The Criterion in Oklahoma City: A Restored 1915 Theater Hosting National and Local Acts
The Criterion is a 400-seat historic theater in downtown Oklahoma City that books touring indie, rock, country, and pop acts alongside local performers in a restored 1915 space. It functions as the city's primary mid-size venue, sitting between large-capacity arenas and smaller club spaces, and operates with the technical infrastructure of a professional concert hall despite its intimate proportions.
What The Criterion actually is
Located on West Sheridan Avenue in the Midtown/Plaza District area, The Criterion reopened in 2013 after a multimillion-dollar restoration that preserved original architectural details—ornate plaster, a functioning balcony, and a proscenium arch—while installing modern sound, lighting, and climate systems. The 400-person capacity makes it large enough to draw mid-tier touring acts but small enough that sightlines from most seats remain unobstructed. The venue books 100 to 150 events per year across music, comedy, theater, and film screenings, though music programming dominates.
Genres, ticket pricing, and booking
The Criterion attracts indie rock, alternative, Americana, country, hip-hop, and pop-leaning acts. Recent touring artists have included regional and national acts at the threshold of larger venues. Ticket prices typically range from $15 to $35 for general admission, with higher tiers for seated reserved sections or VIP packages. Prices vary sharply by draw; local or newer acts cluster at the lower end, while established touring acts command $30 to $40. Tickets sell through the venue's website and Ticketmaster. General admission events use a first-come, first-served floor system; reserved seating is available for some shows. Doors generally open 30 to 60 minutes before showtime. Verify current events, specific pricing, and ticket limits directly with The Criterion's website or box office, as pricing and availability shift with each promotion.
How The Criterion compares to other Oklahoma City music venues
Oklahoma City's live music landscape divides by capacity and programming style. The Criterion occupies the 300 to 500-seat sweet spot. Below it, smaller clubs like Cain's Ballroom or Dab Haus host 50 to 150 people and focus on country, Americana, or local bands at $10 to $15 entry. Above it, venues like the Paycom Center (10,000+ capacity) and Chesapeake Energy Arena handle arena-scale touring acts and sports. The Criterion's advantage is consistent booking across genres, restored theater acoustics, and the middle tier that allows act growth: a band outgrowing a 100-capacity room has a clear next step at The Criterion before jumping to 2,000+ rooms. For someone seeking a larger stage than a bar venue but closer proximity than an arena, The Criterion is the necessary choice in Oklahoma City.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
The Criterion works best for listeners seeking mid-tier touring acts in a seated or standing theater space with reliable sound and sightlines. It suits groups of 2 to 10, dates, and solo attendees equally well. It does not suit high-energy standing-room-only crowds seeking mosh pits or crush behavior; the floor is open, but the 400-person cap and theater design emphasize listening over movement. It also does not suit those seeking dive-bar informality or arena-scale spectacle. Those wanting local musician discovery on a budget should prioritize smaller clubs; those wanting stadium artists need the larger venues downtown.
What a first visit involves
Arrive 20 to 40 minutes before doors to secure street parking on Sheridan or nearby side streets, or use metered parking in the Plaza District. The box office is on the ground level; entry and bag checks happen at the front doors. The interior retains original balcony seating and a main floor that accommodates standing or chair seating depending on the show. Restrooms are limited; use them before the opening act. The venue operates a full concession stand selling beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks at theater markups ($6 to $9 for beer, $4 to $8 for other drinks). The space has no coat check; bring a bag you can hold or leave outerwear at home.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The Criterion operates on an event-driven schedule; the box office is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and opens two hours before evening shows. The street address is 405 West Sheridan Avenue. Street parking on Sheridan and nearby cross streets is free but can be full 30 minutes before shows; plan accordingly or use paid lots one block south. The venue is wheelchair accessible via a side entrance; contact the box office ahead of time for accessible seating. No advance parking information is published; arrive early for busy shows.
The Criterion's longevity in Oklahoma City depends on consistent booking of mid-tier acts and local support for a theater-scale venue that fills a capacity gap downtown. It remains the primary option for concertgoers seeking neither small clubs nor large arenas.
