By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
Fundraisers, car shows, burlesque, unauthorized theater and more: Here are the activities and events waiting for you through July 27.
Thursday
- Music in the Gardens: Rock band The Solano Project will perform. (7 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. $5 garden members, $10 ages 13 and older.)
- Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead: This unauthorized parody of Peanuts characters by Bert V. Royal imagines Charlie Brown-like characters as teenagers. Performances continue through Saturday. Here's my preview. (7 p.m. Thursday, RR Bar, 701 S. Georgia St. $10. 806-342-9000)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
Friday
- Duke Tracy's Annual Summer Bash: The bar will celebrate the season with food until 8 p.m., karaoke beginning at 9 p.m. and games, prizes and drink specials all night. (5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Duke Tracy's, 3101 S.W. 26th Ave. No cover. 806-351-0757)
- Tunes & Trucks at 7200: The Venue will host an evening party featuring music by Mason Jar & The Shine Brothers and food trucks from Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse, Urbana Coffee Works and Radical Ice Snowcones. A portion of proceeds will benefit Martha's Home. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, 7200 Canyon Drive. $10 adults, $5 children 2 to 12. 806-476-9476)
- Discover AfterDark: Game Night: This adults-only event offers lessons in physics through an assortment of games. And drinks. Check out my preview for more details. (7 p.m. Friday, Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. Tickets $35 members and $45 nonmembers before June 30, $40 and $50 July 1 and later. 806-355-9547)
- Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead: This unauthorized parody of Peanuts characters by Bert V. Royal imagines Charlie Brown-like characters as teenagers. Performances continue through Saturday. Here's my preview. (7 p.m. Friday, RR Bar, 701 S. Georgia St. $10. 806-342-9000)
- Art Camp Walk: Learn more about one of the earliest camp sites and the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Palo Duro Canyon State Park during an interpretive walk. Canyon officials say the walk is easy but requires climbing several flights of stairs. Arrive at the park at least 15 minutes early, and dress for the warm weather (including good hiking shoes or boots). Don't forget water. The walk begins at El Coronado Lodge Visitor Center. (8 p.m. Friday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Park admission $5 adults, hike is free. 806-488-2227)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
- Stupid F---ing Bird preview: The Delta Psi Omega theater fraternity at Amarillo College will stage Aaron Posner's adaptation of Anton Chekov's The Seagull beginning July 28, but you can get a preview of several scenes of the show at The 806. (9:30 p.m. Friday, The 806 Coffee + Lounge, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. Free. 806-322-1806)
- A Galatea Affair: Dallas performer Vivienne Vermuth will team with Amarillo's award-winning burlesque troupe Galatea Burlesk for a night of classic bump-and-grind in the new MJ's Saloon and Grill. "(The) bar is very new and we're expanding our horizons and bringing burlesque to the forefront and trying to get it more mainstream as a nightlife entertainment option," troupe founder Nox Falls said. (10 p.m. Friday, MJ's Saloon and Grill, 3705 Olsen Blvd. $10.)
Saturday
- SuperHero 5K and Benefit Car Show: Run or walk to support Amarillo Housing First, which helps the chronically homeless find permanent housing. Costumes are suggested. (8 a.m. Saturday, Polk Street Nutrition, 1201 S. Polk St. Entry fee $35. 806-418-6762)
- Amarillo Community Market: The downtown farmers and crafters market returns for a second year (which runs through Oct. 14). Amarillo singer-songwriter Jason Hodges will perform. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday around the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, 1000 S. Polk St. Free.)
