DOKC treats downtown employees to 5 days of free fun

Hundreds of downtown employees have already enjoyed free breakfast, downtown trivia, a food truck lunch and outdoor games at Downtown Employee Appreciation Week.

If you're out of the loop, we host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week every year to celebrate downtown OKC’s workforce. There are still 2 days to enjoy the festivities. Here's what's coming up:

Thursday, March 7 - Concert at Bicentennial Park
Join us at Bicentennial Park (at Walker and Couch Dr.) from 11am – 1pm for a free concert featuring “Avenue.” Everyone's encouraged to rock out as they play some of your favorite tunes. Plus, we'll serve up free pizza from Joey’s Pizzeria and bottled water provided by SONIC, America’s Drive-In.

Friday, March 8 - Downtown Employee Appreciation Party
From 11am – 1pm, in the lobby of Leadership Square, we're hosting a huge party that features a live DJ, free photo booth, prize giveaways, and free snacks, including guacamole, queso, salsa! NEW THIS YEAR – we're bringing out inflatable games, including a mechanical bull and bungee run. 

We posted pictures of a few of the events on the Downtown OKC Facebook page. Check 'em out - you might see yourself in a few. Oh - and be sure to tell your friends and coworkers about DEAW so they don't miss out on the fun.

Get your culture on

Grab your lunch at Devon’s nebu today, Mar. 7, then head over to the rotunda’s lounge area to hear world-renowned pianist (and local gem), Wayne McEvilly, as he celebrates the birthday of composer Frederic Chopin. He will perform from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This special Art Moves performance is just one of many free arts events hosted by The Arts Council of Oklahoma City and presented by Devon Energy. Art Moves offers free, lunchtime performances and art demonstrations each weekday in venues across Downtown Oklahoma City. Here are a few more upcoming Art Moves highlights:

March 14 – Celtic Cadence Dance Company at Chase Tower, 100 N Broadway - Hill Irish Dance School’s award-winning dance group, will perform traditional style dancing in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Noon to 1 p.m.

March 21 – Oklahoma City Ballet at Devon’s nebu Dining Area, 333 West Sheridan - For the first time in its 41-year history, the Oklahoma City Ballet will present Swan Lake. The Ballet will perform a special preview at Art Moves from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

March 29 – Squirrel & Friends at the Myriad Gardens Great Lawn Band Shell, 301 W Reno Ave. – Pop/rock band, Squirrel & Friends, is known for its diverse catalog of modern covers from Michael Jackson to Katy Perry. Noon to 1:00 p. m.

Visit artscouncilokc.com to learn more about Art Moves, presented by Devon, and to view a calendar and map of all the Art Moves venues and performances.

Hog Jog to support Limbs for Life

Head to Bricktown on Saturday, Mar. 9 to participate in the first ever Hog Jog 5k Run. The run is hosted by Edmond Memorial High School to benefit Limbs for Life. It's their goal this year to raise $350,000 for this worthy cause, so let's help them out!

The race will begin at the Limbs for Life office (218 E. Main in Bricktown) at 9 a.m. and check in begins at 7 a.m. on race day. Prizes will be given to the top the finishers in each age division​ and additional prizes will be given to the top three overall finishers. 

Registration is $25 in advance and $30 on race day. For more information, visit SwineWeek.org.

Get garden-savvy

On Mar. 16, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., the Myriad Gardens and Devon Energy will present Great Plants for the Great Plains - a full day of garden talks in the Devon Auditorium. Guests will learn about how to develop a more sustainable garden and learn from a fantastic line up of internationally-known and local speakers.

Presentations Include:

Rick Darke, Sustainable Practices and The Modern Ecology
Ecological change is the signature of our age, and it is accompanied by unprecedented opportunities to embrace the new ‘Nature’ in our gardens and community landscapes. Using a global array of gardens, public places, and wild habitats as illustration, Rick Darke will discuss creative and realistic strategies for making and managing beautifully functional places in sync with changing conditions.

Neil Diboll, Drought Resistant Native Prairie Plants for Oklahoma Gardens. 
With the unrelenting heat and drought of the past few years, it makes sense to use native plants in our gardens whenever possible. Adapted to the rigors of our local climate, they are able to handle the extreme weather that so often comes our way. Neil will present some of the best native prairie flowers and grasses for use in Midwestern gardens. With over 35 years of experience, he provides a wealth of information, along with the 'tricks of the trade' to help you make your native garden a success!

