A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Panhandle Plains
Abilene
“America 250”
Jan. 17-Nov. 28
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States. The Grace Museum is celebrating this momentous anniversary through an exhibition in the history gallery along with exciting programming throughout the entire year. This includes recognizing the narratives of those who lived here before the founding of the country and those who have weaved into the cultural fabric of our lives today. The exhibition highlights the stories of members of the Abilene community and the surrounding areas, integrating the history of the region into the context of the history of the rest of the country. The exhibition reflects on Abilene’s past and honors the contributions of all Americans.
“Emergence: Transformation Through Glass and Light”
March 7-Sept. 19
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
This exhibition features large glass installations by celebrated Dallas glass artist, Carlyn Ray, with suspension and interactive elements to surprise and delight each visitor. Through this body of work, Ray explores the immersive potential of art; how light, color, and form can evoke emotion and foster deeper connection.
“Beginnings: Early History of Abilene High School and Lincoln Middle School”
April 4-Nov. 28
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
The Grace Museum presents this exhibition that highlights the early history of Abilene High School and Lincoln Middle School, both formerly located in one of Abilene’s oldest and most significant buildings. Along with narratives about the history of the site, the exhibition includes reproductions of the David S. Castle architectural drawings, historic photographs, and artifacts from the site.
“We’ve Got Spirit: School Pride”
April 4-Nov. 28
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
In connection with The Grace Museum’s “Beginnings” exhibition, this related show highlights clothing and ephemera from Abilene-area junior high and high schools, colleges, and universities.
Perryton
“Habitat”
May 1-Dec. 1, 2027
Museum of the Plains, 1200 N. Main St.
Habitats provide homes for all living things, from the tiniest ant to the tallest tree. The exhibition “Habitat” explores the critical need for varied habitats, how interconnected and fragile they are, and what we can do to protect them. The experience showcases the unique habitats throughout the gardens and landscapes of the Museum of the Plains.
Lubbock
Summer Showcase
May 21-Aug. 13
The Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave.
The Buddy Holly Center hosts this annual summer series featuring live band performances and educational activities. The events take place in the Meadows Courtyard every Thursday night from mid-May to mid-August.
Amarillo
Starlight Theatre Summer Concert Series
June 2-Aug. 11
Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave.
Every Tuesday evening from late May to mid-August, visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors at Sam Houston Park.
First Thursday on Sixth Street
June 4, July 2, Aug. 6
Various locations, Amarillo Route 66 Historic District
Experience historical Route 66 during First Thursday on Sixth, a monthly evening event where local shops, galleries, and businesses come alive with art, live music, and in-store specials.
West Texas Futurity
Aug. 6-15
Amarillo National Center at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.
Enjoy an exciting display of ranch heritage and elite horsemanship in action at the West Texas Futurity, a top-tier cutting horse competition. The event showcases horses and skilled riders from across the region, highlighting the precision, athleticism, and tradition of the Western performance horse industry.
Snyder
Discover Snyder Cornhole Tournament
Aug. 8
WTC Coliseum, 900 E. Coliseum Drive
Players and visitors from across Texas enjoy a day of friendly cornhole competition, a great atmosphere, and authentic West Texas hospitality.
Lubbock
Spirit of ‘45 Day
Aug. 9
Silent Wings Museum, 6202 I-27 North
This national day of remembrance shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of WWII-the brave women and men whose dedication, sacrifice, and unity helped shape the nation we know today. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy two powerful programs designed to capture the courage, resilience, and spirit of those who lived through one of the most pivotal eras in American history.
San Angelo
Fess Parker Fess-tival
Aug. 15
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Join the celebration for San Angelo native and Hollywood/TV star Fess Parker with a movie, displays, living history, and a Davy Crockett look-alike contest.
Slaton
Texas Banana Pudding Festival
Sept. 5
Slaton Bakery, 109 S. Ninth St.
Held Labor Day weekend in downtown Slaton, this family-friendly event features live music, local vendors, and delicious food. Purchase a Puddin’ Pass to sample four unique pudding flavors, including three takes on Slaton Bakery’s famous banana pudding and one special rotating flavor. The festival is free to attend, and a portion of Pass sales benefits local charities.
events.ticketleap.com/tickets/slaton-bakery/2026-texas-banana-pudding-festival
Lubbock
Buddy Holly’s 90th Birthday Bash
Sept. 7
Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave.
