Everybody loves to see their city on the big screen, and lately, Tulsa has been on a lot of them. From Sterlin Harjo’s original series The Lowdown on FX to the iconic daytime broadcast TODAY, the city and its local businesses have been soaking up the spotlight.
We’ve gathered the people and places featured on TODAY’s third hour segment with hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Tulsa’s own Sheinelle Jones on Friday, October 10, 2025, so you can relive the experience and explore the gems of Tulsa for yourself.
Live From Guthrie Green
The TODAY cast graced the stage of Guthrie Green in Downtown Tulsa’s Arts District to film their third hour segment in front of a live audience of over 1,000 people. The broadcast began with a roar of excitement from the crowd, music from Union High School’s Renegade Regiment and the spirit of Booker T. Washington’s cheerleaders. The mascots of the The Tulsa Drillers, The University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, OU and OSU also made an appearance to cheer on the folks of TODAY as they talked about all things Tulsa.
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Woody Guthrie Center - This public museum just beyond Guthrie Green at Reconciliation Way and Boston in the Tulsa Arts District is dedicated to preserving the legacy and work of Woody Guthrie. The namesake of the community greenspace hosting the folks of TODAY, Woody Guthrie was a prolific folk musician and humanist activist. He wrote over 3,000 songs in his lifetime, the vast majority of which were never recorded. The center remains one of the few places where you can see and hear Guthrie’s larger archive of political and poetic songs.
Bob Dylan Center - Next door to the Woody Guthrie Center is another nonprofit museum housing archives of the folk songwriter and influential artist, Bob Dylan. The Bob Dylan Center offers unprecedented access to rare artifacts from his life and career, including some of his handwritten lyrics and unreleased recordings. With permanent and rotating exhibits, regular events, and community programming, the center is intended to be an inspiration for the next generation of artists and thinkers.
Hanson - The pop rock band hailing from Tulsa helped celebrate the day with a performance for the enthusiastic TODAY crowd. Hanson was a fitting choice, as band member Taylor Hanson remains very active in the community. His independent record label and recording studio, 3CG records is nestled in the Arts District Downtown, and he founded Food on the Move Oklahoma, a nonprofit combatting Tulsa’s food deserts. You can catch more of Taylor’s thoughts on Tulsa in his Best of Tulsa interview.
American Solera - The TODAY cast got a taste of Tulsa’s craft beer scene with selections from local brewery and taproom, American Solera. They sampled a signature IPA and the Mango Tango Boom Boom, which earned them a 2023 James Beard semifinalist award for outstanding bar. You’ll find their brews at bar and restaurants all over town, but their taproom and patio at 6th and Utica are go-tos for Tulsa beer drinkers. They serve 16 tap beers as well as wine and non-alcoholic options to pair with their food menu. Pro tip: visit on a Monday for $6 burgers.
Claremore Museum of History - TODAY host, Sheinelle Jones’ reminisced on her early days as a reporter for the Fox 23 local news channel which she described as some of the best years of her life. But she’s not alone in making local history. Her father, a federal judge, and her great-grandfather, an educator and founder of Kansas’ first black newspaper, grace the exhibits of the Claremore Museum of History. The quaint art deco building is just a half hour drive northeast of Tulsa near Route 66 and Will Rogers Boulevard. Her grandparents, also educators, are featured here, too.
Council Oak Tree of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation - Monroe Nichols, joined the cast to present them with Tulsa’s version of the key to the city: the Council Oak Tree. Made by the fifth grade classes of Council Oak Elementary in the Maple Ridge neighborhood, these replicas represent the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Locv Pokv Tribal Town that founded the modern city of Tulsa at the Council Oak Tree after their forced removal from the Southeast.
The Outsiders House Museum - The Outsiders is having a cultural resurgence, and Tulsa — the unofficial setting of the classic story — is at the center of it.
The Novel: Tulsa native and author S.E. Hinton wrote the novel that would go on to become required reading while she was just a student of Will Rogers High School.
The Movie: Her work inspired the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola movie by the same name, and the North Tulsa house used in the film is now a museum owned by Danny Boy O’Connor. Restored to its condition at the time of filming, the house is full of movie memorabilia that you can see every weekend 11am–4pm with tickets available for purchase on-site.
The Musical: The Outsiders story most recently saw its name in lights on Broadway. The musical interpretation debuted at the Tulsa PAC and has since won 4 Tony awards, including Best Musical.
