By Chip Chandler — Producer

From opera to absurdist theater, art shows to good causes, the first weekend of April is packed with fun options.

Thursday

Freelancer Magazine Art Show: This exhibition will feature art, photography, poems and essays submitted in the AC English Department magazine. (5 to 7 p.m. Thursday opening reception; hangs through April 19. Amarillo College Common Lobby Art Gallery, located between Amarillo Museum of Art and the AC music building and Concert Hall Theatre. Free. 806-345-5546)

First Thursday Art + Music: The monthly party at The 806 Coffee + Lounge will feature new works themed around Sexual Assault Awareness Month and music. (7 p.m. opening reception Thursday; on view through April 30. The 806 Coffee + Lounge, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover; donations accepted. 806-322-1806)

Man of La Mancha: Broadway and television star Ron Raines will star as Miguel de Cervantes and his alter ego Don Quixote in Amarillo Opera's production of the classic American musical. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Saturday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Van Buren St. Tickets $20 to $90, plus fees. 806-378-3096 or 806-372-7464)

No Man's Land: Harold Pinter's classic drama about two poets drinking the night away and who may or may not share a past gets its first-ever staging by Amarillo Little Theatre. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through April 15. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

WT Saxophone Studio: The university saxers will perform. (7:30 p.m. Thursday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Friday

Coffee & Cuties: Children 5 and younger can enjoy stories, crafts and more with their parents and grandparents. (9:45, 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. Friday, Don Harrington Discovery Center. Admission $11 adults, $8 children, students, military and seniors. 806-355-9547)

AC/WT Student/Faculty Exhibition: Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University students and instructors alike will be featured in this annual exhibition. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday opening reception; on view through April 22. Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-371-5050)

First Friday Art Walk: The monthly stroll through The Galleries at Sunset Center will feature new works by several of the gallery owners. (5 to 9 p.m. Friday, The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Free. 806-352-2706)

Celebration of Hope: The seventh-annual gala dinner for Turn Center will include a dinner catered by The Big Texan, a live auction and music by '80s retro band The Cassettes. (6 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. ​Tickets $150. 806-353-3596)

Man of La Mancha: Broadway and television star Ron Raines will star as Miguel de Cervantes and his alter ego Don Quixote in Amarillo Opera's production of the classic American musical. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Saturday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Van Buren St. Tickets $20 to $90, plus fees. 806-378-3096 or 806-372-7464)

No Man's Land: Harold Pinter's classic drama about two poets drinking the night away and who may or may not share a past gets its first-ever staging by Amarillo Little Theatre. (8 p.m. Friday; continues through April 15. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Saturday

Birding Walk & Talk: Meet at Chinaberry Day Use Area at Palo Duro Canyon State Park for an early morning birding walk of less than one mile. Binoculars and bird guides are helpful but not required. (7:30 a.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Autism Awareness Walk & 5K: The eighth-annual​ Amarillo Area Autism in Action walk will raise funds for NEH Helping Hands, which provides services, resources and supports for families and individuals facing an autism diagnosis. (8 a.m. Saturday, Thompson Memorial Park, 2401 Dumas Drive. Registration is free. 806-468-9400)

Community Yard Sale: Hunt for treasures, or set up your own table for $3 for one or $5 for two. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oasis RV Park, 2715 Arnot Road. Free. 806-356-8408)

Panhandle Team Penning and Sorting: Fierce roping action. (8 a.m. Saturday, Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Short Stacks for a Tall Cause: Enjoy pancakes, bacon and more in this fundraiser for Amarillo Performing Arts Center. (8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Applebee's Grill & Bar, 5630 W. Amarillo Blvd. Tickets $8.)

