10 Fun Things to Do in Broken Arrow, OK
From splendid shopping and divine dining to hiking and fun festivals, there's always something to keep you busy here.
New to Broken Arrow? There are plenty of fun things to explore. Read on for 10 fun things to do in Broken Arrow, according to the people who call the area home.
In This Article
1. Catch a Performance
Broken Arrow Community Playhouse produces five shows per year featuring local volunteer talent. The cornerstone of Broken Arrow’s arts district, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway tours, pop concerts, specialty shows and other events.
2. Take a Hike
Get away from it all without leaving town. Visit the Ray Harral Nature Center & Park, a 40-acre park that features a nature center, miles of hiking trails, pollinator gardens and picnic areas.
3. Shop the Rose District
When these downtown blocks were nothing but prairie, locals planted so many rose bushes, the city became known for them. Today, the revitalized historic neighborhood has more than 50 boutiques, restaurants, and arts and entertainment options to explore.
4. Get Wet
Broken Arrow’s best way to beat the summer heat is H2O Inflatable Aqua Park, featuring loads of inflatable slides, rafts and other watercraft. Grab your towel, sunscreen and suit – and get ready to splash.
5. Honor Local Veterans
Broken Arrow celebrates its military veterans at two locales: The Military History Center features artifacts from the Revolutionary War to Operation Enduring Freedom, while the Mission 22 Memorial Site is dedicated to those who served but lost the battle at home.
6. Enjoy the Rhema Lights
Since 1982, the 110-acre Rhema Park campus has come alive with millions of lights during the holiday season, drawing thousands of spectators. Drive, stroll or enjoy the display by horse-drawn carriage with a cup of cocoa in hand. Bonus: It’s free!
7. Go Berry Picking
Choose from a variety of berries at Thunderbird Berry Farm, a family-owned you-pick spot that grows blueberries, asparagus, sweet corn, potatoes, carrots and more on 15 acres.
8. Sip a Local Brew
Broken Arrow’s unique brewery scene is worth raising a glass to. Broken Arrow Brewing Co. is Native American-owned and is in the historic Broken Arrow Ice Plant and Light & Electric Co. building. The Nook Brewing Co. is a father-son weekend hobby turned business that includes a tasting room and taphouse.
9. Feast on World Famous BBQ
Family owned and operated, Oklahoma Joe’s is a World Championship BBQ winner of 300-plus titles. Try the burnt ends, rack of ribs and pulled pork – plus all the sides, of course.
10. Step Back in Time
Learn about the city’s history with a visit to the fascinating Museum Broken Arrow (the site was once the location of the historic Kentucky Colonel Hotel).
Bonus Fun: Fabulous Festivals!
There’s always fun things to do in Broken Arrow. That includes festivals, and the city features a calendar of events where fun, food, music and art are featured. Here are some can’t-miss festivals in Broken Arrow:
ROSE FESTIVAL & CHALK IT UP ART FESTIVAL: In late September, this combination festival celebrates the city’s passion for roses and the arts. The free weekend takes place downtown at Rose District Plaza, and activities include a chalk artist competition, rose show, rose booth, kids zone, live music and more.
ROOSTER DAYS: Established in 1931, this four-day festival in May at Central Park includes live entertainment, a parade, rides, vendors and a wine garden. The name dates to 1931 when the city had a thriving poultry industry, and a day was set up for farmers to bring roosters to market.
SCOTFEST: To celebrate the city’s Scottish and Celtic heritage, Scotfest takes place each third weekend of September at the Broken Arrow Events Park. Activities include live music, Celtic dance demonstrations and food vendors. A main highlight is a competition that features sporting events such as caber toss, stone throw, hammer throw, and sheaf toss. Scotfest will celebrate its 43rd anniversary in September.
TUESDAYS IN THE PARK: Staged every Tuesday evening in June, the popular concert series takes place at Central Park and is free. Food vendors are on-site along with kids activities. Be sure to bring lawn chairs.
TASTE OF SUMMER: Billed as “The Tastiest Day of the Year,” Taste of Summer is an annual one-day June festival highlighted by everyone eating as much Blue Bell ice cream as they desire. Activities take place at Central Park Community Center. Food trucks, outdoor vendors and a Get Active Zone are a part of the festivities.
NEW ORLEANS SQUARE BLOCK PARTY: This third-annual event will take place in early July with attractions such as a car show, kids zone, food trucks, live music, more than 50 vendors and a fireworks display.
SHAMROCK THE ROSE: Break out your green clothing and attend this annual St. Patrick’s Day block party. Attractions include a beer garden, food vendors, a kids zone and live music.
– Staff Writer Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.
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