What to Do in Tulsa This Weekend: The 7 Best Resources for 2025
- sultan mbs
- Jan 1
- 17 min read
The weekend is here, and Tulsa is buzzing with possibilities. Whether you're a local resident searching for something new or a visitor eager to explore, the question is always the same: what to do in Tulsa this weekend? From world-class concerts and Broadway shows to unique local markets and family-friendly park adventures, navigating the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We've compiled the seven most essential online resources to help you curate an unforgettable weekend itinerary. Instead of endlessly searching, you’ll have a direct path to the best events, activities, and dining spots across the metro. This list is designed to be your one-stop planning tool, providing a clear roadmap to make your decisions easier and your weekend more enjoyable.
We will show you exactly where to look for official tickets, discover hidden gems, and find amazing, community-driven experiences in nearby Jenks at The Ten District. You'll learn how to pinpoint major arena shows at the BOK Center, secure seats for a play at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, or find free family programming at Gathering Place. Each recommendation includes direct links and a quick overview to help you decide which platform best suits your needs.
Get ready to build your perfect itinerary, avoid common planning headaches, and make the most of every moment. With these tools, you can spend less time searching and more time experiencing everything the Tulsa area has to offer.
1. The Ten District
For those searching for what to do in Tulsa this weekend, The Ten District in nearby Jenks offers a comprehensive and authentic destination that seamlessly blends modern energy with historic charm. This ten-block downtown core, nestled between the Arkansas River and the Midland Valley railroad, isn't just a collection of shops and restaurants; it's a meticulously planned, community-driven experience. Its website, thetendistrict.com, serves as the essential digital guide for planning your visit, providing up-to-the-minute information on events, dining, and shopping, making it a standout first stop for any weekend itinerary.
What sets The Ten District apart is its deep-rooted authenticity. The entire initiative was shaped by extensive local input, with feedback from over 25 focus groups and insights from more than 70,000 online comments. This community-first approach ensures the district’s character is preserved while fostering vibrant growth, resulting in a destination that feels both curated and genuine. This careful planning has cultivated a diverse mix of attractions, from independent boutiques and art galleries to unique eateries and entertainment venues. To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture of the Ten District, consider staying at a centrally located hotel like the Doubletree By Hilton Tulsa Downtown.
Key Features and Offerings
The Ten District website is an indispensable tool for navigating this dynamic area. It acts as a centralized hub for everything happening in Jenks' revitalized downtown, ensuring visitors can maximize their time and experience.
Events Calendar: The platform features a regularly updated calendar showcasing seasonal festivals, farmers' markets, live music, and other community gatherings. Before you go, check the site to see what special events align with your weekend plans.
Dining and Shopping Guides: Explore curated lists of local businesses, including everything from family-friendly restaurants to boutique shops. The guides often highlight unique local offerings, helping you discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. You can discover the vibrant transformation of The Ten District and see why it's a shopper's paradise.
Public Art and Attractions: The site maps out public art installations and key landmarks, turning a simple stroll down Main Street into a cultural exploration. This is perfect for visitors who enjoy self-guided tours.
Practical Information for Your Visit
While The Ten District itself has no single admission fee, costs are determined by individual merchants, restaurants, and event organizers. This à la carte approach allows for a flexible budget; you can enjoy a free afternoon of window shopping and admiring public art or indulge in a full day of dining and entertainment.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Location | Downtown Jenks, OK, between the Arkansas River and Midland Valley railroad tracks. |
Access | Centrally located to serve Tulsa, Bixby, Sapulpa, and Broken Arrow, making it an easy and accessible day trip. |
Pricing | No centralized admission. Costs vary by individual businesses and events. Check the website for specific event ticketing if applicable. |
Primary Audience | Families, regional tourists, foodies, and shoppers looking for an authentic, community-focused experience. |
Its strategic location and diverse, community-backed offerings make The Ten District a premier choice for a memorable weekend outing near Tulsa.
