5 Things Every Oklahoma City Resident Should Do This Fall

There’s just something about autumn—the crisp air, changing leaves, and the faint aroma of a wood fire—that makes people want to shake off summer’s heat and get active. With music festivals, foodie outings, and cultural opportunities aplenty, here are a few great events you won’t want to miss this September and October in Oklahoma City.

For those of you who don’t know, Oklahoma City is the home of the American Banjo Museum, which  that presents every chapter of the banjo’s story, from its roots in early America to its most recent identities in Bluegrass and folk music. After you check out the 21,000-square-foot facility, enjoy informal banjo performances including a special appearance by new Hall of Fame member, Pat Terry, Jr. with Randy Morris.

No autumn would be complete without a trip to the Oklahoma State Fair. Enjoy traditional fair-booth food, along with local treats while you and your family ride the famous ferris wheel at the Midway, experience the thrill of the rodeo, or catch a big-name performer on one of the fair’s many stages. The Oklahoma State Fair has all the staples you would expect at such an event, topped off with a healthy dose of Oklahoma pride.

This all-day event at Stockyard City is chock-full of wild west entertainment to help you get in touch with Oklahoma’s cowboy heritage. The festivities begin on Exchange Street with a longhorn-led parade, followed by highlights like chuckwagon-prepared food, traditional western music, and frontier tradesman teaching essential cowboy skills like rope making. The whole thing will have you feeling like you’re in the wild west, with the added bonus of kid-friendly zones and craft vendors spread out around you.

The pumpkin is arguably the official symbol of autumn. Pumpkinville, at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, is a great way to gear up for Halloween and pay homage to the “Great Pumpkin.” Featuring more than 2,000 pumpkins, a hay bale maze, cider pressing, and nightly ghost stories, Pumpkinville will be fun for the whole family.

Head to Automobile Alley for some more Halloween fun on October 22. Bring the kids down early for pre-parade games before watching parade participants sport their fun, spooky costumes and floats while they hand out candy to onlookers, and be sure to stick around after the parade for a block party that will include food and live music.

Do you have anything fun planned this fall in Oklahoma City? Let us know in the comments below!