By Chip Chandler — Producer

April bows out and May dawns with musicals, outdoor fun, orchestral greats, the big ball in Turkey and so much more. Check here for all of your options through May 3!

Thursday

Downtown Lunchtime Book Club: Join the discussion of Jodi Thomas' Mornings on Main. (12:15 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Parade of Homes: Visit some of the finest houses in Amarillo and Canyon at this annual Texas Panhandle Builders Association event. Neighborhoods include The Colonies, The Greenways, The Vineyards, The Woodlands, Fox Hollow, Medical Center, Strawberry Fields West, Town Square, Tradewind Square, Heritage Hills, Southwind, Madison Park & The Enclaves, Time Square Village, Cliffs at Canyon Country Club, City View and Smoky Hollow. (5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday; continues through May 6. Various locations. Tickets $10. 806-353-3565 or www.amarilloparadeofhomes.com)

Bachelor of Fine Arts Show: Celebrate the opening of this exhibition of works by West Texas A&M University students. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dord Fitz Formal Art Gallery. 806-651-2799)

9 to 5: The West Texas A&M University theater department will pour a cup of ambition and stage this Dolly Parton-penned musical adaptation of the hit film. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Sunday. WT Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Stephen Harrigan: The author (Remembering Ben Clayton) and longtime Texas Monthly contributor will speak for the Center for the Study of the American West. (7:30 p.m. Thursday, Hazelwood Lecture Hall at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon. 806-651-5238)

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

Bob Wills Day: Festivities in Turkey celebrating its most famous native son kick off with a dance. (8 p.m. Thursday; continues through April 28. Bob Wills Museum, 602 Lyles St. in Turkey. $15. 806-423-1253)

My Little Black Dress Does Not Mean Yes: This Family Support Services event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month will feature games, giveaways and speciality drinks. (8 p.m. Thursday, Metropolitan — A Speakeasy, 9181 Town Square Blvd. No cover. 806-242-0117 or 806-342-2500)

Cinderella: The State Street Ballet will stage its original production of the fairy tale for Clovis Community College's Cultural Arts Series. (7 p.m. MT Thursday, Marshall Middle School, 100 Commerce Way in Clovis, N.M. Tickets $20 adults, $15 seniors, military and students. 575-769-4031)

Friday

Bob Wills Day: Festivities in Turkey celebrating its most famous native son kick off with more dancing. (5:30 p.m. Friday; continues through April 28. Bob Wills Museum, 602 Lyles St. in Turkey. $20. 806-423-1253)

Final Friday Art Bazaar: This monthly event includes an art show by Marcus Melton, bazaar and homemade crafts. (5:30 p.m. Friday, Gallery on 7th, 513 S.W. Seventh Ave. Free. 806-681-0821)

Parade of Homes: Visit some of the finest houses in Amarillo and Canyon at this annual Texas Panhandle Builders Association event. Neighborhoods include The Colonies, The Greenways, The Vineyards, The Woodlands, Fox Hollow, Medical Center, Strawberry Fields West, Town Square, Tradewind Square, Heritage Hills, Southwind, Madison Park & The Enclaves, Time Square Village, Cliffs at Canyon Country Club, City View and Smoky Hollow. (5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday; continues through May 6. Various locations. Tickets $10. 806-353-3565 or www.amarilloparadeofhomes.com)

Parents Night Out: Drop off kids ages 4 to 11 for an evening of "smart art." (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)

Relay for Life of Panhandle Plains: Teams will take laps and make money at this annual event, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society. (6 p.m. Friday, Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St. Registration free. 806-353-4306)

Amarillo Symphony: The orchestra will close out its season with a couple of major compositions: Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. The latter, performed in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Bernstein's birth, will feature Amarillo Master Chorale. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues April 28. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $15 to $54, plus fees. 806-376-8782)

Be More Chill: This contemporary musical, to be staged by TheatreAC, is based on Ned Vizzini's popular 2004 YA sci-fi novel about a teen boy who ingests a super computer in an effort to escape bullies and find popularity. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through May 5. Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets $8 adults, $6 seniors, AC faculty, staff and students. 806-371-5359)

