Tulsa has plenty of exciting things to do year-round, but finding those thrilling experiences can often feel overwhelming. Don’t fret! We put together a list of 10 events you can check out in the city whenever you’re running out of ideas. From fascinating art exhibitions to soothing concerts and vibrant theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone in Tulsa.
1. Discover art in a new way at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Ever wondered what it would be like to step inside a painting? At Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, you’ll be totally immersed in the universe of the famous painter. Explore his life, work and secrets through 360-degree digital projections, a walk-through segment, and a breathtaking VR experience. After gracing cities like New York, Los Angeles, and across the world in Berlin, Bristol and Dublin, the experience is finally stopping by Tulsa in the fall of 2023 and you don’t want to miss out! Be sure to grab tickets here.
If you’re interested in immersive experiences that relate to art and creative expression, there might be a Klimt Immersive Experience and Monet Immersive Experience coming to Tulsa soon!
2. Stare in awe at the Tulsa Water Lantern Festival
Romanticize life at Tulsa’s mystical Water Lantern Festival. Taking place August 5 at Events Park, the gathering features food trucks, lovely music and of course, thousands of floating lanterns that send messages of “love, hope and happiness.” It’s the ideal experience for families, but you can also go alone and meet people along the way!
3. Experience a free immersive ballet experience with the kiddos
Speaking of events that don’t cost a buck: there’s an open house of Tulsa Ballet Theater on August 12! The event is meant for families of all ages, so bring your cousin, niece, nephew, and observe your little ones bloom as they meet professional dancers and discover the secrets behind ballet attire. They’ll get to see and touch the Sugar Plum Fairy tutu, play dress-up with costumes and maybe even touch a real pointe shoe!
4. Learn more about the Titanic wreck
Explore the tragic history of the Titanic at this curated exhibition coming to Tulsa. Actual passenger stories, testimonials and complete set recreations send you back to 1912, where the myth of the legendary boat is unveiled. As you navigate through the first-class suite to the third-class cabin, themed music and sound effects will plunge you deeper into the infamous story. The event is coming to Tulsa soon, join the waitlist if you want the exhibit to come to your city!
5. See all LEGO® bricks can do at Art of the Brick
Artist Nathan Sawaya used over a million LEGO® bricks to create the +100 sculptures that will be on display at Art of the Brick in Tulsa. Sawaya will present his own works, but you’ll also get to see new LEGO® versions of Michelangelo’s David and Van Gogh’s Starry Night — among other iconic oeuvres — and a multimedia collection created by photographer Dean West. Join the waitlist to make sure the exhibit stops by Tulsa this year!
6. Embark on a serene evening of music at Candlelight concerts
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, classic lover or Swiftie, there’s a Candlelight concert for you. Taking place at various breathtaking locations in the city, these concerts recreate some of the most famous pieces of music — surrounded by the glow of a hundred candles. Check out our picks:
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Abba
Discover all the Candlelight concerts in Tulsa.
7. Experience the TFA’s Second Saturday Walking Tours
Organized by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture (TFA), the Second Saturday Walking Tours go in depth about a different historical area or topic every month. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about your city, especially since the event makes for a great educational outing. On the program:
- August 12: tour of the Tulsa underground tunnel
- September 9: a bird’s eye view of downtown Tulsa
The full schedule can be found on their website.
8. Rediscover the “broadway magic” behind Disney’s Aladdin
Aladdin: The Musical is coming to Tulsa from September 26 – October 1st! Relish in the magic of Disney and unleash your inner child as you take in jaw-dropping dancing, music and acting. The event will take place at Tulsa Performing Arts Center, bringing the Arabian nights right here, to Oklahoma. The spectacle was coined “broadway magic” by The Wall Street Journal and “fabulous and extravagant” by The New York Times, so you know you’re in for a treat.
9. Hear some smooth jazz at Hodges Bend
Every Monday from 9pm, you can get cozy at Hodges Bend to experience jazz like never before. Get your signature cocktail of choice, sit back and discover local artists like the Michal Hoter Jazz Trio, Mike Cameron Collective, David Horne, Michael Enghdal and many more. Plus, for coffee lovers, there’s a full espresso bar.
Aside from jazz night, Hodges Bend serves a signature brunch menu every day, with their lunch menu served Monday through Saturday. It’s one of Tulsa’s grooviest spots, so make sure you pay it a visit!
10. Revel in the spooky season at Tulsa’s Boohaha Halloween Event
Right on time for the spooky season, the Boohaha Halloween Parade rolls into town. For over three decades, people from all over Oklahoma have gathered right here, in Tulsa, to celebrate the most eerie time of year. Expect people to parade in their costumes, jump in the inflatables at Peoria, enjoy free candy, face painting, food and so much more. You can apply to be in the parade or become a vendor at the event’s official website.