CannaCon’s OKC Guide: 10 Absolutely Surprising Reasons to Visit Oklahoma City
The people of Oklahoma City welcome everyone with open arms. There’s a reason OKC is nicknamed “The Big Friendly,” afterall. And as home to CannaCon South expo in April, there are more reasons to visit Oklahoma City than ever this spring.
While attending CannaCon is obviously top of the list for those looking to expand their cannabis business social networks, there are plenty of things to do outside the OKC Convention Center as well. Here are a few to definitely check out:
- There’s no place more beautiful in springtime than the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Since it’s a given that you already love things that grow and are green, you might as well visit this botanical urban oasis in the center of downtown. That first week of April will be the tail end of their Tulip Mania exhibit, which highlights all styles of tulip-inspired art and features 40 curated artists’ work. Stroll the grounds to experience the enchantment of more than 50,000 tulip blooms at this 15-acre natural escape, which is open daily. Take a ride on the historic Mo’s Carousel with its hand-carved wooden horses and see all the pretty colors and breathe the fresh air.
- For those who appreciate art, visiting Oklahoma is an excuse to stroll down The Paseo Arts District. Originally built in 1929 as the first OKC shopping district north of downtown, the Paseo is now home to more than 80 artists and more than 20 galleries with restaurants, clothing boutiques and gift shops intermingled between. April 5 is the first Friday in April, so the Paseo will be hosting their First Friday Gallery Walk, when studio owners and guest artists’ new work is presented along with live music and fun for all.
- When it comes to weed social networking, what better way to do it than on wheels? Whether you’re into boarding, skating, blading or BMX, you’re in for a wild ride at the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park. With three different skate areas covering more than 26,000 square feet, this is Oklahoma’s largest and most challenging venue to shred. With something for guests of every level, there are above-ground ramps, slides and rails. Highlights include a bowl course featuring an 11-foot half pipe, 10-foot oververt pocket and a three-shape panda bowl, as well as a street course featuring an 8-stair, hubba ledges, and block combos.
- In the mood to ride a mechanical bull or go two-stepping? If so, then Oklahoma Ranch is the place for you! The largest and best country dance hall and music venue in all of Oklahoma, this huge 27,000-square foot space houses bunches of pool tables and six, count ‘em, six fully stocked bars, makin’ this the most rockin’ country bar in all of Bricktown and a great place to expand your marijuana social network.
- If you’re into immersive experiences, especially the kind that awaken wonder, build community and make the world better, you and your inner child should definitely pay a visit to the marijuana social media-approved Factory Obscura for a journey filled with mystery and fantasy. Choose from their permanent Mix Tape exhibit to enjoy 60,000 square feet of their handcrafted 20th century take on the classic audio autobiography or, on April 6, come hear a live concert with Oklahoma-bred punk band Skating Polly and their ugly-pop sound.
- After expanding that cannabis business social network of yours all day at CannaCon, what better way to unwind than watching Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos? This hot spot for entertainment located along the Riverwalk not only serves up amazing signature cocktails and beer, but also has three live piano players who take the stage in rotations to perform some of the more than 1,000 different songs they know. This rip-roaring request-driven show is a hoot — but just be aware that if you sit close and get mouthy, you might just get roasted.
- Picture this: You’ve enjoyed two full days, Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6, at CannaCon creating and solidifying your marijuana social networks, only to be sad when that part of your Oklahoma journey has come to an end. How do you turn that frown upside down? I have two words for you: Drag. Brunch. You heard me. Sunday Gospel Brunch at The Boom is the longest-running comedy show in OKC and mixes a farcical church service with skits, sing-alongs and magic. You can not only laugh your butt off, but also explore the DIY Bloody Mary bar and munch on delicious chicken fried steak on Sunday, April 7, after the expo is over.
- When looking to commemorate your OKC visit with a little remembrance to take home with you, check out Common Dear, a queer women-owned, rainbow-filled feminist self-empowerment gift shop curated with BIPOC-owned and 2SLGBTQIA+-owned brands. Or go just down the street to Johnny and June for fun, eclectic, never-boring gifts that will surely delight the receiver.
CannaCon is just One of the Many Reasons to Visit Oklahoma City!
There are so many good reasons to visit Oklahoma City this spring, but the reason not to wait any longer and start planning your trip today is definitely CannaCon South in OKC. There will be dozens of speakers, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees. There is a reason why CannaCon is the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference and the ultimate trade show for weed social networking. For an experience like no other where you can learn and expand your marijuana social media presence, get your CannaCon South OKC tickets today!
This article was originally published on Apr. 1, 2019, and was updated on Mar. 10, 2024.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens are right next door to the Cox Convention Center (so be sure not to miss the spring blooms), and the Paseo Arts District is a great place to stroll and take in the local culture. Have fun in OKC, y’all!
Thank you for this glowing review of my town. People don’t know how special this place is. My brother and I grew up here and have had a saying “Oklahoma the best kept secret in America, and let’s keep it that way.” Now I think the cat is out of the bag. You will all see how welcoming and warm the people are here. You will see how affordable it is to experience the high life is here. You will see how beautiful the natural beauty is here. We have the most liberal medical MJ laws are in the US because republicans and democrats alike want to smoke weed. It’s a beautiful thing what we did here as a state.