Celebrate music legend Buddy Holly’s 90th birthday. Admission is free, and there’s live music, kids activities, a guided gallery tour, documentary viewing, tours of the historic J.I. Allison House, and light refreshments.
Abilene
West Texas Fair and Rodeo
Sept. 10-19
Expo Center of Taylor County, 1700 SH 36
At the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, find a plethora of delicious foods, a carnival with rides, two nights of tractor pulling, five nights of PRCA rodeo action, the best livestock from across Texas, and world-class entertainment.
Quanah
Fall Festival
Sept. 11-12
Downtown, 400 S. Main St.
The annual Fall Festival includes vendors, food, a car show, truck show, tractor show, and a street dance. The All School Reunion starts on Friday evening.
San Angelo
“One of a Kind: The Art and Music of Bobby Whitlock”
Sept. 17-Nov. 29
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Rock musician Bobby Whitlock was best known as a songwriter and performer, co-founding Derek and the Dominoes with Eric Clapton, and having performed on George Harrison’s 1970 triple album “All Things Must Pass.” In his later years, he found painting to be outlet for creative expression. Having worked in collaboration with Whitlock and his wife and longtime musical partner, CoCo Carmel, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents an interactive exhibition of Whitlock’s dynamic paintings, together with music and memorabilia from the course of his long career.
Amarillo
Tri-State Fair and Rodeo
Sept. 18-27
Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.
One of Amarillo’s oldest and biggest events, the fair and rodeo features carnival rides, funnel cakes and other fair food, live music, exciting rodeo action, competitions, and exhibits.
San Angelo
Concho Valley Archaeology Fair
Sept. 19
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Explore the past 2,000 years of the Concho Valley with displays, children’s activities, and demonstrations.
Archer City
Traditional Writing Workshop
Sept. 23-27
Spur Hotel and Larry McMurtry Literary Center, 110 N. Center St.
For nearly three decades, writers of all persuasions and from all backgrounds have come to Archer City to participate in a writers workshop. The workshop is open to writers of nearly every genre, including fiction, nonfiction narratives, memoir, history, and features.
lmcmurtrylitcenter.org/workshops/archer-city-writers-workshop-fall-2026
Anson
Motor Madness Car Show
Sept. 26
Courthouse Square, 1132 W. Court Plaza
Get ready for a day full of chrome, classics, horsepower, and hometown fun at the family-friendly car show on the courthouse square. Enjoy great food, cool cars, music, shopping, and fun for all ages.
Amarillo
Hoodoo Mural Festival
Sept. 26
Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd.
World-class muralists add new art to Amarillo at this event that’s capped off by a high-energy music festival and interactive art show at Arts in the Sunset.
Archer City
Writing Dynamic Memoir: From Lived Experience to Gripping Story
Sept. 30-Oct. 4
Spur Hotel, Larry McMurtry Literary Center, 110 N. Center St.
Over the course of three and a half days, workshop your memoir material.
lmcmurtrylitcenter.org/workshops/writing-dynamic-memoir-from-lived-experience-to-gripping-story
Snyder
White Buffalo Days
Oct. 2-3
Downtown, 2503 College Ave.
Join along in the heart of Snyder for one of the town’s most beloved traditions—White Buffalo Days, which celebrates the rich history, culture, and spirit of Snyder. Two days of fun include vendor shopping, food trucks, live music, and activities for all ages.
Graford
Possum Fest Barbecue and Chili Cookoff
Oct. 2-3
Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, 362 N. FM 2353
A concert, food trucks, cornhole tournament, vendors, silent and live auctions, and a competitive barbecue and chili cookoff are all included in the 32nd annual Possum Fest, which raises funds for annual nonprofits, scholarships, and community events.
Eastland
RipFest
Oct. 3
Old Rip Square, 100 W. Main St.
This vibrant, family-friendly festival honors the town’s legendary horned toad, “Old Rip,” and draws thousands to the downtown square. There’s a 5K run, parade, bands, vendors, car show, and kids activities.
Amarillo
Jazztober
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
Bivin’s Home Lawn, 1000 S. Polk St.
