Modoc Nation

Oklahoma’s larger tribes are reaching some major milestones in areas like economic development, education, healthcare and cultural preservation. But it’s important to note that smaller tribes are also prospering, says Modoc Nation Chief Robert Burkybile. 

“We have a bit of an advantage as a small tribe,” says Burkybile, who leads the Nation of 355 citizens. “We have people who want to work and see this thing succeed. We want to open doors for tribal members in the future.”

One flourishing program is a 400-head bison ranch. Thanks to a federal grant, the tribe processes about four bison a month and distributes the meat to tribal members and non-natives in Miami and Ottawa County, where the tribe is based. Cuts of meat are delivered to schools, food banks, nonprofits and to neighboring tribes.

“It provides nutrition for the community,” Burkybile says.

The tribe is constructing a new building, Healing House, for outpatient behavioral health services for youth and adults. Modoc Nation Health Services also includes a treatment center for adults with substance abuse and mental health disorders; therapy for children with developmental disabilities; an equine therapy program; and a fully-equipped exercise center.  

Choctaw Nation

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell praised the Choctaw Nation and all Oklahoma-based tribes during the May 23 grand opening of the Choctaw Landing Luxury Resort and Casino in Hochatown.

 “You are leading the way in economic development,” Pinnell said. “Our tourism industry is the third-largest industry in the state because of our sovereign nations.”

Choctaw Chief Gary Batton mentions that the 100-room resort hotel created 400 jobs. 

“There are more than 400 pieces of Native artwork on display throughout the resort,“ Batton says. “It’s a true cultural joy just to walk into the facility.”

James Grimsley is the executive director of advanced technology and initiatives for Emerging Aviation Technologies, a research facility located on more than 44,000 acres of land owned by the Choctaw Nation.  

After more than 30 years of working in aviation research, “they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” says Grimsley, who also serves on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. “I never thought I would have an opportunity on the reservation,” he says. “I grew up on the reservation, I know the culture.”

In October, the tribe broke ground near Redden on an Emerging Aviation Technology Center, which will be a hub for cutting-edge research on aerial system technologies. It’s one of ten sites chosen by the federal government for its Drone Integration Pilot Program. Much of the research focuses on the benefits of using drones in rural areas.

“If you live in Dallas and have a heart attack, an ambulance is four to seven minutes away, and usually they can save your life,” Grimsley says. “In southeast Oklahoma, it might be an hour or more away. Your zip code determines if you live or die.”

Lifesaving uses for drones may include sending an automated external defibrillator or an EpiPen to a rural residence, or transporting donor organs, Grimsley says. 

Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation broke ground in June for the $10 million Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park.

“This project will not only transform unused land into a vibrant community space, but it also pays tribute to a remarkable leader who helped shape our tribe’s history as the first woman elected principal chief,” says Cherokee’s Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. The park is set to be completed in the fall of 2025.

In May, Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation graduated its first-ever class of physicians. OSU-COM at Cherokee Nation, the nation’s only tribally affiliated medical school, is located in the Nation’s capital, Tahlequah. The 85,000-square-foot facility offers anatomy labs, a simulation center with computer programmable manikins, lecture halls, classrooms and a wellness center. 

“I believe that this partnership will advance quality health care for all by allowing us to teach a new generation of medical professionals to serve our communities for years to come,” says Hoskin Jr. “I wish each and every student the best as they begin this journey. They have our full support.”

Chickasaw Nation

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies June 26 to kick off construction of the Chickasaw Heritage Center within the tribe’s historic homeland in Mississippi.

Visitors to the CHC, to be completed in 2026, can learn about the tribe’s history from prehistoric times to 1837, prior to the tribe’s forced removal to Indian Territory. 

The 162-acre campus will contain an exhibit hall, theater, café, art gallery, administrative offices, gift shop and playground. Walking trails will connect the campus to the Natchez Trace Parkway’s National Scenic Trail under an agreement with the National Park Service.

A project of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, the center is a collaborative effort by the state of Mississippi; Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau; city of Tupelo; individual donors; and the Chickasaw Nation.

The Chickasaw Nation’s OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is scheduled to open in 2025, adjacent to First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. The $400 million resort will feature more than 400 rooms with riverfront and lagoon views, more than a dozen food and beverage outlets, a family entertainment center, a conference center and community programming including live music.  

Muscogee Nation

Citizens of the Muscogee Nation can enjoy hunting and fishing in the treaty territories of other tribes participating in the Five Tribe Wildlife Management Reciprocity Agreement. 

Tribal members and citizens of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole nations will allow hunting and fishing licenses issued through each tribe to be recognized by the other tribes on their reservation land. Most tribes allow for tribal membership cards to serve as the license. The agreement reached in July will allow the Five Tribes to collaborate on wildlife management and enhance their ability to manage natural resources.

“Since time immemorial, our people have been the original environmentalists, looking to the land for sustenance and abundant life,” says Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill. “I’m proud of this new agreement with the Five Tribes, as it not only shows a strengthening of our sovereign rights to hunt and fish on these lands, but gives us greater autonomy over the care and preservation of them for generations that follow.” 

A mural project that is a partnership between the Muscogee Nation and Okemah Mainstreet was established to showcase the beauty and richness of Mvskoke art and culture to visitors to Okemah’s downtown, which is undergoing enhancements.

Muscogee artist Joe Hopkins, of Chandler, Ariz., was chosen to create the mural. Hopkins previously painted murals for the city of Eufaula and the Riverwalk in Jenks. Hopkins says his artwork is inspired by the living cultures of tribal nations, and he draws from the past to infuse his works with a fresh take on Indigenous life. 

Tribal citizens, as well as their leaders, should be involved in law-making decisions, and a good place to start is by voting in tribal elections, Choctaw Nation officials say. However, voter turnout for tribal elections is only at about 28%, says Candace Perkins, the tribe’s director of voter registration.

“We always like to preach: your vote is your voice,” Perkins says. “Your vote really matters.”

Efforts to increase participation include media advertising, reaching out to Choctaw citizens who live outside Oklahoma and upgrading to online voter registration, Perkins says.  

Sarah Jane Smallwood-Cocke, the tribe’s senior government affairs strategist, is involved in relationship-building and partnerships between the tribe and local governments, including the 78 municipalities on the reservation. She also encourages tribal citizens to run for local, state and federal office, and to apply for appointments to boards and commissions. Smallwood-Cocke says she tries to set an example by serving on the city council in Wilburton. 

“The goal of our department is to make sure the Choctaw have a seat at the table,” she says. “Our job is to help our tribal members engage at every level of government.”

Tye Baker, senior director of the tribe’s Environmental Protection Service, was appointed in June to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Kelbie Kennedy, an attorney, was hired in 2022 as the first-ever national tribal affairs advocate for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Choctaw Chief Gary Batton represents the eastern Oklahoma region on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s tribal advisory committee.

 “We have to go to Washington, to make sure our voices are heard, to try to make policy changes,” says LaRenda Morgan, governmental affairs officer for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. “We have to be activists on behalf of our own tribes.”

