Hi! I recently moved to Tulsa and am wondering what do folks do for entertainment around here? I don't drink so bars are out. I like sports, music, art, theater that kind of thing. Any suggestions?
By bypassing the bars, you will miss lots of neat bands. In fact, if you want a good mix, check out Crytal Pistol this Saturday evening (in the Brady District, next to Cain's and Soundpony). There are three bands performing, two of which I like a lot.
There are lots of things to do in the Tulsa area. If you are into Art, check out the two musuems we have (Philbrook and Gilcrease). The city also has plenty of fesitvals including Oktoberfest, Mayfest, Dfest, and several others that I can't think of at the moment.
If you have kids, Bartlesville has a kids amusement park that is cheap (.25 cents a ride). They also sell the biggest bag of cotton candy I have ever seen in my life for a $1.50. It is only open weekends from 7-10pm and tonight is the last night for the season I believe. Also, Riverparks has a nice park donated by Quiktrip at 41st and Riverside. They have volleyball courts with nets, all you have to do is bring a ball to my knowledge. You can also rent bikes for free, they do require a credit or debit card, but once you return the bike, there is no charge.
Several parks in the area such as Mohawk offer nature trails, Woodpark is a great place to take pictures and see the amazing flowers when in bloom.
There are several theaters around town as well as the PAC downtown and Heller Theather that offer broadway shows, etc. I am not much into the arts as some others on the board, so I apologize.
If you are into sports, there are several local softball leagues that play year round out at Carl Smith in East Tulsa and also at All Star at 61st and 169.
I am sure I am leaving a TON of things out, but hopefully this is a start. Welcome to Tulsa.
If you're from one of those states with a real winter, you may be interested in the women's hockey team. There are running and cycling events nearly every weekend somewhere nearby. There's an active triathlon group, and maybe even local Hashers, though I'm not sure about it.
Tulsa went through a major building boom in the 20s and 30s, resulting in some of the nation's best Art Deco architecture. Someone with more information can fill you in on that.
If you like museums and art, there's the Philbrook and the Gilcrease. Both are well worth seeing.
If you're the muddy boots type, there's the Oxley Nature Center and the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. They're nice spots for a short day hike. Bring binoculars and a camera, because Oxley offers good opportunities to see some wildlife.
The Tulsa Fairground has a flea market every weekend. It can be fun to poke around and look for oldies but goodies.
Welcome to Tulsa!
Quote from: mngirl on August 28, 2009, 09:39:40 PM
Hi! I recently moved to Tulsa and am wondering what do folks do for entertainment around here? I don't drink so bars are out. I like sports, music, art, theater that kind of thing. Any suggestions?
Tons to pick from....but fair warning. Alcohol seems to be the drug of choice in Tulsa and on TNF.
You dont HAVE to drink alcohol to go to the bars. Most of the time I dont drink but really go to enjoy chatting, dancing, hanging with friends, listening to live music and of course people watching. 8)
Sports, try V-ball at the park by 71st and Riverside one evening.
Arts, or course Philbrook, Gilcrease, Sherwin Miller Jewish museum, Living Arts in the Brady District, and the Living Arts studios will likely have lists of other gallery openings and events. (hopefully we will have a fun Art-Deco museum in the mix one of these days :P )
Maybe go to the Tulsa Comic & Anime Expo on September 19th & 20th at the Tulsa Convention Center. http://tulsacomicandanimeexpo.com/main/
They are sure to have all kinds of crazy art things there and you can dress up as something on a night other than Halloween. Also you can see the last remnants of our old convention center before it changes. I go to these every few years and they sure are interesting.
go driving around
(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u94/fishamen/125166048980873.jpg)
Catch a movie at the Circle Cinema, or go see a free outdoor movie September 2 at the William's Green at 3rd and Boston.
Depends on what kind of entertainment you're looking for. Plenty of good ideas in the thread already, but be aware that Tulsa is LOADED with hobbyist clubs - from model airplanes (Tulsa Glue Daubers) to scrapbooking to rugby - if you're looking for like-minded people to enjoy your hobby with, there's probably an outlet for you here.
