Upcoming Events in Panhandle Plains

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.

thegracemuseum.org/history

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.

thegracemuseum.org/exhibitions/carlyn-ray-emergence

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.

thegracemuseum.org

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.

thegracemuseum.org

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts organizes an annual series of ceramic events with exhibitions, a symposium, and workshops led by prominent artists. In a small focus exhibit within the exhibition, the museum features the work of one distinguished guest artist, who also conducts a day-long demonstration workshop the day after the exhibition opening. This year’s artist is Marc Leuthold, who lives and works in Shanghai and New York.

samfa.org

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.

museumofhteplains.com

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.

buddyhollycenter.org

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.

visitamarillo.com

Potter County Courthouse, 501 S. Fillmore St.

Each Wednesday in June and July, the lawn of the Potter County Courthouse features live music and an option to purchase lunch on site.

centercity.org

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.

visitamarillo.com

Amarillo College Washington Street Campus, 2201 S. Washington St., Suite 2411

Free jazz concerts take place every Tuesday evening this month on the Amarillo College campus and feature talented local jazz bands.

actx.edu/music/june-jazz

Pioneer Amphitheater, 11450 State Park Highway Road 5

The official play of Texas is packed full of excitement, with lively songs and dance, good ol’ Texas humor, and nightly fireworks. Set against the authentic tapestry of history in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the show’s fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle. Don’t miss the barbecue dinner before the show.

texas-show.com

Amarillo National Center at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

Young women from across the state compete for the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo Texas. Contestants are judged on horsemanship, personality, appearance, and rodeo knowledge as they represent the spirit and heritage of the Western way of life. Celebrate tradition, leadership, and the next ambassador of Texas rodeo.

missrodeotexas.com

The Buddy Holly Hall, 1300 Mac Davis Lane

Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows a traveling salesman as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize—despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

americantheatreguild.com/lubbock/shows/the-music-man-4

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Fort Concho presents this special exhibit of Western art from several dozen artists. Paintings and sculptures depict vistas, historical topics, still life, and characters of the Old West.

fortconcho.com

Amarillo National Center at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

At this championship show, the best ranch horses and riders from across the country compete in multiple disciplines that reflect true ranch work. From reining and cow work to trail and ranch riding, this championship highlights the skill, grit, and versatility that define the Western lifestyle.

aqha.com/disciplines/showing/shows/vrh-world

Amarillo Route 66 Historic District, Southwest Sixth Avenue, Historic Route 66

The Great Race takes over the Amarillo Route 66 Historic District for a special stop and car show filled with vintage automobiles and road trip nostalgia. This time-honored cross country rally brings beautifully restored classic cars to the heart of the Mother Road, where visitors can meet drivers, explore the vehicles up close, and experience the energy of Route 66 in full swing.

greatrace.com/rally_details/route

Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo, 8829 FM 1541

Will Rogers Range Riders was formed in the late 1930s just as the Panhandle was pulling out of seven years of drought, dust storms, and the Depression. The first riding club organized in Amarillo took its name from the American cowboy and humorist Will Rogers, who was also a trick roper, actor, author ,and philosopher. The group hosts an annual rodeo with traditional events including a calf scramble and bronc riding.

rodeoticket.com/will-rogers-range-riders-rodeo/rodeo-information

Towle Park, 3000 Towle Park Road

Celebrate freedom, community, and history at Snyder’s annual July Fourth celebration. This year marks Scurry County’s 150th anniversary, so the fun doubles. Enjoy live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and a fireworks show that lights up the West Texas sky.

snyderchamber.org

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

An hourly firing of Fort Concho artillery marks the nation’s 250th birthday.

fortconcho.com

Amarillo National Center at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

The 2026 Koben Puckett PBR brings high energy, edge-of-your-seat action to Amarillo as top bull riders take on some of the toughest bulls in the sport. This premier Professional Bull Riders event honors hometown talent while showcasing the grit and determination that define rodeo culture.

kobenpuckettpbr.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Enjoy a program and talk on the American Plains Artists Summer Show, followed by a skit by the Concho Cowboy Company.

fortconcho.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

This event features programs and activities to mark the anniversary of the creation, by an act of Congress, of the all-Black Buffalo Soldier units in the U.S. Army in 1866.

fortconcho.com

Various locations

The annual event offers a range of family fun, including an ice cream social, a pageant, arts and crafts vendors, food merchants, a dog show, a cornhole tournament, a petting zoo, a volleyball tournament, live music, a car show, and a bake sale.

oltonchamber.org/sandhills

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.

Amarillo’s premier pop culture convention brings together fans of comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, and film. Meet special guests, explore vendor booths, compete in cosplay contests, and celebrate your favorite fandoms with fellow enthusiasts.

libraryamacon.org

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.

westtexasfuturity.com

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.

snyderchamber.org

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.

silentwingsmuseum.com

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.

fortconcho.com

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

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.

buddyhollycenter.org

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.

westtexasfairrodeo.com

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.

quanahchamber.com

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.

samfa.org

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.

tristatefair.com

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.

fortconcho.com

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

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.

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.

hoodoomural.com

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

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.

snyderchamber.org

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.

possumkingdomlake.com

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.

eastlandchamber.com/ripfest

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.

centercity.org/jazztober4

Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd.

Celebrate storytelling from around the world with diverse films, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities.

amarillofilmfestival.com

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.

amarillo-chamber.org/barbecue-cook-off.html

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.

fortconcho.com

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.

fortconcho.com

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.

thegracemuseum.org

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.

thegracemuseum.org

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.

calfarley.org/rodeo

Amarillo Botanical Gardens , 1400 Streit Drive

See the Amarillo Botanical Gardens in a whole new light with 1,000 lit-up jack-o-lanterns.

amarillobotanicalgardens.org/calendar

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.

samfa.org/epat

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.

sweetwatertexas.org

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

A historic building turns into a scary haunted house for Halloween.

fortconcho.com

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.

amoa.org/christmas-roundup

Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.

At this competition, working ranch cowboys battle it out for top honors in an authentic Western rodeo.

wrca.org

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.

lmcmurtrylitcenter.org

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.

royaltheater.org/opry2.html

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.

amarillofarmshow.com

Downtown , Polk Street, 11th to Fourth avenues

The holidays shine extra bright as colorful floats, lights, and music light up downtown Amarillo.

centercity.org/lightparade

Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St.

Lone Star Ballet presents the holiday classic and beloved Amarillo tradition.

lonestarballet.org/season-of-dance