Known as the oil capital of the world, Tulsa, Oklahoma remarkably offers visitors plenty of interesting attractions and fun activities that won’t break the bank.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Gathering Place | A vibrant 100-acre park with numerous amenities along the Arkansas River. |
| Philbrook Museum of Art | Offers free admission days four times yearly. |
| Guthrie Green | A central hub for community gatherings with open green spaces and events. |
| Center of the Universe & Art Deco Walking Tour | A self-guided tour exploring Tulsa’s architectural heritage. |
| Cherry Street Farmers Market | A weekly market with fresh, locally-grown foods and live music. |
| Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area | A 300-acre area with over 20 miles of trails for outdoor activities. |
| Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame | Features exhibits and free jam sessions celebrating Oklahoma’s jazz heritage. |
| Parks & Pops Concert Series | A summer outdoor concert series at ONEOK Field. |
| Tulsa Drillers Promotional Games | Promotions for free admission to select baseball games. |
| Mother Road Market | An indoor/outdoor food hall with diverse culinary options. |
| Cain’s Ballroom | Offers free tours recounting its musical history. |
From exploring parks and preserves, to checking out free museums and cultural sites, enjoying local music and more, you can easily fill your itinerary with free things to see and do during your visit. These are top recommendations for experiencing Tulsa affordability.
The Gathering Place
Name and Location: The Gathering Place is a vibrant park located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018, it quickly became a community hub, offering a variety of recreational, cultural, and educational experiences.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, playgrounds, sports courts, and regular events and performances.
Visitor Information: The park is open year-round, and admission is free. It’s an ideal destination for families, picnics, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ranked among the world’s best new attractions by TIME Magazine, The Gathering Place park along the Arkansas River quickly emerged as a must-see after opening in 2018. This vibrant 100-acre space contains amazing amenities like an adventure playground, splash pads and interactive water features, bike and skate parks, outdoor sports courts, live music venues, well-marked hiking/biking trails, nature habitats and more. Designed as a gift for the entire community, access to the park is completely free. You could easily spend hours, if not days returning to uncover everything this unique riverfront oasis offers families, couples, outdoor adventurers and culture lovers.
Philbrook Museum of Art – FREE Admission Days
Name and Location: The Philbrook Museum of Art is located in Tulsa and offers free admission on select days.
History and Significance: Founded in 1938, it boasts an impressive collection of European, American, and Native American art.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the museum’s exquisite gardens, historic villa, and diverse art exhibitions, showcasing both classical and contemporary works.
Visitor Information: Free admission days are a great opportunity to enjoy this cultural gem. Check the museum’s website for the schedule of free days.
While the Philbrook Museum of Art typically charges admission, they offer four times yearly when entry is complimentary. Visitors can explore the art museum’s gorgeous 25-acre grounds and villa along with access to ongoing special exhibits completely free of charge on these select open days. Upcoming dates allowing free admission include June 8th, 2023 plus December 7th and 8th, 2023. Mark your calendars to take advantage of exploring stunning gardens and fountains along with world-class Native American, modern, European and other art collections inside the former 1920s estate of oil mogul Waite Phillips.
Guthrie Green Downtown Park
Name and Location: Guthrie Green is a lively urban park located in downtown Tulsa, offering a vibrant gathering place.
History and Significance: This park revitalized the Brady Arts District and hosts numerous events, concerts, and cultural activities.
What to Expect: Enjoy live music, food trucks, yoga classes, and a splash pad for kids in a dynamic, green space.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, Guthrie Green is perfect for a relaxing day or a night out with friends and family.
Guthrie Green serves as a central hub for community gatherings and downtown events in Tulsa. This urban park contains open green spaces, a permanent stage, water features, outdoor games, fire pits, dining patios and weekly community programming. Visitors can easily spend hours people watching as kids play, friends share picnics, yogis practice, families dance together, and more at this lively public commons. Programmed events filling Guthrie Green include free monthly movie nights, summer concert series, craft fairs, cultural heritage celebrations, yoga classes, children’s activities and quite often – something fun happening daily during warmer months.