Buying back land historically owned by tribes is an important form of activism, says Cornel Pewewardy, an associate professor of political science at the University of Central Oklahoma. Pewewardy, who is Comanche, retired in 2017 from Portland State University, where he was director of the Indigenous Nations Studies Program. His research focuses on racial and socioeconomic inequities within Indigenous education. He helped write Senate Bill 429, which allows Native American students in Oklahoma to wear their tribal regalia during commencement ceremonies.

“We are always in pursuit of land,” says Pewewardy. “Land is a part of economic development, and with that you get to exercise your power in agreements with the state and the federal government.”

Oklahoma Natives in the entertainment industry have been “having a moment,” what with the popularity of Sterlin Harjo’s Reservation Dogs television series and movies such as News of the World and Killers of the Flower Moon. Native American writers, artists and artisans are perennially celebrated for their work – and rightly so. But many who are not necessarily household names have distinguished themselves in other career fields, says James Parker Shield, director of the National Native American Hall of Fame (NNAHOF) based in Great Falls, Mont. 

“We should always remember those who blazed a path for other Natives to follow, who made our lives better,” Shield says. “By making Indian Country better, they have made America better.”

Tresa Gouge, education coordinator for the NNAHOF, says one such trailblazer who comes to mind is Stephanie Burghart, executive director of Oklahoma Indian Legal Services. 

“She is Kiowa,” Gouge says. “She provides assistance to low-income families and helps out with court services at all tribal courts in Oklahoma.”

Shield says many people have been mentored by the educators Henrietta Mann and the aforementioned Cornel Pewewardy.

“Henrietta Mann – we are inducting her into the hall of fame in October,” Shield says. “She’s been a highly regarded educator at the college level for many years. I’m sure she has a lot of proteges out there, people she has influenced and inspired to go into education.”

Mann, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, is a professor of Native American Studies who has taught at the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Montana and Montana State University. She helped start Indian Studies programs at several universities and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She received the National Humanities Medal in 2021. 

Bailey Walker, a Chickasaw citizen, is president of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma. He is president/CEO of Four Winds Strategy Group and director of tribal relations for Tribal Diagnostics. 

“He’s very engaged in the business world,” Shield said. “Through his leadership he’s able to help other Native businesses.”

The legal profession is important to tribes and tribal citizens for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the concept of sovereignty. 

“To me, sovereignty means autonomy, that you know who you are, that you do things that your people have always done,” says Pewewardy. “The more people there are who think that way, the more of a sovereign nation you become. I’m happy to see a lot of lawyers, a lot of new lawyers, at the forefront.”

The Oklahoma State University Center for Sovereign Nations, founded in 2015, collaborates with tribal nations to maintain government-to-government relationships with the United States as well as states and municipalities.

“Long before the United States became a country, Indigenous Peoples were independent and self-governing sovereigns. Because they are sovereigns, tribes still govern their own members and remaining territory,” the OSU program explains on its website. 

Morgan, from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, continues: “Every tribe has treaties that are living documents, that are still active today, but not always recognized by the government that created them. That’s where a lot of political issues begin, is with tribes not being able to exercise their sovereignty.”

Oklahoma City University announced in June the formation of the OCU Tribal Sovereignty Institute to be housed at its law school. 

Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear says that as a practicing attorney, he sees every day the prominence of sovereignty issues. 

“We need information that is accessible to attorneys and policymakers and members of the public,” he says.  “I think this institute can play a critical role in this regard, and I’m pleased to see it launch.”

Many Oklahoma tribes have programs designed to address disparities in such areas as healthcare, education, child welfare and environmental protections. 

When it comes to health disparities, “our big one is diabetes wellness,” says Morgan with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The tribes offer classes in nutrition, fitness and other aspects of wellness and collaborate with Indian Health Services (IHS) dieticians. 

“We often do weight loss challenges,” she continues. “We do health promotion events. We provide bison meat for people with diabetes, as well as eyeglasses.”

IHS, Moran says, “is providing tribal citizens as good a care as they would get elsewhere. I choose to go to IHS, because I believe they are targeted toward our diseases that are rampant.”

Pewewardy believes getting the right education is integral in bridging those noticeable gaps. 

“The key to success is to get a diploma,” Pewewardy says. “We still have a high dropout rate. And the key to success in education is self-esteem.”

Boarding schools, Pewewardy says, “did not teach our people about who they are. They were ashamed to be Indigenous. So they tried their best to assimilate, but because of racism were not able to be equal.”

Native children who struggle in school “are being pushed into special education classes, and this causes a dilemma with their social skills. A lot of kids become hopeless about life. There’s still a high suicide rate among Natives,” Pewewardy continues. 

Pewewardy, who spent three years as vice-chairman of the Comanche Nation, praises the creation of the Comanche Academy Charter School in Lawton. The mission of the free, accredited public school states in part that it “will nurture strong, compassionate bilingual young people who are committed to their personal and community health, wellness, relationships and progress.”

European visitors to Oklahoma “want to see what an Indian is,” Cheyenne and Arapaho Gov. Reggie Wassana says, and the state’s 39 tribes are working hard to tell their stories. 

“Tourists across the state, the country and the world are very interested in learning more about First American people in an accurate, respectful way,” says Adrienne Lalli Hills, director of learning and community engagement at the OKC-based First Americans Museum (FAM). “People are realizing that it’s important that Native peoples are telling their own stories about themselves. We are doing that here at First Americans Museum. The majority of our staff are tribal citizens. That changes the way we think about educational programs, exhibits and public events. We have personal ties to the tribes.”

The museum offers exhibits and storytelling that depict all the tribes based in the state, but “many of our tribes do maintain their own cultural centers, libraries or some sort of visitor center,” Hills says. “And so we are careful to refer people to those sites as well.”

Hills says that it’s “so exciting to see people from all over the world come to First Americans Museum. It’s particularly exciting because we are telling our own stories on our turf.”

Visitors to FAM especially love the portion of the Oklahoma exhibition that addresses ancestral North America, Hills says.

“A lot of people do not realize that prior to European arrival, there were big cities here in North America that rivaled the size of European cities,” Hills says. “We had trade routes, we had music, we had sports, we had art and we had really sophisticated forms of
government.”

Lortondale

If Lortondale is known for one thing, it’s character. The historic Tulsa neighborhood, which prides itself on its mid century modern homes, was conceptualized by Tulsa architect Donald Honn and builder Howard Grubb in the 1950s. 

Originally priced between $12,750 and $16,650, the homes in Lortondale have steadily increased over time.

Empty nesters interested in settling in Lortondale can tap into the neighborhood’s tight-knit community. Many residents participate in architecture-focused events, such as the neighborhood’s annual Tiki Party and Mid-Mod Crawl. 

Another unique feature of Lortondale is its two community pools, which function as mainstays for neighborhood events. Throughout the year, residents gather by the poolside for movie nights, yoga classes, book discussions, live music and barbecues. To get unlimited access to the pools in the summertime, people can join the 5300 Club Pool or the Lortondale Pool Club.  

Nestled in the heart of midtown Tulsa, Lortondale’s proximity to shopping and entertainment adds to its desirability.  

