From online events to musical performances and parades, Oklahoma bustles with family-friendly events in October.
Running enthusiasts: several online marathons are taking place this month. In Tulsa, try the ZooRun, hosted by the Tulsa Zoo, which can be completed any day in October (tulsazoo.org/zoo-events/zoorun). The Tulsa Run Virtual 5K takes place Oct. 31 to continue a legacy started in 1978 (facebook.com/RunTulsaRun). And the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, rescheduled from April, can be completed anytime between Oct. 4-18 to honor the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing tragedy and celebrate the gift of life (okcmarathon.com).
For those looking for Halloween fun, you won’t want to miss HallowMarine from Oct. 25-31 at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Children and adults alike can enjoy this socially distant indoor alternative to outdoor trick-or-treating throughout the aquarium. If you’re wanting a bit more of a scare, visit the Haunted Castle Halloween Festival from Oct. 2-31 at the Castle of Muskogee. Thrill-seekers can enjoy over 62 acres of exhilaration.
Other treats this month include the virtual Fiesta da las Americas on Oct. 3. A celebration of Hispanic heritage, guests can enjoy a bevy of activities and entertainment (historiccapitolhill.com/fiestas-de-las-americas). Banjofest, Oct. 11-17, offers a virtual livestream of performances and jam sessions (banjofest2020.com). You can also get pumped for the virtual National Weather Festival from Oct. 26-30, which highlights weather-related technology and groups based in Oklahoma (ou.edu/nwc/visit/national-weather-festival).
If you’re open to heading out into the world, visit the Red Earth Parade on Oct. 17 in downtown OKC. You can see a variety of Native American tribes represented in stunning regalia. Music enthusiasts can visit the Tallgrass Music Festival from Oct. 16-17 at 2967 W. 133rd St. N. in Skiatook for some top-notch bluegrass music.
