Oklahoma City welcomed 25 million visitors in 2025, generating a record $4.8 billion in economic impact across the metro, according to a new Tourism Economics study. Visitor spending grew 3.5 percent, averaging $7.9 million per day. Of the city’s 25 million visitors, 16.5 million were day-trippers and 8.4 million stayed overnight. Overnight visitors accounted for […]
Gazette staff
Posted inArts & Culture
OKC Ballet opens season with two free community events
The seventh annual Ballet Under the Stars begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Scissortail Park. The outdoor performance will feature a mix of classical ballet and contemporary works.
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
OKC Zoo welcomes two endangered gorillas
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, with wild populations threatened by poaching, disease and habitat destruction. The OKC Zoo supports gorilla conservation through several programs, including its partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Posted inArts & Culture
Tower Theatre Celebrates Route 66 Centennial with Free Family Movie Night
Friends of Uptown Foundation and Tower Theatre will celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with a free family movie night Monday, Aug. 24. Disney Pixar’s Cars will screen at Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St., along Oklahoma City’s historic Route 66 corridor. The event is the first in a three-part movie series celebrating the Mother Road’s […]
Posted inNews
Mazzei Flip Flops On Debate Promises: Will not share financial information
The last question of the August 3 GOP Gubernatorial Debate with Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei was fairly direct: Should candidates for Governor voluntarily submit tax returns and health information? Gentner Drummond responded first, stating directly that he would submit tax returns, health information and even take a drug test. Mike Mazzei’s response was much […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Oklahoma Bio Week returns Aug. 17-21
Oklahoma Bio Week returns Aug. 17-21 with a series of events highlighting the state’s growing bioscience and life sciences industries. Hosted by the Oklahoma City Innovation District in partnership with Life Science Oklahoma, the second annual event brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, educators, students and community members for programs focused on biotechnology, healthcare innovation, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pumpkinville celebrates Route 66 centennial at Myriad Botanical Gardens
Myriad Botanical Gardens will take families on a trip down the Mother Road this fall with Pumpkinville: Road to Route 66, running Oct. 1-25 in downtown Oklahoma City. Inspired by the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, this year’s Pumpkinville will feature thousands of pumpkins, seasonal displays, family activities and larger-than-life pumpkin murals depicting landmarks […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
OKC Zoo, Red Coyote host run for monarch conservation
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is teaming up with Red Coyote and Boldt for an evening fun run supporting monarch butterfly conservation on Thursday, Aug. 27. The approximately 3-mile Red Coyote Zoo Run Club course winds through the Zoo’s 100-acre park and is open to runners of all paces and abilities. Proceeds benefit […]
Posted inNews
OKC Streetcar fares are now permanently free
The OKC Streetcar is officially free to ride. The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) adopted a resolution Aug. 7 eliminating fares on the OKC Streetcar and establishing permanent zero-fare service. EMBARK launched a free-fare pilot program in January to determine whether eliminating the cost of riding would increase streetcar use. According to a […]
Posted inNews
City seeks public input on Downtown OKC Strategic Plan
Oklahoma City officials are asking residents, business owners and visitors to help shape the future of downtown by participating in a public survey for the Downtown Oklahoma City Strategic Plan. The long-range planning effort will guide future decisions involving Downtown and Bricktown, including land use, transportation, housing, public spaces, infrastructure and private development. City planners […]