Ruffles and Rust Expo: Shop this boutique/vintage expo for handmade, farmhouse and shabby-chic items. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. $5 ages 13 and older. 806-231-9822)

Whistle Stop Trade Days: The indoor/outdoor farmers/flea market in Clarendon continues its season. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. 1211 E. Second St., Clarendon. Free admission. 806-206-6815)

Amarillo Child Abuse Prevention Rally: The Amarillo Activity Youth Center will host this rally featuring poster-making, break-out sessions and activities at 10:30 a.m., then a balloon release and neighborhood walk at noon. (10 a.m. Saturday, AAYC Community Center, 816 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-373-2292)

Caffeine & Cars: The fifth annual car show is open to all vehicles. Donations of nonperishable food, diapers, clothing, furniture and more will benefit Faith City Mission. (10 a.m. to noon Saturday, F/X Motor Sports, 3015 S.W. 26th Ave. Free.)

Canyon Walk & Talk: Take a guided nature hike along the Upper Canyon Trail at Caprock Canyons State Park. (10 a.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Walk MS: Amarillo: Lace up your shoes for this annual walk. (10 a.m. Saturday, Caprock High School, 3001 S.E. 34th Ave. Registration is free. 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org)

Texas Trash-Off: Take part in the statewide beautification project in this volunteer opportunity at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Trash bags, gloves and trash pickers will be provided. (11 a.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Yellow Rose Bully Showdown VI dog show: See some of Amarillo's best bulldogs at this American Bully Kennel Club-sanctioned show. (11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-517-8900)

Bowl for Kids' Sake: Aim for a strike at the 30th annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Panhandle. Bowling times are 1 p.m. (Family Bowl) and 3:15, 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. (Galaxy Bowl). (1 p.m. Saturday, Western Bowl, 5120 Canyon Drive. Cost $120 for a team of four, $150 for five and $180 for six. Six VIP lanes will be open for $300 per lane for teams of four to six. 806-351-2210)

Gather for Graysen Chili Cook-Off: The American Legion Hanson Post 54 will host a chili cook-off to benefit Our Children's Blessing, featuring live music by Lee Scheetz, The RagTown Chiefs and Danny Ruiz & Gypsy Renegade, as well as a silent auction. (1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, American Legion Hanson Post 54, 617 S.W. Seventh Ave. Admission $10 ages 13 and older, $5 veterans and first responders. Gatherforgraysen@yahoo.com)

Junior Ranger Program: Kids can learn about Palo Duro Canyon State Park's junior ranger opportunities. (1 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Prairie Safari: Learn about the prairie ecosystem at Caprock Canyons State Park, including bison, black-tailed prairie dogs and more. Space is limited; reservations required. (2 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Spring into Safety: Join Amarillo Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit, Amarillo Fire Department, Potter County Sheriff's Department and the Natinoal Weather Service to learn safety tips, how to plan for emergencies and more. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Westgate Mall center court, 7701 W. Interstate 40. Free. 806-358-7221)

Ducks Unlimited banquet: The Amarillo chapter of Ducks Unlimited will celebrate with silent and live auctions, raffles, prizes and games. Catering is by Cattle Exchange Restaurant from Canadian. (5 p.m. Saturday, River Falls Bed and Breakfast, 6901 Wild Horse Trail. Tickets are $20 for children 16 and younger, $45 for singles and $80 for couples; reservations requested by Friday. 806-290-0916)

An Evening of Magic and Music: Magician Eric Jones and singer Evie Clair, both finalists on America's Got Talent, will perform. (7 p.m. Saturday, La Rita Theater, 311 Denrock Ave. in Dalhart. Tickets $20. 806-244-6222)

Man of La Mancha: Broadway and television star Ron Raines will star as Miguel de Cervantes and his alter ego Don Quixote in Amarillo Opera's production of the classic American musical. (8 p.m. Saturday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Van Buren St. Tickets $20 to $90, plus fees. 806-378-3096 or 806-372-7464)

No Man's Land: Harold Pinter's classic drama about two poets drinking the night away and who may or may not share a past gets its first-ever staging by Amarillo Little Theatre. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through April 15. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Texas State Bison Herd: Learn more about the state's official herd at Caprock Canyons State Park in this special presentation. (8:30 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Sunday

