I have a running list of things I want to do in Oklahoma and every April it gets out of control. Springtime in Oklahoma is genuinely short and the unpredictable weather can really twist things up. When everything works together though, the state is a showstopper. Between flower festivals, art fairs, cherry blossom trails, and u pick farms, there’s more going on than most people realize. Now that we are in April, the tulips and cherry blossoms are mostly behind us, but there are still plenty of events worth planning a day or weekend around.
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Top Springtime Events in Oklahoma
April is when Oklahoma stops being modest. Tulip festivals, azalea gardens, u-pick flower farms, arts fairs — it stacks up fast. If you’re not paying attention you’ll miss half of it.
Here’s what’s happening across the state right now,
OKC Tulip Festival 2026 at Myriad Botanical Gardens (Last Weekend)
The Tulip Festival at the Myriad Gardens has been such a success over the last few years that they are spreading it out over two weekends this year. One has already passed but the final weekend in April 4-5, 2026. The Myriad Gardens is in Downtown OKC and the festival, which will also host live music, food trucks, and vendors, begins at 9:00 am and runs until 6:00 pm. If you go, don’t miss the Journey of the Tulip exhibit inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. The exhibit traces a surprisingly fascinating story about the flower’s path from Central Asia to Europe and the economic frenzy it brought along with it.
The gardens are free to walk but there is an admission fee for the Crystal Bridge. Parking in the area fills up fast so arrive in the morning if you can or use a paid downtown lot and walk. You can usually find garage parking for around $10. It’s worth. nothing that because tulips in Oklahoma peak in March, the outdoor blooms may be past their prime. However, it’s free so it’s still a nice day out.
Art in Bloom at the OKC Museum of Art
After the OKC Tulip Festival wraps up, art and flowers will come together at the Oklahoma Museum of Art. This year will be OKCMOA’s seventh annual Art in Bloom event. It features floral sculpture interpretations of works from the permanent collection that are all crafted by designers across the state. Tickets run $22.95 – $29.95 and kids 17 and under get in free. The museum also features a permanent collection of Dale Chihuly glass including a monstrous 55-foot glass sculpture at the entrance. The event runs April 10-12.
Art in Bloom at the Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa
Running April 3-5, this Tulsa event actually overlaps with the Tulip Festival in OKC. Art in Bloom at the Philbrook may have the same name but it is an entirely different experience than Art in Bloom at the OKC Museum of Art. While the concept is similar, large scale floral structures created by local designers, you’re walking through a historic mansion and its Tuscan style gardens. VIP ticket add a build-a-bouquet activity as well as access to the botanical bar. While you’re here, don’t miss the temporary Andy Warhol exhibit, Silver Clouds.
Tulsa Botanic Blooms at Tulsa Botanic Garden
Tulsa Botanic Blooms actually starts in March but it runs through April 20. The annual event typically features upwards of 150,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowering bulbs. On the Tulsa Botanic Garden website, you can check what is currently in bloom. As of today (April 3), the Dogwoods are in peak bloom and the Iris, Clematis, and Peonies are also opening up. You’ll probably still see some tulips and daffodils if you go soon. If you’re looking for a good day trip with kids, don’t count this out just because they might not care about flowers. The Sean Kenney Nature Connects exhibit features lego sculptures that gives both adults and children a unique take on nature.
Muskogee Azalea Festival at Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
This is the oldest and most serious of the bunch, held since 1968, Honor Heights Park’s 40 acres of manicured gardens feature over 30,000 azaleas in over 600 varieties. The Muskogee Azalea Festival technically runs all of April but blooms are weather dependent. Usually, the azaleas peak the second or third week of the month but our warm March prompted early blooming. Some of my azaleas at home are peaking so I’m guessing they will peak earlier than normal in Muskogee as well. You can always give Muskogee Parks and Rec a call to check. I’m planning to head there this week to check it out. The parade this year will be on April 4th.
The Flower Meadow – Coweta
The Flower Meadow is a u-pick farm near Tulsa. Tulip picking season at the farm is over but other beautiful blooms have taken their place. This particular flower farm offers ranunculus and anemones for picking. Spring bouquets are $35 but if you just want to visit and admire the beauties, it’s only $5. The farm also has a barnyard with ducks, goats and other fun activities, making it a great day trip with kids. Hours show that it is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm but I would still call or check the Facebook page in advance.
OKC Festival of the Arts
Springtime in Oklahoma is marked by the annual Festival of the Arts has been an OKC tradition is the 1960’s. Despite the fact that it almost always rains throughout the festival, it is still a good time. Even if you aren’t interested in the art, come for the food. The festival itself is free to attend but you do, of course, pay for any art or food that you want. This year the OKC Arts Festival runs from April 23-April 26 and takes place at the Bicentennial Park in downtown OKC.
Other Ways to Celebrate Springtime in Oklahoma
Here are a few more springtime events in Oklahoma worth knowing about.
Medieval Fair of Norman
No flowers, but one of the biggest spring events in Oklahoma and easy to pair with other activities in the area. April 10-12, 2026
Dogwood Days in Idabel
Southeast Oklahoma’s way of showing off in the spring. April 3-4, 2026
Easter Pageant at the Holy City of the Wichitas
Longest running Passion Play in North America. 2026 dates are March 28 and April 4.
Tips for Planning Your Spring Day Trip
Go early. Every event on this list gets crowded by mid-morning on weekends.
Check bloom updates. Flowers don’t always follow the event calendar. Most events post updates on their Facebook page or website. Check before making the drive.
Stack destinations. Muskogee and Tulsa are about 45 minutes apart. Everything listed in OKC is within walking distance of downtown. None of this requires a hotel and they all make a good day trip from most anywhere in the state.