Happy Valentine's Day!

If you're a procrastinator, you know that planning the perfect Valentine's Day date at the last minute can be a struggle. Luckily, your friends at Downtown OKC, Inc. have a few date night suggestions that are sure to please your valentine. 

Paint the Town Red
Put on your bowling shoes for a little friendly competition at RedPin Bowling Lounge. Top things off with a few cocktails at the Red Piano in the historic Skirvin Hotel.

Date with Romance
Treat your sweetie to a 4-course fondue dinner at The Melting Pot then sample the truffles at Coco Flow. End the evening with a romantic carriage ride through Bricktown. (Don't forget to call and make a reservation first!)

Outdoorsy Date
Borrow a pair of bikes from a Spokies bike share kiosk and take a self-guided tour of downtown OKC. Don't forget to stop at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

For the hipster couple
Grab a burger at S&B Burger Joint on 9th Street then buy your valentine some vinyl at Guestroom Records. Head to Bricktown to catch a little live music at JJ's Alley.

Cheap Date
Grab a loaf of bread from the kitchen and feed the ducks in the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Then head over to The Paramount Theatre to see Moonrise Kingdom at 6:30. While you're there, share the Paramount Pie with a glass of wine.

No valentine? No problem!
Grab a group of single friends and hit up Tapwerks for some cheese fries and a pint. Bonus: they'll be showing the Thunder/Heat game on the big screen!

Treat your Valentine to a special night out in Bricktown!

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Yucatan Taco Stand Tequila Bar and Grill and Harkins Theatres in Bricktown have teamed up to give away a dinner/movie date to one lucky couple. For your chance to win this date package, simply complete our date night survey. We'll give you a call if you're our lucky winner.

Don't forget to follow Yucantan Taco Stand on Facebook to keep up with happy hour and game day specials. 

Out-Of-The-Box performs in Bricktown tonight

If you're spending Valentine's Day in Bricktown, keep your eyes peeled for some of the Arts Council's Out-Of-The-Box performers. Saxophonist David Bruster and Flamenco guitarist Greg Northwood will perform tonight from 5-7 p.m.

For more info about Out-Of-The-Box, visit artscouncilokc.com.

RUNderground 5k back for another year

OKC RIVERSPORT will host the third annual RIVERSPORT RUNderground, presented by OK Runner. This indoor timed 5k run takes place Saturday, Feb. 16, as part of the Bart & Nadia Sports & Health Festival in association with the Oklahoman. The event will be held in the The Underground, OKC's underground tunnel system that links more than 30 buildings along 16 blocks in downtown.

Open to runners of all ages, the RUNderground is ideal for novice and more experienced runners and walkers. The run will start in waves with the fastest going first and walkers last. This run begins at 12 p.m. in the northwest lobby of the Cox Convention Center. Registration and information including a course map are available online at oklahomariverevents.org. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 12 and under for those who register online by 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Onsite registration is $30 for adults and $20 for youth and will be cash only. Entry fees include a free t-shirt; however the number of t-shirts is limited.

Afterward, participants are invited to the free Bart & Nadia Sports & Health Festival, which will feature activities for youth and a wide array of sports competitions, fitness demonstrations, free health screenings and sports clinics, as well as information booths on nutrition, healthcare, exercise, sports and more. The Sports & Health Festival is free and open to the public.

To learn more and register online, visit signmeup.com.

Work for the RedHawks!

The Oklahoma City RedHawks will host their annual job fair for 2013 gameday staff on Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The RedHawks are seeking multi-talented, highly motivated team players to serve in customer and food service positions, including ushers, parking lot attendants, ticket window attendants, retail workers, premium-level waitstaff and much more.

The job fair will be held in the Legends Lounge at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on both days. Interested job seekers should enter the ballpark through the glass doors adjacent to the RedHawks Sport Shop located on Mickey Mantle Drive. Those applying for any gameday position must be available for all 72 RedHawks home games as well as other events held during baseball season.

A full list of open positions can be found at okcredhawks.com.

OKC Philmarmonic presents the Cole Porter Songbook

Music director Joel Levine and the OKC Philharmonic present the wit and magic of songwriter Cole Porter on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 & 23, at the Civic Center.

A rarity for a composer, Cole Porter wrote both the music and the words to most of his songs and both his tunes and lyrics have become classics. "You're the Top," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Begin the Beguine" are just a few popular favorites.

Maestro Levine pulls out all the stops with a full cast of singers, dancers, costumes and lighting effects to bring the romance alive in this beautiful show. 

The Cole Porter Songbook is presented on the Oklahoman Pops Series with concert sponsorship by American Fidelity Foundation and Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum. Additional support is from the Allied Arts Foundaton and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Ticket prices range from $15 to $65 and are can be purchase by calling 405-TICKETS (842-5387) or by visiting okcphilharmonic.org or myticketoffice.com.