Visit the website: https://www.thetendistrict.com
2. VisitTulsa (Official destination site)
When you’re looking for a comprehensive, city-backed resource for what to do in Tulsa this weekend, the official VisitTulsa website is the definitive starting point. As the city's official tourism hub, it aggregates a vast array of events, from major concerts at the BOK Center to seasonal festivals and family-friendly activities across the metro area. It serves as an excellent high-level overview for both first-time visitors and locals seeking a reliable weekend plan.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
VisitTulsa excels at curating timely and seasonal content. Whether you're planning around a holiday weekend, looking for summer concert series, or searching for things to do this weekend in Tulsa, the site's homepage and dedicated events calendar are consistently updated. The platform neatly categorizes happenings into sections like Music, Arts & Culture, Sports, and Family Fun, making it easy to filter based on your interests.
The website also functions as a digital guidebook, offering detailed neighborhood guides that highlight key attractions, dining spots, and shopping. This feature is particularly useful for building a multi-stop itinerary. For instance, you can explore the Blue Dome District's nightlife options and then find a family activity near the Gathering Place for the next day, all within the same portal. The site provides a solid foundation for discovering the top attractions Tulsa has to offer, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive trip planning.
Platform Features and User Experience
The user interface is clean and straightforward, prioritizing easy navigation. One of its most practical features is the direct linking to ticket vendors. While VisitTulsa doesn't sell tickets itself, it provides validated links to official sources like Ticketmaster or the specific venue's box office, helping you avoid unofficial resellers.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Events Calendar | A filterable, up-to-date calendar of major citywide events. | Finding headline concerts, festivals, and sporting events. |
Neighborhood Guides | In-depth articles on districts like Brady Arts and Brookside. | Visitors wanting to explore a specific area of the city. |
Trip Planners | Downloadable visitor guides and curated itineraries. | First-time tourists needing a structured plan for their weekend. |
Direct Ticket Links | Provides links to official ticket sellers for listed events. | Securing legitimate tickets for popular, in-demand events. |
While the site offers broad coverage, it may not list every single niche or last-minute pop-up event. For that reason, it's best used as a primary planning tool to identify major anchor events for your weekend, which you can then supplement with other resources.
Website: https://www.visittulsa.com
3. Eventbrite (Citywide ticketed and free events)
For those looking to dive deeper than major venue calendars, Eventbrite is the ultimate marketplace for discovering the grassroots pulse of what to do in Tulsa this weekend. This platform is a treasure trove of independently organized events, ranging from niche workshops and foodie pop-ups to local markets, free community yoga sessions, and neighborhood block parties. It fills the gap left by major ticketing sites by giving a voice to smaller organizers.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
Eventbrite shines by capturing the hyper-local and diverse happenings that make a city vibrant. While other sites focus on big-ticket concerts, this is where you'll find a pottery class in the Blue Dome District, a guided history walk through Greenwood, or a food truck festival in a suburban park. Its strength lies in the sheer breadth of indie events, offering unique experiences you won't find advertised elsewhere.
The platform is particularly powerful for spontaneous planners. Its dedicated "This Weekend" filter immediately narrows down the options, while additional filters for price (including a "Free" category) and event type let you find something that fits your budget and mood in seconds. This makes it one of the best resources for Tulsa's calendar of events when you need to find an activity on short notice.
Platform Features and User Experience
The user experience on Eventbrite is designed for speed and convenience. The checkout process is seamless, and once you register, your tickets are stored digitally within the app as QR codes, eliminating the need for paper printouts. Map views help you visualize event locations, which is perfect for planning a day around a specific neighborhood.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
"This Weekend" Filter | Instantly displays all events happening from Friday to Sunday. | Last-minute planners looking for immediate options. |
Digital Tickets | In-app QR codes for easy entry and event management. | Users who prefer a streamlined, paperless experience. |
Category Sorting | Filters for Music, Food & Drink, Classes, Charity, and more. | Finding niche activities that match specific interests. |
Real-time Availability | Displays alerts like “selling fast” or “almost full.” | Securing spots for popular, limited-capacity local events. |
A key consideration is that event quality and the level of detail provided can vary since listings are created by individual organizers. Furthermore, you won't typically find major shows for venues like the BOK Center here, as they use dedicated ticketing partners. Eventbrite is best used for discovering unique, local, and often smaller-scale things to do in Tulsa.
4. Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) — Official venue tickets
For those seeking a more refined cultural experience, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) website is an essential destination for discovering what to do in Tulsa this weekend. As the premier venue for Broadway tours, symphony concerts, opera, and ballet, the TPAC site is the direct source for tickets to some of the city's most prestigious performances. It consolidates schedules for its multiple theaters, offering a focused look at high-caliber arts and entertainment in the heart of downtown.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
The TPAC website's greatest strength is its role as the official, trusted ticket vendor. By purchasing directly from tulsapac.com, you bypass the inflated prices and potential scams of third-party resale markets, ensuring you get legitimate tickets at face value. The site is a hub for a wide range of performing arts, hosting everything from Celebrity Attractions' Broadway series and Tulsa Ballet productions to the Tulsa Symphony and Tulsa Opera. This concentration of top-tier cultural events makes it a one-stop shop for planning a sophisticated weekend outing.
Its robust season programming and special event listings are updated well in advance, allowing for both spontaneous and long-term planning. Whether you're catching a touring national production or a celebrated local performance, the site provides all the necessary details, including showtimes, synopses, and seating charts. Recent audio-visual upgrades within the venue also mean the in-person show experience is better than ever.
Platform Features and User Experience
The website is designed with a clear focus on ticket sales and event discovery. The homepage prominently features upcoming shows, and the calendar is easy to navigate by date or genre. The purchasing process is straightforward, guiding users through seat selection and checkout with minimal confusion. It’s a specialized tool that does its job exceptionally well: getting you official tickets to world-class performances.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Direct Ticketing | Official box office for all shows in its four theaters. | Securing authentic tickets and avoiding resale markups. |
Centralized Calendar | A comprehensive schedule for all resident companies and touring shows. | Quickly finding a ballet, opera, or Broadway show for a specific date. |
Season Programming | Detailed information on full seasons for major arts organizations. | Arts patrons planning to attend multiple shows throughout the year. |
Venue Information | Provides details on parking, accessibility, and in-house amenities. | First-time visitors needing logistical information for their visit. |
While the TPAC website is unparalleled for performing arts, its scope is intentionally narrow. You won't find information on city-wide festivals, outdoor concerts, or sporting events here. Furthermore, popular shows can sell out months in advance, so booking early is highly recommended.
Website: https://tulsapac.com
5. BOK Center — Arena concerts, sports, and touring events
For those whose idea of what to do in Tulsa this weekend involves big-name concerts, major sporting events, or spectacular touring shows, the BOK Center's official website is the direct source. As downtown Tulsa’s premier arena, its events page is the authoritative calendar for the largest productions coming to the city. From chart-topping musicians to family-friendly spectacles and Tulsa Oilers hockey games, this site is the first stop for securing tickets to high-demand events.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
The BOK Center website cuts through the noise of third-party resellers and unofficial listings. It provides a clean, chronological list of every confirmed event, ensuring you are getting accurate dates, times, and, most importantly, legitimate tickets. The platform is laser-focused on its own venue, making it an incredibly efficient tool for anyone specifically looking for arena-scale entertainment without the distraction of smaller community events.
This direct-from-the-source approach is crucial for planning a big night out. You can confidently build an evening around a headliner show, knowing the information is reliable. Planning a special occasion? A concert or game at the BOK Center can be the perfect anchor for a memorable evening, and exploring the best date night ideas in Tulsa and Jenks can help you find the perfect pre-show dinner or post-event drinks nearby. The site simplifies the search for major weekend happenings.