Jazztober is a free jazz concert on Tuesday nights in October. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to the lawn of the historical Bivins Home in Center City. The porch of the Bivins Mansion becomes the stage.
International Film Festival
Oct. 8-10
Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd.
Celebrate storytelling from around the world with diverse films, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities.
Good Times Barbecue
Oct. 8
Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.
Over 100 cooking teams compete to serve up the best barbecue, while thousands of fans get to enjoy the feast.
San Angelo
Fort Concho After Dark
Oct. 9-10
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Take an evening walking tour of the historic site with true and scary stories told based on actual events from the 1870s.
A Murder at Fort Concho
Oct. 16-17
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Guests receive clues and attempt to solve the murder case by visiting with various characters from the 1870s.
Abilene
“All Creatures Great and Small: Selections from the Permanent Collection”
Oct. 17-Feb. 6
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
This exhibit explores the many ways in which animals fascinate and frighten us with their grace, humor, strength, and mystery through art. The artists and the animals that are part of this exhibition challenge us to examine our involvement in the lives of animals in the wild, at home, at play, and at work. They also remind us to be mindful of the animal kingdom and the planet we all share.
“At the Table: Emily LaCour”
Oct. 17-Feb. 20
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
Through the fluidity of her painted relationships and dreamlike environments, Emily LaCour communicates the felt dynamics of relationships that transcend particular spaces. Influenced by her own relationships as part of a family unit and a new mother, she transcribes her personal and observed experiences into paralleling narratives.
Amarillo
Boys Ranch Rodeo and Fall Fest
Oct. 17
Cal Farley Boys Ranch, 8 Julian Bivins Blvd.
The Boys Ranch Rodeo is a Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch tradition that dates to 1945. Youth ages 5 to 18 compete in more than a dozen rodeo events, ranging from stick horse racing to bronc riding. The event also features a cornhole tournament, food trucks, and vendors.
Trail of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns
Oct. 21-24
Amarillo Botanical Gardens , 1400 Streit Drive
See the Amarillo Botanical Gardens in a whole new light with 1,000 lit-up jack-o-lanterns.
San Angelo
“En Plein Air Texas: Spirit of the Ranch”
Oct. 22-Jan. 10
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Award-winning plein air artists from all over the United States were selected to live and paint for three weeks on local ranches, giving an artistic perspective on the unique, diverse, and breathtaking beauty of the region.
Sweetwater
Trunk or Treat
Oct. 28
Nolan County Coliseum Parking Lot, 220 Coliseum Drive
Local businesses and nonprofit organizations park and decorate their cars and hand out candy to the community.
San Angelo
Fort Concho House of Horrors
Oct. 30-31
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
A historic building turns into a scary haunted house for Halloween.
Amarillo
Christmas Roundup
Nov. 6-8
Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.
Shop over 100 merchants and get a head start on your holiday gift-giving at this event hosted by Amarillo Museum of Art. This celebration of the season also offers cocktails, entertainment, and door prizes.
WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo
Nov. 12-15
Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.
At this competition, working ranch cowboys battle it out for top honors in an authentic Western rodeo.
Archer City
Larry McMurtry Lecture Series with Author Tracy Daugherty
Nov. 17
Larry McMurtry Literary Center, 214 S. Center St.
Tracy Daugherty, author of the biography, “Larry McMurtry: A Life,” is the first speaker in the annual Larry McMurtry Lecture Series, sponsored by the Larry McMurtry Literary Center in Archer City.
Texasville Opry: Very Merry Country Christmas
Nov. 21
Royal Theater, 113 E. Main St.
Very Merry Country Christmas blends traditional carols, country-style holiday hits, and warm opry charm to a joyful night filled with music, nostalgia, and Christmas spirit.
Amarillo
Farm and Ranch Show
Dec. 1-3
Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.
The Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show brings together agriculture professionals, equipment exhibitors, and industry experts for one of the region’s largest agricultural trade events.
Center City Electric Light Parade
Dec. 4
Downtown , Polk Street, 11th to Fourth avenues
The holidays shine extra bright as colorful floats, lights, and music light up downtown Amarillo.
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 13-15
Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.
Lone Star Ballet presents the holiday classic and beloved Amarillo tradition.