Center of the Universe & Art Deco Walking Tour
Name and Location: The Center of the Universe is a quirky acoustic anomaly in Tulsa, often visited as part of an Art Deco Walking Tour.
History and Significance: The Center of the Universe is a unique sound experience, while the Art Deco Walking Tour highlights Tulsa’s rich architectural history.
What to Expect: Discover the mysterious acoustic phenomenon at the Center of the Universe and admire the city’s stunning Art Deco buildings.
Visitor Information: Tours are available with various routes, and advance reservations may be required.
The downtown Tulsa Arts District contains fascinating sights for architecture buffs and history lovers to uncover – all walkable along the free Center of the Universe self-guided tour. Centered around the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, this one-mile loop passes iconic Art Deco buildings constructed during Tulsa’s 1920s oil boom years. The route also incorporates hidden acoustic quirks like Echo Park’s mysterious Center of the Universe circle where sound reverberates, making whispered words audible over 100 feet away. Print tour guides online or using the free app before setting out to uncover secrets of the city’s past.
Cherry Street Farmers Market
Name and Location: The Cherry Street Farmers Market is a popular market located in the historic Cherry Street district of Tulsa.
History and Significance: It supports local farmers and artisans, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and a sense of community.
What to Expect: Visitors can shop for fresh produce, artisanal products, and enjoy a lively atmosphere with food vendors and live music.
Visitor Information: Open seasonally on Saturdays, it’s a delightful way to explore local flavors and craftsmanship.
One of the area’s best places for tasting a bounty of fresh, locally-grown foods is at the weekly Cherry Street Farmers Market spanning 15th to 17th streets in downtown Tulsa. Every Saturday April through October from 7 AM to 11 AM, dozens of regional farmers and artisanal food producers sell seasonal offerings like farm eggs and cheeses, fresh baked goods, jarred salsas, locally roasted coffee beans, seasonal produce like peaches and sweet corn, specialty dog treats and much more. You can easily nosh through breakfast or brunch as you listen to live musicians perform. Don’t forget to budget extra cash to purchase tasty take-home treats too!
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Name and Location: Turkey Mountain is a natural oasis within Tulsa city limits, offering hiking and outdoor adventures.
History and Significance: This urban wilderness area preserves a slice of nature in the midst of the city, with a history dating back thousands of years.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, mountain biking, and scenic views of the Arkansas River and the city skyline await outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, it’s a great place for outdoor activities. Check trail maps and conditions before visiting.
Nature lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the 300-acre Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Located a quick 15-minute drive from downtown, this sandy Crosstimbers ecoregion landscape encompasses over 20 miles of woodland hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Deer, birds and other wildlife are frequently spotted as visitors traverse trails with names like Vulture Peak, Sunset View and Emu Ridge. Prepare for your outing by wearing sturdy shoes, packing water and snacks, and slathering on bug spray before venturing out to explore the peaceful landscapes.
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Name and Location: Located in Tulsa’s Jazz Depot, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame celebrates the state’s jazz heritage.
History and Significance: Honoring jazz legends with ties to Oklahoma, it offers exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the rich history of jazz, attend live performances, and engage in workshops and educational events.
Visitor Information: Open with admission fees. Check the schedule for concerts and special events.
For music fans, one of downtown Tulsa’s hidden gems is the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame tucked inside the art deco Union Depot train station. Along with regularly rotating exhibit galleries displaying historical artifacts and memorabilia honoring Oklahoma’s rich jazz heritage, the museum hosts ongoing community music education programs. Free “Jazzamattaz” jam sessions allowing participants to join professional musicians performing occur monthly too. Swing by this underappreciated Tulsa highlight remembering contributions made by greats like Chet Baker, Barney Kessel and Jay McShann among other renowned jazz artists born in the Sooner State.
Parks & Pops Concert Series
Name and Location: Tulsa’s Parks & Pops Concert Series takes place in various parks throughout the city.
History and Significance: This series brings the community together with free outdoor concerts, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of togetherness.
What to Expect: Enjoy live music in a beautiful park setting, often with food trucks and family-friendly activities.
