Things to Do Around OKC: Medieval Merriment, Holiday Markets & Grandkid Adventures
Stardate 43794.3
Well, here we are again, fellow survivors of rotary phones, metal lunch boxes, and the days when “parental controls” meant your mom yelling your full name from the front porch. Our unofficial Star Trek Stardate is 43794.3, and from Friday, November 6, through Monday, November 9, the mission is to get the grandkids out for some fun, enjoy a little Oklahoma adventure, and start easing into the holiday season without blowing the Christmas budget before Thanksgiving. Like, totally!
Halloween candy has probably disappeared into the mysterious black hole known as the grandchildren’s bedrooms, so it’s time for a new adventure. This weekend brings knights, Scottish festivities, holiday shopping, family activities, museums, and a few free or low-cost options. As usual, I’m looking for things around the OKC metro—roughly 30 miles from downtown—where grandparents can make memories without needing a second mortgage. Grab a jacket, charge the phone for pictures, and let’s roll!
Major Festivals & Community Events
1. OKC Renaissance and Scottish Festival
Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Time to go medieval! The fall Renaissance and Scottish Festival returns with jousting, performers, fairies, pirates, Vikings, minstrels, falconry, dancers, and plenty of opportunities for memorable family photos. The grandkids can imagine they’re in a castle, while Grandma and Grandpa can debate who would have survived longer without indoor plumbing.
📍 OKC Fair Park, between Gates 1 and 2, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City
Admission: Advance adult tickets $13; children $5. One free child ticket (ages 12 and under) comes with each advance adult ticket. Day-of adult admission is $17; children are $5. Kids 2 and under are free.
Details and tickets: OKC Renaissance and Scottish Festival
2. Mistletoe Market ’26
Friday, November 6, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The holiday shopping season is officially warming up. Mistletoe Market features local merchants, gifts, decorations, food, and plenty of ideas for the people on your Christmas list. It also supports the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s community work.
Grandparent bonus: Santa is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, with no additional ticket required for the visit. Get that grandkid photo before the holiday calendar gets completely bonkers.
📍 Bennett Event Center, OKC Fair Park, 3101 Gordon Cooper Blvd., Oklahoma City
Admission: Children 12 and under are free. Advance adult tickets start at $12, with senior tickets starting at $8; walk-up admission costs more.
Details: Mistletoe Market official listing
3. Kidz on Missions Parade & Family Fest
Saturday, November 7 | Parade at 11 a.m.; Family Fest at noon
This downtown community celebration is designed to bring families and local organizations together. The parade begins near SW 10th Street and South Robinson, followed by a family festival at Lower Scissortail Park. Expect entertainment, food trucks, a car show, inflatables, children’s activities, and community resource booths.
It’s a good pick for grandparents who want an outing with plenty to see and do without making the whole day about shopping.
📍 Parade route: SW 10th Street and South Robinson toward Scissortail Park📍 Family Fest: Lower Scissortail Park Sports Pavilion, downtown OKC
💲 The event listing does not specify an admission charge; confirm details with the organizers before going.
Family-Friendly Events & Outings
4. FREE Admission Day at Sam Noble Museum
Saturday, November 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Here’s a deal that deserves a big “RIGHT ON!” Sam Noble Museum in Norman is listing a free-admission day with special Curiousiday activities celebrating Oklahoma’s people, animals, and ecosystems. Look for interactive science stations and natural-history exhibits that give curious kids plenty to explore.
This is especially good for the grandkids who ask “why?” so often that you’ve considered forwarding their questions to NASA.
📍 Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman
💲 Free admission for the listed event.
Details: Sam Noble Museum
5. First Friday Gallery Walk — Paseo Arts District
Friday, November 6 | 6–9 p.m.
Take a stroll through Oklahoma City’s historic Paseo Arts District, where galleries and participating businesses open their doors for an evening of art and local culture. It’s a chance to introduce older grandkids to local artists, colorful work, and creative ideas—or just enjoy an evening walk and a treat.
📍 Paseo Arts District, centered around 30th Street and Paseo, Oklahoma City
💲 Walking around the district is free; purchases and refreshments cost extra.
Details: Paseo Arts District
6. First Americans Museum: “By the Dawn’s Early Light”
Friday, November 6 | Listed hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This exhibition explores tribal flag songs from five Native nations in Oklahoma and their connection to honoring Native veterans, past and present. It can be a thoughtful outing for grandparents and school-age grandchildren who are learning about Oklahoma history, culture, and the meaning behind national and tribal traditions.
📍 First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City
Admission and exhibit access may depend on the museum’s current ticket options. Check before visiting.
Details: First Americans Museum
7. Fall Military Appreciation Weekend — Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Friday, November 6–Sunday, November 8
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is hosting a Fall Military Appreciation Weekend in collaboration with the USO. If you have a service member or veteran in the family, this is worth checking out as a multigenerational outing.
