Five Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tulsa This Memorial Day Weekend

Tulsa is filled with exciting events and attractions for families looking to make the most of Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re seeking a moment of remembrance, a hands-on art experience, or a chance to play outdoors, here are five top picks for family fun in the Tulsa area:

1. Visit the Field of Heroes Memorial at Veterans Park
Veterans Park will be transformed into a moving tribute with thousands of American flags honoring those who served. The Field of Heroes is open Friday through Monday and offers a quiet, meaningful place for families to reflect on the true purpose of the holiday.

2. Celebrate at Tulsa Mayfest in the Arts District
This free festival in the heart of downtown is perfect for kids and adults alike. With dozens of art vendors, live music on multiple stages, delicious food trucks, and interactive art spaces, Mayfest is a must-see celebration of Tulsa’s creative community.

3. Explore the Tulsa Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to the Tulsa Zoo. Families can roam through exhibits like the Lost Kingdom and the African Savannah, meet fascinating animals, and enjoy a day of learning and adventure.

4. Spend a Day at the Gathering Place
Let the kids run, climb, and explore at the Gathering Place—Tulsa’s world-class riverfront park. With sprawling playgrounds, splash zones, scenic gardens, and plenty of picnic space, it’s an ideal spot for a fun and relaxing day together.

5. Stroll Through the Philbrook Museum of Art
On Sunday, veterans and their families are invited to enjoy free general admission at Philbrook. This historic museum offers an inspiring blend of indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens, creating a peaceful and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Heads up: Keep an eye on the weather—there’s a chance of rain and thunderstorms over the weekend. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out, and have a backup plan in case of wet weather.

Whether you’re honoring local heroes, diving into Tulsa’s art scene, or simply enjoying time outdoors, this Memorial Day weekend offers something special for every family.

BROKEN ARROW — Popular grocery chain Trader Joe’s is officially on its way to Broken Arrow.

While the company has yet to issue a formal press release, the new store location is now listed in the “Opening Soon” section of Trader Joe’s official website. The listing confirms what many local residents have speculated for weeks as construction activity has ramped up at the site.

Though an official opening date has not been announced, visible progress at the store and the company’s online update indicate the store’s debut is not far off.

City officials expressed excitement over the new addition, which is expected to draw shoppers from throughout the region. Trader Joe’s is known for its unique product selection, private-label goods, and cult following, and its arrival marks another major retail milestone for the city.

More details are expected to be released in the coming weeks as construction nears completion and the company prepares to open its doors.

TULSA — The streets of Tulsa are set to shine on the small screen this fall with the premiere of The Lowdown, a new FX drama series created by Oklahoma native Sterlin Harjo and starring Academy Award-nominated actor Ethan Hawke. The eight-episode series is scheduled to debut on September 23, 2025, on FX, with streaming available the following day on Hulu.

Set and filmed entirely in Tulsa and surrounding areas, The Lowdown delves into the gritty world of citizen journalist Lee Raybon, portrayed by Hawke. Raybon, a self-proclaimed “truthstorian,” is driven by an unyielding quest to expose corruption within his community—a mission that often places him at odds with powerful adversaries and strains his personal relationships.

The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kaniehtiio Horn, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, and Keith David. Filming commenced in early 2025, transforming various Tulsa locales into cinematic backdrops and providing local talent with opportunities to participate in a major television production.

The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC) played a pivotal role in facilitating the production. In a statement, Tulsa FMAC expressed gratitude to Harjo for choosing Tulsa as the series’ setting, noting that the project has allowed local creatives to showcase their talents on a national platform.

The Lowdown marks another significant contribution from Harjo, who previously co-created the critically acclaimed series Reservation Dogs. His commitment to authentic storytelling and highlighting Oklahoma’s rich cultural landscape continues to resonate with audiences and industry professionals alike.

As anticipation builds for the series premiere, Tulsa residents can take pride in their city’s starring role in bringing The Lowdown to life. The show not only promises compelling storytelling but also underscores Tulsa’s growing prominence as a hub for film and television production.