Visitor Information: Check the schedule for upcoming concerts in different parks. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music.
From May through early August on alternating Thursday evenings, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center presents a family-friendly Parks & Pops outdoor concert series in ONEOK Field downtown. Pack picnics, blankets and lawn chairs before heading to enjoy Tulsa musicians and local bands play beloved rock, blues, country and pop music favorites completely free of charge. Vendors sell food and drinks too, but outside snacks help make this a budget-friendly summer entertainment option under the stars. Arrive early as seats on the baseball field go quickly at these popular, casual community concerts celebrating local talent.
Tulsa Drillers Promotional Games
Name and Location: The Tulsa Drillers, a minor league baseball team, host promotional games at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa.
History and Significance: Minor league baseball has a rich history in Tulsa, and these games offer affordable family entertainment.
What to Expect: Besides exciting baseball, promotional games often include fireworks, themed nights, and giveaways for fans.
Visitor Information: Check the Tulsa Drillers’ schedule for upcoming games and promotions. Tickets are affordable, and the atmosphere is fun for all ages.
While tickets generally cost $8-12 per person, the Double A Minor League Baseball Tulsa Drillers run endless promotions allowing free admission to select home games at downtown ONEOK Field. By regularly checking upcoming schedules on their website during the April through September season, you can occasionally catch free games on “American Hero Mondays” honoring veterans and first responders or other giveaway dates. On these nights they’ll occasionally feature fun themes like Bark in the Park where dogs receive game tickets or fireworks too. Enjoy an affordable “night out at the ballpark” catching rising baseball prospects on their way to the Major Leagues without overspending.
Mother Road Market Food Hall
Name and Location: Located on Historic Route 66 in Tulsa, Mother Road Market is a food hall celebrating local culinary talent.
History and Significance: It pays homage to the iconic Route 66 and the diverse food culture along this historic highway.
What to Expect: Visitors can savor a variety of cuisines, from barbecue to international dishes, in a vibrant and communal setting.
Visitor Information: Open daily, it’s a fantastic place to explore the flavors of Tulsa and support local food entrepreneurs.
Foodies visiting Tulsa should carve out a few hours to explore the eclectic Mother Road Market indoor/outdoor food hall located west of downtown along the iconic Route 66. Inspired by traditional public markets, nearly 20 individually owned vendors offer appetizing and affordable options from classic comfort foods like tacos, banh mi sandwiches and Korean wings to farm-fresh salads and global fusion street food. While you’ll want to leave room in your budget to actually sample some of the tempting local fare for sale, entry to browse the bustling complex filled with food trucks, family games, live music stages and boutique shopping won’t cost you a dime. It captures lots of Tulsa’s vibrant energy in one deliciously aromatic location.
Cain’s Ballroom Tours + Live Music Venues
Name and Location: Cain’s Ballroom is a historic music venue in Tulsa, and tours are available for those interested in its history.
History and Significance: Cain’s Ballroom has hosted legendary musicians and played a significant role in Tulsa’s music scene.
What to Expect: Tour the venue to learn about its history, and if you’re lucky, catch a live performance by touring or local artists.
Visitor Information: Check the concert schedule for live music events, and book a tour to explore the venue’s rich history and backstage areas.
Music continues pulsing through Tulsa’s veins thanks in part to iconic venues like the historic Cain’s Ballroom which offers free tours recounting its colorful past on select Mondays at 10:30 AM with advance reservations. Guests can explore this National Register of Historic Places concert hall’s museum-quality displays preserving Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys’ influential contributions to Western Swing music. Of course, the venue also continues showcasing today’s alt-country, blues, rock and indie musicians that proudly carry the city’s musical torch too, usually with affordable ticket prices. Additionally, you may stumble upon free live music performances happening around downtown venues like the historic Colony, the World, theIDL Lounge or other local watering holes.
With a blend of green spaces, museums, tours revealing heritage and architecture, plus community gatherings centered around music, arts, and food, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Tulsa experiences without overspending. Use this list highlighting key free attractions and events as a budget-friendly guide for planning activities to enjoy during your Oklahoma travels.