Some of the most beautiful weather in the Amarillo area happens in autumn. Leaves begin to change, fireplaces light up with pinon, days get shorter, wind dies down some and a crispness is in the air. While the official start of fall is still several weeks away, the season is at the forefront of excitement, already on many people’s minds.
Along with kids going off to school, there are plenty of events to mark on your calendar for this season coming up in September and October — for art lovers, beer aficionados, Elvis and Neil Diamond fans! Whatever your niche is, you can find it. For up-to-date information, please contact organizers or visit event websites.
First Thursdays on Sixth Street : Starting Sept. 4, Amarillo Historic Route 66 District (6th Street)
New this year to Amarillo is a chance to stroll through the Amarillo Historic Route 66 District and enjoy shopping, live music, food, and art along 6th Street. Businesses along the area will host art, live music and in-store specials on the first Thursday of every month, with specific focuses on well-known places featured on social media, such as 806 Coffee Lounge’s Instagram and the Visit Amarillo website.
Live Music at Canyon Pondeseta Taproom: Sept. 4, 18 and 25
Hear the sounds of James Owens, Neon Heartland and Spivey at the beautiful setting at the old Santa Fe Depot in Canyon. Brews made by Pondeseta, pizza and other specialties under the stars by the train tracks. Outside scenic patio available; tours of the brewery permitted. Check out their schedule at www.pondaseta.com.
Proximity: Paintings from PPHM opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 4, WT’s Dord Fitz Gallery at Mary Moody Northen Hall, Canyon
Rarely seen paintings from the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum will be shared at this exhibition exploring ideas of proximity. With art by Isabel Robinson, Maruice Bernson, Olin Travis, Fred Darge and Harold Bugbee, the selected landscapes, portraits and life paintings allow viewers to explore identity, connect though time and contribute to the rich artistic history defining our region.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Movie on the Lawn: 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5, PPHM East Lawn, Canyon
Enjoy popcorn, drinks, flick and fun at this free community event where you can bring lawn chairs or a blank to spread out on the large east lawn. Movie and select concessions are free. PPHM will feature a pop up with merchandise and treats for purchase. Donations welcome.
First Friday Art Walk : Sept. 5, Arts in the Sunset
Explore galleries, studios, and shops at Arts in the Sunset during this monthly celebration of creativity. Meet artists, enjoy live music, and discover new works in Amarillo’s vibrant art community with drinks available and specials each month. This is becoming a reunion place to see people that you haven’t seen in years. The event is free and open to the public and always well attended by young and old.
Yard Party, Back to School Edition: Sept. 6, The Lumberyard in Canyon
Free party from 2 to 10:30 p.m. at the huge, remodeled Lumberyard in Canyon. Live music by the Ri Wolf Band at 6:30 p.m. and the Ty Blackburn Band at 8:30 p.m. Highlighting the event will be face painting, a bounce house, and a balloon artist, along with vendors. The venue includes a large outdoor patio with a beer wall, and dog play area and food are available.
Amarillo Symphony Under the Stars: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 6, Hodgetown
Join the symphony for its annual epic evening of music under the stars at the Hodgetown stadium, where they’ll perform iconic music of John Williams and breathtaking classics from “Star Wars,” “Superman,” “Harry Potter,” and more. Come in costume and show off your favorite John Williams movie for the spectacular outdoor concert, which will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display. Call (806) 803-9547 to purchase tickets over the phone.
Back in the Building: Ultimate Elvis Celebration: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 11, Globe-News Center for Performing Arts
Presented by Legends in Concert, the longest-running and most-awarded show in Las Vegas history, enjoy a one-night-only electrifying production that spotlights the music, charisma, and enduring legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with performances from Texas native and Ultimate Elvis Champion, Victor Trevino Jr., and fan favorite Leo Days, capturing the magic of Elvis through three unforgettable decades. Adding extra sparkle to the evening is Carol Maccri-Gossamer, portraying the glamorous and dynamic Ann-Margret, Elvis’s iconic co-star and close companion.