Steve Owens, Gardening with Oklahoma’s Native Plants
In this presentation, we will get a perspective on the great diversity and beauty of Oklahoma’s native flora. We will look at several plants that are found over most of the state but also become familiar with groups of plants native to specific regions of Oklahoma. Steve will also give tips on how to grow these durable, beneficial and attractive plants in the home landscape.

Lou Anella, Drip Irrigation: Components and Design
As water resources become more limited, water conservation in the landscape is imperative. One method of saving water is the use of drip irrigation, so we will discuss the components that comprise a drip irrigation system, different methods of drip irrigation, and how they can be designed and implemented in the home landscape.

The event is $45 for Myriad Gardens members and $55 per nonmember in advance, or $60 at the door. For more information, visit myriadgardens.org 

Lights, Camera, EGG-tion

Immerse yourself in Hollywood, both past and present, at the action-packed 29th annual Omelette Party benefitting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Lights, Camera, EGG-tion! will highlight the Museum’s film program, which brings independent, foreign and classic films to Oklahoma City, and its importance in fulfilling the mission of enriching lives through the visual arts.

The annual event will be held at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center on Saturday, Mar. 9, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Guests at the Omelette Party can expect gourmet egg dishes and, of course, omelettes prepared by local favorites like Chef Ken Bradford and Chef Tom Lienke. The event will also feature live music from The Stars and DJ Brian Smith with Chameleon Entertainment, an eclectic art raffle with works from more than 60 Oklahoma artists, and an open bar.

Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance at tickets.okcmoa.com or by calling (405) 236-3100 ext. 237.

Not-So-Ugly-Duck Race

The OKC Beautiful Teen Board presents the second Not-So-Ugly Duck Race at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage Mar. 9, at 11 a.m.  For $5, a participant can enter a rubber duck in the race and be eligible to win an iPad, Kindle Fire or a $100 gift card to VAST. The first three ducks to cross the finish line win!

There is no limit on the number of ducks one person can purchase. Winners need not be present to win. This fundraiser was created, planned and implemented by the OKC Beautiful Teen Board.  The money raised will create a $5,000 service scholarship for a high school senior.

To purchase ducks online, visit okcbeautiful.com. Ducks can also be purchased by calling OKC Beautiful at 405-525-8822 or by email at melissa@okcbeautiful.com.

Bricktown hosts 22nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

Come celebrate at the 22nd annual Bricktown St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, presented by The Oklahoma Chevy Team Dealers. The party kicks off at noon on Saturday, Mar 16 and will wrap up around midnight. It'll all take place outdoors under the tents on the corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue in the heart of Bricktown.

The OKC St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. Enjoy 12 hours of continuous live music on the Chevy Stage, green beer, soft drinks, beads, t-shirts, hats and great Bricktown restaurants and bars. Here's the music lineup for the day:

Noon-1: Emerald Flame
2:30-3:30: Emerald Flame
4-5:30: Dino and Friends
6-7:30: Laura Leighe
8-9:30: Attica State
10-Midnight: Super Freak

Admission is free and all ages are welcome.For more information, visit bricktownokc.com.

Red Earth Run

The annual Red Earth Run will take place on Saturday, Mar. 9 along the trails of the Oklahoma River, with a start and finish at Oklahoma City's Wheeler Park.  The event features a 5K, a 1-Mile Fun Walk and other family-friendly activities. If you're not up for the 5k, the Challenge Cup allows 5 runners from the same tribe or company to compete relay style. 

Pre-registration is $25 for adults and $20 for students (age 18 and under).  Registration includes a Red Earth Run t-shirt. For more information, visit redearth.org.

Bring out the artist in your child

Foster your children's love of the arts and inspire their creative expression with a spring break camp at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. These age-appropriate, thematic sessions focus on the Museum's exhibition-Photorealism Revisited, the art of stop-motion animation and filmmaking. All sessions are led by professional educators who provide guidance and encourage creativity with stimulating instruction and engaging activities. The four day camps last from Tuesday through Friday, with session starting Mar. 12 and Mar. 19.

A Spring Break Camp focusing on Photorealism Revisited is offered to children ages 5-7 during week one and ages 8-10 in week two. Students ages 11-13 can take either Stop-Motion Animation week one or Beginning Film & Video during week two. The last day of all the camps provide the real artist experience with an exhibition of the students' artwork or a film screening. Families are invited to see the fantastic creations and take a tour of the Museum.

"We want to offer activities that stimulate the artist in kids. Hands-on activities help make our exhibitions like, Photorealism Revisited, accessible to all ages," said Chandra Boyd, senior associate curator of education. "We also don't stop at the gallery. Our focus on the visual arts includes our Film Program. We bring the techniques from movies we show in the Noble Theater like The Pirates! Band of Misfits, into the classroom with our stop -motion animation camp."