- National Day of the Cowboy: Celebrate Western culture and heritage at this event at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. Kids can ride a quarter horse or take part in a slew of other activities (see them all in my preview). (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 2601 E. Interstate 40. Free. 806-376-4811)
- Hot Rods & Hamburgers: Brookdale Medi Park West will host its fourth annual car, truck and bike show Saturday. The party will feature food, door prizes, a dunk tank and more. Entry fee is $25, but admission is otherwise free. Proceeds benefit the Amarillo Alzheimer's Association. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 7404 Wallace Blvd. 806-356-8346)
- Oliver Saddle Shop 100th Anniversary Celebration: Join the festivities for Amarillo's venerable saddler with 3-and-1 ranch rodeo action, ranch bronc riding and a barbecue meal. (10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; barbecue at 3 p.m. Will Rogers Range Riders Arena, 313 Texas Loop 335. Free; donations accepted for Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation. 806-622-2102)
- Georgia Village Summer Bash: The shopping center will raise funds for The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle at this party featuring a car wash by Hooters of Amarillo employees, specials at the shops, free food and more. (Noon Saturday, 3409 S. Georgia St. Free.)
- Grease Lightning: The Sandell Drive-In Theatre in Clarendon will host a '50s-themed costume contest and screening of Grease. Don't get stranded away from the drive-in. (5:30 p.m. Saturday, 12 S. Center St. in Clarendon, $7. 806-874-0685)
- Pints for Pups 2017: This party benefiting Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society will feature music from Ray Wilson, and food trucks will be on hand from Krepe Asylum, Golden Light Cafe and Marble Slab Creamery, among others. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Long Wooden Spoon Brewery, 3098 Business Park Drive, $15. 806-373-1716)
- Friends of PASO: This garden party for Panhandle AIDS Support Organization will honor 212 Club co-owner Kevin Locke. (6 p.m. Saturday, 4216 Gem Lake Road. $25. 806-372-1050)
- Atlatl in the Evening: Learn about the ancient weapon and tool in this event at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Dress for the warm weather, bring a camp chair and water, and meet at the park headquarters. (7 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Park admission $5 adults, hike is free. 806-488-2227)
- Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead: This unauthorized parody of Peanuts characters by Bert V. Royal imagines Charlie Brown-like characters as teenagers. Performances continue through Saturday. Here's my preview. (7 p.m. Saturday, RR Bar, 701 S. Georgia St. $10. 806-342-9000)
- Song of the Eagle: The Kwahadi Dancers' summer show returns. (7 p.m. Saturday; dinner at 6 p.m. Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, 9151 E. Interstate 40. $10 adults, $8 seniors and $6 children; optional $12 enchilada dinner. 806-335-3175)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
Sunday
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
Tuesday
- Starlight Theatre: Folk band Mike Fuller & The Repeat Offenders will perform. (7 p.m. Tuesday, Sam Houston Park, Western Street and Line Avenue. Free.)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
Wednesday
- High Noon on the Square: Performers from Lone Star Ballet and Dance Academy will perform, with pulled-pork sliders from Crush Wine Bar & Deli. (11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Potter County Courthouse, Sixth Avenue and Tyler Street. Lunch $8 or $75 for season-long punch card; music is free.)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
July 27
- Music in the Gardens: Rock band Shandy Bandits will perform. (7 p.m. July 27, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. $5 garden members, $10 ages 13 and older.)
- Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 52nd season. (8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Adults $16.95 to $30.95, plus fees; children $12.95 to $26.95, plus fees. Dinner: $16 adults, $9 children. 806-655-2181)
Ongoing
- Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays (during Music in the Gardens season) and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 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 summer 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. 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 Nacidos Charro: Born Charro through July 29. 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 Perceptions of War through Friday. 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., features a summer exhibition through Aug. 29. Free tours are 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. daily in the summer. 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.
- Wonderland Park: The park will continue its 66th season. Park hours vary throughout the summer, so check their calendar for the most up-to-date information. Full access passes are $31.95 for Tuesdays through Thursdays, $33.95 for Fridays, and $39.95 for Saturdays and Sundays. Spectator passes are $5. WOW passes are available in any amount. Miniature golf is $5; hours are 5 p.m. to close Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to close Saturdays and Sundays. Call 806-383-3344.
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.