By Chip Chandler — Producer

June arrives with a bang with rodeo action, the return of Texas, a high-flying Discovery Center exhibit and more. Check here for all of your event options through June 7!

Thursday

Amarillo Reads in the Summer kickoff dance party: The summer reading club launches with a family dance party. Registration for the club opens Friday. (4 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Funny Car Chaos Pre-Race Party: Get a sneak peek of the Funny Car Chaos racers before their Friday and Saturday appearance at Amarillo Dragway. (5 p.m. Thursday, Teddy Jack's Armadillo Grill, 5080 S. Coulter St. No cover. 806-322-0113)

Coors Cowboy Club Longhorn Cattle Drive: The ranch rodeo weekend will kick off with a longhorn cattle drive from 11th Avenue and Polk Street, north to Third Avenue, east to Marrs Street, south to 10th Avenue and east again into the Tri-State Fairgrounds. (6 p.m. Thursday, downtown Amarillo to Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-373-7800)

Bomb City Flow Arts: Enjoy lit-up dancing, hula hooping, spray art and more at this free demonstration from Bomb City Flow. (8 p.m. Thursday, Memorial Park, 2501 S. Washington St. Free.)

Friday

Amarillo Reads in the Summer: Registration opens for the summer reading program, which runs through July 15. Read at least 15 minutes per day and earn prizes for every 10 days you read (up to three). Kids and adults are eligible. This year's theme is "Libraries Rock," which will incorporate music, science and more. (All Amarillo Public Library locations. 806-378-3051)

U.S. National Fast Draw Championship: Watch competitors embrace their inner Doc Holliday. (7:30 a.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. Rex Baxter Building on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Funny Car Chaos: What's billed as "the world's only outlaw funny car showdown" races into Amarillo for a two-day event. (noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday; continues Saturday. Amarillo Dragway, 12955 Burlington Road. Tickets $20 adults each night, $40 two-day package, $5 children 12 and younger. 806-676-6148)

Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo: The region's biggest bragging-rights working ranch rodeo returns. A Brats & Brew feast kicks off at 5 p.m. (while supplies last), with rodeo action to follow. (5 p.m. Friday; continues Saturday. Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Tickets $15 adults, $5 children. 806-378-3096)

First Friday Art Walk: The monthly stroll through the newly rebranded Arts in the Sunset will feature new works by several of the gallery owners. (5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd. Free. 806-352-2706)

Courthouse Summer Celebration: Hereford and Deaf Smith County residents will kick off the season with a free party at the county courthouse, featuring food, games and live music. (6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Deaf Smith County Courthouse, 235 E. Third St., Hereford. Free. 806-364-3333.) 

Bat Tour: Take a guided vehicle tour to historic Clarity Tunnel for the bat emergence flight in the first bat tour of the year. Reservations required. (7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Movies at the Lake: Enjoy a free screening of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. (8:30 p.m. Friday, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, located 50 miles northeast of Amarillo near Fritch. Free. 806-857-3151) 

Texas: The outdoor musical drama kicks off its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. Friday; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)

Saturday

Aviation: This new exhibition at Don Harrington Discovery Center will celebrate in-flight science, with hands-on exploration of aircraft equipment, a video on flight history, creation of string rocket racers and more. Kids will learn how a wing is created and built, step into a hot air balloon basket, explore the science of wind and more. (Opens Saturday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. Admission charge. 806-355-9547) 

U.S. National Fast Draw Championship: Watch competitors embrace their inner Doc Holliday. (7:30 a.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. Rex Baxter Building on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Lisa Cherry Health Fair: This annual wellness event, held in memory of beloved Amarillo police officer Lisa Cherry, now will include a new walk and run. Proceeds benefit Delta Sigma Theta's community projects. (8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Bones Hooks Park, 2000 N. Hughes St. Registration fee $20 adults and $5 children online, $25 adults and $5 children onsite. 806-383-0609)

Miami Cow Calling Contest: Warm up your bovine hollerin' skills for this annual blow-out in Miami. Festivities kick off Friday with the annual Follies at 7 p.m. at the Miami School, 100 Warrior Lane, then continue Saturday with an 8 a.m. Color Run, a noon steak cook-off, the 1 p.m. cow calling competition and a 9 p.m. dance at Roberts County Park. (8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Roberts County Park on U.S. Highway 60. 806-662-7681) 

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)

Book signing: Amarillo author Kathie C. Greer will sign her new book, Sliding for Home, a YA baseball novel. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Burrowing Owl Books, 419 16th St. in Canyon. Free. 806-282-9888)

Funny Car Chaos: What's billed as "the world's only outlaw funny car showdown" races into Amarillo for a two-day event. (10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. June 2. Amarillo Dragway, 12955 Burlington Road. Tickets $20 adults each night, $40 two-day package, $5 children 12 and younger. 806-676-6148)

Amarillo Yoga Festival: This free celebration of yoga will feature demonstrations, live music, vendors, food, chakra and bhangra dance, metaphysical booths and more. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, City Studios, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 25. 806-683-0064)