Also be aware that the performing arts season begins in September. Tulsa Symphony, Signature Symphony at TCC, Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Opera all start their seasons in the fall.
Quote from: mngirl on August 28, 2009, 09:39:40 PM
Hi! I recently moved to Tulsa and am wondering what do folks do for entertainment around here? I don't drink so bars are out. I like sports, music, art, theater that kind of thing. Any suggestions?
I don't drink either but manage to keep myself entertained.
As mentioned elsewhere, we have tons of great museums, concerts, shows, etc.
Bike/Jogging Trails
Public Tennis Courts
For spectator sports: University of Tulsa starts the football season soon. ORU and TU are both in the beginning of soccer season. High school football is popular around here, even as a spectator sport. The AA Drillers are finishing up their season. Currently the Tallon's and the Oilers are off the field/ice respectively and I'm not sure what the 66ers (D NBA) are up to. But there are plenty of options to spectate athletics (I highly recommend TU football ;D).
Several highly noted museums locally: Gilcrease and Philbrook foremost.
Plenty of nature/hiking trails nearby.
Many lakes within a short drive to swim, boat, or just walk around the shoreline (if you see a Hobie Cat, feel free to ask for a ride!).
The zoo and aquarium are very visitor friendly.
There are several places you can "rent" horses for a ride.
Discovery Land live performances of OKLAHOMA! still going on (I think).
The BOK Center has tons of big names acts floating by.
The PAC and TCC as well as various other theaters have plays, comedians, musicals, and other entertainment coming in all the time. Soon(ish) Rocky Horror will start at the PAC, I highly recommend it for a fun night out.
There are several shooting ranges that will rent firearms and range time, if you have an urge to go shooting.
Expo Square nearly ALWAYS has something going on. A flea market, a gun show, a horse show, 4H competitions, live horse racing, and soon the Tulsa State Fair. Best people watching ever. I dare you to eat one of everything that is fried.
There are several race tracks nearby: stock car, sprint cars, or drag racing.
Festivals come and go in town: Scottish festival, Oktoberfest (a must go), Dfest (music festival) . . . just to name a few.
For a nice afternoon check out Woodard park, the Rose Garden, and the Linnaeus Gardens at 21st and Peoria. While there check out the Tulsa Historical Society and whatever is going on at the Garden Center.
Did I mention Tulsa football?
There's plenty to do, enjoy.
You should go to Oktoberfest in mid October on the west bank of the Arkansas River. It is the most fun you can have in Tulsa. I have volunteered there the last 4 years. If you don't want to drink beer you can get a wrist band stating you are a designated driver and you get free soda. The food and chicken dancing is also worth the visit. I recommend going at 7pm to close on Saturday.
http://www.tulsaoktoberfest.org/
When fall starts happening and the leaves start changing, go for a hike at
Greenleaf St. Park - 1 hr SE of Tulsa. There is a really nice hiking trail. Most of it closed at different times for hunting season, but its clearly marked where it's closed (right after this bridge over the water). Anyhow, its a good 1.5 - 2 hr hike to the bridge and makes for a nice day hike, its a beautiful hike in the fall. The trail is pretty well marked.
Woolaroc - 1 hr NW of Tulsa. Pretty cool museum / ranch with a ton of Native American artifacts. Its worth the trip though for an afternoon, a must if youre interested in Native Americans.
Turkey Mountain - hiking trails in south Tulsa. 71st and Elwood area.
Casinos
Bike the Osage trail, it's new and it's very pretty.
Join a running club: find one at: http://tulsamillionmiles.com
Quote from: mngirl on August 28, 2009, 09:39:40 PM
Hi! I recently moved to Tulsa and am wondering what do folks do for entertainment around here? I don't drink so bars are out. I like sports, music, art, theater that kind of thing. Any suggestions?
