Celebrate Independence Day +1 at John Stiff Memorial Park
Celebrate the Fourth of July in unique fashion with the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and Outdoor Amarillo on Friday, July 5 with Independence Day +1. PARD and Outdoor Amarillo are hosting the free fireworks and drone show – complete with family-friendly and patriotic festivities – at John Stiff Memorial Park.
The Independence Day +1 schedule includes: 4 p.m.: Parking lot opens/shuttle service begins. Free parking will be available on the north side of John Stiff Park off 45th Ave. and on the south side off 54th Ave. Accessible parking will be available at Southwest Public Library. Golf cart transportation will be available from the accessible parking lot. Amarillo City Transit will run shuttles every 15 minutes from Randall High School and Amarillo High. Parking is not recommended in retail lots.
At 4:30 p.m., Independence Day +1 begins. Events include a live radio broadcast on KGNC-FM 97.9, beer garden (for 21 and over), Kids Zone with mini-golf, Nerf gun wars (and more) and food trucks. At 5 p.m., there will be a Pump Parade-Strong Man/Woman Competition. Competitors will flip tires, pull a fire truck and pull opponents into a mud pit. Registration coming soon. Then at 6:30 p.m., Next to Kin will be the opening act for live music, followed by the Randall King concert at 8 p.m.
At 9:45 p.m., the Fireworks/Drone Show is scheduled to begin. Pixis Drones, the world’s premier drone show company, will provide the drone show. Shortly after, Fireworks by Western will have a fireworks display. KGNC-FM 97.9 will have a musical soundtrack for both shows.
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The city would like to thank the Independence Day +1 event partners and sponsors: Budweiser, Atmos, Pak-A-Sak, Alpha Media, CrossFit 806, CrossFit Amarillo, Old School Iron, Panhandle Pure, Amarillo Ice Company and KAMR Local 4. For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
Canyon’s 4th of July celebration to be held July 3-4
Canyon’s 4th of July celebration begins Wednesday with a concert, Kickin’ it in Canyon with Mike Ryan and Next To Kin. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Lumberyard, located at 850 N. 23rd St., with the concert starting at 8 p.m.
Then on Thursday from 7-10 a.m., the Canyon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Cole Community Center. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice to start off your day. Tickets are $7 for adults, and kids 5 and younger get in free.
The 4th of July Fair on the square, one of the largest vendor events in the area with more than 100 vendors, food trucks and kids’ activities, will take place downtown from 9 a.m. to 3pm on Thursday, July 4. The 4th of July Firecracker Mile is also among the day’s festivities, with details to be announced.
Canyon’s 4th of July Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the East end of 4th Avenue at the First United Bank Center and travels west past the downtown square. The theme for this year’s parade is “PARTY IN THE U.S.A!” and the parade wraps up around noon. The day will be capped off by the annual fireworks display. For a map of the parade route and more information, visit https://www.canyonchamber.org/canyons-4th-of-july-celebration/ . For updates and more details, you can also follow the Canyon Chamber of Commerce on its Facebook page.
Celtic Throne takes to Amarillo stage July 3
Celtic Throne arrives to the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, July 3, with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Celtic Throne explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Embarking on their fifth U.S. tour in the spring of 2024, Armstrong Dance presents their original Irish dance production, Celtic Throne, with Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne’s majestic musical score.
For more information, visit https://CelticThrone.com or their social media channels. For tickets, visit panhandletickets.com .
Celebrate America at Hodgetown with fireworks, food, and fun in Sept.
Celebrate America and salute veterans at Hodgetown from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, with fireworks, food, music and fun.
The unforgettable evening under the stars will feature the Amarillo Symphony performing a selection of patriotic classics, film scores, previews of the Symphony’s 2024-25 season, beloved American favorites and a grand finale with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display that will light up the night sky.
Amarillo Symphony Subscribers and Sod Poodle Season Pass Holders had pre-sale access to tickets starting June 20. Tickets open to the public on Tuesday, June 25.
VIP Tables are available on a limited basis; to reserve one, call the Amarillo Symphony office at 806-376-8782. Treat your group to a special night out with a variety of hospitality options, including Dugout Suites, Concourse Suites, Luxury Suites, and the Pepsi Party Deck. For more information, call 806-803-7762 or email groups@sodpoodles.com.
‘Photography is Art’ exhibit opens at AMoA
The exhibition “Photography is Art” will be on display through Aug. 11 at the Amarillo Museum of Art, located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College.