📍 Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, downtown OKC
Check the museum’s page for eligibility, programming, and admission details.
Details: OKCMOA events
More Ideas for a Grandparent-and-Grandkid Day
Not every adventure has to be a festival. If the crowds are too much or the weather decides to act like Oklahoma weather, here are a few dependable options.
8. Science Museum Oklahoma
Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Hands-on exhibits, science demonstrations, and plenty to explore make this a good choice for children who learn by touching everything in sight. Check for special exhibits and ticket prices before you go.
📍 2020 Remington Place, Oklahoma CityDetails: Science Museum Oklahoma
9. SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bones, skeletons, and animal anatomy—this is not your average quiet museum trip. It’s a fun option for kids interested in animals, science, or anything that makes their friends say, “Ewww!”
📍 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, Oklahoma CityCheck current admission and hours: Museum of Osteology
10. Orr Family Farm
Saturday, November 7 | Listed fall-festival hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Sunday, November 8 | Check current seasonal hours
If the kids still want farm fun, Orr Family Farm is listed as hosting its fall festival into November. Seasonal activities can include outdoor adventures and farm attractions. Confirm which rides and activities are operating late in the season before making the drive.
📍 14400 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City
Details: Orr Family Farm
Sunday, November 8: Free Art and a Little Holiday Spirit
11. November Access for All — Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Sunday, November 8 | Noon–5 p.m.
The museum lists November Access for All as a free day. It’s an opportunity to explore art with the family without paying general admission. This may be especially appealing for older children and teens, or for grandparents who enjoy turning a simple outing into a conversation about what art means.
📍 Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, downtown OKC
Tickets are expected to become available November 1. Check the museum’s website for booking requirements and current details: OKCMOA
12. The Light Park
Opening weekend: November 6–8
The holiday lights are starting to arrive! The Light Park is scheduled to open at OKC Fair Park on November 5 and run through January 3, 2027. This is a drive-through light show, which can be a nice option for families with little ones who tire easily or grandparents who prefer to enjoy the lights from the comfort of the car.
📍 OKC Fair Park, Oklahoma City
Check opening hours, ticket prices, and vehicle requirements before heading out: Visit OKC holiday events
Monday, November 9: Keep It Simple
Monday has fewer major family events on the calendar, but you can still make it a fun day.
Library storytime or a craft activity: Check your local library’s calendar for toddler storytime, children’s activities, and free programs.
A park-and-picnic afternoon: Pack sandwiches, bring a ball or sidewalk chalk, and let the kids burn off some energy.
A family movie afternoon: Let the grandkids choose a movie, then introduce them to a classic from your own childhood. If they complain it’s “old,” remind them that you survived dial-up internet and rewinding VHS tapes by hand.
For museum outings, confirm Monday opening hours in advance; several area museums close on Mondays.
My Picks for Grandparents
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, here’s where I’d start:
Best all-around adventure: The OKC Renaissance and Scottish Festival.
Best holiday shopping plus a Santa visit: Mistletoe Market on Saturday.
Best free outing: Sam Noble Museum’s free-admission day in Norman.
Best downtown family event: Kidz on Missions Parade & Family Fest.
Best for science-loving kids: Science Museum Oklahoma.
Best relaxed Sunday option: OKCMOA’s free Access for All day.
Best evening outing: The Light Park, if you’re ready to kick off the holiday season early.
Before you leave, check official event pages for updated times, tickets, parking, and weather changes. If you’re taking several grandkids, agree on a meeting spot, pack snacks and water, and remember that “I’m not hungry” can turn into “I’m starving” approximately four minutes after you leave the house.
Until Next Time: Keep It Cool, Cats!
That’s the rundown for November 6–9. Get the grandkids out, support local events, and enjoy the time together. They may not remember every attraction you visit, but they’ll remember that you showed up, laughed with them, and let them talk you into one more stop.
And now, a few words of wisdom from the generations that brought us bell-bottoms, big hair, mixtapes, and questionable decisions involving shag carpeting:
“Far out!” when you find a whole day of family fun.
“Right on!” when the kids get in the car without arguing.
“Gag me with a spoon!” when you see the price of holiday decorations.
“Where’s the beef?” when somebody charges gourmet prices for a tiny snack.
“Totally awesome!” when the grandkids say you’re the cool grandparent.
“I pity the fool!” who eats the last cookie before Grandma gets one.
And the golden rule from the old-school playbook: “Be excellent to each other.”
So put on your comfy shoes, crank up a little classic rock, and head out for some fun. No FOMO, no drama, no need to be all that and a bag of chips. We’ve got memories to make.
Catch you on the flip side. Party on, dudes!
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