther King Day Parade has been a staple in the Greenwood District for over 40 years.
February
The temperatures are still snuggly in February, and most of us are still cocooning inside our homes waiting out the chill, but this one festival celebrates cold weather and short days.
Dark Mode Festival, Tulsa Arts District
There is more than one way to beat the cold and that is by warming up from the inside out with a good beer. The Dark Mode Festival takes place every February, and is hosted by Wellington Brewery, offering the stoutest of beers for the hardiest of drinkers—you know, the ones who ventured away from their fireplaces and blankies to check out what this festival brings to town. The beers are local, and the s’mores will make it impossible to be anything but happy during this fun festival.
March
As the gardens begin to come to life, the heartbeat of Oklahoma begins to beat a little faster in anticipation of warmer days ahead, and the big St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that are held all over town. Visitors may be surprised that our southern roots offer Irish sprouts and the celebrations we offer represent the love we have for this holiday and for being Irish for the day or forever.
Patrick’s Day Block Party
Kilkenny’s Irish Pub hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Cherry Street, offering food, drinks, live music, children’s inflatables and face painting, ensuring that all ages will have a great time at this block party.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Arnie’s Bar
For nearly 70 years Arnie’s Bar has hosted a holiday bash for St. Paddy’s day, offering another block party for those who like a choice in their celebrations. Live music, food trucks, and beer are a major part of the reason this party has lasted for as long as it has.
April
April might be our absolute favorite month of the year, offering mild days of sunshine and a few showers (how else will May flowers grow?) making us want to get outside and play as often as possible. We often spend these spring days hanging out at the Gathering Place, participating in events that aren’t often found in parks, but are what makes this one special.
Sunset Social Hours
Occurring on a monthly basis, the sunset social hours offered at the Gathering Place allow the younger generation to make new friends over complimentary drinks at sunset while local DJs provide a musical backdrop.
Dog Play Wednesdays and Sundays
For those staying in our pet-friendly rentals in Tulsa, Dog Play Wednesdays and Sundays will give your pooch a chance to socialize while you get out and enjoy some quality time with your fur baby. But even if you didn’t bring your pet and just wanted to pet some puppies, this event is perfect for your needs.
May
May is the end of the school year in many states and the tourist season starts to ramp up more than a bit with this wonderful festival that we Tulsans look forward to all year.
Tulsa International Mayfest
Mayfest originated as a celebration of spring and has morphed into a three-day festival celebrating families, offering live music, artist galleries, and a kids’ zone (known as Kids’ World) where faces can be painted, balloons will be turned into art, and anything is possible when they use their imagination. Pro tip for first time Tulsa International Mayfest participants, this event is also a fantastic way to pick up some souvenirs to carry home with you as it also offers artwork and merch for sale.
Lager Land Festival at the Philbrook Museum
The Philbrook Museum was once the private home of a local oil baron and his family, but today is one of Oklahoma’s most popular festivals (in addition to being a museum). The Lager Land Festival offers a day of drinking local beers, dancing to live music, and just being happy that it is a beautiful spring day and you are celebrating it while on vacation.
June
Hooray! Summer has officially begun, and the carefree vibe of the summer solstice will ensure you will enjoy every second of your Oklahoma journey, especially when taking part in the events that make June special.
Tulsa Juneteenth Festival
Juneteenth is rapidly become one of the nation’s most popular holidays and Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival is one of its largest. Lasting several days and taking place in the Greenwood District, this exciting and heartwarming festival celebrates the rich history of emancipation in Tulsa and throughout the nation.
T.E.G. International Jazz Fest
Music and summer go hand in hand and the T.E.G. International Jazz Fest celebrates Jazz Day, a holiday that has been celebrated since 2011. The best jazz artists in the country perform here, bringing a sophistication to our hometown that will bring you pleasure and excitement. Taking place at Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, the event is a free one that starts at 6 PM and lasts long into the night.
July
It’s starting to get a little sultry out there, but the heat just makes us love our hometown even more and although we do like to stay inside and enjoy our air conditioning during the height of this season, you know we have to get out there and celebrate the birthday of our nation, with these fun events.