If you like sports, hockey starts October 24th at the BOK Center. Our team has stunk for the last five or six seasons or more, but it's a good way to meet people (many friends I have now I do so because of hockey).
http://www.tulsaoilers.com
Hiking spots in and around Tulsa:
-Turkey Mtn. (W 68th & Elwood) has 10+ miles of wooded trails with an elevation change of ~300 ft. and nice views of the entire city and Arkansas River below.
-Chandler Park (W 21st & 61st W Ave.) has lots of trails through wooded and hilly terrain, also with good views of the city and river. Also lots of rock outcroppings and cliffs if you like to rock climb.
-Centennial Gardens (N 31st & 55th W Ave.) is a 160 acre nature park under construction with trails complete and soon will have gardens and a visitor center. More good views and secluded area not far from downtown.
-Oxley Nature Center/Mohawk Park (Mohawk Blvd. by the zoo and north of the airport) has wooded trails that go through Bird Creek river bottom land with swamps and wetlands near a small lake.
-Redbud Valley Nature Preserve (161st E Ave. & Redbud Dr.) also follows Bird Creek before it empties into the Verdigris but is hillier with some rocky areas and cliffs. Neat area not many know about just northwest of Catoosa by the rock quarries.
-Midland Valley Trail (31st & Riverside) this paved trail follows the old MV railroad through Tulsa. Follow it from the river trails through Maple Ridge up to near downtown and then to OSU-Tulsa. From OSU this trail goes 20 miles all the way to Skiatook through both flat and hilly terrain and across several creeks on old rail bridges.
Quote from: Hoss on September 01, 2009, 06:18:15 PM
If you like sports, hockey starts October 24th at the BOK Center. Our team has stunk for the last five or six seasons or more, but it's a good way to meet people (many friends I have now I do so because of hockey).
http://www.tulsaoilers.com
(http://media.insidepulse.com/zones/radioexile/uploads/2009/03/beavis-and-butthead.jpg)
Are there going to be like any, you know, hot chicks there or something?
Heh, heh, hee, huh, huh
Quote from: Conan71 on September 08, 2009, 09:10:44 AM
(http://media.insidepulse.com/zones/radioexile/uploads/2009/03/beavis-and-butthead.jpg)
Are there going to be like any, you know, hot chicks there or something?
Heh, heh, hee, huh, huh
You familiar with the term 'puck bunnies'?
Quote from: Hoss on September 08, 2009, 09:53:15 AM
You familiar with the term 'puck bunnies'?
No, but something that rhymes with that... :P
Quote from: Conan71 on September 08, 2009, 09:59:19 AM
No, but something that rhymes with that... :P
They're pretty much synonymous.
;D
Thank you all! These are great suggestions! I really appreciate them! Will make it a point to try all the different things you've suggested :)
Quote from: carltonplace on September 01, 2009, 11:20:05 AM
Bike the Osage trail, it's new and it's very pretty.
Join a running club: find one at: http://tulsamillionmiles.com
WoW that's a intresting web site. Tulsa's Million Miles. Tulsa is known as a "runners city"
Quote from: mngirl on August 28, 2009, 09:39:40 PM
Hi! I recently moved to Tulsa and am wondering what do folks do for entertainment around here? I don't drink so bars are out. I like sports, music, art, theater that kind of thing. Any suggestions?
Your like me I also don't drink or go to bars. Anyhow, Tulsa has some great jogging trails, I'm a big running nut so just give me warm weather, clear blue skys, and a jogging trail and I'm happy. Sometimes they play music or have music bands at places along the river.
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 02, 2009, 10:30:05 AM
Your like me I also don't drink or go to bars. Anyhow, Tulsa has some great jogging trails, I'm a big running nut so just give me warm weather, clear blue skys, and a jogging trail and I'm happy. Sometimes they play music or have music bands at places along the river.
Which river, the Missouri?
MNgirl, understand that Sauerkraut is NOT a Tulsa resident. He may have lived here in the past, but that was some time ago.
And don't let his 'I visit frequently' throw you off.
Just remember: Sauerkraut = non-resident