Bike tours help you get up-close-and-personal with OKC

Over the past two weeks, over 100 downtown enthusiasts have hopped on their Spokies bikes to learn about Oklahoma's history and public art from experts Bob Blackburn of the Oklahoma Historical Society and Peter Dolese of the OKC Arts Council.

These tours are not only cool, they're informative too!  If you don't believe us, just check out this message we received from one enthusiastic bike tour participant: 

"The bike ride was AWESOME!! Please continue this!!!!!!!!! I'd be willing to ride even without the t-shirt give-away or the helmet give-away. Just keep hosting!! Thank you so much!!"  - Cassandra

Hopefully Cassandra has convinced you to join us for the final bike tour on Tuesday, Oct. 16, where we will learn about downtown OKC's architecture, led by Anthony McDermid, Founding Principal at TAP Architecture

The tour begins at 6 p.m. at the Spokies station located on Automobile Alley at NW 9th and Broadway. It's free and all you have to do to participate is BYOB - bring your own bike.

For more information, visit downtownokc.com or call 405.235.3500.

Get piggy with it

If you haven't already heard, thanks to our sponsors, the Oklahoma Pork Council and COOP Ale Works, the parking lot at NW 11th and Harvey will turn into a paradise for bacon lovers on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m.

The event is called 6 Degrees of Bacon and brings downtown restaurants together to provide bacon lovers with a sampling of delicious bacon-inspired food items. Participating restaurants include RedPrime Steakhouse, Cafe do Brasil, Brown's Bakery, Stella, Packard's New American Kitchen, Kaiser's, 1492, and more! There will also be a bacon art show and silent auction, free COOP beer, a cash bar for wine and cocktails, music by DJ D-Lo and a raffle for bacon-flavored gifts. 

What's the occasion?
6 Degrees of Bacon is a fundraiser for the Midtown Association.  Produced by Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc., it's a great way for supporters of the Midtown district to get together and contribute in a fun and delicious way. 

Who can attend?
This is a 21+ event (sorry, kids). 

Special thanks to Funnel Design for creating the awesome logo for this event! For more info, visit downtownokc.com. 

Who's who downtown?

This week's Who's Who features Sid and Melinda Burgess. We wouldn't be surprised if you've seen them strolling or biking through downtown OKC because this couple is dedicated to supporting pedestrian-friendly cities. (They'll be the first to tell you that it is easy being green!)  We hope you enjoy learning more about two of Oklahoma City's biggest fans.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
We are a happy-go-lucky couple that loves cities, healthy life-style, the rain, sidewalks, the OKC Thunder, tea & coffee, Wedge pizzas -- oh, and our three kids.

What’s the best part about living downtown?
Most of the time, the best that OKC has to offer -- whether it's culture in the Arts District, family fun in Bricktown, education at the library, jazz and a beer in Deep Deuce, or a late-night Peachwave run -- is literally just steps away. Give or take a few.

Some people think the suburbs are the best place to raise a family. What’s it been like raising your 3 kids downtown?
Our kids are experiencing life from a valuable vantage point.  They get to observe first-hand how OKC works, grows, and develops.  Everything they see downtown -- busy construction sites, diverse crowds of people at a festival, the homeless man in the alley, the majesty of the Devon tower -- presents a chance to learn and discuss the world around them and their place in it.  The rest of the time, we love knocking about to the library, the parks, the coffee shops, the museums ... and that pinnacle of kid-nirvana, the Bricktown Candy Co.

So the question on everyone’s mind is: how easy is it really to get around OKC without a car?
Depends on where you're trying to go.  We choose to frequent the places that ARE easily accessible by foot, and continue to champion the growth and improvement of the transit system, the sidewalks, downtown retail, and the education of drivers that don't understand pedestrian right-of-way.  :)

If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only take one downtown restaurant with you, which one would you take and why?
The Wedge, hands down. Cause it's the only place with the guts to put figs and nuts on a pizza ... and pull it off.  Thank goodness for their Deep Deuce location!

What would you do if you could be the Mayor for one day?
Establish an annual Sidewalk Appreciation Day, upon which sidewalks would be pampered, cleaned, and repaired ... and brought breakfast in bed, and given fruit baskets ...

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Walking, of course!  (If we happen to stop and rest at the coffee shop, so be it.)

Pumpkinville presented by OG&E begins Saturday!

Some 2000 pumpkins and a gaggle of scarecrows will greet guests at the Myriad Botanical Gardens' first annual Pumpkinville.

This celebration of pumpkins and all things fall opens on Saturday, Oct. 13 and lasts until Oct. 31. Activities include a corn toss game, bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating, hourly cider pressing, story times, pie making demonstrations, tasty treats, evening ghost stories and much more!

