Bored this weekend: Better Block!

Here is the run-down of programming at the Better Block Project going on tonight and tomorrow, centered around Hudson & 8th. This is a true mixed-use Better Block, that will feature several shops in vacant storefronts, several food vendors, all of the businesses like Cadence, Ludivine, and Elemental will be a part, chances to learn about cool movements like the streetcar and urban agrarians, all coinciding H&8 food market. On the tour it was truly overwhelming the detail and expansiveness of the programming, kudos to them!

Shop
OUI
A 2-day temporary shop featuring OUI products (designed by Angela Hodgkinson) and the work of many other independent designers & artists. The line-up so far includes jewelry, paper garlands, weavings, ceramics, and more from LA, NY, OKC, and the UK. OUI was recently featured on the internationally recognized design blog, Design Sponge. Check it out!

Bloemenmarket
Be sure to check out the incredible pop-up flower shop, Bloemenmarkt! These guys will be offering gorgeous, rainforest-certified, free-trade roses from Ecuador, as well as many other farm-direct flowers like ranunculus, jumbo hydrangea (as big as soccer balls!), stunning fuchsia Starfighters and white Oriental lilies. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to fill up your house with farm-direct flowers!

Full Circle Bookstore
Take this rare opportunity to visit one of Oklahoma City’s most notable local businesses, Full Circle Bookstore. Full Circle has carefully selected books and magazines fitting for our Better Block OKC audience – including several titles by Oklahoma City favorite, Steve Lackmeyer.

This Land Press 
Popping up a newsstand on NW 7th will be This Land Press, Oklahoma’s emerging media source for Oklahoma news, culture and life. Their mission is to chronicle life in Oklahoma through courageous, compelling stories-and to tell those stories in the most suitable medium. At the newsstand you’ll be able to read the beautiful print version, and learn more about their expansion to OKC.

Urban Agrarian
Urban Agrarian operates local foods markets using biodiesel and natural gas vehicles to collect food from Oklahoma farms. They have 3 open-air markets seasonally, as well as bulk distribution to schools and restaurants. During Better Block OKC, Urban Agrarian features a fruit and vegetable stand so you can purchase fresh, local food all weekend!

Drink & Dine

H&8th
Night Food Market featuring OKC’s best food truck offerings + COOP Ale Works + Elemental Coffee. This monthly event happens Friday night 6-10pm, and will be hopping during Better Block OKC Friday night!

Ludivine
“Ludivine was born from the idea of utilizing the best ingredients available to us from local farmers and ranchers. We use only what is in season to prepare a culinary experience that uses familiar ingredients to create dishes that speak not only to the palette, but to the whole person. We aim to design meals that release old memories and create new ones. At Ludivine we believe in cuisine that is started by the farms and ranches around us, then crafted especially for our guests.” Enjoy dinner and drinks at Ludivine during Better Block! Already had dinner? No worries, Ludivine’s bar and patio will be open to those who would just like a drink!

Elemental Coffee
“At Elemental Coffee Roasters, our mission is kind of like our coffee – pure and simple: we want to share our love and passion for coffee with our customers. At our MidTown coffee roasterie and brew shop you’ll find a full coffee bar with an eclectic mix of sweet and savory treats directly connected with our roasterie.”Stop in for coffee and treats at Elemental during Better Block OKC!

Street Food Vendors
Atomic Dog Street hot dog cart during Better Block Saturday and another mobile food vendor!

Tree & Leaf Clothing Trike
Selling bottled sodas!

Learn

Modern Transit Project Office
Passed by a majority of OKC voters in 2008, the MAPS 3 Modern Streetcar Transit Project is underway. Have all of your questions about the new electric, rail-based streetcar system and Intermodal Transit Hub answered by MAPS 3 Transit Subcommittee members and project volunteers. Maps of the proposed route under engineering analysis, renderings of the Santa-Fe Hub Facility, and project drawings will be on display and for distribution. Stop by and pick up a campaign button and display your pride for Oklahoma City’s first light-rail since 1947 and learn how you can become involved in ongoing transit improvement initiatives.

Spokies
Downtown OKC’s new bike share program will be out showing off the rides around 7pm Friday night and 10am Saturday, come by to check it out!

Transitions OKC
A pop-up community garden planted by Transition OKC, Anderson Organics and Urban Agrarian!

Better Block Tour
Tour Better Block OKC signage to learn more about how this block is better! Also find great opportunities to interact with Better Block OKC on Twitter and Instagram!

Do, See & Hear

Cadence Yoga
Yoga classes 7 days a week. A main focus at Cadence Yoga is community – building, supporting and evolving! 30 minute yoga classes during Better Block OKC!
2:00-2:30 pm: FREE! First come first serve.
4:00-4:30 pm FREE! First come first serve.

Better Bark OKC
Bring your pups and hangout with four legged friends during Better Block! The entire event is dog friendly so bring them on leash, then they can be let free inside the Better Bark OKC pop up dog park!

Interactive Chalk Wall
Bring your creativity to the chalk wall during Better Block. Fun for all ages, our interactive chalk wall will inspire your creativity and gather your input about our community!

Street musicians
All weekend, lineup TBA soon!

Pride Festival
Saturday, May 19th 11am – 10pm.
Located on Historic Film Row in the heart of Downtown OKC , just a 5-10 minute walk/ride from Better Block OKC. The festival, on two full blocks, will host thousands of people and dozens of exhibitors and entertainers from all around the state! Bring your lawn chairs, family & friends, and celebrate your Pride in the heart of our city! Festival Map & Directions

Hungryman
Saturday, May 19th: 9am. 9th Street /Start at Iguana. This race will be running through Better Block, and the party is just a few blocks away! The Hungryman is Oklahoma City’s only eat/run relay competition. This 10K relay event challenges the savviest runners and fiercest of eaters. All of the proceeds benefit Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO). Stay after the race for an epic after-party featuring a raffle with awesome prizes, live music, food and drinks. Bring your family and join the fun!