A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Panhandle Plains
Abilene
“Full Steam Ahead: The Texas and Pacific Railway”
July 13-July 5
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
This exhibition highlights the history of the Texas and Pacific Railway in Abilene through several artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. See the impact of the railroad on the growth of the city and the people who built the tracks and buildings, worked for the railway, and utilized the train’s services.
Lubbock
First Friday Art Trail
Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6
LHUCA, 511 Ave. K
The self-guided art tour is held in the Lubbock Cultural District in partnership with a variety of art centers, museums, galleries, and businesses. Come out for live music, food trucks, and art from local, national, and international artists.
Un(wine)d with the Arts
Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 12
LHUCA, 511 Ave. K
This monthly program occurs the first Thursday after First Friday Art Trail. The event allows attendees to learn about the current work on display at a slower pace and gives them access to exclusive insight from the LHUCA curator and staff.
San Angelo
“The Plein Air Landscape: Selections from the Permanent Collection”
Oct. 18-Feb. 23
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents this show celebrating the tradition of en plein air painting, the French term for painting in the outdoors.
Abilene
“William Lester: True to Form”
Oct. 19-Feb. 22
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
This rare solo exhibition highlights the career of William Lester, spanning Regionalism (1930s and ‘40s) through modernist abstractions of the 1980s. The show includes drawings, paintings, and prints from private and public collections to examine the artist’s unique and visionary interpretation of his relationship with his environment, often described as more sensory than geographic.
“Texas Regionalism Revisited”
Oct. 19-Feb. 8
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
This group exhibition showcases artwork by Texas Regionalists from The Grace Museum Art Collection and on loan from private and public collections. The selected artist include those associated with The Dallas Nine.
“Coreen Mary Spellman: Master Printer”
Oct. 19-Feb. 8
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
See fine art prints by Coreen Mary Spellman, an important female Regionalist, from the collection of the Tyler Museum of Art. Spellman’s printmaking skills in lithography, etching, aquatint, and mezzotint are highlighted in this display of 45 of her prints.
“Hard Times Come Again No More: Depression Era Photographs”
Oct. 19-Feb. 8
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.
Reflecting on Texas in the 1930s and ‘40s, these photographs of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, sponsored by the Farm Securities Commission, document the hardships of individuals in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The show includes iconic photographs by Arthur Rothstein, Dorothea Lange, Marion Post Wolcott, and Russell Lee.
Amarillo
Christmas at Maxwell’s
Nov. 24-Dec. 23
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm, 12908 S. Bell St.
This enchanting holiday event features a festive array of more than 20 activities and attractions for families. Visitors can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with lights, visits with Santa Claus, decorations, and various fun-filled festivities.
Farm and Ranch Show
Dec. 3-5
Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.
This event offers anyone interested in farming and ranching a chance to explore the latest equipment and innovations. With over 500 exhibitors and engaging demonstrations, it’s a way to connect with the agricultural community.
Amarillo Classic Junior Stock Show
Dec. 4-7
Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.
See young exhibitors showcase their livestock and agricultural skills.
facebook.com/p/amarillo-classic-junior-stock-show-61554670982089
San Angelo
Christmas at Old Fort Concho
Dec. 6-8
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Stroll through Fort Concho’s 29 historic buildings and 40 acres for holiday shopping, entertainment, food, special exhibits, and living history.
Snyder
Deep Creek Holiday Expo
Dec. 7-8
Towle Park Armory, 3000 Towle Park Road
The Deep Creek Expo is a large vendor market that occurs five times per year. Each of the five Deep Creek Expo events hosts over 40 vendors from all across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Find clothing, décor, jewelry, mugs, spices, candles, candy, and children’s items.
Sweetwater
Applause! Christmas Special
Dec. 7
Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium , 400 Locust St.
The holidays come to Sweetwater in the form of a student art show and a Christmas concert.
Jolly Jamboree
Dec. 7
National WASP WWII Museum , 210 Avenger Field Road
Santa Claus comes to Avenger Field. Look to the skies for Santa arriving in a vintage World War II aircraft.
Coleman
Christmas on Commercial
Dec. 7
Downtown, 218 Commercial St.
Ring in the holiday season with family fun. Kids love Breakfast with Santa, while adults love late-night shopping. There’s a lighted parade at night, and don’t miss hot chocolate with Santa.
Quanah
Winter Market
Dec. 7
Ballroom, 206 Main St.
An indoor winter market includes a variety of handmade goods including arts, crafts, fresh-baked breads, desserts, and other cottage industry foods.
Anson
Christmas Tour Of Homes
Dec. 7
Various locations
Uniquely decorated homes showcase individual styles that feature both newer and traditional Christmas décor. Stop by each house on the tour to see a festive variety of holiday expression.
Canadian
Christmas in Canadian
Dec. 7
Various locations
‘Tis the season for Christmas games, train rides, visits with Santa and the Grinch, the Christmas tree lighting, an arts and crafts show, face painting, s’mores, and Reindeer Races in Canadian.