Platform Features and User Experience
The website's design is minimalist and event-driven, prioritizing function over flash. The main "Events" page presents a scannable list of upcoming shows, each with a prominent "Buy Tickets" button that directs users to the official vendor, typically Ticketmaster. This seamless integration helps mitigate the risk of purchasing counterfeit or overpriced tickets from unauthorized sellers.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Official Event Calendar | A comprehensive, chronological listing of all shows at the venue. | Quickly seeing which major artists or teams are in town this weekend. |
Direct "Buy Tickets" Links | Validated links on each event page to the official ticket seller. | Securely purchasing legitimate tickets and avoiding scams. |
Event Category Filters | Options to sort events by type, like Concerts, Family, or Sports. | Users with a specific type of entertainment in mind. |
"Plan Your Visit" Section | Provides key details on parking, A-Z guides, and venue policies. | First-time attendees needing logistical information. |
While the BOK Center website is unparalleled for arena shows, its scope is intentionally narrow. You won't find local band gigs or small theater productions here. It serves a specific but vital purpose: to be the definitive resource for Tulsa's biggest ticketed events, making it an essential bookmark for anyone looking for blockbuster entertainment.
Website: https://www.bokcenter.com/events/
6. Gathering Place — Free park programming and family activities
When your search for what to do in Tulsa this weekend calls for free, family-friendly fun, the official Gathering Place website is an essential resource. As Tulsa’s nationally acclaimed riverfront park, it offers a consistent and high-quality lineup of events, workshops, and recreational activities that cater to all ages. The website serves as the central hub for discovering everything from seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts to educational programs, making it the perfect tool for planning a low-cost yet highly engaging weekend.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
The Gathering Place website excels at providing a detailed, real-time schedule of its diverse programming. Unlike general event calendars, this platform focuses exclusively on park-hosted activities, ensuring the information is accurate and specific. Whether you're interested in a guided nature walk, a story time for toddlers, a cultural celebration at the ONEOK Boathouse, or a free movie on the lawn, the site’s calendar lays out every option with times, locations, and descriptions.
Its biggest advantage is the sheer volume of free programming, making it an invaluable resource for families and budget-conscious individuals. The park's reputation for quality means even its no-cost events are well-organized and memorable. Planning a trip here is easy to combine with other nearby activities, such as exploring Riverside Drive or heading south to Jenks. You can learn more about how it fits into the local landscape by exploring this guide to Tulsa's best parks and recreation spots, which highlights its importance as a community cornerstone.
Platform Features and User Experience
The Gathering Place website is designed for simplicity and functionality, allowing users to quickly find what they need. The "Today at the Park" feature on the homepage is particularly useful for last-minute planners, while the comprehensive calendar allows for looking ahead. The site clearly distinguishes between free, drop-in events and special ticketed experiences, so there are no surprises upon arrival.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Parkwide Event Calendar | A detailed, filterable calendar of all official park programs and events. | Planning a full day or weekend around free, family-oriented activities. |
Amenity Information | Descriptions and hours for all park areas, from the playgrounds to the boathouse. | First-time visitors wanting to understand the park's layout and offerings. |
Real-Time Updates | Banners and alerts for weather-related changes or special announcements. | Checking the status of an outdoor event before you leave home. |
Program Details | Specific information on each activity, including age recommendations and meeting points. | Families with children of different ages looking for suitable programming. |
The main challenge when visiting is that popular weekend events can attract large crowds, making parking a primary concern. It's wise to check the website for parking guidance and consider arriving early. Because most activities are outdoors, always double-check for weather-related cancellations before heading out.
Website: https://www.gatheringplace.org
7. TravelOK (Oklahoma’s official state tourism site) — Tulsa events listings
For those looking to broaden their search beyond the city limits, TravelOK, Oklahoma's official state tourism website, offers an invaluable resource for finding what to do in Tulsa this weekend. While it covers the entire state, its event directory has a robust and easily searchable section for Tulsa and the surrounding Green Country region. This platform is particularly useful for discovering events in nearby suburbs or regional happenings that draw crowds from across the metro.
