OKLAHOMA CITY – Let’s just cut to the chase: you’re probably broke. We’re all broke. The economy is a mess and whatever money we’re not paying on gas, rent, or groceries, we’re probably hoarding and holding for the next big price hikes on gas, rent, or groceries.
So there’s nothing better right now than a chance to get out of the house and enjoy some live music for the low, low price of free.
Luckily for all of us, there are a few great opportunities this month to get your music for nothing and your shows for free.
So whether you feel like block-partying with some crooners, stomping your feet while you stuff your face, or just relaxing in the park with a whole orchestra’s worth of movie music, here’s how to do it on the cheap around the OKC metro in May.
Heard on Hurd feat. Stephen Salewon, Reagon Carter, Grayson Graham – Downtown Edmomd – Saturday, May 16th
Edmond’s monthly block party is back and kicking into high gear for the late spring and summer months that feel perfectly suited to the block party atmosphere, with pop-up shops and a huge selection of food and drink trucks.
But the headlining attraction at every Heard on Hurd is the music, always pulled from Oklahoma’s own deep well on homegrown talent, and that’s no different for May.
Saturday sees sets from Stillwater-based Red Dirt belter Reagon Carter and the stripped-down, introspective modern folk stylings of Edmond local Grayson Graham.
But the night’s headliner is OKC’s own Stephen Salewon, one of the most soulful, cross-genre, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter voices on the scene right now.
So tie on your walking shoes and have a stroll, a bite, and a drink while you enjoy some fully free tunes under nothing but the sky.
Well, weather permitting, of course.
Sunday in the Park with the OKC Phil – Scissortail Park – Sunday, May 17th
What could be better than spreading out a blanket on the Scissortail grass and relaxing with a costless concert from Oklahoma City’s own symphonic superstars, the OKC Philharmonic?
If that whole concert was built from film score favorites and classic movie music, that’s what.
Partnering with deadCenter Film to help herald next month’s 26th installment of the deadCenter Film Festival, the Phil (led of course by Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate) has curated a full night of film pieces for a free concert on Scissortail’s lawn.
They’ll be busting out silver screen standards like John William’s immortal themes to “Superman” and “E.T.” and Strauss’s monolithic “Also Sprach Zarathustra” from “2001: A Space Odyssey” alongside more modern selections like Hans Zimmer’s update to Harold Faltermeyer’s “Top Gun” theme and Justin Hurwitz’s gorgeous “Planetarium” waltz from “La La Land.”
It’s not only free, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to dive into the unique power of live orchestral music if you never have.
Duckies outdoor concert series – All Month Long – Duckies OKC
The proprietors behind Midtown sandwich favorite The Goose were already doing OKC a solid by finally giving us a hip bagel joint to enjoy with their new Duckie’s OKC, but they’ve also decided to turn the spot’s lawn into a full-on concert and community space on the regular.
In May alone, they’ll be hosting no fewer than four free concert events featuring some of the hottest local acts.
May 17th is a vibey, danceable day of coffee and tunes soundtracked by recent NMF standout Kora Waves, house bumper Poppaglitch, and resident beat-spinner for the OKC Blue and the mighty Thunder themselves, DJ LiTEBRiTE, all kicking off at 11am.
May 16th sees country-folk songstress Mallory Eagle holding court hot on the heels of a massive #1 pick on Curbside Chronicle’s 50 Great Songs.
May 23rd is all about foot-stomping folk-rockers Compost Adjacent slinging their sometimes danceable, sometimes psychedelic, always shockingly catchy tunes.
And then on Memorial Day itself, May 25th, they’re pulling out all the “free concert” stops and inviting you to bring your own inflatable pool and post up for a day of free music from heavy-psychers Sunliner, alt-rock blasters The Burn Notice, and inexhaustible ska stars Fair Weather Enemies.
You know that’s the makings of a better Memorial Day than the lake, because you can enjoy good food, properly chilled beer, and air-conditioned bathrooms all while rocking out with free live music.
You can find out about local music and performance happenings in the OKC metro weekly in this music column by Brett Fieldcamp. | Brought to you by True Sky Credit Union.
Brett Fieldcamp is the owner and Editor in Chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly two decades and served as Arts & Entertainment Editor before purchasing the company from founder Brett Dickerson in 2026.
He is also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