Camps cost $120 for members and $130 for nonmembers. Sign up online at tickets.okcmoa.com or by calling (405) 236-3100 ext. 213. The Museum School offers courses and camps throughout the year. Enrollment for summer camps and classes begins April 1.

Downtown two-way traffic conversion complete

Robinson between Park and Kerr will convert from one-way to two-way traffic before the evening rush Friday, March 8. This conversion means that the downtown portion of Robinson is now two-way.

The change will improve traffic flow and provide easier access to downtown businesses. Robinson from Park to Kerr is the final street within Project 180 to convert to two-way traffic. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to be cautious as they adjust to the new traffic pattern. 

Project 180 was launched in August 2010 to improve appearance and make downtown Oklahoma City more pedestrian friendly.  Log on to okc.gov/project180 for more information.

Free exercise class in the Myriad Gardens

If you haven't been doing so well on your New Year's Resolution to exercise more, Shawn from Camp Gladiator wants to give you a little encouragement. Everyone's invited to attend a free workout in the Myriad Gardens at 5:45 p.m. on Mar. 13. There's no need to sign up - just show up and have fun. It's a great way to start off the Spring workout season.

Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley play OKC this weekend

Known for their distinctive styles of music, Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley have announced their 2013 Locked & Reloaded Tour. Miranda and Dierks will bring scores of # 1 singles, chart topping albums and trophies from The Grammy’s, CMA’s ACM’s and CMT’s to the Chesapake Arena on Friday, Mar. 8.

For more info, or to purchase tickets online, visit chesapeakearena.com.

Thunder up!

Mark these dates on your calendar so you don't miss this season's Thunder action:

Thursday, Mar. 7 - OKC Thunder at NY Knicks, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 8 - OKC Thunder at Charlotte Bobcats, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 10 - OKC Thunder vs. Bostin Celtics, 12 p.m.
Monday, Mar. 11 - OKC Thunder at San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 13 - OKC Thunder vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 15 - OKC Thunder vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 17 - OKC Thunder at Dallas Mavericks, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 19 - OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 20 - OKC Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 22 - OKC Thunder at Orlando Magic, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 24 - OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 27 - OKC Thunder vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 29 - OKC Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves, 7 p.m.

Visit nba.com/thunder to view the full schedule.

Go support your OKC Barons

It's true... there's never been a better time to check out an OKC Barons game.

Friday, Mar. 8 - OKC Barons vs. Rockford Icehogs, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 9 - OKC Barons vs. Rockford Icehogs, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 10 - OKC Barons at San Antonio Rampage, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 13 - OKC Barons at San Antonio Rampage, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 19 - OKC Barons vs. Rochester Americans, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 22 - OKC Barons vs. Houston Aeros, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 23 - OKC Barons at San Antonio Rampage, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Mar. 27 - OKC Barons at Chicago Wolves, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 29 - OKC Barons at Peoria Rivermen, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 30 - OKC Barons at Rockford Icehogs, 7:05 p.m.

Visit okcbarons.com to view the full schedule.

Other downtown news

Robinson Plaza in Oklahoma City sells for $16.3 million
The Robinson Plaza building, home to the Oklahoma City operations of the Internal Revenue Service, sold this week to a California investment firm for $16.3 million.

Oklahoma City moves quickly to make its downtown streets and sidewalks more pedestrian-friendly, author says
Walkable streets are key to the development of downtown.

Downtown Oklahoma City 'dive' resurfaces with varied clientele

Other downtown events

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, various locations, ongoing