Why It's a Go-To Resource
TravelOK excels at capturing a wide range of activities, from major expos at Expo Square to charming small-town festivals just a short drive from Tulsa. Its strength lies in its comprehensive coverage that includes community fairs, sporting events, and annual cultural celebrations that might not be promoted on city-centric platforms. This makes it an ideal tool for day-trippers or residents looking to explore beyond their usual haunts.
The site provides all the essential details needed for planning, including dates, venue addresses, pricing notes, and direct contact information. This is especially helpful for verifying details for smaller, community-organized events. For anyone wondering what things to do this weekend in Tulsa that might also include a scenic drive, TravelOK connects the dots between the city's core events and the vibrant activities happening in towns like Jenks, Bixby, and Owasso.
Platform Features and User Experience
The user interface is functional and focused on providing information quickly. The event database can be filtered by city, region, or date, making it simple to zero in on Tulsa-area listings. A standout feature is the "Add to Trip" tool, which allows users to build and save a personalized itinerary directly on the site, combining events with attractions and dining options.
While the platform is official and reliable, some event entries may be posted far in advance and could be pending date confirmations. It's always a good practice to use the provided contact info to verify details before you go.
Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Searchable Event Database | A comprehensive directory with filters for city, date, and event type. | Discovering events in Tulsa and its surrounding suburbs. |
"Add to Trip" Planner | An integrated tool to build and save a custom weekend itinerary. | Organizing a multi-stop weekend plan with various activities. |
Detailed Event Info | Listings include venue, dates, pricing, and organizer contact info. | Verifying logistics for smaller or community-run events. |
Regional Coverage | Includes happenings in nearby towns and across Green Country. | Day-trippers and locals looking for unique regional festivals. |
Ultimately, TravelOK is a fantastic complementary resource. Use it to discover regional fairs, unique suburban events, or statewide celebrations making a stop in Tulsa, giving you a broader perspective on the weekend's possibilities.
Website: https://www.travelok.com
Tulsa This Weekend — 7-Source Comparison
Resource | 🔄 Complexity / ⚡ Speed | Resource Requirements | 📊 Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | ⭐ Key Advantages / 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Ten District | Medium 🔄 — multiple merchants/events; ⚡ Moderate discovery | Low direct user cost; requires merchant coordination and marketing | High local economic impact (projected ≈$55M tax; ≈$776M spending) | Downtown Jenks exploration, boutique shopping, family outings, regional day‑trips | ⭐ Community-driven authenticity and diverse attractions. 💡 Check individual merchant pages for pricing/events |
VisitTulsa (Official) | Low 🔄 — centralized city portal; ⚡ Fast overview & links | Minimal for users; maintained by city tourism staff | Broad awareness and cross‑neighborhood visitation | Citywide weekend planning, newcomers, seasonal highlights | ⭐ Official, comprehensive coverage. 💡 Use for initial planning then follow venue/ticket links |
Eventbrite (Citywide) | Low‑Medium 🔄 — marketplace UI; ⚡ Very fast ticketing and filters | User account for purchases; organizer fees may apply | Wide variety of indie/local events; fast ticket conversions | Finding indie pop‑ups, classes, free community events, last‑minute plans | ⭐ Large indie inventory and instant e‑tickets. 💡 Use "This Weekend" and price filters |
Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) | Low 🔄 — single official venue; ⚡ Direct ticketing (but can sell out) | Ticket purchase; possible premium seating costs; arrive early | High‑quality performing arts experiences with reliable production | Broadway, ballet, opera, theater series | ⭐ Trusted official tickets; reduced resale risk. 💡 Buy early for popular shows |
BOK Center | Low 🔄 — arena calendar; ⚡ Quick scan & buy links | Variable ticket pricing/fees; large‑event logistics | High‑attendance headline concerts and sports; regional draw | Major concerts, family arena shows, professional sports | ⭐ Authoritative source for arena events. 💡 Use official links to avoid scalpers |
Gathering Place | Low 🔄 — park schedule; ⚡ Fast to find many free programs | Mostly free for users; may require early arrival/parking | Strong community reach; consistent family‑friendly weekend activity | Family outings, free outdoor concerts/movies, kid‑friendly programs | ⭐ High‑quality free programming and amenities. 💡 Arrive early for parking; check weather |
TravelOK (State) | Medium 🔄 — statewide directory; ⚡ Moderate when filtering regionally | Minimal for users; maintained by state tourism | Regional exposure for fairs, expos, and suburban events | Discover festivals/expos in Tulsa metro and nearby towns | ⭐ Comprehensive statewide listings and planning tools. 💡 Use "Add to Trip" and verify dates/ticket links |
Crafting Your Perfect Tulsa Itinerary
You've explored the powerhouse tools for discovering what to do in Tulsa this weekend, from the official city-wide calendars to the hyper-local community hubs. The sheer volume of events, activities, and destinations can feel overwhelming, but the secret to a memorable weekend lies not in doing everything, but in strategically curating your own unique adventure. This guide has equipped you with seven distinct lenses through which to view the vibrant Tulsa landscape, each offering a different piece of the puzzle.
