By Chip Chandler — Producer

Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with an abundance of events for the family. Check here for details on activities through May 17!

Thursday

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

Poetry and Creative Nonfiction Reading: Authors Dorothy Alexander, Steven Schroeder, Chera Hammons and Daniel Miller will offer readings of their works. (7 p.m. Thursday, Burrowing Owl Books, 419 16th St. in Canyon. Free. 806-282-9888)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Friday

Parents Night Out: Drop off kids ages 4 to 11 for a visit to "Camp Awesome," featuring art crafts, leather crafts, games and more, with dinner from Papa John's. (5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. $20 for first child and $15 for additional children for members, $25 for first child and $20 for additional for nonmembers. 806-355-9547)

CMA Under the Big Top: This circus-themed Chamber Music Amarillo fundraiser will feature music from Insufficient Funds, a dunk tank and more. (6 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Tickets $100; sponsorships available. 806-236-3545)

Friday Night Grudge Racing: This rescheduled race (postponed due to weather) will feature Contagion Athletics. (7 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Dragway, 12955 Burlington Road. Admission $10; children 12 and younger free. 806-676-6148)

Rap a Taste: Enjoy live poetry and other performances; open-mic performances begin at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. Friday, Jus Loung'n, 401 S.W. Third Ave. No cover. 806-437-1604)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (8 p.m. Friday; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Friday Night Fever: This Broken Belts Collective disco burlesque and variety show will feature performances by Aurora Hart, Nox Falls, Atom Bomb, Parris Davenport Stone, Myss Myka, Rosey Raucous, Lilith Clandestine and Lascivious Lark. (9 p.m. Friday, City Studios, Studio 25 at The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Admission $15 general, $25 VIP. 806-282-6573)

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)

Brandy Lee Leard Memorial Run: This walk and run through the Wolflin neighborhood will benefit the Brandy Lee Leard Memorial Scholarship Fund, founded in 2009 by Charles Leard in memory of his daughter, who died in 1983 at age 2 from a heart defect. (8 a.m. Saturday, Austin Middle School, 1808 Wimberley Road. Registration $30 for 5K or 10K run or walk, or $40 for either run plus the walk. 806-223-5680, 806-584-4236, or pbaramrl@gmail.com or c.leard@suddenlink.net)

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

Summer Da$h Barrel Race: Racers will make a dash for some cash. (8 a.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Admission is free. 806-376-7767)

Canyon Walk & Talk: Learn more about Caprock Canyon's animals, history, plants, geology and more on this guided hike. (9 a.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Downtown Amarillo Walking Tour: Michael Grauer of Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum will offer insight into the history and architecture of Amarillo's central hub. Begins at Herring Hotel and concludes at Santa Fe Building. Limited to 20 participants; reservations are required. (10 a.m. Saturday, Herring Hotel, 311 S.E. Third Ave. Cost $25. 806-651-2244) 

Women's Book Club: Join the club's reading challenge and read Matthew Sullivan's Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, chosen entirely by its cover. (10 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Book signing: Author Kim Black will sign copies of new release Little Black Dress. (10:30 a.m. Saturday, Burrowing Owl Books, 419 16th St. in Canyon. Free. 806-282-9888)

West Texas Raza Run​: This motorcycle rally will kick off at Tripp's Harley Davidson to Sanford Dam and Bear Creek Bar near Borger, then back to Thompson Park for a cookout and music. A portion of proceeds will benefit Wesley Community Center. (11 a.m. Saturday; registration at 8:30 a.m. Tripp's Harley Davidson, 6040 W. Interstate 40, to Sanford Dam and Thompson Park. Registration by donation. 806-236-8785 or 806-206-3185)

Amarillo Family Fun Fest: The outdoor party will feature bounce houses, games, pony rides, a car show, a barbecue cook-off and live music. (noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Western Bowl parking lot, 5120 Canyon Drive. Free. 806-677-9801)

Canadian River Music Festival: Texas, Americana and country acts Turnpike Troubadours, Mark Chesnutt, Josh Weathers, Charley Crockett, Grady Spencer & The Work, Zac Wilkerson and Dixon Creek will perform at the annual outdoor music fest. (Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jones Pavilion, 1101 N. Sixth St. in Canadian. Tickets $30 online in advance, $40 cash at gate. canadianrivermusicfestival@gmail.com)

Mini-Vision Boards: Craft your own portable reminder of visions, goals or inspirations, with board, glue, scissors and magazines provided. Limited to 20 participants ages 16 and older. (10 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

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)

May Day Sip 'n Shop: Look for wares and foods from area vendors. Coast to Coast food truck will be on site, and Amarillo band The A-Town Rockers will perform at 6 p.m. (3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Bar Z Winery, 19290 Farm-to-Market Road 1541. Cover $10. 806-488-2214)

