By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

Tons of engaging activities, arts productions and events in the week ahead, including the Tri-State Fair, Amarillo Bulls season-opener, the PKC dog show and more.

Thursday

• Panhandle Kennel Club Dog Show: The Amarillo-based club will host its annual AKC-sanctioned event, featuring all-breed conformation, obedience and rally events. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, 401 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-679-1260)
• Amarillo Summer Showcase Dance and Jam: The Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest will host its annual showcase event. (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday; continues through Saturday. Fifth Season Inn Amarillo, 6801 W. Interstate 40. No cover. 713-208-4793)
• Amarillo Chamber Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cookoff: The 22nd annual event will take over downtown. Here's my preview. (5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce grounds, 1000 S. Polk St.; entrances at 10th Avenue and Polk Street, 10th and Tyler Street and 11th Avenue and Tyler. $30 advance, $40 at gate. 806-373-7800)
• Ladd Lecture: Architect Lawrence Speck will discuss how art and architecture work together in a special lecture for Amarillo Museum of Art — "Architecture That Makes Lives Better," a free lecture in conjunction with AMoA's ongoing Amarillo Biennial 600: Architecture exhibition. He also will appear at a cocktail buffet reception at the museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St. (6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. lecture; admission $40 for reception, free for lecture. 806-371-5050)
• Luna Gale: The West Texas A&M University Theatre department opens its season with Luna Gale, a contemporary drama about a social worker's attempts to find a secure home for the title character, a 6-month-old girl whose teenage parents are fighting for custody against the teen girl's mother. Here's my preview. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Sept. 24. Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. $12 adults, $8 seniors and students. 806-651-2804)

Friday

• Panhandle Kennel Club Dog Show: The Amarillo-based club will host its annual AKC-sanctioned event, featuring all-breed conformation, obedience and rally events. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, 401 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-679-1260)
• Amarillo Summer Showcase Dance and Jam: The Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest will host its annual showcase event. (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; continues through Saturday. Fifth Season Inn Amarillo, 6801 W. Interstate 40. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. 713-208-4793)
• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair returns. Here's my preview of all the fun. (4 p.m. to midnight Friday; midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)
• 25th Birthday Bash: The Wildcat Bluff Nature Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Friday dinner party at Starlight Canyon Bed and Breakfast. Mike Fuller and Next to Kin will perform. (6 p.m. Friday, Starlight Canyon Bed and Breakfast, 100 Brentwood Road. $100. 806-352-6007)
• Luna Gale: The West Texas A&M University Theatre department opens its season with Luna Gale, a contemporary drama about a social worker's attempts to find a secure home for the title character, a 6-month-old girl whose teenage parents are fighting for custody against the teen girl's mother. Here's my preview. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sept. 24. Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. $12 adults, $8 seniors and students. 806-651-2804)

Saturday

• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair continues. Here's my preview of all the fun. (8 a.m. to midnight Saturday; midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)
• Panhandle Kennel Club Dog Show: The Amarillo-based club will host its annual AKC-sanctioned event, featuring all-breed conformation, obedience and rally events. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, 401 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-679-1260)
• Amarillo Community Market: The downtown farmers and crafters market returns for a second year (which runs through Oct. 14). This week, it'll move slightly to accommodate the Tri-State Fair Parade. Look for live music and activities weekly. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Santa Fe Building, 900 S. Polk St. Free.)
• Amarillo Walk to End Alzheimer's: Participants can raise money to benefit Amarillo Alzheimer's Association. Register online or at 9 a.m. Saturday. A ceremony begins at 10 a.m., followed by a two-mile walk at 10:30 a.m. (9 a.m. Saturday, Sam Houston Park, Line Avenue and Western Street, free. 806-881-7145)
• Amarillo Summer Showcase Dance and Jam: The Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest will host its annual showcase event. (10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Fifth Season Inn Amarillo, 6801 W. Interstate 40. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. 713-208-4793)
• Amarillo Tri-State Fair Parade: The annual parade — themed Fair Time, Fun Time — will follow a new route: 11th Avenue and Polk Street, then proceeding north to Fourth Avenue, west to Harrison and south to Eighth Avenue. (10 a.m. Saturday, downtown Amarillo, free. 806-376-7767)
• Release the Hounds:  Lost Pets of Amarillo will host this scavenger hunt and family celebration featuring bounce houses, music, vendors, food trucks and pet adoptions. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. hunt, 4 to 8 p.m. party, John Stiff Memorial Park, 4600 S. Bell St. Free. 806-679-4720)
• Mary Poppins Tea Party: In a preview of Amarillo Little Theatre upcoming staging of the musical, Mary Poppins (played by Kristen Loyd) and other characters will entertain at this tea party. (11 a.m. Saturday, ALT Adventure and Academy Space, 2751 Civic Circle. $20 ages 12 and older, $18 ages 11 and younger; on sale Friday. 806-355-9991)
• Palo Duro Rocks! Geology Tour: Take a ride through Palo Duro Canyon to learn more about the geological forces that built it and the rocks and minerals that comprise it. Dress comfortably for the weather, wear good walking shoes or boots, and bring water to drink. Children out of booster seats are welcome. Sign-in is required, and space is limited. Meet at the park headquarters. (2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Admission $5. Call 806-488-2227)
• Wolflin Square Hurricane Relief Benefit: The Shops at Wolflin Square will host a screening and tailgate party featuring the Texas Tech and Arizona State, University of Texas and University of Southern California, and Flordia State and University of Miami games on two projector screens at Taste Dessert Bar, 1901 S. Georgia St. Donations will benefit High Plains Food Bank and American Red Cross. (5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, The Shops at Wolflin Square, 1901 S. Georgia St. Free. 806-355-6131) 
• JazZoo: The animals and their friends will be grooving to hot tunes at an Amarillo Zoo fundraiser featuring the Jim Laughlin jazz combo, food from Belmar Bakery, and adult beverages and soft drinks. (7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, 700 Comanchero Trail, $20 each or $35 couples. 806-381-7911)​
• Amarillo Bulls: Amarillo's hockey team will kick off its season against the Odessa Jackalopes. (7:05 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. $13-$23 adults, $9-$23 children. 806-242-1122)
• Luna Gale: The West Texas A&M University Theatre department opens its season with Luna Gale, a contemporary drama about a social worker's attempts to find a secure home for the title character, a 6-month-old girl whose teenage parents are fighting for custody against the teen girl's mother. Here's my preview. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sept. 24. Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. $12 adults, $8 seniors and students. 806-651-2804)
• Caelus Piano Quartet: The Chamber Music Amarillo season kicks off in earnest with a performance by Amarillo native J.T. Hassell and his Caelus Piano Quartet. (8 p.m. Saturday, Fibonacci Space, 3306 S.W. Sixth Ave. $35 adults, $10 students. 806-236-3545)