Tulsa Talent - Singer, songwriter, producer, and One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder made an appearance to shoutout fellow Tulsa talent, disguised as a trivia question for the TODAY cast. When asked whether Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, actor and comedian Bill Hader, or rock band All American Rejects have deep ties with Tulsa, of course the answer is all of the above. You can even see Kristin Chenoweth’s and AAR lead singer Tyson Ritter’s “Best of Tulsa” interviews.
Being Neighborly - Putting our friendly rivalry aside, OKC even showed love to the Tulsa TODAY taping. League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder championship team delivered a special message welcoming the crew to the state. Plus, one lucky Tulsa family was gifted tickets to the Thunder’s opening night.
Today Got Its Kicks on Route 66
During their visit, the cast of TODAY took a quick tour of Tulsa for their “Buddy Up” segment, Route 66 style. Starting their journey at Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios, Al, Dylan, and Sheinelle jumped in a cherry red Cadillac convertible (courtesy of Joanna Cooper of Cooper’s Car Emporium) to experience the capital of the Mother Road both on and off the historic highway.
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Mother Road Market
The TODAY team started their tour at Mother Road Market on Route 66. Founder Elizabeth Ellison with Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation gave them the rundown on the Kitchen 66 program, which provides business education and commercial resources to aspiring restaurateurs, and the Mother Road Market food hall, which serves as an incubator for up-and-coming vendors.
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LeRoux’s Kitchen - TODAY chatted with Kitchen 66 graduates Renauld and Gabriela of LeRoux’s Kitchen. If you’re after authentic Cajun flavor, look no further than their booth at Mother Road Market. From gumbo to beignets, it’s a go-to place for a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Tulsa. What makes them extra special? They have gluten-friendly and vegan options on offer so you don’t have to sacrifice any of the soul food flavor.
Nicky’s Smokehouse - Another highlight of their MRM stop, Nicky’s Smokehouse put the TODAY team to work on grill duty. Chef Nick explained the smoking and grilling processes behind their Oklahoma-style BBQ meats, which include 3 custom-made grills from the long-time Tulsa icon Hasty Bake. Visit their booth in Mother Road Market, Tuesday – Saturday, with burnt ends available weekends only. They’re open 11am–3pm, or until they sell out.
Blink and you’ll miss it: a few other MRM must-tries can be seen in the broadcast, including Big Dipper Creamery, Metropolis Cheesesteaks, and Zasa’s Pizza and Wings.
Gathering Place
Wandering from Route 66 to Riverside, the TODAY hosts made a pitstop at the sprawling 66.5-acre park that dominates the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa. Executive Director Julio Badin gave them the lay of the land. From skate parks to sports courts to TODAY-favorite paddle boats, there are endless ways to connect in this stunning public green space. The park plays host to endless events where you can find community.
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Historic Greenwood District
The TODAY folks headed Downtown to visit the Historic Greenwood District, the former site of the nation’s Black Wall Street which was a hub of black business, wealth, and community before the violence and destruction of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. Today, the neighborhood confronts the pain of the past by empowering a blossoming corner of black-owned businesses and community leaders that are making an impact far beyond the boundaries of Greenwood and Archer.
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Silhouette Sneakers and Art - The crew stepped into Silhouette Sneakers and Art to talk with owner Kellen James about his business in Greenwood. The boutique seller stocks an exclusive selection of sneakers from Nike, Jordan, Adidas and more. During their visit, James gifted Today host and Tulsa native Sheinelle Jones a custom pair of Tulsa x TODAY Nike Dunks to remember her homecoming tour.
Don’t miss it: Black Wall Street Tees & Souvenirs, Tee’s Barber Shop, and Natural Health Clinic can be seen during TODAY's stroll down Greenwood.
Cain’s Ballroom
After a long day touring the town, it was time for the TODAY team to let loose. They met up with Heather Valenzuela of Giddy Up Two Step for a quick tutorial in the iconic Cain’s Ballroom music venue. At 101 years old, the long-time crown jewel of the Tulsa Arts District has attracted some of the biggest names in music and been a launchpad for local rising stars. With the standing-room-only venue’s maple wood floors and a glistening disco ball overhead, we issue a fair warning that the post-concert depression will hit especially hard, but the unique experience is well worth it.
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The TODAY tour of Tulsa powered by Visit Tulsa was action-packed. But, in reality, the hosts only scratched the surface of how much our city has to offer. Be sure to check out the local businesses and experiences highlighted in TODAY’s segments for yourself. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Tulsa is full of surprises.
Check out what the hosts had to say about their time in Tulsa on our social channels.
