Feb. 12's Second Saturday brings virtual reality and esports adventuring for the whole fam

Image of someone's phone screen as they take a picture of an AR Orb.

Open World meets Second Saturday for round two of our video game-inspired creative activities! Join us this this weekend for Second Saturday: Virtual Worlds —an afternoon of FREE exploring of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and esport adventures for the whole family.

“It sounds really cheesy, but there’s something for everybody,” says Christine Gibson, manager of Youth and Family Programs.

From 1-4 p.m. Feb. 12, families can investigate a range of inspiring and collaborative activities, projects and performances, including watching a Rocket League tournament from Esports at OCU, something Gibson says “we are really excited about – this is new for us!”

Product photo of the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

Visitors can also design their very own VR worlds with our Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets, literally putting themselves into the action, or try painting in 3-D with Tilt Brush by Google. “You’ll be able to be inside of your own artwork,” Gibson explains.

There are also plenty of traditional video games on hand, free to play. Visitors can rack up points in our lobby and Creative Lounge on Pac-Man Plus, Donkey Kong Jr., Sinistar and Crystal Castles, on loan from Up-Down OKC and FlashBack Retro Pub. Indie game Kind of a Big Dill is featured in our Learning Gallery, and Super Smash Bros. will take center stage in the Dance Studio.

The exhibition that inspired it all — Open World: Video Games & Contemporary Art — features three playable works: Bill Viola’s quiet, introspective The Night Journey (2007-18), Feng Mengbo’s energetic side-scrolling Long March: Restart (2008) and Cory Arcangel’s I Shot Andy Warhol (2002), which includes appearances by Warhol himself along with Colonel Sanders, Flavor Flav and the pope.

Child with mask plays retro arcade Donkey Kong.

If you want to learn more about the exhibition’s 70+ works, our gallery guides are on hand for family-centric tours.

Whether you’re coming for the live-drawing demo by Jerry Bennett, a local artist known for his work with Marvel, DC and Star Wars, or to learn how to turn your smartphone into an AR device, we guarantee a fantastic day for families, art lovers and gamers alike!

Explore the detailed schedule below to plan your afternoon. Second Saturday is always free, but space is limited and we ask that you reserve spots in advance.

Jerry Bennett's Leveling Up Broadway, 2021.

Second Saturday: Virtual Worlds
Full schedule | 1-4 p.m. Feb. 12

1–4 p.m.
Watch a live drawing demo from artist Jerry Bennett | Main Lobby
See the artist who draws for major franchises like Star Wars, Marvel and DC live demo his work. Plus, take home some of your own, with a coloring sheet or a signed, limited-edition Open World print.

Play Oculus Quest 2 and Tilt Brush | Creative Lounge
Design your virtual world and literally put yourself in the middle of it!

Make your own AR device | Studios 1 & 2
Create your own augmented reality by turning your phone into a functioning AR device.

Play a variety of games | Dance Studio, Creative Lounge, Lobby, Learning Gallery
Start a Super Smash Bros. challenge in the Dance Studio, hit a retro arcade game in the lobby or Creative Lounge, try an indie standout in the Learning Gallery or explore games-as-art in the Main Gallery.

Group of people tour Open World exhibition.

1-2 p.m. | Open World public gallery tour | Main Gallery
Visit the Main Gallery and learn fascinating stories tied to currently on view Open World: Video Games & Contemporary Art.

1:30-4 p.m. | Rocket League esports tournament | Te Ata Theater
Watch this esports tournament in partnership with Esports at OCU, featuring the high school invitational Rocket League, a rocket-armed vehicular soccer game.

2-2:30 p.m. | Talk and Q&A with Esports at OCU coaches | Dance Studio
Learn about esports in this Q&A. OCU’s coaches and faculty will discuss what esports is, how to get involved, academic scholarships and how to support your kid on their esport journey! This is a $1 billion phenomenon you’ll want to hear about.

2:30-3 p.m. | Open World family gallery tour | Main Gallery
Visit the Main Gallery for a shorter, interactive family gallery tour!

3-3:30 p.m. | Talk and Q&A with OCU esports coaches | Dance Studio

3:30-4 p.m. | Open World family gallery tour | Main Gallery

4 p.m. | Event ends

Images:

Kid plays Feng Mengbo's Long March: Restart. Photo: Stephanie Montelongo. 

Kids playing Overcooked: All You Can Eat. Photo: Stephanie Montelongo.

Jaiye Farrell’s AR Orb from Second Saturday: GameFest. Photo: Stephanie Montelongo.

Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

Child playing Donkey Kong. Photo: Stephanie Montelongo.
 
Jerry Bennett's Leveling Up Broadway, 2021.

Group tour of Open World exhibition. Photo: Stephanie Montelongo.

Tags tags
Open World video games Second Saturday virtual reality virtual worlds gaming art-making free activities