Things to do in Norman, Oklahoma

If you live in any of Ideal’s Norman communities – Red Canyon Ranch, Greenleaf Trails, Trail Woods – you know all about the vibrant cultural life that comes from living in a university city. If you’re new to the metro area, or just considering a move, Norman is located about 20 miles south of Downtown Oklahoma City, and with about 120,000 population, Norman is Oklahoma’s third largest city.   Your source for all things Norman is Discover Norman, a website that guides you to hotels, attractions, restaurants, shops, events and Oklahoma Sooner sports. Be sure to check it out regularly.  Be sure to include these upcoming Norman Events in your leisure plans.   2nd Friday Art Walk Stroll through the Walker Arts District in Downtown Norman for the 2nd Friday Art Walk May 11, from 6 - 9 p.m. The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk – a monthly, citywide celebration of art – is a collaboration between artists, art organizations, and businesses, brought to you by the Norman Arts Council. As its name implies, it’s held the second Friday of every month and includes a wide variety of shops, restaurants, offices, bars, concert venues and more teaming up to produce dozens of free, fun arts events to celebrate Norman’s creative community. Events include free concerts with everything from folk to jazz to indie to hip-hop. Norman Arts Council and Norman Music Festival present the 2nd Friday Concert Series each month at Opolis (113 N. Crawford). May features longtime Norman favorite The New Tribe, fresh from an appearance at Norman Music Festival.  All concerts are free for all-ages and start at 9 p.m. The Bluebonnet Bar (321 E. Main) will host Dylan Stewart and Mike McClure. Show will start at 7 p.m. and is non-smoking. Guestroom Records (125 E. Main) will feature hip-hop act WeRDoZe followed by a DJ set! Red Brick Bar (311 E. Main) will host singer-songwriter Tania Warnock from Enid, bringing some Red Dirt, folk, Americana music! Karaoke follows at 10 p.m. Puebla Tacos y Tequileria (305 E. Main) will host 2018 Jazz In June Jam Sessions! The Lucky Losers, a blues jam band & a male/female duet fronted band from San Francisco, will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Veteran blues vocalists Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz deliver a soulful '60's retro sound on their third CD, Blind Spot, coming May 18 on Dirty Cat Records. Sergio’s Italian Bistro (104 E. Gray) will have Kyle Reid from 7 to 9 p.m.  Summer Breeze Concert Series Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy lead off the FREE Summer Breeze Concert Series for 2018 May 20, 7 - 9 p.m. – at Lions Park A high-energy "Brass 'n' Grass" sextet from Wichita, Kan. takes the stage at 7 p.m. The band, whose sound has been described as “...a stagecoach in overdrive” has brought their eclectic blend of bluegrass, ska, punk, and Dixieland to packed clubs, basements, and festivals across the U.S. since their inception in the spring of 2007. Upcoming concerts in the series include:

• June 3 - Jacob Tovar and the Saddle Tramps
• June 17 - Handmade Moments
• July 1 - Brandy Zdan
• July 15 - The Mulligan Brothers
• July 29 - Caleb McGee and the Underdogs
• Aug 12 - Delhi 2 Dublin
• Aug 26 - Harpeth Rising - Members Choice

Jazz in June Jazz in June, Norman’s outdoor jazz and blues festival, continues its 34-year tradition of bringing Oklahoma and national jazz and blues artists together to perform free for the public June 14, 2018 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Take part in the rising popularity of jazz by watching various musicians take to the stage at this free music festival. Jazz in June, created in 1984, attracts more than 50,000 visitors annually. Join the citizens of Norman as they celebrate local musical talent and experience a diverse range of musical artistry at its best. Grab some popcorn from a festival food vendor, kick back on a blanket or lawn chair and simply relax to the smooth sounds of the blues. In addition to the main stage acts, there will also be accompanying music clinics taught by several artists during Friday’s festivities. Bring your instrument of choice Thursday and Saturday and participate in late-night jam sessions taking place at various locales around Norman. Jazz in June grows more popular every year. Various formats include a Saturday evening trolley bus to jazz clubs in town. Stages will be set up at Norman’s Brookhaven Village on Robinson Street, as well as Andrews Park. Each year’s lineup includes a widely eclectic mix of artists, so come to Jazz in June for music that makes your ears perk up and your heart soar. Join your fellow music-lovers for a breezy summer evening -- at Brookhaven Village on Thursday and Friday and at Andrews Park on Saturday.   University of Oklahoma Sports are an integral part of the Norman community. Sooner football vs. Florida Atlantic The Sooner football team kicks off its 2018 season vs. Florida-Atlantic on Sept. 1. Time TBA. For more information about OU athletic events, CLICK HERE.   Norman Film Festival In its second year, the Norman Film Festival is an international event held in Downtown Norman. September 15, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. -- Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main.   Aviation Festival The 12th Annual Aviation Festival and Open House takes place at Max Westheimer Airport October 13, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Festival features aircraft displays, kids’ corner, Sooner Flight Academy hands-on hangar, exhibitors, seminars, aerial displays and a food truck corral.   Oklahoma Wine Walk The 6th annual Oklahoma Wine Walk takes place at Brookhaven Village October 13, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Frontier Country Marketing Association will host the 6th annual Oklahoma Wine Walk and Brew Fest on Saturday, October 13, in the lovely and upscale Brookhaven Village, located at 36th Avenue NW and Robinson Street in Norman. The Oklahoma Wine Walk and Brew Fest features wineries and breweries from across the state bringing samples of the vast selections of true Oklahoma wines and beers. Wineries, breweries and merchants will set up underneath tents in a festival-type atmosphere scattered throughout the village allowing for a leisurely walk (not a 5K!) and ample shopping. Listen to live music from Oklahoma entertainers and browse outdoor booths featuring genuine wine collectibles and made-in-Oklahoma products.   Downtown Fall Festival The annual Downtown Norman Fall Fest takes place from 6-9 p.m. along Main Street October 26, from 6 - 9:00 p.m. With family fun including costume contests, safe trick or treating along with inflatables, the annual event is a family favorite.  Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade The night-time Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade takes place in Downtown Norman December 08, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The 2018 Norman Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade will feature bands, floats and horses. Set in a festive spirit complete with a variety of Christmas characters, this annual holiday event will also feature an appearance by the man of the month, Santa Claus. The parade takes place in Downtown Norman, stretching across Main Street beginning at Pickard Ave. Awards will be presented in each of the following categories: Best overall entry, Most Unique Entry, Best Entry Featuring Children, Best Entry Featuring Dance/Movement, Best Use of Theme and Best Entry Featuring Music.