By now, you understand that a truly exceptional weekend itinerary is a mosaic, built from diverse sources. It’s about more than just finding an event; it's about building an experience. The tools we've covered empower you to do just that, transforming a blank weekend schedule into a dynamic and personalized plan.
From Overwhelmed to Organized: A Practical Recap
Let's distill this wealth of information into a clear, actionable strategy. Think of your weekend planning as a funnel. You start broad at the top and narrow your focus as you get closer to your final decisions.
Start with the Big Picture: Begin your search with VisitTulsa and TravelOK. These platforms are your high-level overview, perfect for spotting major city-wide festivals, seasonal attractions, or significant regional events that might shape your entire weekend. They answer the question: "What are the must-see anchor events happening right now?"
Drill Down into Major Venues: Once you have a sense of the landscape, turn your attention to the premier entertainment hubs. Check the official schedules for the BOK Center for major concerts and sporting events, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for theater, ballet, and symphony performances. This step helps you secure tickets for high-demand, scheduled entertainment.
Explore Spontaneous and Niche Events: With your anchor events considered, it's time to add unique local flavor. This is where Eventbrite shines. Use it to discover last-minute pop-up markets, neighborhood food tours, specialized workshops, or free community gatherings that might not appear on larger tourism sites. It's the key to finding those "I can't believe we found this" moments.
Incorporate Essential Tulsa Experiences: No weekend is complete without embracing the city's signature spots. Weave in a visit to Gathering Place, using its dedicated schedule to find free concerts, family-friendly activities, or simply a beautiful setting for a relaxing afternoon. This ensures your itinerary includes downtime and quintessential Tulsa charm.
Anchor Your Experience in a Hub: Finally, ground your weekend in a destination that offers a rich blend of activities in one place. The Ten District in Jenks serves as a perfect home base for part of your weekend. You can plan a meal, a shopping excursion, and soak up a unique, walkable community atmosphere without having to constantly navigate across town. It’s the ideal way to complement a big arena show or a busy day at the park with a more relaxed, curated experience.
Key Takeaway: The most effective approach to planning what to do in Tulsa this weekend is to layer your sources. Combine a major event from the BOK Center with a unique food find on Eventbrite and an afternoon of shopping and dining in The Ten District. This multi-tool strategy ensures a balanced, engaging, and truly comprehensive weekend.
By moving from broad discovery to specific bookings, you create an itinerary that is both exciting and manageable. You are no longer just a passive observer of events; you are the architect of your perfect Tulsa weekend, armed with the best resources to make it happen. So, open those browser tabs, start cross-referencing, and build an experience that reflects exactly what you want out of your time in this incredible city. Get ready to explore.
Ready to build an unforgettable part of your Tulsa weekend? Discover the curated collection of shops, restaurants, and local experiences at The Ten District. Plan your visit and see what makes this Jenks destination the perfect complement to any Tulsa itinerary by exploring their offerings at The Ten District.
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