Art museums have not always embraced photography. One of the earliest museum efforts to define the medium’s contribution to the arts came in the mid-1930s, when New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) asked its librarian, Beaumont Newhall, to create an exhibition survey of photographic history. That 1937 show led to a 25-year debate inside MoMA over whether to treat photographs as works of personal expression on par with painting, or as vibrant, easily reproduceable tools for communication and persuasion.
This exhibition was originally organized by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art with objects from its expansive photography collection. The current presentation was reconceived as a team project with AMoA, the Art Museum of South Texas, and Ellen Noël Art Museum. The artworks tell a story of American photographers’ efforts, from the late nineteenth century on, to explore and proclaim photography’s artfulness.
Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For additional information, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).
‘Impressionists Immersive Exhibition’ at Arts in the Sunset on display through July 17
The Amarillo Art Institute’s (AAI) Arts in the Sunset is presenting the highly acclaimed “Impressionists Immersive Exhibition,” now through July 17.
“Impressionists” brings to life paintings by the revolutionary movement’s famed artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Manet, Degas, Pissarro, Gauguin, Cezanne, and Toulouse-Lautrec. An immersive room creates a multi-sensory experience, with more than 1,000 moving masterpieces projected on screens and 3D interactive panels. The up-close setting will feature such well-known pieces as “Starry Night,” “Water Lilies,” “Waiting,” “In the Conservatory” and many more.
The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., with the last entry of admission at 6 p.m. On Sundays, the exhibit will be open from 1 until 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15-$25. For more, see artsinthesunset.org.
Cinergy hosting Kids Summer Movie Series, now through Aug. 15
Cinergy Entertainment Group is holding its “Kids Summer Movie Series” program, inviting families to celebrate summer vacation with a lineup of fun-filled, kid-friendly movies at a price of $2 per ticket at all Cinergy locations, including Amarillo. Cinergy also welcomes summer camps, church groups, and all other kid-focused associations down to check out the fun. Groups of 20 or more can also book concession packages and reserved seating, upon request.
Running Tuesday and Thursday from June 4 until Aug. 15th, the first matinee of the day will be dedicated to Cinergy’s Kids Summer Movie Series, featuring a lineup of fan-favorite and classic films. Showtime is at 10 a.m.
Upcoming events inlude an inspirational film – “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” on July 4; a slasher screening – “MaXXXine” including special sunglasses and trivia on July 5; the Shark Week film series – with titles including “Shark Tales,” “MEG2” and “Jaws” July 5-11; a breakfast event for “Despicable Me 4” on July 6; comedy shows on July 13; and a sensory friendly screening of “Despicable Me 4” on July 20.
Movie premieres include “Despicable Me 4,” “Kill” and “MaXXXine” on July 3; “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Touch” on July 12; “Twisters” on July 19 and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Didi” on July 26. Food and beverage specials will be “Despicable Me 4” kids packs (July 4), a ‘Blood in the Water’ cocktail during Shark Week, tornado potatoes and twisted tea for “Twisters” (July 19), and 44 oz collector cups, figural popcorn tubs and a featured cocktail for “Deadpool 4” (July 26).
In games and play for all of July, starting 4th of July Weekend will be a Money machine for “Twisters.” Elite members can send in a voucher to redeem one play. On July 19, a Wind Tunnel with redemption point and game card vouchers will be held in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, and Tulsa locations. On July 4, Elite Plus Members can enjoy a 4th of July free chili dog. Popcorn will be available at the locations that don’t have chili dogs.
Other upcoming films include “Migration,” “Bad Guys,” “Puss In Boots,” “Shrek” and “Spiderman 2023” in July, and “Smurfs 2” in August. Movies, dates, and titles vary by location, so be sure to check your local theater schedule at https://www.cinergy.com/specials.
Sunset Marketown being held Saturdays at Arts in the Sunset
Arts in the Sunset is debuting a new summer market this year. Sunset Marketown hosts more than 50 local artisans and artists booths, selling a variety of handmade items including soap, baked goods, skincare products, paintings, pottery, and more.
Sunset Marketown will be open every from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the AJ Swope Performance Plaza. The market will continue every Saturday until Sept. 28. This market will run alongside the Golden Spread Farmers Market, which also takes place at Arts in the Sunset.
‘Texas the Outdoor Musical’ holding its 58th season, Shakespeare in July
CANYON — TEXAS the Outdoor Musical is presenting its 58th season, every Tuesday through Sunday, June 6 to Aug. 3 at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon.