Stillwater

Dubbed “America’s friendliest college town,” Stillwater has a lot to offer.

“We’re a small community of about 50,000; however, we have a major D1 university,” says Cristy Morrison, president and CEO at Visit Stillwater. 

The suburb has plenty for empty nesters in the way of sports. Oklahoma State University has built a reputation for its athletics programs, hosting sporting events throughout the year. The city is also the home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. 

“The museum teaches people about the sport, the increasing popularity of women’s wrestling and the US presidents’ contributions to the sport,” explains Morrison. 

Stillwater also prides itself for its legacy in the Red Dirt Music scene, which has originated acclaimed musicians like Garth Brooks, Tom Skinner and the Red Dirt Rangers. 

Other leisure and entertainment in the area include the McKnight Center for Performing Arts, Eskimo Joe’s and Boomer Lake Park. Efforts to revitalize and expand Downtown Stillwater have been underway, too. In 2025, Stillwater will open Block 34, a downtown community space which will feature several outdoor amenities, including a beer garden and a musicians walkway.  

Morrison, who has lived in Stillwater for 28 years, describes the community as laidback.

“I transferred here as a sophomore in college from the university in northern England,” she recalls. “I love it so much here that I never left.” 

Owasso

Community-oriented and fast-growing, Owasso sits 15 miles northeast of Tulsa. Between 2010 and 2022, the city’s population grew by 36%. Despite its rapid expansion, Owasso maintains a close-knit, supportive culture.  

Owasso launched the City of Character initiative in 2002, which promotes a monthly character trait that residents can strive to embody in their personal and professional lives. 

The city further cultivates a sense of community and connectedness through its recreation and public events. Empty nesters can get to know their neighbors during Owasso’s Neighborhood Block Party, a citywide event that encourages residents to socialize with one another through self-organized activities, such as pet parades and cookie decorating. Other popular events include the Lawn & Garden Spring Fling, the Redbud Farmer’s Market and the Owasso Christmas Parade. 

As a suburb of Tulsa, Owasso has benefitted from excess funds collected from the Tulsa County Vision 2025 sales tax. The city has put those funds toward enhancing roadways and intersections, expanding its walking trail systems and opening a dog park. Local attractions, such as Centennial Park, the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center and the Downtown Redbud District also enrich the quality of life. 

Carlton Landing

Carlton Landing is a master-planned, resort-style town that spans 600 miles of shoreline along Lake Eufaula. Established in 2013 with the vision to foster a community focused on sustainable, healthy living, Carlton Landing boasts 10+ community parks, connected by pedestrian pathways and boardwalks. 

The town is divided into many walkable neighborhoods that make the most of the natural landscape. Each neighborhood is centered around a common space, such as a courtyard, park or community garden. As of 2022, the city has a population of 43 residents, with a median age of 54. 

Paying homage to the pioneers in the Oklahoma Land Runs, the city’s designated architectural style is traditional American farmhouse.

Lake life is deeply embedded into the community. Residents can join the exclusive Carlton Landing Boat Club to get unlimited access to a private, luxury fleet of ski boats and pontoons. It also includes access to the club’s water gear, such as lifejackets, waterboards and water skis. 

In addition to outdoor recreation, Carlton Landing features a community pool, a church and a fitness center. Residents can also enjoy a small collection of restaurants and pop-up shops.

Nichols Hills 

Nichols Hills has a reputation as one of the most illustrious suburbs in the Oklahoma City area. 

“I think that the prestige comes from the fact that there is a lot of charm, character and tradition,” says Sody Clements, the Mayor of Nichols Hills.

Although the city occupies less than two square miles, it is home to over 31 parks. In 2023, the city council formed and appointed a Public Arts Commission, which will further beautify the city by overseeing the installation of art exhibitions throughout its parks.  

The city’s emphasis on safety is another big draw. The Nichols Hills Fire Department has an average response time of 4 minutes and 38 seconds. 

For leisure, residents can unwind and dine at the Classen Curve in the Nichols Hills Plaza, which offers a combination of market-exclusive brands and locally owned boutiques. The Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club is another popular attraction.

The median age for residents is 46 years, with the median income per capita at $194,579 in 2022 – three times the state median. 

“Even though Nichols Hills is surrounded by Oklahoma City, we are our own little town,” says Clements. “I like living here because everywhere I go, I run into people I know.” 

Gaillardia

Named after the state’s official wildflower, Gaillardia is an opulent, gated neighborhood located in northwestern Oklahoma City. Situated on 600 acres, the neighborhood features the Old-World style Gaillardia Country Club, which is known for its world-class, championship golf course.

In addition to golf, the country club offers a fitness center, swimming pool, driving range and playground area. Members can take part in a variety of events. 

Gaillardia is also known for its elegant, beautifully designed homes. Common architectural styles include French Country and French Normandy. Occupying large lots, the residences foster a sense of privacy.

The median estimated home value clocked at $1.54 million. Approximately 77% of the households are without children, and the median age of residents is 55 years. 

Gaillardia is centrally located by several amenities, including the Quail Springs Mall, Lake Hefner, Chisholm Creek and Mercy Hospital. 

Medicine Park

Medicine Park was established in 1908 as the state’s first resort town. With a population of 450, the small town provides empty nesters with the opportunity to unplug from the hustle and bustle of city life. In 2022, the city unveiled strategic plans to develop the local economy, public services and the area’s walkability by 2040. The city is also leaning into what it’s known for best – outdoor recreation. 

“You can hike up Mount Scott and have a picnic or drive three hours into Green Country. I think[Medicine Park] has the best of everything,” says Rainette Rowland, Executive Director and CEO of the Medicine Park Aquarium and a resident for 12+ years.

The Wichita Wildlife Refuge is the backdrop for the town, spanning over 60,000 acres of grass prairies, freshwater lakes and mountainous terrain. Lake Lawtonka, which borders the city, is known for its teeming bass population, holding the state record for the largest-reeled smallmouth bass. 

The diversity of wildlife is also a draw for bird watchers and animal lovers. On weekends, tourists and locals can visit the Medicine Park Aquarium, which showcases indigenous wildlife and a butterfly garden. 

“We’re a very family-friendly community,” says Rowland. “There are all different local flavors of people, and we’re very nice and welcoming.”

Durant

Durant prides itself on its progressive community and diversified economy. The city serves as the capital of the Choctaw Nation, housing the tribe’s headquarters. 

Residents can enjoy Durant’s small-town feel while partaking in a variety of community events. Starting this year, the city will host its inaugural sports festival in celebration of the community’s athleticism. Durant is also the site of the Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma, which features carnival rides, fair food, a 5K race and other family-friendly activities.

Local attractions include the Three Valley Museum, Old Icehouse and Choctaw Casino and Resort. The city operates 11 public parks, including the Durant Multi-Sports Complex. 

Durant’s historic Main Street has been undergoing revitalization efforts. On Saturdays during select months, residents can gather together and shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods and floral arrangements at the Magnolia Farmers Market. 

Another upside is the city’s close proximity to Lake Texoma, Oklahoma’s largest manmade lake. 