Fishing Clinic: Angler education instructor Paul Fikes will help teach basic fishing instructions ahead of Sunday's National Free Fishing Day. (1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Summer Kickoff Party: Enjoy the start of the season at this Townsquare Media and AirU party, featuring food trucks, Velvet Funk and free jumping for 30 minutes for all attendees. (4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, AirU Amarillo, 5461 McKenna Square. Tickets $5. 806-355-9777)

Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo: The region's biggest bragging-rights working ranch rodeo returns. A chuckwagon dinner kicks off at 5 p.m. (while supplies last), with rodeo action to follow. (5 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Tickets $15 adults, $5 children. 806-378-3096)

Higgins Hog Roast: Enjoy a pit-roasted pulled pork, calf fries, french fries and beans, plus music from Country Justice, JC Hopkins Band and headliner Sunny Sweeney. (5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Higgins City Park, County Road 29 and U.S. Highway 60. Free; donations accepted. 580-571-7992)

Amarillo Venom: The indoor football squad faces off with Quad City Steamwheelers. It's Fan Appreciation Night and the last regular-season home game. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10 to $40. 806-350-7277)

Down the Rabbit Hole: Musings of a Red Head: Artist Kelly Palmer will display new works. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, The R Gallery, 2400 S.W. Seventh Ave. Free. 806-640-4308)

Aaron Tate's BBQ Bash: Lubbock country act Drake Hays Band will headline this BYOB barbecue dinner fundraiser for Friona Vocational Agriculture Association. (7 p.m. Saturday, American Canvas, 1106 W. Texas Highway 60 in Friona.Tickets $25; limited to 450. 806-344-5727, 806-265-7518, 806-265-5775 or 806-265-7031)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. Saturday; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)

Sunday

U.S. National Fast Draw Championship: Watch competitors embrace their inner Doc Holliday. (7:30 a.m. Sunday, Rex Baxter Building on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

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)

FC Amarillo: The city's first professional soccer team faces off against FC Lubbock. (3 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10.25 to $30.25, plus fees. 806-378-3095 or 806-350-7277)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. Sunday; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)

Monday

Painting Rocks: Families can paint rocks to keep or to hide for strangers to find. (4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

Yappy Hour: Bring your dog along for a weekly party with live music and margaritas. (6 to 10 p.m. Monday, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Free. 806-678-7002)

Tuesday

Dino Dig: Kids of all ages can dig for fossils through June 17. (Tuesday to June 17; open noon to 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays. Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

June Jazz: Amarillo native and acclaimed pianist Mark Little with Kara will kick off the expanded outdoor series. (7 p.m. Tuesday, mall in front of the Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Free. 806-371-5345)

Pied Piper: Enjoy the fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and make a pan flute. (7 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Starlight Theater: Amarillo country-rock band Windy City will perform for the summer concert series. (7 p.m. Tuesday, Sam Houston Park, Western Street and Line Avenue. Free. 806-378-3036)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. Tuesday; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)

Wednesday

Matt the Cowpony: Meet a friendly pony and see horse tricks. (10 a.m. Wednesday, Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

High Noon on the Square: Amarillo folk singer Andy Chase will kick off the Center City concert series. Youngblood's will sell hamburgers. (11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Potter County Courthouse lawn, Sixth Avenue and Tyler Street. Lunch $8; $75 for season-long punch card. 806-372-6744)

STEM Lab: This monthly program on Science, Engineering, Technology and Math continues with an exploration of the science of sound. (4 p.m. Wednesday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Lone Star Runners Club Summer Bummer: This 5-mile run will end in a picnic. (7 p.m. Wednesday, Thompson Park, 2401 Dumas Drive. Entry fee $20 members, $25 nonmembers, $10 students in advance; prices increase by $5 race day.)

The Reunion Beatles: This tribute act will offer a fantasy performance. (7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $29 to $47, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. Wednesday; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)

June 7

Every Drop Counts poster contest coloring day: Students from kindergarten through high school can make a poster for the City of Amarillo's water conservation program. (All Amarillo Public Library locations. 806-378-3051)

Chamber After Hours: Network over food and drinks at this free Amarillo Chamber of Commerce event; chamber membership is not required. (5 p.m. June 7, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Free. 806-373-7800)

Music in the Gardens: Amarillo rock band The Solano Project will kick off the summer series. (7 p.m. June 7; gates open at 6:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Admission $10 for ages 6 and older, $5 for garden members. 806-352-6513)

Music in the Park: Amarillo country act The Buster Bledsoe Band will perform in Canadian. (7 p.m. June 7, Canadian Chamber of Commerce lawn, 119 N. Second St. Free. 806-323-6234)

June Jams: Canyon country band Seth Ward & The Silence kicks off the Canyon Main Street concert series. (7:30 p.m. June 7, Neblett Park, Sixth Avenue and 16th Street. Free. 806-656-6833)

First Thursday Art + Music: The monthly party at The 806 Coffee + Lounge will feature new works by Ian Johnson and music from one-man band The March Divide, singer-songwriter Jonah Matranga and indie band The Pauses. (8 p.m. June 7, The 806 Coffee + Lounge, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover; donations accepted. 806-322-1806)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 7; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $15.95 adults, $8.49 children. 806-655-2181)