The Arts Council of Oklahoma City has produced the Opening Night New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown OKC since 1987. With a family-friendly atmosphere that includes musical acts throughout the night, street performers, a children’s area, food trucks, and a fantastic fireworks display, Opening Night is the premier way to ring in the new year for Oklahoma City residents. Each year brings an estimated 50,000 people downtown to celebrate. Get information below on location, cost, performers, and more.

Date and Time

December 31st is the date to remember. The 5k begins at 3 p.m., and the outdoor holiday festivities last from 7 p.m. to midnight. The final countdown commences at 11:30 p.m. with the fireworks scheduled for the moment the new year arrives.

Location and Parking

Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City serves as the site for the Opening Night celebration. The stage is set up in the park in front of the Civic Center Music Hall, while food trucks are parked along the surrounding streets. The Children’s Area is located in the Hall of Mirrors within the Civic Center Music Hall.

Bicentennial Park is situated between Walker and Lee, south of Robert S. Kerr Avenue and just north of Main. From I-40, northbound exits are available at Western and Robinson. Street parking is available in the area but fills up quickly, making the nearby downtown parking garages a preferable option for many.

Cost

Wristbands for Opening Night are priced at $8 in advance and $10 at the event, with children aged 5 and under admitted for free. Advanced purchases can be made beginning on December 1 at various locations: Metro 7-11 stores, MidFirst Bank locations, Plenty Mercantile at 807 North Broadway Avenue in Automobile Alley, and the OKC Museum of Art. Furthermore, you can purchase online even before December arrives.

More Information

No alcohol will be served at any of the venues. For further details, please visit the Arts Council of Oklahoma City online or call (405) 270-4848.

2017-2018 Events and Features

• Performances: The live music and entertainment schedule features The Wise Guys, OKC Improv, Adam and Kizzie, Edgar Cruz, Steelwind Duo, Brisa Sur, The House Session, Bricktown Clowns, and Michael King’s One Man Circus.
• Other Entertainment: Across the park and surrounding streets, you might find entertainment such as a scavenger hunt, marching bands, dancers, clowns, and magicians.
• Children’s Area: The Children’s Area will include activities such as face painting, crafts, games, and music.
• Food Trucks: Several local food trucks will be available, offering a variety of dining options in “Finale Alley” by the park. Participating trucks include Bacon N Cakin, Hijo’s Taqueria, and many more.
• Opening Night 5k: Just before the New Year’s Eve festivities kicks off, a USATF certified 5k run starts at 3 p.m. This event has been a tradition for the past five years. The race path, which begins and ends just south of Bicentennial Park, travels through downtown along Walker Avenue. Organizers encourage runners to dress festively, and registration includes a wristband for the party later and a medal. Winners receive a work of art, and the most festively dressed also receives an award.
• The Finale: The countdown to the new year begins at 11:30 p.m., and the spectacular fireworks display will illuminate the sky as 2018 arrives.