Main image cutline: Durant; photo courtesy Visit Durant

The world of education is fast-moving, with existing and emerging trends impacting the scholastic landscape – including reduced enrollment barriers, an uptick in artificial intelligence usage, increased student support and high-return academic programs to help ensure students earn degrees they can truly utilize. 

Higher education continues to change at a rapid pace, says Jerrid Freeman, Ph.D., Northeastern State University president for student affairs and enrollment management. 

“There are new and changing workforce demands – and what students are hoping to obtain,” Freeman says. “Both are influencing factors, but it is evident that students, both traditional and non-traditional, are still seeking educational opportunities. Northeastern State University continues to identify and understand the complexities of workforce demands and adjust its academic offerings to fulfill them.

Another major factor that influences education today is the need to balance the influence of technology and social media. 

“AI might take the cake as the trend of the year,” says Jerrett Phillips, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs with Rogers State University. “With a plethora of higher education vendors moving swiftly to implement some version of Ai, the higher education landscape is going through a paradigm shift in terms of the student experience and customized education as services.”

Alongside navigating the turbulent waters of artificial intelligence, it’s clear that today’s students also want flexibility and a say in how they are educated, says Julie Dinger, Ph.D., present of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. 

“At OPSU, we are observing significant trends that reflect today’s students’ desire for more options and flexibility in their college experience,” she says. “Students are increasingly weighing the decision to attend school versus entering the workforce, choosing between online and in-person education, and considering traditional degrees versus short-term microcredentials. Consequently, our communication strategies have evolved to articulate well-defined career pathways to students, ensuring they understand the diverse opportunities available to them.”

Another trend discussed in this space in recent years was the threat of an enrollment cliff – or a significant multi-year decline in the number of traditional-age college students. At the University of Oklahoma, it seems that this particular trend has not come to pass. 

“More students than ever are choosing OU, with record incoming classes that stand in stark contrast to sharp enrollment declines nationwide,” says a media relations representative with the university. “With three consecutive record-breaking freshman classes – and the fall 2024 incoming class on track to make it four straight years for historic class sizes – the University of Oklahoma is fulfilling its promise to offer a life-changing education at exceptional value.”

For most, the goal of investing in a college degree is the promise of higher-paying job opportunities. Colleges are, in turn, seeking to help students become employable in addition to granting them that hard-earned degree. 

Early career graduates need to present themselves to hiring managers as well-rounded employees, knowledgeable in soft and hard skills alike. To meet this need, schools are offering career readiness resources, job fairs, specific classes on succeeding in a professional environment, soft skill training, micro-credentials, internship opportunities and more. 

“A college education is enriching in many ways, including, of course, career advancement,” says Jeanette Mendez, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University’s provost and senior vice president. “To empower our graduates to be competitive in this global economy, we are coordinating efforts with business and industry partners to ensure students cultivate the in-demand skills and competencies that will differentiate OSU graduates. 

“From hands-on research opportunities to a skills-based learning approach and the OSU Polytech initiative, we’re intentionally crafting programs aimed at ensuring our graduates have the skills, attitude and experience employers are seeking while streamlining programs across the OSU system to allow for more flexible options for students.” 

At RSU, “we teach students how to think, not what to think,” says Phillips. “Inside of each classroom, we present theory and task students with looking at real world or practical hands-on experiences. 

“We develop their critical thinking skills, ensure they become effective communicators, teach them 21st century soft skills, and help them establish community on- and off-campus so they better understand teamwork and working for the greater good.”

The most in-demand new hire skillsets sought by today’s employers include an array of soft skills paired with a command of data analytics, a knowledge of AI programming and cloud computing. The next era of our workforce is being shaped right now by the newest technology – and affected by the speed with which it is evolving, says Dinger. 

“Employers are increasingly seeking graduates with strong communication skills, including verbal communication, data literacy, AI prompt engineering, presentation and conflict resolution, and relationship building,” she says. “At OPSU, we ensure our programs meet these demands by engaging with business advisory committees composed of industry and workforce leaders who assess our program outcomes and provide valuable feedback. In response to these insights, we have integrated business communications into our general education curriculum. This industry-informed coursework provides our students with a competitive advantage in the workforce.”

At OU, says a rep with the school, “supporting Oklahoma’s workforce is one of [our] key priorities, and OU has significantly expanded enrollment in several key academic areas to support workforce demands, such as nursing, aviation and engineering. This fall, the OU Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa welcomes its inaugural class. Combining cutting-edge curriculum in critical STEM fields with on-site training, the institute will equip graduates to transform Oklahoma industries and fuel economic prosperity.”

Student protests are as old as the concept of higher education – but with the ubiquitous nature of social media, such outcries have the power to gain more traction and incur more possible dividedness than ever before. Universities toe the line between supporting student rights while seeking to remain impartial to a certain student group, and above all, ensuring all students feel safe and welcome. 

“RSU is a community of learners and, as such, we educate our students on how to be learned individuals about contemporary topics impacting our nation,” says Phillips. “Additionally, we help students learn to be objective and see all sides of an issue. We teach students to be civil in their discourse and expression of ideas. Generally, we have created a community that reflects the University’s mission and values, which allows us the opportunity to respect one another’s view and perspective.” 

At OSU, “we support free speech and an environment that encourages the sharing of different ideas and perspectives,” says Mendez. “A robust public discourse is a positive contribution to the process of addressing society’s most pressing challenges, which is our charge as a land-grant institution. But we understand some issues are sensitive, and OSU offers a full complement of mental health and support services to ensure that all students, faculty and staff are heard, valued and supported.” 

No two students are the same – and how each student learns is unique. Some students have ample time and energy for studying and preparing coursework because they are students only, while others are parents or have full-time jobs to support themselves. No matter the situation, any and all students deserve their shot at a college degree – and schools are working to best meet both the collective and individual needs of students.

“At RSU, we maintain small class sizes so that faculty can get to know their students by name and journey,” says Phillips. “We encourage 1:1 meeting opportunities with instructors and staff so that we not only teach a subject, but how to navigate business processes as well. We develop opportunities for peer-to-peer experiences that help students self-reflect about their own learning and experiences, while helping others at the same time.”

At OSU, says Mendez, “we know each of our students has their own unique ideas and ambitions. They also have their own unique challenges, and we’ve crafted programming and resources to help all students succeed. With in-person, online and hybrid course options and a streamlined OSU system which includes our Stillwater, Tulsa, OSU-CHS, OSUIT and OSU-OKC locations, we are meeting students’ needs and meeting them where they are. “

OSU’s commitment to student needs is exemplified by QS Stars, a university rating system used by institutions worldwide which recently awarded OSU a 5-Star rating for its learning environment. The university was evaluated based on teaching indicators like faculty-student ratio, student satisfaction, retention rates and learning management system effectiveness. This ranking, Mendez says, reflects OSU’s commitment to crafting a learning environment where all students can learn and flourish.

It’s no secret that higher education costs continue to rise. In fact, between 1980 and 2020, the average price of tuition, fees, and room and board for an undergraduate degree increased 169%, according to a recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. While much of the cost increase is due to inflation, other factors are at work. 