Maverick Music Festival: This outdoor concert and fundraiser for Maverick Boys & Girls Club will feature a barbecue rib meal from the Big Texan, music from Bob Wyre & The Fence Posts, Caliche Road and Jason Hodges & The Panhandle Playboys, plus Starlight Ranch Event Center's activities, including zip lines, a 10,000-square-foot maze, miniature golf and more. (4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $33 adults, $15 kids ages 6 to 12; $1,000 VIP tables available. 806-678-8002 or 806-372-8393)

Texas Panhandle BaconFest: Mmmmm, bacon. Celebrate everyone's favorite greasy, porky treat at this new event from Townsquare Media. The party will feature a bacon cook-off, music from Lubbock country band The Local Nobodys, lifestyle vendors and more. (4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Rex Baxter Building on the Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Tickets $20 adults, $10 kids 10 and younger. 806-355-9777)

Resolute Traveler: Printmaker Scott Frish will display new works in this exhibition. (5 to 8 p.m. Saturday opening reception; exhibition on view through June 23. The Chalice Abbey, 2717 Stanley St. 806-576-2480)

Friends of Southwestern Art Annual Meeting: David Lackey, pottery and porcelain appraiser for Antiques Roadshow, will speak at this special event. (5:30 p.m. Saturday, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Derrick Room. Tickets $50. 806-651-2244)

Mom & Son Dance Night: Learn the merengue in this pre-Mother's Day event. Ages 13 to 20 will be taught at 6:30 p.m., followed by ages 21 and older at 7:30 p.m.; the latter can BYOB. (6:30 p.m. Saturday, City Studios, Studio 25 at The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. $25 per duo. 806-282-6573)

Relative Creativity: The Gregory family — Amarillo Museum of Art curator Alex Gregory, wife Mandy and daughters — will exhibit works in an event also featuring music, hot dogs and drinks. (6:30 p.m. Saturday, Bechtol Fine Arts Barn, 16851 Hope Road near Canyon. 806-681-8321)

Musica Variada: This annual Amarillo Opera event will expand to celebrate Hispanic and Latino food as well as music, with street tacos, elote, poppers and desserts from Catering by Roy and music from the all-female Mariachi Las Altenas. (7:30 p.m. Saturday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $30, plus fees. 806-372-7464)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (8 p.m. Saturday; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Constellations in the Canyons: View the night sky at Caprock Canyons State Park with astronomer Arthur Schneider. (8:45 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Sunday

Summer Da$h Barrel Race: Racers will make a dash for some cash. (8 a.m. Sunday. Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Admission is free. 806-376-7767)

Mother's Day at the Zoo: Moms get free admission, and the first 100 moms will receive a free wildflower seed packet. (9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and $2 children ages 3-12. 806-381-7911)

Drunken Oyster's Mother's Day Brunch: Enjoy a light meal with Mom at one of Amarillo's newest restaurants. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, The Drunkin Oyster, 7606 S.W. 45th Ave. Reservations required. 806-418-6668)

Discovery Center's Mother's Day: Moms get in free for a day of science and exploration. (Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Don Harrington Discovery Center. Admission $11 adults, $8 children, students, military and seniors. 806-355-9547)

Wonderland Park's Mother's Day: Moms will ride free with the purchase of a child's WOW pass. (1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Wonderland Park, 2601 Dumas Drive. Admission fees vary. 806-383-3344)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (2:30 p.m. Sunday; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Celtic Woman: The Irish music ensemble (who are extraordinarily popular on PBS) will bring its latest tour to town. (3 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $61 to $76, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Monday

Blondes vs. Brunettes RivALZ Golf Tournament: Teams of four will compete to raise funds for Alzheimer's Association — Amarillo. (1 p.m. Monday, Tascosa Country Club, 4502 Fairway Drive. Entry fee $500 for team of four, $125 individuals. 806-372-8693) 

Origami Money: Enjoy this craft night. (7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

Wednesday

VA2K walk: This eighth-annual walk around the Amarillo VA Health Care System will provide supplies for formerly homeless veterans. Household and bathroom items are sought for donations. (11 a.m. Wednesday, Amarillo VA, 6010 W. Amarillo Blvd. 806-355-9703, ext. 7421)

Puppy Tales: Kids can practice their skills by reading aloud to therapy dogs. (11 a.m. Wednesday, Amarillo Public Library Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

May 17

Business Connection: The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce trade show offers plenty of swag and chances to connect. Lunch at the Tradeshow Food Court is $15. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 VIP show, 1 to 4 p.m. May 17 general public. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, Regency Room and Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. $5 general admission, VIP tickets required. 806-373-7800 or 806-342-2018) 