Sunday

• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair continues. Here's my preview of all the fun. (8 a.m. to midnight Sunday midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)
• Panhandle Kennel Club Dog Show: The Amarillo-based club will host its annual AKC-sanctioned event, featuring all-breed conformation, obedience and rally events. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, 401 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-679-1260)
• Chuck Wagner: Broadway and TV star Chuck Wagner will perform for a fundraiser concert for Amarillo College Conservatory Theatre (following a two-day student workshop). (7 p.m. Sunday, Ordway Auditorium on Amarillo College Washington Street campus. $25. 806-371-2921)

Monday

• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair continues. Here's my preview of all the fun. (8 a.m. to midnight Monday; midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)

Tuesday

• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair continues. Here's my preview of all the fun. (8 a.m. to midnight Tuesday; midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)
• Architecture Film Series: The special American Masters — Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future will screen as part of this series, a partnership between Amarillo Museum of Art and Panhandle PBS. It's in association with the museum's Amarillo Biennial 600: Architecture. (Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, AMoA, free. 806-371-5050)

Wednesday

Sept. 21

• Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The annual fair continues. Here's my preview of all the fun. (8 a.m. to midnight Sept. 21; midway hours 4 p.m. to midnight; continues through Sept. 23. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Admission $10 for ages 13 to 54, $5 ages 6 to 12 and ages 55 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; free until 1 p.m. Monday to 22. Ride wristbands $30 daily. Mega-Passes $65 through Thursday and $70 from Friday to Sept. 22. 806-376-7767)
• Poker Run:  Get Fit Amarillo will host a running poker game with wine. (7 p.m. Sept. 21, Bar Z Winery, 19290 Farm-to-Market Road 1541. $5. 806-350-4262)
• PRCA Rodeo: Professional cowboys compete for big bucks and bragging rights at the Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo. (7 p.m. Sept. 21, Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. $5 plus fair admission. 806-376-7767)
• Mary Poppins: The Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage season opens with the stage adaptation of the beloved Walt Disney musical (based on the books by P.L. Travers). Kristen Loyd (Anything Goes, Young Frankenstein) stars as the practically perfect nanny, with Jason Crespin as the chimney sweep Bert. (7:30 p.m. Sept. 21; continues through Oct. 8. ALT Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Tickets $22 adults, $19 students and seniors, $16 children Thursdays and Sundays; $25 adults, $22 students and seniors and $18 children Fridays and Saturdays. 806-355-9991)
• Yellow City Sounds Live: Composer and conductor Michael Ching will perform his original works on piano and guitar. (7 p.m. Sept. 21, Panhandle PBS, 2408 S. Jackson St. Free; tickets required. 806-371-5228)
• Luna Gale: The West Texas A&M University Theatre department opens its season with Luna Gale, a contemporary drama about a social worker's attempts to find a secure home for the title character, a 6-month-old girl whose teenage parents are fighting for custody against the teen girl's mother. Here's my preview. (7:30 p.m. Sept. 21; continues through Sept. 24. Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. $12 adults, $8 seniors and students. 806-651-2804)

Ongoing

• Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31, then 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays beginning Nov. 1. 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. Amarillo Biennial 600: Architecture is on view through Oct. 1. Admission is free. Call 806-371-5050.
• Amarillo Public Library: Look for daily events for children (and book clubs for adults) throughout the fall 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 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. 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 featuring the America's Horse in Art show and sale through Oct. 12.. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed holidays). 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 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-373-8194.
• Cerulean Gallery: The gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., is featuring Modern West through Sept. 22. Hours are 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, is featuring Physics @ Play and Cubelets Robot Blocks through Sept. 17. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays in the summer. Admission is $11 adults, $8 children and students (to age 22), military and seniors. Call 806-355-9547.
• 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.,  free tours conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
• 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 Area 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 after Labor 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, is featuring The Great War and the Panhandle-Plains Region and A Picture from Home: Snapshots of the Great War on the Plains through Dec. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays through August. 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.
• Texas Air & Space Museum: The museum, 10001 American Drive, is open 9 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.

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