The best things to do in Tulsa right now

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A post shared by The Outsiders House Museum (@theoutsidershouse)

The house where the fictional Curtis brothers lived in Francis Ford Coppola's seminal coming-of-age film, The Outsiders, is perfectly preserved and ready to welcome visitors. The movie was filmed here in 1982, but it wasn't until 2016 that it started taking shape as its current iteration when superfan and hip-hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor purchased and renovated it to share his love for the movie and his extensive collection of Outsiders memorabilia. The house opened to the public as a museum in August 2019. 

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A post shared by Gathering Place (@gathertulsa)

Tulsa's riverfront Gathering Place is truly a park like no other. The 65-acre greenspace packs it in with multiple playgrounds, a skate park, picnic areas, splash pads, 120 feet of suspension bridges, beach access, a boathouse and gardens. It's spectacular for people of all ages and absolutely free to visit. 

Opened in 2022, the Bob Dylan Center is an extensive museum dedicated to the life and work of the eponymous folk singer-songwriter. Over 100,000 items spanning seven decades, from Dylan's old manuscripts and unreleased recordings to performance footage and photographs, are displayed. In addition to surrounding themselves with a treasure trove of Bob Dylan’s stuff (which he sold to the Tulsa-based George Kaiser Family Foundation and the University of Tulsa in 2016), guests can participate in members-only programming and attend public concerts at the Olson Kundig-designed space. 

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The accolades are numerous, and the fans are copious for American Solera, a 2023 James Beard Outstanding Bar Award Semifinalist and RateBeer Best New Brewery in 2016. The Tulsa darling, which now boasts an Edmond location, serves 16 beers on tap, bottled options, wine and several non-alcoholic drinks. There’s always something tasty to sample here.

Oklahoma's most impressive museum houses one of the South’s biggest collections of contemporary, Asian, European and Native American art. It's one of Tulsa’s top draws, thanks to its incredible collection and scenic location—the Philbrook is housed in a Tuscan-style villa (the former home of prominent oil businessman Waite Phillips and his wife Genevieve), on several acres of gorgeous, meticulously manicured gardens. Ghost hunters take note: the Philbrook has been the site of several supernatural sightings.

A visit to the city isn’t complete without catching a show where Sid Vicious famously lost his temper and punched a hole in the wall (a spot that was later framed). Since then, hundreds of famous bands and singers—including Bob Dylan, Bob Willis, Fleet Foxes, Jack White and Beck—have taken the stage. One of the top live music venues in the country, let alone the city, Cain’s Ballroom was built in 1924 and still retains its iconic reputation.

As famed Oklahoman Woody Guthrie once sang, “This land was made for you and me.” The appropriately named Guthrie Green is a lovely urban garden and performance space in the Tulsa Arts District. The park features shaded footpaths, a huge lawn, an outdoor stage and The Dock pavilion. This downtown green space provides the backdrop for outdoor concerts, fitness classes, family activities and other citywide events, all of which are free and open to the public.

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A post shared by Tulsa Farmers’ Market (@tulsafarmersmarket)

This lively, seasonal farmers’ market provides the best in local and organic produce, in addition to baked goods, garden crafts and live music. Since 1998, the farmers’ market has been a staple for Tulsans craving seasonal, sustainable produce, herbs and dairy products. In addition, the market always has great handmade goods and gourmet foodstuffs for purchase.

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A post shared by Woody Guthrie Center (@woodyguthriecenter)

More than just a stuffy museum or historical site, the Woody Guthrie Center is a fitting, immersive experience that offers rich insight into the life of one of Oklahoma’s most notable figures. There are tons of interactive displays, videos and interesting exhibits that detail Guthrie’s lifespan and outline his progressive views on important human rights issues. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.

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A post shared by Circle Cinema (@circlecinema)

Originally opened in 1928, Circle Cinema is the city’s oldest-standing movie theater and its only non-profit independent movie theater. The cinema boasts consistently fantastic programming, including classic films, foreign films, art house flicks, and documentaries. Circle Cinema offers a singular, unique moviegoing experience, as well as educational programs, occasional speakers, and special events.