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Find your weekend getaway: Creative escapes to Dallas, OKC, and Tulsa

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Tulsa Art Deco District

Tulsa's Art Deco District offers a wide-range of options for scenic beauty.

As the semester ends and summer begins, it's a great time to take a break. Get out of Stillwater and let your mind wander beyond the lecture halls.

Luckily, there’s no need to go far to find inspiration. This Memorial Day weekend, nearby cities are offering a variety of artistic events that are sure to lift your spirits and encourage creativity.

Whether you’re into painting, architecture, live music or hands-on artmaking, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa all have something exciting lined up for you.

Dallas

In Dallas, creativity takes center stage with two unique offerings. On Saturday, May 24, “Art in the Park” will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the scenic Leonhardt Lagoon in Fair Park.

Led by local artist Karla Ceballos, this free, weekly workshop invites participants of all ages to explore a variety of artistic techniques and media. There is no need to bring anything—all art supplies are provided.

Whether you’re an experienced painter or just curious to try something new, this relaxed lakeside session is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning surrounded by nature and creativity.

For those interested in more traditional fine art, the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University in Dallas is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled “The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce.”

Open now through June 22, this exhibition brings together over 60 works from Puerto Rico’s leading art museum, ranging from Italian Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary Puerto Rican art. Highlights include works by Peter Paul Rubens, Elisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun, John Singer Sargent and the iconic Flaming June by Frederic Leighton.

The exhibit also features dazzling 19th-century American landscapes and powerful pieces by modern Puerto-Rican artists such as Myrna Báez and Francisco Rodón. It’s a rare chance to see a wide-ranging collection that bridges continents, styles and centuries—all without leaving Texas.

OKC

Meanwhile, in OKC, the annual Paseo Arts Festival returns to the vibrant Paseo Arts District from Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26. This free, three-day event transforms the neighborhood into a lively celebration of visual and performing arts.

Over 90 artists from across the country will showcase works in a wide range of media, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography and mixed media. Beyond the galleries, visitors can enjoy live performances between two stages, with music ranging from jazz and blues to rock and pop. Acts such as Uncle Zep, Matthew Scott, Jahruba & the Jahmystics and Limp Wizurdz promise a lively soundtrack to a day of browsing.

Food is also part of the Meadow Museum’s experience, with over 20 food and drink vendors offering everything from smoked barbecue to global street food. Younger visitors—or young-at-heart adults—can explore the free Children’s Area at 29th and Dewey, where spin art, chalk drawing and craft stations offer an opportunity for hands-on creativity.

With its welcoming atmosphere and wide range of activities, the Paseo Arts Festival offers a perfect blend of culture, community and summertime fun.

Tulsa

If you’re craving something a bit more architectural and historical, head northeast to Tulsa, where the city’s iconic Art Deco Walking Tour gives a dazzling glimpse into the past.

Taking place every Saturday, with various start times, the one-mile tour explores Tulsa’s well-preserved Art Deco buildings. Expert guides lead you through ornate facades and stunning interiors that are normally closed to the public. Along the way, you’ll learn about the oil barons who built the city, the design trends that defined an era and the rise of Art Deco as a dominant style following 1925.

This year is a particularly special time to visit: 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Art Deco, and Tulsa is one of the best cities in the country to appreciate it.

With tickets priced at $45 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 13–17), this tour is a must for architecture buffs, history lovers or anyone interested in seeing a city through a new lens.

This Memorial Day weekend, you won’t have to travel far to find beauty, creativity and culture. Whether you wander the artistic streets of OKC, swing by the lagoon in Dallas or trace the golden age of design in Tulsa, these nearby getaways offer a refreshing change of pace and a reminder that inspiration is just a short drive away.

news.ed@ocolly.com