A free screening of the 1995 movie “Casper,” starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, bundle up if need be and enjoy the movie.

Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. is the Pumpkinville Halloween Party. Guests will sample spooky witches brew and other haunted treats and take part in a variety of fun games and activities while jamming out to seasonal favorites like “Monster Mash.” Children and adults are encouraged to come dressed in costumes to really make the party spooktacular! The party is free for members, and is $10 per child and $8.50 per adult for non-members.

Oklahoma City’s Pumpkinville offers lots of opportunities for family fun. For more information call 405.297.3611 or visit myriadgardens.com.

Broadway/TV star joins Canterbury Choir on stage

Canterbury's Broadway to Bricktown Concert will premiere on Saturday, Oct. 27, with 2012 Tony Award nominee and three-time Emmy winner Ron Raines.

Raines, an Oklahoma City University alumnus, is returning to Oklahoma specifically to perform with Canterbury and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Known for his role as Alan Spaulding on the soap opera Guiding Light, Mr. Raines has made a rich career in musical theatre. He has had leading roles on the stage including Showboat, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, Man of La Mancha and has also been featured in multiple roles at the New York City Opera. Beginning Oct. 8, Ron will play the part of Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies, which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score/Choreography in 2012.

Canterbury's Broadway to Bricktown Concert is performed at the Civic Center Music Hall on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. This evening for musical theatre lovers will be for one night only so make sure you get your tickets today at 405-232-SING. 

OKC Barons to give away 2 cars next weekend!

Just a heads up that your Oklahoma City Barons' opening weekend is Oct. 19-20. To celebrate, they'll give away a car to a lucky fan on both nights. 

Friday the 19th is also Cancer Awareness night and all 7,500 fans will get a free "One Night United to Fight" t-shirt.

Notre Dame/Oklahoma Pep Rally and Concert

On Friday Oct. 26, the Notre Dame Club of Oklahoma City will host a Pep Rally/Concert on the Myriad Gardens Great Lawn starting at 8:00 p.m.

The Notre Dame Marching Band will be present and perform a concert. Also scheduled to speak are Dolly Duffy (ND Alumni Association Director), and Jason Beckstrom (football player from the 1999 team that was the last to play OU).

This event is free and no reservations are required – all football fans, ND and OU alike, are invited!

Calling all downtown dogs!

Urban Neighbors, downtown OKC's neighborhood association, invites all downtown dogs (and their humans) to join “Downtown Dogs!” On the first and third Thursday of every month, Urban Neighbors will gather at the Myriad Gardens Dog Park for a yappy hour right after work.

From 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., let your dog play while you meet your neighbors and learn about downtown’s neighborhood association.

...Just a reminder, if you plan on walking to the park, don’t forget to pick up after your pet!

Bricktown Haunted Warehouse returns for another season

The 27th annual Bricktown Haunted Warehouse presented by Dr. Pepper will be held at the Coca Cola Bricktown Event Center (425 E. California) - the former site of the Oklahoma Casket Co. This haunted house features over 20,000 square feet of thrills, with surprises around every corner. 

The grand opening weekend kicks off on Friday, Oct. 12. For dates, hours and ticket information, visit bricktownokc.com.

Money Management Tuesday Topic

Not all of us are the best at managing money but Terri Talley with Allegiance Credit will be presenting a Tuesday Topics lunchtime seminar to help us out! This seminar will answer essential questions to money management at OKC Downtown College, fourth floor in Norick Downtown Library.

This seminar will be Oct. 16, from noon to 1 p.m.
The best part is... all Tuesday Topics seminars are free and lunch is provided! All you have to do is RSVP at 405.232.3382 or info@downtowncollege.com.

Tuesday Topics is brought to you by these sponsors: The OKC Downtown College, Allegiance Credit Union, Norick Downtown Library, and Downtown OKC, Inc.

Show your team spirit - support a good cause

Each Friday during the month of October, the Komen Central and Western Oklahoma Affiliate will hold a pep rally supporting 4 of our local teams. During the pep rally, attendees will get free popcorn, cotton candy, and other fun food. Attendees will also be eligible to participate in Komen trivia to earn discounts on their 2012 OKC Race Registration.

Race participation types include Bronchos, Sooners, Cowboys and Thunder Up for the Cure – those registering for these events will receive an additional t-shirt featuring a limited edition design featuring their favorite team.

• Sooners for the Cure Pep Rally – Friday, Oct. 12
• Cowboys for the Cure Pep Rally – Friday, Oct. 19
• Thunder Up for the Cure Pep Rally – Friday, Oct. 26

It's all happening at the Downtown OKC, Komen Office, located at 115 Park Avenue. See you there!

