Nearby places

Getting to know the venues in both cities

The places listed here fall into two clear clusters, and knowing how each one fits into its neighbourhood makes planning a night out much easier. In Tulsa, ONEOK Field, the BOK Center, Cain's Ballroom and Tulsa Theater all sit in or right beside downtown, with the Greenwood District and the Tulsa Arts District within walking distance of one another. In Oklahoma City, the Paycom Center, the Civic Center Music Hall and The Criterion are grouped around downtown and Bricktown, while the Diamond Ballroom stands apart on the south side of the city, so it usually calls for a car or a rideshare rather than a stroll.

Matching the venue to the evening

These rooms serve very different purposes. The BOK Center and the Paycom Center are large arenas built for major tours, basketball and hockey, and big family shows. ONEOK Field is a minor-league ballpark that also hosts community events. Cain's Ballroom, the historic home of Western swing, and Tulsa Theater offer a more intimate concert experience, as do The Criterion and the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City. The Civic Center Music Hall is the city's main home for orchestral music, ballet, opera and touring Broadway productions.

Practical tips before you go

• Always confirm dates, door times and ticket details on the venue's or promoter's official website, as schedules change.
• Check each venue's bag policy in advance; arenas and many concert halls have size limits.
• Downtown parking fills up quickly on event nights, so arrive early or look into garages and shuttle options ahead of time.
• Standing-room shows at ballrooms often have age restrictions, so check before buying tickets for younger guests.
• Dinner nearby is a good idea, but book a table on busy weekends.

For what is coming up across both cities, see our Events Guide, and for wider context on galleries, theatre and festivals, browse the Arts & Culture section.