9 to 5: The West Texas A&M University theater department will pour a cup of ambition and stage this Dolly Parton-penned musical adaptation of the hit film. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. WT Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Welcome to the Green Envy: This all-dance production at City Studios hopes to inspire and invoke creativity. (8 p.m. Friday, City Studios, Studio 25 at The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Tickets TBA. 806-282-6573)

Nighttime Narratives: Enjoy campfire storytelling detailing Caprock Canyons State Park's history. (8:30 p.m. Friday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Saturday

Bob Wills Day: Festivities in Turkey celebrating its most famous native son continue with a day-long arts & crafts show, outdoor concerts, a parade and more, concluding with a dance with Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys. (all day Saturday, Bob Wills Museum, 602 Lyles St. in Turkey. Most activities free; $20 for dance. 806-423-1253)

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)

GardenFest: This "Home and Garden Extravaganza" will feature sales of plants, flowers, garden items and more, plus a garage sale. Plants are $10 and sales support Amarillo Botanical Gardens. The Texas Twisted Trio food truck will be on site, and Amarillo folk singer-songwriter Mike Fuller will perform. (8:30 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Admission $5 ages 13 and older, $4 seniors, free for Garden members. 806-352-6513)

Giddy Up for Tex 5K Run/Walk: This new fundraiser, a timed race and casual walk, will benefit the Tex Randall Project, which continues to provide for maintenance of the tall cowboy statue on U.S. Highway 60 in Canyon. (9 a.m. Saturday, downtown square in Canyon. Registration fee $30; those who register by April 16 will get a free event T-shirt. 806-656-6833)

U.S. Team Roping Championship: Panhandle Classic: Catch top ropers in action. (9 a.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. Amarillo National Center at Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Free. 806-376-7767)

Earth Day: Celebrate Mother Earth (a week late, after last weekend's rains) with a day full of activities, including tips on habitats for butterflies and hummingbirds, tree seedlings and seeds to attract Monarch butterflies, crafts, face painting and more. Amarillo Zoo will team with Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Panhandle PBS and others. (9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and $2 children ages 3-12. 806-381-7911)

Amarillo Reads: Writers Round Table: Author Jodi Thomas will discuss writing as a career and as a hobby. (10 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Day of Thunder Car Show: The 17th annual show will feature dozens of classic cars and trucks, free food, games, door prizes, music silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit Martha's Home. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, First United Bank, 1 First United Bank Parkway. Free. 806-433-2581)

Financial Literacy for Women: West Texas Chapter of Better Investing will offer information for women on planning for the future. (10 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Little Habitat on the Prairie: Take a guided nature hike through habitats of different prairie plants and animals. (10 a.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

March for Babies: Tiny humans will get a big boost thanks to this annual 2.5-mile walk for March of Dimes. (10 a.m. Saturday, Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd.; on-site registration begins at 9 a.m., and opening ceremonies begin at 9:45 a.m. Registration free. 806-553-2391)

Tri-State Reptile Expo: Get up close and personal with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates at this annual show. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. $10 adult weekend pass, $5 children.)

Parade of Homes: Visit some of the finest houses in Amarillo and Canyon at this annual Texas Panhandle Builders Association event. Neighborhoods include The Colonies, The Greenways, The Vineyards, The Woodlands, Fox Hollow, Medical Center, Strawberry Fields West, Town Square, Tradewind Square, Heritage Hills, Southwind, Madison Park & The Enclaves, Time Square Village, Cliffs at Canyon Country Club, City View and Smoky Hollow. (1 to 5 p.m. Saturday; continues through May 6. Various locations. Tickets $10. 806-353-3565 or www.amarilloparadeofhomes.com)

Sjögrens Syndrome Foundation Home Fundraiser: Paint "Freya's Tears," inspired by a Gustav Klimt work, in this fundraiser to benefit Sjögren Syndrome Foundation, which battles the systemic autoimune disease. (1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Burn Studio, 4111 Business Park Drive. Cost $40. 806-535-4419)