Mistletoe Market shopping event benefit local literacy programs

The return of fall means it’s time for many great traditions, like pumpkin carving, college football, and the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s (JLOC) Mistletoe Market. JLOC will host this year’s shopping extravaganza Thursday, Oct. 11 through Saturday, Oct. 13, with a special preview party on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Cox Convention Center.

Now in its 21st year, this year’s market features a number of new vendors offering unique gifts, home décor, women’s clothing and accessories, children’s clothing, men’s accessories, Christmas décor, food, jewelry, stationery and much more. Proceeds from Mistletoe Market help support the Junior League’s multiple community projects, which advance the organization’s mission of “changing lives through literacy.”

Special events during the shopping extravaganza include a Thursday evening girl’s night out with entertainment by Gentlemen Jack, Saturday morning mimosas and makeovers by Bobbi Brown, and a sports lounge for the football enthusiasts for the duration of the market.

Mistletoe Market hours are Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children age 3-12. Children under age 3 are admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MistletoeMarket.org.

Other downtown news

Devon Energy Corp. to consolidate operations in Oklahoma City
With its new $750 million office tower in Oklahoma City, Devon Energy Corp. is shutting its office in Houston and consolidating operations in its home city.

Steve Lackmeyer leads a roundtable discussion about the growing Oklahoma Health Center via Google Hangout (Video)

Batman Live comes to OKC (Video)
Faithfully adapted from the DC Comics’ characters and stories, BATMAN LIVE focuses on Robin’s quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero.

Downtown Oklahoma City's Braniff Building renovation continues under Sandridge
In Oklahoma City, renovation of the former Braniff Airlines headquarters, now a part of the SandRidge Commons, is progressing with the installation of a modern glass wall on the building's former alley facade.

Other downtown events

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, various locations, ongoing

American Moderns, 1910–1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell, OKCMOA, ongoing

Oct. 11 - Speed Dating, Ages 41-55, Downtown Library

Oct.11 - Drop-in Drawing, OKCMOA

Oct. 11 - Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series: Beautiful Gardens Spaces by Linda Vater

Oct. 11-14 - Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild, OKCMOA

Oct. 12 - Paranormal Explorer Series: Sixth Sense, Downtown Library

Oct. 12-13 - Autumn Foliage Tour, Arkansas' Hot Springs National Park

Oct. 13-31 - Pumpkinville presented by OG&E, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 13 - Pie Making by the Pie Junkie OKC, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 13 - Ghost Stories in the Grove, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 13 - Casper, Movie under the Stars, presented by OG&E

Oct. 14 - 2nd Sunday Concert Series featuring Branjae & Same Live, Downtown Library

Oct. 15 - Tai Chi for Better Balance, Downtown Library

Oct. 16 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs. Charlotte Bobcats, Chesapeake Arena

Oct. 16 - Downtown OKC Bike Tour (Architecture)

Oct. 17 - Movie Night, Downtown Library

Oct. 18 - 6 Degrees of Bacon, 1115 N. Harvey

Oct. 18 - Orchids in October, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 18-19 - Paranormal Explorer Series: Sixth Sense, Downtown Library

Oct. 19 - Broadway Ball benefitting Lyric Theatre

Oct. 20 - Speed Dating, Ages 56+, Downtown Library

Oct. 20 - Creepy Conservatory, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 20 - Master Pumpkin Carving Workshop, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 20 - Composting at Home: Rotten Luck!, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 21 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Denver, Chesapeake Arena

Oct. 21 - Make-A-Scarecrow Sunday, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 24 - Movie Night, Downtown Library

Oct. 26 - Paranormal Explorer Series: Sixth Sense, Downtown Library

Oct. 27 - Haunt the River

Oct. 27 - Pumpkinville Halloween Party, presented by OG&E, Myriad Gardens

Oct. 29 - Silver Linings Playbook screening (create an account and get passes here)

Oct. 31, Movie Night, Downtown Library

Oct. 27- Canterbury Choral Society opening concert, Civic Center Music Hall

Nov. 2 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Portland, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 2-3 - All Soul's Day Celebration, Wings of Desire

Nov. 2-3 - Camp on the Catwalk, Myriad Gardens

Nov. 3 - All About Pies, Myriad Gardens

Nov. 4 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Atlanta, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 6 - Preseason: OKC Thunder vs Toronto, Chesapeake Arena

Nov. 8 - Brown Bag Lunch Speak Series: Wreath Making, Myriad Gardens

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.

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211 North Robinson
Suite 225
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3500

downtownokc.com