Photorealism Revisited, OKCMOA, ongoing through Apr. 21

Mar. 7 - Free concert/pizza for downtown employees, Bicentennial Park, 11-1

Mar. 7 - Diaper Bag Cinema, Downtown Library

Mar. 7 - Urban Sprouts Story Time, Downtown Library

Mar. 7 - Film: Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters, OKCMOA

Mar. 8-10 - Film: Sound City, OKCMOA

Mar. 8 - Free chips/queso party for downtown employees, Leadership Square, 11-1

Mar. 8 - Film: Fried Green Tomatoes, The Paramount, 6:30pm

Mar. 8 - Music: Starnded at the Station in the Cafe, The Paramount, 8pm

Mar. 8 - Film: The Women, The Paramount, 8:50pm

Mar. 8 - The Smart Girl's Guide to Tax Preparation, Downtown Library

Mar. 9 - Film: The Sound of Music, The Paramount, 2pm

Mar. 9 - Film: The Women, The Paramount, 6:30pm

Mar. 9 - Live music: The Medlam, The Paramount Cafe, 8pm

Mar. 9 - Film: Fried Green Tomatoes, The Paramount, 8:50pm

Mar. 9 – Hog Jog 5k, Bricktown/Boathouse District

Mar. 9 - Lights, Camera, Egg-tion!, OKCMOA fundraiser

Mar. 9 - Not-So-Ugly-Duck Race, Myriad Gardens

Mar. 10 - Second Sunday Concert w/ Ali Soltani & Callen Clarke, Downtown Library

Mar. 11 - A Globetrotter's Guide to the Orchestra, Civic Center

Mar. 12, 19, 26 - Computer Basics Class, Downtown Library

Mar. 13 - Free Camp Gladiator Workout, 5:45 p.m., Myriad Gardens

Mar. 13 - Tai Chi, Downtown Library

Mar. 13 - M3: Marketing Minds Meet, Montgomery Event Center

Mar. 14 - Film: The Sound of Music, The Paramount, 2pm

Mar. 14 - Film: Hitchcock, OKCMOA

Mar. 14-24 - BUG, Civic Center

Mar. 14 - Celtic Cadence Dance Company, Chase Tower, noon

Mar. 14 - Just For Him: The Manny Diaries, Downtown LIbrary

Mar. 14 - Urban Sprouts Wild Card Activity, Downtown Library

Mar. 15-17 - Film: Just Crazy Enough, OKCMOA

Mar. 15 - Film: His Girl Friday, The Paramount, 6:30pm

Mar. 15 - Life music: Max Ridgway, The Paramount Cafe, 8pm

Mar. 16 - St. Patrick's Day Party, Bricktown

Mar. 16 - OK Gardening School presented by Devon Energy: Great Plants for the Great Plains

Mar. 16 - Film: Singing in the Rain, The Paramount, 2pm

Mar. 16 - Bon Jovi, Chesapeake Arena

Mar. 16 - Creative Corner: Flavorpalooza (party favor class), Downtown Library

Mar. 16 - Great Plants for the Great Plains, Myriad Gardens

Mar. 20 - Film: Le Grand Amour, OKCMOA

Mar. 20 - Tai Chi, Downtown Library

Mar. 20 - Eric Clapton, Chesapeake Arena

Mar. 21 - Film: Nairobi Half Life, OKCMOA

Mar. 21 - OKC Ballet presents Swan Lake Preview, nebu, noon

Mar. 21 - Urban Sprouts Story Time, Downtown Library

Mar. 22-23 - Cole Porter Songbook, Civic Center

Mar. 22-24 - Film: Consuming Spirits, OKCMOA

Mar. 22 - Film: Silkwood, The Paramount, 6:30pm

Mar. 22 - Live music: Chad Slagle, The Paramount Cafe, 8pm

Mar. 22 - Film: All About Eve, The Paramount, 8:50pm

Mar. 23 - Film: Funny Girl, The Paramount, 2pm

Mar. 23 - Film: All About Eve, The Paramount, 6:30pm

Mar. 23 - Film: Silkwood, The Paramount, 8:50pm

Mar. 24 - Jim Gaffigan, Civic Center

Mar. 25 - Celebrate 25 Years of the Gardens, Myriad Gardens

Mar. 27 - Tai Chi, Downtown Library

Mar. 24 - Side by Side, Civic Center

Mar. 28-31 - Film: Amour, OKCMOA

Mar. 28 - Noon Tunes, Downtown Library

Mar. 29 - Live music: Kyle Reid, The Paramount Cafe

Mar. 29 - Squirrel & Friends, Myriad Gardens bandshell, noon

Mar. 30 - Live music: J.L. Jones, The Paramount Cafe

Mar. 31-Apr. 2 - NCAA Women's Basketball Regional, Chesapeake Arena

Apr. 4-7 - Film: Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, OKCMOA

Apr. 6 - Film: Somewhere Between, OKCMOA

Apr 6 - Russian Enchantment by the OKC Phil, Civic Center

Apr. 11-14 - OKCMOA's Film Preservation Festival

Apr. 18-21 - OKCMOA's New Jewish Cinema

Project180 Update

Don't frown at the construction downtown... let us show you how to get around!

Visit the Project180 website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Be informed and prepared for traffic changes downtown by joining the Project180 mailing list

Get the Project180 weekly map here

Check out the Downtown Traffic Advisory updates. This list provides a summary of downtown streets expected to be under construction for the next few weeks.

Connect with Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.

Like us on Facebook: Downtown OKC, Inc.
Follow us on Twitter: @DowntownOKCInc

211 North Robinson
Suite 225
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3500

downtownokc.com