Golf Scramble supporting Kitty Korral Animal Rescue Center, Canyon, Sept. 13, Preston Golf Course, Amarillo
$200 per two-person team, includes a mulligan & buy a drive. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. Raffles including luxury watches, collector’s bottle of Wild Turkey and .22 rifle. Meal provided by Par 3 Bar & Grill. Signup at www.kittykorral.com or Green Chili Willy’s.
Highland Fling by Amarillo Symphony, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
Experience the magic of Scotland in an enchanting concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s thrilling Piano Concerto with virtuoso Martin James Bartlett, and Mendelssohn’s evocative Scottish Symphony … complete with a bagpiper.
Sweet Caroline Tour, Sept. 27, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
The Sweet Caroline Tour featuring Jay White is a Neil Diamond Concert Celebration billed as being the most authentic Neil Diamond concert experience on the planet. Conceived in response to Diamond’s retirement from the concert stage and the huge demand from audiences worldwide to enjoy the music of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame icon in a live music setting, Jay and the dynamic Sweet Caroline Tour Band pays homage to Neil Diamond by performing the hits and beloved gems you know and love with the same energy and artistry he delivered over his incredible 50-year career.
Canyon Farmers Market Autumnfest, Canyon, Sept. 27, 4th Avenue & 15th Street, Canyon
Lots of vendors, live music, food trucks, activities, pet parade and free pumpkins for the first 100 kids on the Canyon Square. A fun way to bring in the fall and enjoy the weather. A New Moon Market will be held Oct. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, Sept. 12-20, Tri-State Fairgrounds
A classic Amarillo experience. Enjoy rodeo action, carnival rides, fried food, livestock shows, and family-friendly fun. Fair food is always a great experience on its own, with foot-long corndogs, unusual surprises like fried Oreos, frozen bananas, candy apples and other junk food for a once-a-year-binge. Visit Amarillo is celebrating the signature dress code of upscale western with a special $1,000 giveaway for Red Boot Affair Night at the Tri State Fair rodeo. Come dressed in your best Red Boot Affair look (think red boots, fringe, rhinestones, or your own Western twist) and you could walk away with the prize.
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival , Sept. 27-Nov. 2, Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm
A family-favorite tradition with hayrides, a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, games, fall treats and more, where families can buy pumpkins, pick sunflowers, ride a train, play games and enjoy more than 30 farm fun attractions. Barnyard Bullseye is a new attraction, as well as Cornhole Acres and Barnyard Bubbles. Prairie Dogs will be playing, and fireworks will be set off every Saturday night in October. Later in the season, Maxwell’s transforms into a Magical Christmas, where a visitor can experience the trail of lights, visit Santa and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Day of the Butterflies : 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 13, Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the magic of monarch migration with butterfly releases, hands-on activities, vendors along with a butterfly release and garden exploration. Join the gardens for their annual butterfly release and breakfast, along with children’s crafts, education booths, shopping vendors and food trucks. Breakfast times are 9:30 or 10:30 a.m., and tickets are $15-$20 and include an individual butterfly to release.
Sandcastle Days at Shark Beach: Sept. 18-21, Shark Beach Burgers
This family-friendly community event will bring together world class and local artists, students, and beach lovers of all ages for a weekend full of creativity, fun, and sunshine. Expect sandcastle building, live music, local vendors, food, and surprises throughout the festival.
Hoodoo Mural Festival : Sept. 27, Arts in the Sunset
A one-day festival fusing public art, live music, and local culture. This year marks Hoodoo’s debut at its new permanent home, Arts in the Sunset.
Good Times BBQ Cook-Off : Oct. 2, Tri-State Fairgrounds
This smoky showdown brings pitmasters and BBQ lovers together for a flavorful evening of brisket, ribs, and live tunes. One ticket will get you all you can eat while vendors hone their talents in barbequing to win a prize.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Fall into autumn with fun and entertaining events in Amarillo and Canyon
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