The show brings to life the stories, struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s through its fictional characters. The amphitheatre, box office and parking opens at 6 p.m. each night, with a BBQ dinner (must be pre-purchased) at 6:15 p.m., pre-show entertainment at 6:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Amphitheatre seating opens at 7:40 p.m. “Shakespeare in the Canyon,” will be featured at 8 p.m. Tuesdays on July 9, 16, 23 and 30. The Shakespeare in the Canyon series centers on the bard’s most famous and magical comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Special themed foods will be available in the concession stand.
Discounts are available for seniors, military and West Texas A&M University staff/faculty/students to come see both of the shows. Tickets and more information are available at texas-show.com or by calling the Box Office at 806-651-2181.
High Noon on the Square concert series returns
Center City of Amarillo’s High Noon on the Square free concert series takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays on the Potter County Courthouse lawn at 501 S. Fillmore throughout June and July. Lunch is available for $10, cash only.
July 3 features live music by Big G & The Tradewinds with BBQ sandwiches by Mitch’s BBQ. July 10, Ruth Ellen Lynch takes the stage, with hamburgers offered by Bubba’s 33. On July 17, Buster Bledsoe performs, with a sack lunch by Chick-Fil-A. July 24 will have entertainment by the Amarillo Performing Arts Center, with chicken fingers by Raising Cane’s. And July 31 caps off the series with music by Insufficient Funds and hamburgers by Bubba’s 33.
Music in the Gardens concert series being held throughout June
Amarillo Botanical Gardens summer concert series, Music in the Gardens 2024, takes place 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at the gardens, located at 1400 Streit Dr.
In July, performers include Tennessee Tuckness & Friends, Andy Chase and the Rhythm Cats, and Sadie’s Rangers. August features Cameron James Smith, RAK-45, Jack Cryver Band, Touching Voodoo and Geezer’s Gone Wild.
Admission is $10 for the general public, and $5 for members. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Starlight Theater offers free live music performances in Sam Houston Park
The Starlight Theater free summer concert series returns Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Sam Houston Park in Amarillo, with live music, food trucks and family fun.
The live music lineup includes Mike Fuller & The Repeat Offenders on July 9, The Prairie Dogs on July 16, Party of 6 on July 23, Big G & The Tradewinds on July 30 and Insufficient Funds on Aug. 6.
For more information, follow the Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook or see their page on the city’s website.
Starlight Ranch hosting full concert season
The Starlight Ranch Event Center, located at 1415 Sunrise Dr., has a full lineup of concerts in the works as the summer months grow closer. Among performers and events listed on their website are La Mafia (July 12), the toadies (Aug. 31), the Amarillo Margarita Festival (Aug. 3), Neal McCoy (Oct. 4), Wade Bowen (Oct. 26) and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website, https://www.bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch-event-center/ , follow them on Facebook or call 806-372-6000.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Farewell Tour stops by Amarillo July 28
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s All – The Good Times: The Farewell Tour will visit Amarillo on Sunday July 28. The show starts at 8 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Various meet and greet packages are on sale, as well as general concert tickets.
Tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .
George Lopez to perform during tour stop in Amarillo Aug. 2
Grammy-nominated comedian, actor and TV host George Lopez has announced six new shows across Texas this summer 2024, including Corpus Christi, Amarillo, Midland, and Lubbock. The George Lopez: ‘Alllriiiighhttt, Texas!’ Comedy Tour will be at the Amarillo Civic Center on Aug. 2.
Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television. He has broken ground for Latino comics by embracing his ethnicity, confronting racial stereotypes, and fighting for his community on and off the stage. Lopez stars in his multi-camera comedy series for NBC, “Lopez vs Lopez,” featuring his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. The family sitcom, which has been renewed for its second season, follows George and Mayan in a fictionalized version of their real-life father-daughter relationship.
Tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .
AMA-CON returns Aug. 3-4
The annual AMA-CON Convention, presented by the Friends of the Amarillo Public Library, is set to take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 in the Amarillo Civic Center.
Events fans can look forward to include an art show, the annual Geek Prom, vendors’ booths, special guests and more. One- and two-day passes will be available for purchase.
AMA-CON started in 2012 and has been growing ever since, serving more than 25,000 convention goers. For updates and more information to be announced, go to https://www.libraryamacon.org/
Ben Folds on tour, visits Amarillo Aug. 8
Ben Folds brings his Paper Airplane Request Tour to Amarillo on Thursday, Aug. 8. The show is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.
“Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation,” a concert announcement notes. “The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.”
Tickets are on sale at panhandletickets.com .