“The rising cost of higher education is influenced by many factors, and for OPSU, these are predominately external factors, including escalating health and property insurance costs, increased utility and operational expenses due to aging infrastructure – the average age of a building on our campus 60 years – and higher costs from contractors and vendors,” says Dinger. 

Expenses associated with regulatory compliance contribute to the financial burden, she says. But the university is working to keep things affordable. 

“To combat these costs, OPSU is committed to keeping education affordable,” says Dinger. “We operate a financial aid optimization process, ensuring that 100% of our students receive scholarships or grants, with 61% receiving Pell grants. Our dedication to helping students access higher education has earned us the No. 1 ranking in Oklahoma by Nasdaq for affordability.”

Financial literacy for students taking on loans is another critical component of the university’s support system. This includes financial consulting through a financial aid team that “provides proactive and comprehensive financial literacy training, while our business office engages in proactive financial advising, helping students understand that education is an investment in their future and helping them make wise financial choices to treat education as a smart investment.”

NSU also focuses on remaining cost effective, says Freeman.

“It’s the only way to thrive in our new economic structure and system,” he says. “NSU continues to set itself apart from other institutions as a partner in students’ academic journey. Northeastern is here to help each scholar through the inevitable roadblocks and to remain a safe and caring place where students can find the support they need.”

At OSU, leadership understands the financial burden college can take upon students.

“Our goal is to lower the average debt of students who graduate with debt to $3,000 per year, and increase the percentage of students graduating student debt free to 60% beginning fall of 2026.” says Mendez. “It’s an ambitious goal, but at OSU, we’re fully committed to serving our students, supporting them and empowering them to reach their educational goals. And that begins with student access and affordability.”

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents’ recent decision to keep tuition and mandatory fees flat for a third straight year – marking five out of the last six years without an increase – is further reflection of OSU commitment.

“Reducing student debt and prioritizing affordability are key factors in our effort to improve student retention, but student success also hinges on academic preparedness,” she says. “Our academic advisors are critical to student success and retention, and we aim to increase advising capacity by 20% as part of our strategic goal to increase our six-year graduation rate by 10% by 2027.”

A representative for OU says that a degree from its institution “is more affordable than it was five years ago. At a time when the cost of higher education is skyrocketing at other institutions nationwide, over the past five years, OU has grown need-based aid by 38%, increased the number of scholarships awarded by more than 20% and saved over $140 million in annual operating costs. As a result, 56% of OU undergraduate students graduate debt-free, compared to 45% at four-year public universities nationwide. OU’s commitment to keeping a college degree affordable and attainable, especially for those with the greatest need, is profound and has translated into real cost-savings.” 

Kristin Dotson, CEO of Tulsa’s Celebrity Attractions, dubs the coming year as their “biggest season to date – with seven shows across nine playing weeks,” she says. This season also brings four Oklahoma premieres with Moulin Rouge! The Musical; Mrs. Doubtfire; Clue; and Back to the Future. With so many excellent musical options to consider, Dotson says putting together a season can be tough, and mentions that it starts by talking to the loyal patrons.

“We are in the lobby of every show we present, talking to the audience members to hear what they’re excited about and what’s on their Broadway wish list for Tulsa,” she says. “Many of our staff members travel to NYC to preview every show that is running on Broadway. Additionally, we are members of the Broadway League and the Independent Presenters Network, giving us connections to the industry to hear and invest in what is in the pipeline for Broadway and touring.”

Along with the aforementioned shows, Celebrity Attractions is also bringing MJ the Musical; Cirque de Soleil Songblazers; Les Miserables; and Wicked. For those not-so-wild about musicals or the theatre in general, Dotson encourages you to “give it a try. Start with something short, or something familiar. This season we have Clue – it’s not a musical and runs 90 minutes without intermission. For something familiar, sample Mrs. Doubtfire or Back to the Future. Just take the leap to be part of the energy of a live audience.” To learn more about Celebrity Attractions or to grab season tickets, visit celebrityattractions.com.

Main image credit: Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Tulsa’s go-to venue for all things performing arts and music, the Tulsa PAC hosts the works of major national companies and local theater makers alike. Just some of the many partners of the Tulsa PAC include Celebrity Attractions, Theatre Tulsa, Tulsa Opera, Chamber Music Tulsa, Tulsa Symphony and World Stage Theatre company.

With offerings that include concerts, musicals, plays, operas and comedy shows, the TPAC is a versatile and accessible hub for the arts community.

Alongside hosting a bevy of entertainment events, the TPAC’s nonprofit programs are “growing bigger than ever,” according to Amanda Nichols, the center’s director of communication. “We’ll bring yet another class of [Tulsa Public Schools] kindergartners through our doors for a free show, thanks to our Any Given Child program,” she says. “Arts in the Air, our free outdoor concert series, will be back this fall. The Discovery Awards will, once again, celebrate the best in local high school musical theatre talent and send two lucky high schoolers to New York City for their Broadway debuts. After two successful years, the Orbit Arts Festival will be back and bigger than ever in spring 2025. We even have a brand-new program, Next Narrative, which celebrates local high school acting talent.” For more information TPAC’s offerings and the 2024-2025 season, visit tulsapac.com.

Ballet, says OKC Ballet’s executive director, Jo Lynne Jones, “isn’t always pointe shoes and tutus.” In fact, she says the company’s 2024-2025 season has something for everyone – “from our free annual performance at Scissortail Park to Shorts which showcases edgy, contemporary performances. We are very intentional about making ballet more accessible to greater audiences, and music is a great device for that.”

This season kicks off with Ballet Under the Stars on Sept. 13 at Scissortail Park. The company then opens its Civic Center Music Hall season Oct. 18-20 with Peter Pan – where “everyone’s favorite characters [will be] flying across the stage,” says Jones. 

Other goodies include The Nutcracker in December, which will “debut new sets, costumes and choreography … thanks to the generous support of Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation.”

In February, the company offers Swan Lake, and finishes the season in May with a new ballet to music from the Flaming Lips. If you want to get in on the action, visit OKC Ballet on Sept. 14 for the 2nd Annual Dance Day.

“If you have not been to our fantastic studio, join us for Dance Day which will feature free classes and performances celebrating every style of dance you can imagine,” says Jones. “Come dance with us!” For more information on OKC Ballet’s season, visit okcballet.org.

Tulsa Opera, established in 1948, is the first professional performing arts organization in the state and the twelfth oldest opera company in North America. In its 76th season, Tulsa Opera’s line-up is sure to impress.

The fun begins Oct. 19 with Grand Voices: The Tulsa Opera Chorus in Concert. Combining the talents of the Tulsa Opera chorus and orchestra, Grand Voices offers a “thrilling concert of operatic chorus favorites,” according to Cindy Sadler, Tulsa Opera’s director of marketing. Next up is The Tragedy of Carmen, running Feb. 21 and 23. Following a disgraced nobleman-turned-soldier, Don José, and a beautiful, free-spirited Roma woman, Carmen, the show combines romance, tragedy and drama.