City Nature Challenge Hike: Meet at Chinaberry Day Use Area at Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a 1.5 mile hike using the iNaturalist app, part of the three-day City Nature Challenge, in which more than 60 cities will compete to see who can make the most observations of nature. (2 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)

Trailway Tour: Take a guided vehicle tour of the historic Caprock Canyons Trailway. Reservations are required. (2 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4; tours $10. 806-455-1492)

WT Trombone Studio: The university slide demons will perform. (5 p.m. Saturday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Amarillo Venom: The indoor football squad continues its season with a bout with Wichita Force. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10 to $40. 806-350-7277)

Potter County Steak Out: Enjoy a prime rib dinner and music from Next to Kin and Danny Cadra at this fundraiser for Poter County Buyers Club. BYOB. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Geneology Lock-In: The theme of this annual party is the Roaring Twenties, and participants can learn the Charleston, research and more. Space is limited; registration is required. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-6022)

Saddle Up & Save a Life: Texas country favorites Randy Rogers Band will headline this fundraiser for Heal the City free clinic. The evening will include dinner, music, dancing, open bar and silent and live auctions. (6:30 p.m. Saturdaym Piehl Barn, 900 Farm-to-Market Road 2381 in Bushland. Sold out. 806-236-5454 or 806-231-2894)

Amarillo Symphony: The orchestra will close out its season with a couple of major compositions: Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. The latter, performed in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Bernstein's birth, will feature Amarillo Master Chorale. (7:30 p.m. Saturday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $15 to $54, plus fees. 806-376-8782)

Be More Chill: This contemporary musical, to be staged by TheatreAC, is based on Ned Vizzini's popular 2004 YA sci-fi novel about a teen boy who ingests a super computer in an effort to escape bullies and find popularity. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through May 5. Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets $8 adults, $6 seniors, AC faculty, staff and students. 806-371-5359)

9 to 5: The West Texas A&M University theater department will pour a cup of ambition and stage this Dolly Parton-penned musical adaptation of the hit film. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. WT Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Gatsby Party: The Amarillo Little Theatre Guild will revisit the Roaring '20s with this second annual party, featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres from Imperial Taproom, an open bar, live entertainment and dancing, live auction, wine pull and coffee from Palace Coffee. The Great Gatsby-inspired attire or formal attire is requested. (8 p.m. Saturday, Encore House, 501 S. Grant St. Tickets $75 in advance, $100 at the door. 806-355-9991)

Mary Ann Goodnight & The Texas State Bison Herd: See how Goodnight helped save the Southern Plains buffalo from near extinction in this Caprock Canyons State Park event. (8:30 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Sunday

U.S. Team Roping Championship: Panhandle Classic: Catch top ropers in action. (9 a.m. Sunday. Amarillo National Center at Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Free. 806-376-7767)

Tri-State Reptile Expo: Get up close and personal with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates at this annual show. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. $10 adult weekend pass, $5 children.)

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day Workshop: The Amarillo College Photography Club will teach how to make handmade pinhole cameras and to develop the images, in conjunction with an ongoing exhibition in Southern Light Gallery. (Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo College Parcells Hall, third floor. Free. 806-345-5654)

Parade of Homes: Visit some of the finest houses in Amarillo and Canyon at this annual Texas Panhandle Builders Association event. Neighborhoods include The Colonies, The Greenways, The Vineyards, The Woodlands, Fox Hollow, Medical Center, Strawberry Fields West, Town Square, Tradewind Square, Heritage Hills, Southwind, Madison Park & The Enclaves, Time Square Village, Cliffs at Canyon Country Club, City View and Smoky Hollow. (1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; continues through May 6. Various locations. Tickets $10. 806-353-3565 or www.amarilloparadeofhomes.com)

Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra: The student ensembles will give their spring concerts. In a first, the Amarillo Youth Choirs will join for two songs. (2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10. 806-376-8782)