Eastland
One Starry Night and Rip’s Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 7
Lumber Yard Event Center, 313 W. Main St.
The Eastland Chamber of Commerce hosts the 8th annual Lighted Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Movie.” After the parade, One Starry Night, a free event, includes cocoa and cookies, musical entertainment, and photos with Santa. There’s a vendor show with crafts, boutiques, and retail items, and food trucks are on site.
Post
Light Up Post
Dec. 7
Downtown, Main Street
This Christmas celebration in downtown Post has unique vendors and shops, Santa visits, and a lighted Christmas parade.
Amarillo
Center City Electric Light Parade
Dec. 7
Downtown , 1000 S. Polk Street
The annual holiday parade lights up Polk Street from 11th to Fourth avenues with dazzling displays and festive floats.
Anson
Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball
Dec. 14
Pioneer Hall, 2301 Avenue G
Delight in the traditions of the Old West as Anson holds its annual Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball. The original ball was held in 1885, and the traditions and grandeur of days long past are honored and brought to life every year.
Lubbock
Candlelight at the Ranch
Dec. 13-14
National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St.
Experience a frontier Christmas at the National Ranching Heritage Center during the 46th annual Candlelight at the Ranch. Guests can enjoy a tour of historic structures with live reenactments from volunteers, a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments, and live music with a Texas swing.
ranchingheritage.org/nrhc-events/candlelight-at-the-ranch/#upcoming
Amarillo
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 13-15
Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.
Lonestar Ballet presents an enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker,” bringing the magic of the season to the beloved holiday tradition by filling it with dazzling choreography and festive music.
Abilene
Christmas Celebration
Dec. 13-23
Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane
Meet Santa and his reindeer, visit the Arctic Lights, make a toy at Santa’s Toy Workshop, journey to Beltway’s Walk to Bethlehem, decorate a cookie at Mrs. Claus’s Texas Bakery, and be immersed in over 500,000 light. When the night gets chilly, make s’mores around the fire or warm your mittens with hot cocoa or a hot toddy.
Anson
Parade of Lights
Dec. 14
Anson’s Main Street, Commercial Avenue
The entire community is engulfed in the Christmas spirit as the streets line with spectators who come from all over to enjoy the beauty and spectacle of the Parade of Lights. Watch as the dazzling floats, marching band, and holiday characters light up the streets.
Amarillo
Amarillo Symphony in Concert
Dec. 17
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.
Enjoy your favorite holiday music at “Happy Holiday Pops,” a celebration with carols, classics, and a sing-along—an Amarillo holiday tradition.
Wichita Falls
“Sacred Art: American Traditional”
Dec. 20-March 1
Kemp Center for the Arts, 1300 Lamar St.
Celebrating the artistry and history of the American traditional tattoo, the Sacred Art exhibit features 100 paintings by tattoo artists from across the United States. Each artist creates their unique interpretation of one of the most iconic symbols found in tattooing: the sacred heart.
Lubbock
“The Illusionists—Magic of the Holidays”
Dec. 23
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
“Mean Girls”
Jan. 3-5
The Buddy Holly Hall, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
Direct from Broadway, “Mean Girls” is the hilarious hit musical from writer Tina Fey. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Amarillo
“Centuries of Musical Joy”
Jan. 11
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.
The Amarillo Symphony presents Bill Takacs and David Lough performing the double trumpet concertos of Manfredini and Vivaldi, and soloists Annie Chalex Boyle on violin and pianist Daniel Del Pino performing Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto for Violin, Piano and Strings, with Lubbock Symphony Orchestra conductor David Cho. To cap off this concert, Cho plays Britten and Handel on the harpsichord.
“Beautiful Blue Danube”
Jan. 17
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.
Join the Amarillo Symphony for a delightful musical journey through Vienna and Prague, featuring a world premiere for violin co-commissioned by the symphony and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Experience the brilliance of New Zealand violin virtuoso Ben Baker.
Lubbock
“Les Misérables”
Feb. 11-16
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, “Les Misérables.” This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
San Angelo
“Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison”
Feb. 15-April 6
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
In this revealing series of photographs, James Mollison invites us into the diverse stories of children in many different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait is accompanied by a detailed study of the child’s “bedroom,” which can range from elaborate sanctuaries to the barest spaces set aside for sleep.
Amarillo
“Elicio Winds”
Feb. 15
Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St.
Chamber Music Amarillo and the Amarillo Symphony present this show at the Amarillo Museum of Art, where their performance complements the theme “Mountains and Oceans.” The ensemble—flutist Virginia Broffitt Kunzer, oboist Kathleen Carter-Bell, and bassoonist Conor Bell—performs works inspired by the art.
San Angelo
Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day
Feb. 23
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Celebrate the contributions of the buffalo soldiers to West Texas and the military frontier. Buffalo soldiers were Black soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier after the Civil War. Their duties included helping with westward expansion, building roads and infrastructure, and guarding the U.S. mail.