The Stabat Mater by Antonín Dvořák then runs April 26. Described as a “gorgeous, immersive experience of music, religious art and architecture,” by Sadler, the show follows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Mother Mary. Following is Renée Fleming’s Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene on May 10. Starring superstar soprano Renée Fleming, hailed by The Guardian as the barrier-breaking “go-to soprano for royals, world leaders and Broadway musicals,” the show highlights a variety of Fleming’s works. 

The season ends on a high note with The Hobbit on June 7-8; the show offers the talents of the Tulsa Youth Opera and follows J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic from beginning to end.

If you’re unsure about visiting the opera, Sadler has this to say: “Forget the stereotypes and give us a try! Opera truly is for everyone. It can make you laugh, cry, gasp and tap your toes along to the music.” For more information on Tulsa Opera and its season, visit tulsaopera.com.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art – which houses everything from paintings to prints, photographs and sculptures, offers a groundbreaking 2024-2025 exhibition season. Running from Aug. 24 to Jan. 5, a new show puts the works of one of the world’s most well-known artists, Pablo Picasso, front and center. Included in the exhibition are seventeen progressive proofs and two published linocuts, which “explore [Picasso’s] artistic process and one of printmaking’s most fascinating and demanding mediums, the linoleum cut print,” according to okcmoa.com. The show, organized by Townsend Art Advisory LLC, examines the printmaking output of the artist in his last years of life.

 

The Three Shades, at OKCMOA from Aug. 24 to Aug. 23, 2026, is a single-gallery installation “featuring one of the masterworks of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin’s The Three Shades, on loan from a private collection,” according to the website. Often dubbed the “father of modern sculpture,” Rodin is considered one of the most renowned and influential French sculptors of the late nineteenth century. Lastly, Discovering Ansel Adams opens June 7 of next year. The exhibition provides “an unprecedented and eye-opening examination of the early career of one of America’s most renowned photographers,” according to okcmoa.com. With more than 100 photographs, the showcase spans Adam’s entire career. For more information about the museum’s programming and exhibition schedules, visit okcmoa.com.

Offering dynamic showcases from September through May, Tulsa Ballet’s 2024-2025 season welcomes beloved dance favorites and some new additions.

The season kicks off with Creations in Studio K, running Sept. 13-22, featuring works from three renowned female choreographers. “Each one of them brings something special to the program, which will make the 2024 Creation in Studio K performances strikingly unique,” says Marcello Angelini, Tulsa Ballet’s artistic director.

Next up is Dracula, running Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Returning to the Tulsa Ballet stage for the first time since 2018, this tale of bloodlust and destruction provides  “the perfect balance between storytelling, exciting dance, visual allure and the inevitability and consequences of Dracula’s magnetic grip on the opposite sex,” says Angelini.

Following is Peter and the Wolf, running both Nov. 8-9 and April 11-12. Scott Black, Tulsa Ballet’s managing director, dubs this piece as a “great entry point for someone who has never experienced a ballet performance.” A beloved Tulsa Ballet tradition, The Nutcracker, returns Dec. 8-22, followed by Alice in Wonderland, Feb. 27-March 2. The latter, an epic new work commissioned by Tulsa Ballet, was created by a team of artists who will bring the adventures of Alice to the other side of the looking glass to life. The season concludes with The Three Musketeers, April 3-6, as well as the Signature Series on May 8-11, which offers three spell-binding performances in one evening.

For more information about Tulsa Ballet’s upcoming season, visit tulsaballet.org.

It’s a busy time at Oklahoma City-based Oklahoma Contemporary, with much to look forward to.

“I am most excited about the incredible lineup of exhibitions and programs we have planned over the next year,” says Trent Riley, the center’s executive director. “From groundbreaking contemporary art shows such as Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California and Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Honor Song, to dynamic programs such as our Second Saturday Sensory Friendly Hours and community conversations, the next year will provide more opportunities than ever before for the communities we serve to connect with contemporary art.”

Honor Song, which Riley describes as a profound tribute to the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, opens in February.

“We believe that art has the power to provoke reflection, inspire empathy and spark positive change,” says Pablo Barrera (Wixáritari), an adjunct curator with Oklahoma Contemporary. “Edgar Heap of Birds’ artwork remains an important part of the American cultural landscape, and supporting artists like Heap of Birds speaks to Oklahoma Contemporary’s mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts. We are excited to see how this exhibition will resonate with audiences and contribute to meaningful dialogue within the field.”

And to Oklahomans who wouldn’t normally find themselves looking at contemporary art in their off hours, Riley offers some words of encouragement. “Come and engage with the transformative power of creativity – you might just discover a newfound appreciation for the arts and learn a little about yourself too.” For more information on Oklahoma Contemporary’s exhibition schedules and other programming, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.

Located in Stillwater, the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts is prepped and ready for a knockout 2024-2025 season. 

The fun kicks off with three solo performances – Vince Gill on Sept. 12, Idina Menzel on Sept. 13 and Grace Potter on Sept. 20. Next up is the formidable Formosa Quartet on Sept. 24, alongside Time for Three – a Grammy Award-winning trio that offers classical music, Americana and singer-songwriter styles. on Oct. 4. Lyle Lovett visits on Oct. 12, followed by flutist and educator Claire Chase, and jazz artist Esperanza Spalding Nov. 15. Alongside a bevy of concerts in the line-up, McKnight also offers theatre; shows include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on Nov. 6-7, Chicago the Musical on Feb. 22-23, and crowd favorite Mean Girls on April 15-16. 

Other can’t-miss shows include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 23-24, the Martha Graham Dance Company on Feb. 8, and Yefim Bronfman on April 11.

For more information on the upcoming season, visit mcknightcenter.org.

108 Contemporary

Natural Rhythms: Hayley Nichols &
Nic Annette Miller
Aug. 2-Sept. 22

Kendall Ross & Taryn Singleton: Rose Colored Glasses
Oct. 4-Nov. 24

VisionMakers2024
Dec. 6-Jan. 26

Doug Cannell
Feb. 7-March 22

Red Heat Collective
April 4-May 24

Joe Kissinger & Sarah Robl
June 6-July 26

American Theatre Company

Patrimony
Sept. 27-Oct. 6

A Christmas Carol
Dec. 6-22

The Outsiders
March 27-30

Always… Patsy Cline
May 1-11

Armstrong Auditorium

Renee Fleming
Sept. 12

Aznavoorian Sisters
Nov. 7

Rachel Barton Pine
Nov. 21

Boston Brass and Imani Winds 
Jan. 28

Czech Philharmonic
Feb. 19

Les Arts Florissants Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
March 17