Myriad Gardens hosts dinner for food lovers

Enjoy a locally-sourced gourmet meal preceded by hand-crafted cocktails overlooking the beautiful Gardens on Saturday, Feb. 16. This dinner marks the beginning of a schedule of quarterly chef dinners at the Gardens. Tickets are $65 for Myriad Gardens members and $75 for nonmembers. Wine is included with dinner. Space is limited so reserve your spot by calling 405.445.7080.

A full schedule of Myriad Botanical Gardens events can be found online at myriadgardens.org. 

Thunder up!

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

Thursday, Feb. 14 - OKC Thunder vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 20 - OKC Thunder at Houston Rockets, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 22 - OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 24 - OKC Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls, 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 - OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Hornets, 7 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 1 - OKC Thunder, at Denver Nuggets, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 3 - OKC Thunder at L.A. Clippers, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 5 - OKC Thunder vs. L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.
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.

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, Feb. 15 - OKC Barons at Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 16 - OKC Barons at Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 22 - OKC Barons vs. Houston Aeros, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 23 - OKC Barons at Houston Aeros, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 26 - OKC Barons vs. Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 2 - OKC Barons at Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 3 - OKC Barons at Charlotte Checkers, 4 p.m.
Monday, Mar. 4 - OKC Barons at Charlotte Checkers, 6 p.m.
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

Bricktown hotel development is unveiled
Plans for a Staybridge Suites hotel in Bricktown were unveiled. The new hotel project is one of nine downtown Oklahoma City hotels either announced, being designed or under construction.

Oklahoma City group aims to make Farmers Market District a 'better block'
Better Block OKC, the all-volunteer effort to temporarily transform faded urban corridors into vibrant social and business hubs, is setting its sights on the Farmers Market just west of downtown Oklahoma City.

Other downtown events

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, various locations, ongoing

Photorealism Revisited, OKCMOA, ongoing through Apr. 21

Feb. 14 - Film: Moonrise Kingdom, OKCMOA

Feb. 14 - Film: Moonrise Kingdom, Paramount Theatre

Feb. 14-17, Crimes of the Heart, Civic Center

Feb. 14-17 - Defending the Caveman, Freede Theatre, Civic Center

Feb. 14-17 - 100 Years of Broadway, Civic Center

Feb. 15-16 - Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild, OKCMOA

Feb. 15-16 - Film: The Sessions, OKCMOA

Feb. 16 - (Food) Lovers Dinner, Myriad Gardens

Feb. 16 - Drop-In Art, OKCMOA

Feb. 16 - RUNderground 5k, Cox Convention Center

Feb. 16 - Bart and Nadia Health Expo

Feb. 16 - Succulent Wreath Workshop, Myriad Gardens

Feb. 16 - Food Lovers Dinner at the Gardens Restaurant

Feb. 17 - Pirates! Band of Misfits, OKCMOA

Feb. 17 - Film: Searching for Sugar Man, OKCMOA

Feb. 17 - Just for Him: Using Your Words, Downtown Library

Feb. 19 - Film: How to Survive a Plague, OKCMOA

Feb. 19 - Tiny Tuesdays: Paint Your Art Out, OKCMOA

Feb. 20 - Generations exhibition reception, Red  Earth Museum

Feb. 20 - Reading Rainforest in the Crystal Bridge

Feb. 21 - Noon Tunes, Downtown Library, 12 p.m.

Feb. 20-21 - Film: Anna Karenina, OKCMOA

Feb. 21 - Diaper Bag Cinema, Father of the Bride, Downtown Library

Feb. 21 - Sugarfoot, country, Downtown Library, 12pm

Feb. 22 - Single in the City charity auction, Skyy Bar

Feb. 22-23 - OKC Philharmonic: Cole Porter Songbook:: Anything Goes!, Civic Center Music Hall

Feb. 22-24 - Nominated Animated Shorts, OKCMOA

Feb. 22-24 - Nominated Live Action Shorts, OKCMOA

Feb. 23 - 2013 Fight for Air Climb, American Lung Association

Feb. 23 - Drop-In Art, OKCMOA

Feb. 25 - Free Admission Day at the Crystal Bridge

Feb. 27 - Reading Rainforest in the Crystal Bridge, Myriad Gardens

Feb. 28 - RAW Artists Show, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Café

Feb. 28 - Cleveland Elementary Choir, Downtown Library, 12pm

Mar. 2 - Force of Destiny, Civic Center

Mar. 2 - Biting the Apple, IAO Gallery

Mar. 2 - Winter Jam, Chesapeake Arena

Mar. 4-8 - Downtown Employee Appreciation Week

Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 - Computer Basics Class, Downtown Library

Mar. 7 - Diaper Bag Cinema, Downtown Library

Mar. 7 - Urban Sprouts Story Time, Downtown Library

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

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

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

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

Mar. 13 - Tai Chi, Downtown Library

Mar. 14-24 - BUG, Civic Center

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

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

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 - Tai Chi, Downtown Library

Mar. 20 - Eric Clapton, Chesapeake Arena

Mar. 21 - Urban Sprouts Story Time, Downtown Library

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

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 - Noon Tunes, Downtown Library

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