Our Southern Neighbors: Learn about Mexico's rich culture of art and folklore with storytelling and an art project. (4 p.m. May 17, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (7:30 p.m. May 17; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Ongoing

• Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument: The monument, about 35 miles north of Amarillo near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Daily hikes with rangers are offered from 10 a.m. to noon; reservations requested. Admission is free. Call 806-857-6680.
• Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through September. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children through eighth grade. Call 806-352-6513.
• Amarillo Escape and Mystery: Attempt to escape a variety of themed locked rooms in 60 minutes at this attraction, 12208 Canyon Drive. It's open daily by reservation; games must be booked two hours in advance. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-414-2382.
• Amarillo Museum of Art: The museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Call 806-371-5050.
• Amarillo Public Library: Look for daily events for children (and book clubs for adults) throughout the spring at all branches. Call 806-378-3051.
• Amarillo Railroad Museum: The museum, 3160 I Ave., is open 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Call 806-335-3333.
• Amarillo Suite Escape: Visitors can attempt to escape from three rooms with rotating themes at this attraction, 715 S. Lamar St. Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, plus by appointment. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-640-3831.
• Amarillo Zoo: The zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors and $2 children ages 3-12, and free on Monday. Call 806-381-7911.
• American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: The facility, 2601 E. Interstate 40, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed holidays). It's featuring Hard Work and Horse Power through July 29. Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 veterans, $3 children ages 6 to 18 and free for active-duty military and children 5 and younger. Call 806-376-4811. 
• Bill’s Backyard Classics: The classic car and truck museum, 5309 S. Washington St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-373-8194.
• Caprock Canyons State Park: The canyon, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque, is open daily. Park admission $4 for ages 12 and older. Call 806-455-1492.
• Cerulean Gallery: The gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and by appointment Saturdays. Call 806-576-0063.
• Don Harrington Discovery Center: The center, 1200 Streit Drive, features Wild Music through May 20. It's open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $11 adults, $8 children and students (to age 22), military and seniors. Call 806-355-9547.
• Extreme Laser Tag: Take aim at this indoor attraction, 2503 S.W. 45th Ave. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays, or by appointment. Admission is $6, plus tax, per person per game; group rates available. Call 806-367-8954.
• The Galleries at Sunset Center: The galleries, 3701 Plains Blvd., are generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free. Call 806-353-5700.
• Harrington House: The historic home, 1600 S. Polk St., features free tours conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
• Kwahadi Indian Museum: Celebrate the legacy of the Native American population on the Plains and the Kwahadi Dancers at this museum, 9151 E. Interstate 40. Admission $5 adults, $3 children. Hours are noon to 5 pm. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays in June, July and August, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from September through May. Call 806-335-3175.
• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: The park, located 50 miles northeast of Amarillo near Fritch, is open 24 hours a day. The area also includes Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Admission is free. Call 806-857-3151.
• Palo Duro Adventure Park and Zip Line: This attraction, located near the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Memorial Day, weather permitting. Call 806-488-2260.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The canyon, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission $5. Call 806-488-2227.
• Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum: The museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon, features Pop Culture through Dec. 31. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays through May. Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children and free for members and children younger than 4. Call 806-651-2244.
• River Breaks Ranch: This attraction, 7802 Durrett Drive, offers sporting clays, team roping, horse racing and more. Call 806-374-0357.
• Southern Light Gallery: The art gallery, located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College's Washington Street campus, is open 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 5:50 p.m. Sundays. Call 806-345-5654. 
• Starlight Ranch Event Center: The event center's zip lines, a 10,000-square-foot maze, miniature golf and more are open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. It's located at 1415 Sunrise Drive. Zip line prices are $25 for first ride, $7 for additional rides. Maze price is $5 per walkthrough. Day passes are $50; night passes (7 p.m. to midnight) are $40. Call 806-683-7883.
• Texas Air & Space Museum: The museum, 10001 American Drive, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is free; donations accepted. Call 806-335-9159.
• Wildcat Bluff Nature Center: The center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and children. Call 806-352-6007.
• Wonderland Park: The park, 2601 Dumas Drive, will continue its 67th season. Park hours vary throughout the spring and summer, so check their calendar for the most up-to-date information. Ultimate WOW passes are $31.95 to $39.95; regular WOW passes are $16.95 to $24.95. Spectator passes are $5. Miniature golf is $5; hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 806-383-3344.
• Xcape Room Warehouse: The escape room attraction, 714 S.E. 10th Ave., is open from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays; other times available by appointment. Admission $25. Call 806-353-6353.

Chip Chandler is a producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.