Folds of Honor FreedomFest
Every American deserves a big party when celebrating our country’s birthday and the Folds of Honor FreedomFest is our region’s largest party. Folds of Honor is an organization helping soldiers and their families with whatever issues they may have and FreedomFest is their contribution to the holiday. Offering food trucks, beer, a variety of live bands, and the grand finale, a fireworks extravaganza set off over the 21st Avenue Bridge, your July 4th celebrations from here on out will never match up to your night in Tulsa.
August
Summer reaches its peak in August, with the sun staying out late and the heat straying into the nighttime hours, but as kids prepare to go back to school and real-life dares make its presence
known, one last summer fling in Tulsa can help everyone feel better about summer’s end, especially when participating in our August events.
Caribbean Carnival on the Green, Guthrie Green
The beauty of the Caribbean comes to Tulsa in an explosion of color, music, art, and some delicious food that will quite possibly have you considering a Caribbean vacation for your next journey. This carnival is only in town for one night, but the fun you will experience will last a lifetime in your heart.
Oklahoma Comic Con, Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center
The first comic con was held in San Diego in 1970, morphing over the years into the country’s largest convention and spawning spin-offs all over the world, with Oklahoma Comic Con providing some healthy competition to the original. Lasting two days and offering the standard stuff you would expect from a comic convention, this is where you can meet and greet with your favorite comic characters, purchase merch and collectibles, or simply immerse yourself in the joy of being around a group of people who share your interests in all thing comic.
September
Shorter days, cooler weather, and the first of the leaves begin to change, fall in Tulsa is quite possibly the most beautiful time of the year and your September vacation will give you the opportunity to participate in the events listed below.
Tulsa State Fair, Expo Square
In the cooler regions of the world, state fairs are often held in the summer months, but for the state of Oklahoma, our fair is held in September. Offering fun rides, games, carnival foods, and the chance to hear your favorite performers perform, this state fair will satisfy your every fair desire.
October
As the air grows cool and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes begin wafting through the air, your fall break in Tulsa is guaranteed to be as relaxing as it is exciting.
Tulsa Oktoberfest, River West Festival Park
For nearly 50 years, River West Festival Park has been the site of the Tulsa Oktoberfest, a four-day celebration of everything German. Providing German food, German beer, and German music, the family friendly activities promise to be your favorite adventure this year, especially the Dachsund Dash, that yes, is exactly what it sounds like.
November
The buzz of the holiday season makes every activity sparkle that much brighter and although not every event is a holiday one, once the lights are lit, you won’t help be able to help falling in love with Tulsa even more.
USA BMX Grand Nationals, SageNet Center
The bikers that come to town Thanksgiving aren’t the hard-core ones of movie fame, they are the boys who have discovered a talent for riding BMX bikes fast. The USA BMX Grand Nationals are the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work for the best bikers in the nation and are probably more exciting than Black Friday shopping.
Light’s On Ceremony, Utica Square
The Christmas season starts on Thanksgiving Day with this fabulous lights ceremony, featuring 700,000 lights, Christmas Carols, and the most beautiful tree you have ever seen.
December
Just like that another year has passed, but before you head home to your comfortable and luxurious StayInTulsaOK vacation escape, be sure to check out these December events.
Winterfest Ice Skating, BOK Center
Starting in November and running through January 2nd, Winterfest Ice Skating offers a fun and romantic way to enjoy the holiday season on an outdoor ice rink. Colorful Christmas lights, your favorite Christmas songs, and Sundays with Santa will make everyone feel all the feels of the season. On Saturdays, the Winter Express Train glides into town from the North Pole, completing everyone’s picture of the perfect Christmas celebration.
New Year’s Eve, Multiple Venues
The whole town puts on its party clothes, offering a variety of spots in which to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another, including a NYE Bash sponsored by NEFF Brewing and NYE Midnight Masquerade at the Roof Sixty-Six Bar. Your favorite NYE activity, however, may be the moments you spend with your family in the warm embrace of our holiday hideaways.
Reach out today and reserve your favorite StayInTulsaOK vacation escape today!