About The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a world-class 100-acre riverfront park along the Arkansas River in Tulsa. Opening in September 2018 - the park was built with a vision to create a welcoming natural space where members of Tulsa's diverse communities could come together to explore - learn - and play. Named Best City Park by USA Today - it has received multiple national and international awards and has been featured in National Geographic and The New York Times.
Music and Cultural Programming
The Gathering Place offers exceptional year-round programming that includes live music - artistic performances - and cultural events - all at no cost to visitors. The park hosts Pickin' in the Park - a family-friendly bluegrass acoustic jam session at Williams Lodge where musicians of all skill levels can bring their acoustic instruments and join in casual - no-pressure jam sessions featuring bluegrass - folk - jazz - and swing music. Concerts are held on the QuikTrip Great Lawn - bringing both local and touring acts to the community. The park also hosts the monthly First Friday Art Crawl events and partners with organizations like Taylor Entertainment Group for the Tulsa Jazz Fest.
Park Features and Attractions
The park offers amazing attractions for all ages including the Chapman Adventure Playground with larger-than-life features - Peggy's Pond with paddleboats from the ONEOK Boathouse - BMX and skate parks - beautiful gardens - and miles of trails connecting to the Midland Valley Trail and River Parks system. Free educational opportunities range from story time to art and musical programs. The park is committed to improving social - economic - and environmental sustainability in Tulsa while preserving and enhancing native ecosystems.
Community Impact
Since opening - The Gathering Place has become a cornerstone of the Tulsa community - serving as a symbol of a connected - diverse - and vibrant city. The park provides access to world-class amenities with no entry fee - ensuring all Tulsans and visitors can enjoy the space. Monthly events like First Friday often draw nearly 3000 people - making it a vital gathering place for the community. The park reflects the unique culture and spirit of Tulsa while continuing to inspire imagination and connection.