Timing is everything for outdoor summer events

Outdoor events are a good way to enjoy some safe social activity and entertainment. During the heat of summer, there are many community events in the mornings and evenings before the temperatures reach uncomfortable.

The Oklahoma Paddle Sports Festival kicks off this Friday at 7 p.m. with a party, races, demonstrations and fireworks. This national championship will feature races with some of the country’s most accomplished kayakers and continues through Tuesday. It combines with the Hudiburg Summer Concert Series, also held at Riversports, with the acoustic artist Joey Wallace on Friday and the band Replay on Saturday evening from 5-8 p.m.

This Friday evening is also the 3rd Friday in the Arts District in Film Row with art, live music, food trucks and more. Most vendors, restaurants and retailers are open later and there are activities for children at Sweet Yield Studio and The Creative Academy. Channel your inner artist with sidewalk chalk and coloring at Crew Workspace. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is open until 8 p.m. with free admission for children under 17 years. Those without a kiddo will find live music on the patio of the Jones Assembly and specials and happy hours on the many patios along Main Street.

The OSU-Oklahoma City Farmers Market at Scissortail Park is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, through October. The market is a great way to support Oklahoma producers and vendors and features fresh produce, meats, plants, cut flowers and more. There’s a free Zumba class at 9 a.m. on the lawn near the event pavilion. The next Night Market at Scissortail Park will be Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with local vendors, music, food trucks and more.

Oklahoma City has a Ride OKC art and architecture bike tour of downtown, surrounding neighborhoods and the boat district every day from 10 a.m. to 12:30. The cost is $45 per person.

The Sunday Twilight Concert Series, presented by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, continues every Sunday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. through the end of August. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and water and enjoy live music at the Myriad Gardens.

These events are a great way to add entertainment, culture and creativity and they are important for building community in Oklahoma City.