Jazztober, one of downtown Amarillo’s most popular fall traditions, returns for its 13th season with free live jazz on the lawn of the historic Bivins Home.
Presented by Center City of Amarillo as part of the Amarillo Cultural District, the series offers Tuesday evening concerts throughout October from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 1000 S. Polk St. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and beverages to enjoy live jazz under the fall sky. Brown & Fortunato is sponsoring the 2025 season.
“This is a casual, come-and-go event where people bring their kids and their dogs,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City. “We know it’s a school night, so some people leave early, but that’s part of the atmosphere. It’s relaxed and welcoming, and the porch of the Bivins Mansion becomes our stage.”
This year’s lineup features:
Concerts typically draw 150 to 160 people each week, with many attendees picking up dinner from one of downtown’s 30 restaurants before the show. Duke said the event helps support the city’s downtown dining district while showcasing Amarillo’s vibrant arts community.
“Jazztober celebrates Amarillo’s great local talent,” Duke said. “Special thanks to Jim Laughlin and his students at Amarillo College for providing the sound each week. It’s a hands-on experience for them with a live audience, and they make the concerts possible.”
Over the years, Jazztober has grown into more than just a concert series, Duke said. “Center City and the Amarillo Cultural District are proud to sponsor Jazztober as one more way to bring people downtown,” she said. “We’re so grateful for our sponsors and our musicians who make Jazztober a success. I promise people will always see something new downtown.”
With cool evenings settling over Amarillo, Duke said the timing couldn’t be better. “We love the fall weather here — bring a sweater, relax on the lawn, and enjoy cool jazz under the stars,” she said.
The full schedule is available at www.centercity.org or by calling 806-372-6744. Updates are also posted on Center City’s Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Jazztober celebrates 13th year of free live jazz in downtown Amarillo
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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