Go Downtown with Value News

Welcome to the first installment of Go Downtown with Value News! Every month will highlight entertainment, dining and other activities in Downtown Tulsa, helping readers make the most of their time and money in each district.

Downtown Tulsa is bursting with ­original music and art, quirky shops, exciting dining options, and plays host to several professional sports teams and regular concerts from big name performers.

    The BOK Center continues to draw large crowds and top acts, selling over 400,000 concert tickets in 2013. Things begin to heat up in April, as Kings of Leon take the stage on April 8 and George Strait on April 19. Also, the Oklahoma Defenders, Tulsa’s professional indoor football team, takes on the Bloomington Edge on April 12 and the Wichita Wild on April 26. Visit www.bokcenter.com for tickets and details on all events and concerts.

    The Brady Arts District is home to some of Tulsa’s best music venues, art galleries and dining. While in the area, stop by Chimera for a bite to eat and a drink before the show. Chimera, run by two native Tulsans and located at 212 N. Main St., serves unique food, coffee and beverages. Touting a menu suitable for vegans, vegetarians or carnivores, everyone is sure to leave with a full stomach and smile on their face. In addition to an extensive wine and beer list, they serve cocktails and award-winning ­coffee.

    At the heart of Downtown Tulsa is the Deco District. Home to ­beautifully preserved art deco ­buildings, this district has witnessed renewed interest lately. Perfect for a date night or a mini tour for visiting friends, soak up some of the charm of 1920s architecture and grab a bite.

    Elote Café & Catering, located at 514 S. Boston Ave, is widely ­credited with spearheading the Deco District Revival. This funky, hip “fresh Mex” restaurant embodies the culture of downtown. Specializing in Mexican cuisine made from ­locally-sourced ingredients, Elote is healthy and fun. Over the years, the ­restaurant added lucha libre wrestling (a style of wrestling popular in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, in which the wrestlers wear masks and boast colorful personalities) to its list of events, and it stuck. Today, Elote hosts regular wrestling matches, ­starring its own cast of luchador wrestlers. On Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m., Elote hosts the annual Luchador Run, benefitting the Tulsa YMCA. Featuring a one mile fun run and a 5K, runners are encouraged to dress in costume and race against the Elote Luchadores, dodging “urban ­obstacles.”

    Blue Dome District, which ­surrounds the intersection of Elgin and 2nd, blends entertainment, dining and shopping. Offering something for everyone, the district is a hub of excitement day and night. Located at 119 S. Detroit Ave., Dwelling Spaces is a quirky, Tulsa-centric gift shop that specializes in Oklahoma music, art, coffee and…robots. On any given weekend, one is equally likely to find live music, an art exhibit or book ­signing, as the store has become a popular stop for Okie creative-types.

    Just around the corner is the ­latest venture from Tulsa City Councilman and entrepreneur Blake Ewing. White Flag, located at 116 S. Elgin, serving hamburgers and drinks, is quickly becoming a popular venue for live music in the district. To view a menu and learn more about events, visit www.whiteflagtulsa.com.

    Just north of Blue Dome District, at 201 N. Elgin, is ONEOK Field, home to the Tulsa Drillers. The Drillers host Corpus Christi on Thursday, April 3, for opening night, followed by games against San Antonio and Arkansas throughout the month. With tickets starting at $5 (with $2 lawn tickets on Tuesdays), a baseball game downtown is a fun and affordable family outing. Visit www.milb.com for game schedule and tickets.

    Just across from the ball field, at 111 E. Brady St., is Guthrie Green – a wide open lawn designed for community events. April marks the ­beginning of the Sunday Market, a farmers market that runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday until the end of October. Guthrie Green showcases live music, as well. On Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. catch Chamber Music Tulsa present “Bohemian” Rhapsody. The concert features the American String Quartet performing music with bohemian connections and exploring themes of passion, jealousy, betrayal, birdsong, folk dances, trains, ­homesickness and more. On Sunday, April 27, get a double dose of music. Starting at 2 p.m., Horton Records presents Shinyribs, Pilgrim and Honeylark. For more information and a full list of events, visit www.guthriegreen.com.