1. You’ve Heard Of The Big Apple, But This Is “The Big Friendly”
There’s the Big Apple in New York and The Big Easy in New Orleans, but OKC got this moniker because of its friendly residents, and that seems like the best kind of nickname of all.
2. Missing The State Fair Is Pretty Much Criminal
With so much to do at the Oklahoma State Fair, you’re going to need to bring a list to make sure you hit everything. There are carnival rides, a petting zoo, incredible carnival food—try the Silver Dollar cinnamon rolls—and some over-21 fun in the beer garden.
3. Boomer Sooner Forever!
The University of Oklahoma may be in nearby Norman, but the Sooners spirit lives throughout the state and certainly in OKC. And you should expect no less from one of the greatest college sports programs in the whole country.
4. If You Can’t Find A Beer You Like In OKC, You Have A Problem
The amount of amazing breweries in OKC is astounding, so there’s no confusion over why locals know their beer stuff. There’s Anthem Brewing Company, Belle Isle Brewery, Bricktown Brewery, COOP Ale Works, Royal Bavaria Restaurant and Brewery—and this is just off the top of the head.
5. Deep Deuce Is Not What It Sounds Like
Get your mind out of the gutter. In OKC, Deep Deuce is a neighborhood with a rich history and a growing urban feel.
6. If You’re Going Out Tonight, You’re Going To Bricktown
With loads of music venues, restaurants and bars, stores, and other attractions, you’re lucky Bricktown has a water taxi on the canal that runs through the area to take you wherever you need to go.
7. No One’s Scared Of Thunder In OKC
If you’re not an Oklahoma City Thunder fan, you’re probably in the wrong place. When it’s game day at home, thunder is really the only word you can use to describe the noise levels.
8. The Boathouse District Is Where All The Daredevils Hang Out
Kayaking, sailing, and other water activities are super popular in the Boathouse District of OKC—especially around the time of the Regatta Festival. And with zip lines and sky-high obstacle courses, it’s not for the faint of heart.
9. Hanging Out At A Silo Is Way More Fun That It Sounds
Proving that OKC can see the beauty and worth in anything, a former grain silo was turned into one of the greatest climbing gyms you’ve ever seen: The Rocktown Climbing Gym.
10. Softball Is Kind Of A Big Deal
OKC has true respect for the sport of softball, home to the Amateur Softball Association of America, and playing host to the World Cup of Softball, the NCAA Women’s College Series, and several ASA/USA Softball youth and adult tournaments.
11. One Museum Isn’t Big Enough To Hold OKC’s Love For Art
That’s why OKC has the Paseo Arts District, home to 17 galleries, as well as great restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops. Oh, and of course it’s also home to dozens of seriously talented artists.
12. OKC’s Skatepark Is A Billion Times Better Than Yours
Local BMX legend Mat Hoffman was instrumental in designing the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park—formerly the OKC Skate Park—and clearly his expertise was helpful. National Geographic Society Travel Guide named it one of the 10 best skate parks in the whole country.
13. There’s Myriad Things To Do In Myriad
Chances are, if you’ve seen pictures of OKC, you’ve seen the Crystal Bridge that runs through the urban park, Myriad Botanical Gardens. But with a children’s garden, events, and Shakespeare in the Park, there’s more to this place than pictures can show.
14. You Can’t Keep Oklahoma Citians Down
Everyone in the country remembers when 168 people tragically passed away during the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, but the city has risen up to rebuild—showing just what a resilient group they are. The stunning National Memorial is a testament to that fact.
15. Red Meat Is The Best Meat
You haven’t really had a steak until you’ve had a steak in Oklahoma City—preferably at the nationally renowned Cattlemen’s Steak House. Your mouth should be watering right about now.
16. Frontier City Will Make You Scream Your Lungs Out
The oldest theme park in the state and a local favorite, Frontier City has been making people screech with glee for decades.
An insider tip: Don’t miss the Halloween festivities.
17. But Real The Question Is: Can You Pocket Some Chocolate For Later?
Needless to say, when you name an event Chocolate Decadence, it becomes one of the most popular events in the whole city. And you can explain your sweet tooth by saying that it’s all for charity.
18. This Is The Best Place To Take Your Date, Unless She’s Afraid Of Heights
Devon Tower isn’t just the tallest building in OKC, it’s the home of Vast, a fine dining restaurant on the (gulp) 50th floor. And while this means absolutely spectacular views, this also means you should make sure your date isn’t afraid of heights before you get that window table.
19. The Womb Sounds Gross, But It’s Actually Awesome
Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne opened this psychedelic art gallery, the Womb, plastered with neon, trippy murals, and exhibits complete with, yes, it’s namesake room aimed to mimic your mother’s.
20. You Know It’s Spring When The Festival Of The Arts Rolls Around
The Festival of the Arts is five whole days of free events dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and (bring an empty stomach) culinary arts, too.
21. OKC’s Zoo Is Way Better Than Your Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo is famous as one of the 10 best zoos in the whole country, and once you visit, it won’t be hard to see why.
22. It’s Totally Okay To Play With Fire Here
Future scientists and science nerds, rejoice! Science Museum Oklahoma is amazing, with exhibits on aviation, a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, the Exporazone, and even the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
23. OKC’s Art Museum Is So Not Boring
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is world-famous for the most comprehensive collection of Chihuly glass anywhere on the globe. And with a movie theatre showing indie and foreign films and a restaurant on the premises, you really can’t beat a day at the museum for a great day out.
24. You Can Still Get Your Kicks On Route 66
The historic Blue Note Lounge was a beckoning call to travellers on Route 66, and that hasn’t changed today—though the music may have. It once debuted the Flaming Lips to the world, and it still features up-and-coming artists as well as national headliners.
25. No, Dive-In Movie Isn’t A Typo
You’ve heard of drive-in movies, but dive-in movies? They’re a White Water Bay staple, as everyone gathers up their favorite float and sits in a pool to watch a movie on the big screen. Just maybe don’t watch “Jaws.”
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about OKC? Tell us in the comments below! 