Voctave 
March 27

BOK Center

Hozier
Aug. 10

Barry Manilow
Aug. 23

Future and Metro Boomin
Aug. 25

Tucker Carlson
Sept. 11

The Avett Brothers 
Sept. 18

Junior H 
Sept. 20

Jelly Roll 
Oct. 18

Korn
Oct. 23

Whiskey Myers 
Nov. 1

Pink 
Nov. 8

Santa Fe Klan
Nov. 9

Aerosmith
Nov. 12

Little Big Town + Sugarland 
Nov. 23

Billy Strings 
Dec. 10

Zach Bryan
Dec. 12-14

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center

Kristin Chenoweth Christmas
Dec. 7

Ana Gasteyer: Sugar & Booze
Dec. 16

The Addams Family
Feb. 20

The Cher Show
April 28

Canterbury Voices

Loksi’ Shaali’ (Shell Shaker): A Chickasaw Opera
Oct. 27

Sing We Now of Christmas
Dec. 8

Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil
March 1

Crescendo! An Evening with Canterbury
May 15

Celebrity Attractions

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Aug. 6-11

Bluey’s Big Play
Sept. 3

MJ the Musical
Oct. 15-20

Mrs. Doubtfire
Nov. 12-17

Cirque de Soleil Songblazers, In partnership with TPAC
Nov. 22-24

Les Miserables
Jan. 21-26

Clue: A New Comedy
Feb. 11-16

Back to the Future: The Musical
April 15-20

Wicked 
May 28-June 15

Chamber Music Tulsa

Formosa Quartet
Sept. 21-22 

Miro Quartet
Oct. 18-20

Trio Bohemo
Nov. 15-17

Escher Quartet 
Feb. 8-9

Notos Quartet 
March 7-9

Kenari Quartet 
April 25-27

Civic Center Music Hall

Events listed are presented by the Civic Center Music Hall or out-of-state organizations; events presented by other local performing arts companies, also hosted at the Civic, are listed under the according company

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble
Aug. 17

Franco Escamilla ‘1995’
Aug. 23

A Drag Queen Christmas 
Dec. 1

Discovery Lab 

Educator Appreciation Night
Aug. 8

Tinkerfest
Sept. 7

Discovery After Dark
Sept. 13

Imaginate by Ontario Science Centre
Through November

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec. 31

Introduce a Girl to Engineering
February

Mad Scientist Ball
April 26

First Americans Museum

One Place, Many Nations: Acknowledging the 39
Through 2025

OKLA HOMMA
Ongoing

WINIKO: Life of an Object
Ongoing

21st Century Mound Builders
Ongoing

Vessels that Carried Us: Kiowa Cradleboards
Ongoing

Chef Loretta’s Garden
Ongoing

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Un/Natural Selections: Wildlife in Contemporary Art
Through Sept. 24

Art Adventures

Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19

Greenwood Rising

Still We Rise
Ongoing

The Greenwood Spirit
Ongoing

The Arc of Oppression
Ongoing

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Ongoing

Changing Fortunes
Ongoing

A Journey Towards Reconciliation 
Ongoing

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

Worldwide Day of Play
Sept. 28

We Are Thankful for Our Community Free Day
Nov. 24

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec. 31

Explorers Hall
Ongoing 

Main Street
Ongoing

Science Wing
Ongoing

Roesler Hall
Ongoing

Living Arts

Dreams: An Exploration of the Strange and Unusual 
Sept. 6-Oct. 12 

Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival & Exhibition 
Nov. 1-16

Faith Green & Lauren Hensen 
Dec. 6-21

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Cinderella 
Through Aug. 4

Once on This Island
Sept. 18-Oct. 6

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
Nov. 23-Dec. 27

Mabee Center

Promise Keepers: Daring Faith
Aug. 9-10

Anne Wilson
Sept. 12

The Complete Beatles Experience: Liverpool Legends 
Sept. 14

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 

Birds in Art
Through Aug. 11

Art of the Ancient World Collection
Ongoing

Ancient Art of the Americas Collection
Ongoing

European Art Collection
Ongoing

Asian Art Collection
Ongoing

Spanish Colonial Art Collection
Ongoing

American Art Collection
Ongoing

Native American Art Collection
Ongoing

African and Oceanic Art Collection
Ongoing

McKnight Center for Performing Arts

An Evening with Vince Gill
Sept. 12

An Evening with Idina Menzel 
Sept. 13

Grace Potter 
Sept. 20

Formosa Quartet
Sept. 24

Time for Three
Oct. 4

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
Oct. 12

Claire Chase
Oct. 22

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Nov. 6

Esperanza Spalding 
Nov. 15 

Craig Taborn 
Nov. 19

Kings ReJoyce: Joyce DiDonato & Kings Return 
Dec. 5

Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Jan. 23-24

Martha Graham Dance Company
Feb. 8

Jennifer Koh
Feb. 11

An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry
Feb. 14

Chicago the Musical 
Feb. 22-23

Chamber Music Sessions
March 1, 4

Yarn/Wire
April 1

Yefim Bronfman 
April 11

Mean Girls 
April 15

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

The Western Trail: The Greatest Cattle Trail of Them All at 150
Sept. 13-Jan. 5

Imprisoned but Empowered: Cheyenne Warrior Artists from Fort Marion
Sept. 13-Jan. 5

Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale
Sept. 27-Dec. 1

Small Works, Great Wonders
Nov. 2-Dec. 1

OKC Ballet

Ballet Under the Stars
Sept. 13

Peter Pan
Oct. 18-20

Sensory-friendly version Oct. 19
The Nutcracker

Dec. 14-23
Sensory-friendly version Dec. 18

Swan Lake
Feb. 7-16

Sensory-friendly version Feb. 15

Future Voices
March 20-23

Shorts 
May 9-11

OKC Broadway

Bluey’s Big Play
Aug. 15

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 
Sept. 3-15

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
Sept. 24

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert
Sept. 25

MJ The Musical
Oct. 1-6

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 6-10

Beetlejuice
Nov. 19-24

Peter Pan
March 18-23

Some Like It Hot
April 1-6

& Juliet
April 29-May 4

OKC Philharmonic

Sunday in the Park with the PHIL! 
Sept. 15

Opening Night with Midori
Sept. 21

The Organ Symphony
Oct. 12

Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
Nov. 1-2

From the Highlands
Nov. 16

A Very Merry Pops with Tony DeSare & Ashley Brown
Dec. 6-7

Dichter Plays Grieg
Jan. 11

Defying Gravity: Stephen Schwartz & Friends
Jan. 24-25

Symphonies East & West
Feb. 22 

Pink Martini and China Forbes: 30th Anniversary Season
March 7-8

Sarah Chang Returns
March 15

The Music of Tina Turner 
April 11-12

World Premiere! 
April 19

Music of the Knights
May 23-24

An Alpine Symphony
May 17

OKC Town Hall

Seth Dillon
Sept. 19

Joe Theismann
Oct. 17

Chad Alexander 
Nov. 21

Stephen Moore
Feb. 20

Joel Sartore 
March 20

Kayleigh McEnany 
April 17

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Picasso Prints Exhibition 
Aug. 24-Jan. 5

