April heralds arrival of many OKC favorites

If you’ve lived in the Oklahoma City metro for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that April is typically when the grass starts turning green, trees start budding, the sun shines more – yes spring is springing, summoning the sense of somewhat of a superlative month when it comes to experiencing some of OKC’s favorite activities and events.

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd – buy me some peanuts, Cracker Jack, a beer made by Chamber member COOP Ale Works and maybe a Porker Dog (in a cashless manner, preferably) at opening day for the OKC Dodgers season April 5.

Speaking of food, everybody’s favorite setting in which to consume Strawberries Newport, Indian Tacos and more (not to mention peruse a fantastic selection of art from all over the world) is the Festival of the Arts, April 19-24 at Bicentennial Park downtown.

It seems the entire community comes together for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, April 22-24 downtown, along with the yearly remembrance ceremony on April 19. From tragedy was born a place of recognition, peace, comfort and learning, and the “Run to Remember brings together runners and spectators from around the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing” as well as serving as the largest fundraising event for the Memorial.

As of this past weekend, the weekly Saturday Farmers Market at Scissortail Park is now open, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This unique Producer Only market offers a direct-to-consumer experience and everything is from Oklahoma. Free parking, a “Silver Flyer” shuttle and “Veggie Valet” loading zone ar all available. This market is a great way to experience a little bit of Scissortail Park’s other fantastic offerings as well.

Speaking of Scissortail Park, Allied Arts is hosting a community celebration to commemorate the two “GLOW” temporary interactive exhibitions on Friday, April 8! “Passage” and “Oscillation” will be open through April 10, so get out and check those out just east of the great lawn area!

Other ways to get outside include RIVERSPORT OKC’s Sky Trail, climbing walls, bike park and other attractions, now open on weekends, with surfing and whitewater rafting/paddling opening April 30.

How about a lovely outdoor concert? Two Chamber members, The Jones Assembly and Lively Beerworks, have joined forces for the free Lively Concert Series, Tuesday – Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. where you can hear live local music and drink Lively local beer! Check out the schedule for this month’s series here.

Speaking of live music, the OKC Philharmonic is presenting a free "Live at Lunchtime" concert Tuesday April 5 at noon at Civic Center Music Hall. According to the OKCPHIL, "it will be one hour of music from around the world with maestro Alexander Mickelthwate conducting the fabulous Oklahoma City Philharmonic!" as a way of saying "We LOVE you, OKC!" RSVP for the free concert here.

Something to look forward to: While not in the playoffs this year, the OKC Thunder wrap up their home schedule Tuesday, April 5 vs. Portland. Most years, playoff games only add to the festive atmosphere downtown. We’re sure the team will be back in the post-season soon!

Outside of downtown OKC, Norman Music Festival returns to downtown Norman April 28-30.

For more ideas, check out This Month in OKC over on the brand new VisitOKC.com!