Monday, May 24, 2010

Free Stuff to Do at River Parks This Summer

41st Street Plaza at River Parks

Sitting back and watching the sunset, as blissful and idyllic as they might be, isn't the only free thing to do this summer at River Parks, Tulsa's most popular park with more than a million visitors each year.

Find River Parks - and these free events - along Riverside Drive from now until the leaves fall.

41st Street Plaza at River Parks

Wednesday Night Rides
When: 4:30-9:30pm
Each Wednesday during daylight savings time, more than 300 cyclists converge at 23rd and S. Jackson on the west side of the Arkansas River. This unsponsored, social ride attracts cyclists of all skill levels. Some ride a 16-mile route that includes the Sand Springs "Katy" Trail. Others ride more than 30 miles. Participants may park at the River West Festival Park (some of you might know it as the Oktoberfest site). Public restrooms at the amphitheatre will be open from 4:30 p.m. to approx. 9:30 p.m. Groups form as early as 4:30 p.m. The largest group leaves around 5:30 p.m. Bring the kids!

Storytime in the Park
When: Starting Thursday, May 27, 10-11am
Join the Tulsa City-County Library's Reading Roadshow each Thursday morning for stories, songs and activities at 41st Street Plaza in River Parks. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

Rhythm on the River
When: Starting Friday, June 4, 6:30-8:30pm
Did you know River Parks hosts a free summertime concert series at the 41st Street Plaza? It's true. A variety of local entertainers will perform every Friday night (weather permitting) throughout the summer. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and family out to enjoy the park, the new playground and water park and some free entertainment. The June 4 concert will feature the band Swing Shift, playing bluegrass-style music.

Starlight Band Concert
When: Starting June 22, 8pm
Head to River Parks to enjoy the free Starlight Band concert at the River West Festival Park, 2105 South Jackson Avenue. This Tulsa tradition is part of a five-concert series in 2010 (click for a schedule). Concerts begin at 8pm and lasts approximately 2 hours. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, or you may bring your own. A picnic riverside and free music - could it possibly get any better than that?

41st Street Plaza
When: Anytime
When you visit the new playground and water park at 41st Street and Riverside Drive, you'll marvel at the fact that it's all free and open to the public, all the time. If you get hungry, grab a hot dog from the cart near the park entrance. If you need to cool down, grab a sno cone from the vendor there. It's fun to grab a meal at a Brookside, downtown or, new this summer, a River Parks restaurant (Elwood's!) and then head to the 41st Street Plaza to chow down at the brand-new picnic tables there. Bring a book or a magazine, because you're gonna wanna stay awhile.

Other stuff to do at River Parks: Running/walking/bike trails; Frisbee golf; Fishing; Volleyball; Picnic areas/tables; Attend annual Tulsa festivals like Oktoberfest and the Scottish Games; also, general sloth-like behavior.

So. What's YOUR favorite way to pass the time at River Parks?

1 comment:

Maria said...

OK. This is FREAKY. How is it you end up with pictures with my son in the shot so often? LOL! My husband is also in the top picture with The Boy. LOL!

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