9 to 5: The West Texas A&M University theater department will pour a cup of ambition and stage this Dolly Parton-penned musical adaptation of the hit film. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. WT Branding Iron Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

FC Amarillo: The city's first professional soccer team plays its inaugural game against FC Lubbock. (4 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)

Mostly Mozart: The West Texas A&M University School of Music will showcase students and faculty musicians in the spring opera gala, featuring scenes from Mozart's Idomeneo, Le Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte and Die Zauberflöte. (7:30 p.m. Sunday, Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall in Canyon. Free. 806-651-2840)

Full Moon Hike: Join a Palo Duro Canyon State Park interpreter for this glowing hike. Reservations required; space is limited. (8 p.m. Sunday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Monday

Amarillo Reads: Geneology: Author Jodi Thomas will discuss how family stories can spark ideas in writing. (6:30 p.m. Monday, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Chicago: The razzle-dazzle musical returns as part of Civic Amarillo and Celebrity Attractions' Broadway Spotlight Series. (7:30 p.m. Monday; continues Tuesday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $25 to $65, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Tuesday

Picnic in the Park: Enjoy a light spring luncheon while supporting Eveline's Sunshine Cottage's efforts to provide housing for Amarillo homeless women and single-parent families. (11:30 a.m. May 1, Great Hall at Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St. Tickets $50. 806-803-9357)

Amarillo Youth Choirs spring concert: Several ensembles of young singers will perform. (6 p.m. Tuesday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10 adults, $5 children. 806-372-1100) 

Chicago: The razzle-dazzle musical returns as part of Civic Amarillo and Celebrity Attractions' Broadway Spotlight Series. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $25 to $65, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Wednesday

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

WT Concert and University Bands: The ensembles will perform. (6 p.m. Wednesday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

WT Symphonic Band: The university's top band will perform works by Holst, Bryant, Brooks, Morricone and Maslanka. (8 p.m. Wednesday, West Texas A&M University Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Comedy Open Mic: Amateur and professional comics can take their turn at the mic at this evening hosted by Amarillo comics Skylar Potter and Matt Villegas of Yellow City Comedy & Productions. (9 p.m. Wednesday, Whiskey River, 4001 S.W. 51st Ave. No cover. 806-367-6163.)

May 3

Greater Southwest Music Festival: High school and junior high bands, plus student solo and ensemble performers, will compete in this annual regional fest. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 3; continues through May 5. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., and Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Free. 806-373-5093)

Chamber After Hours: Network over food and drinks at this free Amarillo Chamber of Commerce event; chamber membership is not required. (5 p.m. May 3, Reed Beverage, 3701 S.E. 25th Ave. Free. 806-373-7800)

Parade of Homes: Visit some of the finest houses in Amarillo and Canyon at this annual Texas Panhandle Builders Association event. Neighborhoods include The Colonies, The Greenways, The Vineyards, The Woodlands, Fox Hollow, Medical Center, Strawberry Fields West, Town Square, Tradewind Square, Heritage Hills, Southwind, Madison Park & The Enclaves, Time Square Village, Cliffs at Canyon Country Club, City View and Smoky Hollow. (5:30 to 8 p.m. May 3; continues through May 6. Various locations. Tickets $10. 806-353-3565 or www.amarilloparadeofhomes.com)

First Thursday Art + Music: The monthly party at The 806 Coffee + Lounge will feature new works by Holly Rhea and music by Fine & Dandy. (7 p.m. opening reception May 3; on view through May 31. The 806 Coffee + Lounge, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover; donations accepted. 806-322-1806)

Be More Chill: This contemporary musical, to be staged by TheatreAC, is based on Ned Vizzini's popular 2004 YA sci-fi novel about a teen boy who ingests a super computer in an effort to escape bullies and find popularity. (7:30 p.m. May 3; continues through May 5. Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets $8 adults, $6 seniors, AC faculty, staff and students. 806-371-5359)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (7:30 p.m. May 3; continues through May 20. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)