The Three Shades
Aug. 24-Aug. 23, 2026

Edith Head: The Golden Age of Hollywood Costume Design
Through Sept. 29

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty
Through Jan. 5

Discovering Ansel Adams
June 5-Sept. 28, 2025

Cynthia Daignault: Oklahoma
Ongoing

Oklahoma Contemporary

With Love presents “Freedom Story,” a Clara Luper Legac Arts Event
Aug. 15

Community Conversation: SHELTER
Aug. 17

Outré West Opening Celebration and Curator Panel
Aug. 22

Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California
Aug. 22-Jan. 27

Second Saturdays
Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14

Cure-8 Performances
Oct. 3-5

Free Art Kits and Family Tours
Nov. 30

Eduardo Sarabia: Green Vines
Through Jan. 6

Jose Dávila
Through Jan. 6

Shelter
Through Jan. 6

Eva Schlegel: Multiple Voices
Through Jan. 13

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds Artist Talk
Feb. 20

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Honor Song
February 2025

Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre

In partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary 

The Thanksgiving Play
Nov. 7-17

Under the Radar
Jan. 17-19

What the Constitution Means to Me
April 3-13

Frederick Douglas Now
May 1-4

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park

Macbeth
Aug. 1-18

Hamlet
Sept. 12-29

Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker 
Dec. 5-22

Painted Sky Opera

Lizzie Borden
Sept. 26, 28, 29

Paycom Center

Childish Gambino 
Aug. 11

Queens of R&B
Aug. 14

Barry Manilow
Aug. 17

Grupo Frontera
Aug. 18

Luke Bryan
Aug. 22

Hozier
Sept. 26

MercyMe 
Oct. 26

Creed
Nov. 2

Lainey Wilson
Nov. 7

Justin Timberlake 
Dec. 2

Alan Jackson 
Jan. 18

Philbrook Museum of Art

Celia Álvarez Muñoz: Breaking the Binding
Through Aug. 25

Eduardo Sarabia: Ceiba Sagrada 
Through Dec. 28

American Artists, American Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776-1976
Sept. 25-Dec. 29

Here be Dragons: Mapping the Real and Imagined
Through Dec. 29

Timo Fahler: Shrug Atlas
Through June 1

Sam Noble Museum

Chase Earles: The History of Caddo Pottery
Sept. 28

After-Hours Art Labs
Oct. 1, 15, 29, and Nov. 12

Prehistoric Visions: Evolving Perspectives on Fossil Animals and Paleoart
Through Dec. 1

Orientation Gallery
Ongoing

Hall of World Cultures
Ongoing

Hall of Natural Wonders
Ongoing

Hall of the People of Oklahoma
Ongoing

Hall of Ancient Life 
Ongoing 

Science Museum Oklahoma

Out of the Toybox: The Toy Photography of Mitchel Wu
Through Fall 2025

Currents: Turning the Tide on Ocean Conservation
Through Sept. 8, 2025

Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art

Spartan Boys: A Tulsa Jewish Story
Through Sept. 9

Beyond the Mold: Unpacking Ken Doll’s Evolution
Through Nov. 3

Curator’s Curios
Through Dec. 31

Jacob’s Ladder
Ongoing

Signature Symphony 

Three is a Party
Sept. 28

Spooky Jazz Night
Oct. 29

Christmas in Tulsa
Dec. 13-14

Pictures Reimagined
Jan. 25

Tulsa Sings! Open Mic Night
March 8

Go Big or Go Home
April 26

Theatre Tulsa

Waitress
Sept. 7-21

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct. 26, 31

Avenue Q: School Edition
Nov. 8-10

Oliver! 
Jan. 10-26

[Title of Show]
March 7-9

The Play That Goes Wrong
March 20-25

Hello, Dolly!
April 11-20

Alice in Wonderland Jr.
May 23-25

Tulsa Air and Space Museum

CAF AirPower History Tour
Oct. 18

Pacific Hanger Dance with Live Orchestra Music
Oct. 26

Ray Booker Flight Lab
Ongoing

Build Your Own Aircraft Simulator
Ongoing

Bernouilli’s Principle
Ongoing

Shuttle Simulator
Ongoing

James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium
Ongoing

Tulsa Ballet

Creations in Studio K
Sept. 13-22

Bella Cucina: The Art of Food
Oct. 9-26

Dracula
Oct. 31-Nov. 3

Peter and the Wolf 
Nov. 8-9, April 11-12

The Nutcracker Festival
Dec. 6-7

The Nutcracker
Dec. 8-22

Alice in Wonderland
Feb. 27-March 2

The Three Musketeers 
April 3-6

Signature Series 
May 8-11

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Autumn in the Botanic Garden
September-October

Botanic Garden of Lights
Select nights Dec. 4-Dec. 29

Tulsa Botanic Blooms
March-April 

Tulsa Chorale

Brahms Requiem
Nov. 18

Rutter Requiem
Feb. 10

Mozart Requiem with Tulsa Symphony Orchestra
April 13

Tulsa Opera

Grand Voices: The Tulsa Opera Chorus in Concert
Oct. 19

The Tragedy of Carmen
Feb. 21, 23

The Stabat Mater by Antonín Dvořák
April 26

Renée Fleming’s Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene
May 10

A Reception with Renée Fleming
May 10

The Hobbit
June 7-8

Tulsa PAC

Events listed are presented by the TPAC or out-of-state agencies; events presented by other local performing arts companies, also to be hosted at the TPAC, are listed under the according company

Fiddler on the Roof 
Aug. 16 

Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite 
Sept. 21-22

Fellowship for the Performing Arts presents: The Screwtape Letters
Sept. 29

Jim Brickman: Comfort and Joy
Nov. 14

Emery Entertainment presents: Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Nov. 20-23

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre

Pollyanna
Aug. 2-4

4th Annual Olio Follies Fundraiser
Aug. 9

Evan Hughes Comedy Night
Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 18, Nov. 29, Dec. 27

Gravestone Manor
Oct. 4-6, 11-13

Christmas Toy School at the North Pole
Dec. 6-8, 13-15

The Drunkard and the Olio
Every Saturday

Tulsa Symphony

Ravel and Tchaikovsky
Sept. 14

Chamber Music Series at 101 Archer: Death and the Maiden
Sept. 20

Symphony Sessions at TU: Showcase
Oct. 6

Brahms and Bartok
Oct. 12

Chamber Music Series at 101 Archer: Mozart
Nov. 22

Mariachi Christmas featuring Mariachi Los Camperos 
Nov. 30

Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde
Jan. 11

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet 
Feb. 1

Chamber Music Series at 101 Archer: Cinematic 
Feb. 14

Symphony Sessions at TU: Flare
May 9

Dvorak and Strauss 
April 12

Chamber Music Series at 101 Archer: Brass
April 25

Debussy and Rachmaninoff 
May 17

Tulsa Town Hall

Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Sept. 14

Father Greg Boyle
Nov. 8

Cheech Marin
Jan. 31

Cristina Mittermeier
March 21

Denise Kiernan 
April 11

Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts

Rita & L’heure Espagnole
Sept. 26-29

As You Like It
Oct. 11-13, 18-20

Oklahoma Festival Ballet 
Nov. 1, 3, 8-10

Rent
Nov. 22-24, Dec. 6-8

Waiting for Lefty
Feb. 7-9, 14-16

Rise & Fall of the City of Mahagonny
March 6-9

The 25th Annual Puntam County Spelling Bee
April 4-6, 11-13

Woody Guthrie Center

2024 Woody Guthrie Prize
Sept. 25

Have You Heard? The War is Over: Phil Ochs and the 1960s Peace Movement 
Ongoing 

My Eye to a Lens: Music Photography of David Gahr 
Ongoing