Whistle Stop Trade Days: The indoor/outdoor farmers/flea market in Clarendon continues its season. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 1211 E. Second St., Clarendon. Free admission. 806-206-6815)

Ruffles and Rust Expo: Shop this boutique/vintage expo for handmade, farmhouse and shabby-chic items. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. $5 ages 13 and older. 806-231-9822)

No Man's Land: Harold Pinter's classic drama about two poets drinking the night away and who may or may not share a past gets its first-ever staging by Amarillo Little Theatre. (2:30 p.m. Sunday; continues through April 15. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

The Hard Road: Photographer Jim Livingston and Amarillo poets Wes Reeves, Ryan Archer, Margie Netherton, William Netherton and Jim Anderson will join forces for a fundraiser for The Chalice Abbey (previously scheduled in March). Folk singer-songwriter Mike Fuller will perform, and Cody Anderson of Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse and Tiffany Henderson Bateman will provide desserts. (2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, The Chalice Abbey, 2717 Stanley St. Tickets $60 each or $100 for couples. 806-576-2480)

Cowboy Poetry & Music: Cowboy musician Rick Brumley and poet "Straw" Berry will perform at this gathering at Borger's Hutchinson County Historical Museum. (3 p.m. Sunday, Hutchinson County Historical Museum, 618 N. Main St. in Borger. Free. 806-273-0130)

Runny Babbit Strikes Again: Celebrate the work of Shel Silverstein with crafts and poetry. (3 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Monday

Altered Books Photo Frames: See how to turn an old book into something new. (7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

Tuesday

Amarillo Reads: Mornings on Main book launch: Join author Jodi Thomas for a reception launching her newest book, the spring selection for Amarillo Reads. (6 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

AC Jazz: The instrumental and vocal ensembles will give a joint spring concert. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo College Concert Hall Theatre. Free. 806-371-5340)

WT Jazz: The university jazz band will perform. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

TeaseDay: The Galatea Experience: Amarillo burlesque troupe Galatea Burlesk will offer a saucy peek at their full performances at this monthly show. (9 p.m. Tuesday, MJ's Saloon & Grill, 3705 Olsen Blvd. Cover $5. 806-398-0634)

Wednesday

Canyon Driving Tour: Get a guided look at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in this 1.5-hour tour. Tour departs from park headquarters; reservations suggested. (10 a.m. Wednesday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Power of the Purse luncheon: Former first lady Laura W. Bush will give the keynote speech at the 10th annual luncheon and purse auction. (10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Sold out. 806-414-9941)

WT Trombone Choir: The university players will perform. (7:30 p.m. Wednesday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

April 12

Dinosaur Club: Kids ages 6 to 10 can enjoy dinosaur stories and crafts. (4 to 5 p.m. April 12, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Golden Nail Awards: The traditional celebration of Amarillo-area arts supporters will move away from a formal, sit-down dinner and present awards on stage, with a cocktail reception following. Jason Crespin of Amarillo Little Theatre will be master of ceremonies. (6:30 p.m. April 12, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $45. 806-342-2023 or kashion@visitamarillo.com)

Skillet and For King & Country: The contemporary Christian bands (see here and here) will bring their double-headliner tour to town. (7 p.m. April 12, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $20 to $60, plus fees. 806-378-3096) 

AC Concert Choir: The ensemble will give a spring concert. (7:30 p.m. April 12, Amarillo College Concert Hall Theatre. Free. 806-371-5340)

No Man's Land: Harold Pinter's classic drama about two poets drinking the night away and who may or may not share a past gets its first-ever staging by Amarillo Little Theatre. (7:30 p.m. April 12; continues through April 15. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

WT Percussion Ensemble: The university drummers will perform. (7:30 p.m. April 12, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)