Labor Day weekend is almost here, and for anyone still deciding what to do with the extra day off, the calendar around Tulsa and Oklahoma City is filling out nicely.
This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, giving Oklahomans a three-day weekend with a little bit of everything — live music, college football, local markets and a few chances to get outside before summer starts giving way to fall.
First Friday Art Crawl and Symphony in the Park
The September First Friday Art Crawl returns to the Tulsa Arts District on September 4, with galleries, vendors and activities spread throughout the neighborhood.
Guthrie Green will also host Symphony in the Park that evening, with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra performing outdoors from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and is free to attend. Along with the concert, visitors can expect food trucks, family activities, face painting and an instrument petting zoo.
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State
The University of Tulsa will open its 2026 season against Oklahoma State at H.A. Chapman Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m.
The matchup comes a year after Tulsa defeated Oklahoma State 19-12 in Stillwater, snapping the Cowboys’ 10-game winning streak in the series. It will be the 78th meeting between the two programs.
Single-game tickets have already sold out, according to the university, although verified resale tickets and some ticket packages may still be available.
Gladys Knight at Hard Rock Live
Gladys Knight is scheduled to perform at Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner has spent more than six decades performing, with a catalog that stretches across R&B, pop, gospel and soul.
For anyone looking for live music during the holiday weekend, the concert gives the Tulsa area a major Saturday-night option.
Scissortail Park Farmers Market
The Scissortail Park Farmers Market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The producer-only market features Oklahoma farmers, bakers, artisans and other local vendors selling goods they grow or make themselves.
It is one of the more relaxed ways to spend part of the holiday weekend, especially for anyone who wants to stay close to downtown Oklahoma City.
Prevention & Recovery in the Park
Scissortail Park’s Great Lawn will host the seventh annual Prevention & Recovery in the Park from 6 to 9 p.m.
The family-friendly event focuses on overdose prevention, recovery resources and community support. It also includes activities and a time of remembrance for people who have died from overdose.
A More Open Sunday
Visit Oklahoma City is pointing visitors toward several warm-weather activities for the holiday weekend, including RIVERSPORT, the splash pads at Myriad Gardens, pedal boats at Scissortail Park and the Bricktown Water Taxi.
Museums, restaurants and public art also make it easy to build a day around downtown without needing a ticketed event.
Tulsa offers much the same opportunity. A slower afternoon downtown, a local restaurant, a park or a short drive outside the city can be just as appealing as another scheduled event.
Labor Day at Tulsa Botanic Garden
Tulsa Botanic Garden will be open on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First responders and active-duty, reserve and retired military personnel can receive free admission with a valid ID or service credential.
It is one of the few activities on the list taking place specifically on Labor Day itself.
Labor Day at RIVERSPORT
RIVERSPORT’s Boathouse District in Oklahoma City will be open on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rafting and other outdoor adventures scheduled throughout the day.
Visitors can spend part of the holiday on the water or take advantage of the other activities available around the district.
For anyone hoping to squeeze one more outdoor day out of summer, it is one of the more active ways to spend the holiday.
One More Long Weekend Before Fall Takes Over
Labor Day weekend lands at an interesting point in the year.
A lake day, cookout, neighborhood park or short road trip may be just as appealing as making plans around a scheduled event.
Early September in Oklahoma still feels like summer, but football is back, fall events are starting to appear and the calendar is beginning to shift.
That leaves plenty happening around Tulsa and Oklahoma City, from concerts and college football to outdoor activities and local events.
For anyone still deciding what to do, there are plenty of ways to spend the holiday weekend.
Event schedules, ticket availability and hours can change. Check with the venue or organizer before attending.