By Chip Chandler — Producer

Celebrate the official arrival of summer with these hot activities and events through June 28!

June 21

The Longest Day: Participants can select an activity, then start or join a team or host an event to raise money for and awareness of The Alzheimer's Association on the summer solstice. Activities may include exercise, games, hobbies, sports, parties or the arts. (all day June 21, various locations. 800-272-3900)

Curious George: Panhandle PBS will bring the inquisitive monkey to north Amarillo for a visit sponsored by Amarillo Public Library. (10:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 21, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-371-5479) 

Sound of Freedom: Teens can work in teams to get out of escape rooms. (3 p.m. June 21, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Amarillo Chamber Summer Celebration: Enjoy food, drinks and networking at this annual Amarillo Chamber of Commerce block party. Velvet Funk will perform. (5 to 8 p.m. June 21, 1000 S. Polk St. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at gate. 806-373-7800)

First Day of Summer Party: Welcome the season with music from Noah Jenda and food from Cowboy Gelato food truck. (5 to 9 p.m. June 21, Bar Z Winery, 19290 Farm-to-Market Road 1541. Cover $10. 806-488-2214)

Rock 'n' Reel: This film series will focus on movies about music. This week: That Thing You Do. (6:30 p.m. June 21; doors open at 6 p.m. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Chera Hammons poetry reading: Enjoy works by the Amarillo poet. (7 p.m. June 21, Burrowing Owl Books, 419 16th St. in Canyon. Free. 806-282-9888)

Music in the Gardens: Amarillo cover band Insufficient Funds will perform for the summer series. (7 p.m. June 21; 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: Oklahoma country band Slim Pickins will perform in Canadian. (7 p.m. June 21, Canadian Chamber of Commerce lawn, 119 N. Second St. Free. 806-323-6234)

June Jams: Canyon country band The RagTown Chiefs will perform for the Canyon Main Street concert series. (7:30 p.m. June 21, Neblett Park, Sixth Avenue and 16th Street. Free. 806-656-6833)

Summer Solstice Sunset Hike: Meet at Palo Duro Canyon State Park Chinaberry Day Use Area for a moderately difficult two-mile hike. Wear hiking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. (8 p.m. June 21, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Comedy Night: Enjoy a free show from Yellow City Comedy & Productions comics Skylar Potter, Matt Villegas, Austin "The Hooligan" Ulen and more. (8:30 p.m. June 21, Leftwood's, 2511 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover. 806-367-9840)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 21; 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 22

McCracken Team Roping: Fierce roping action. (8 a.m. June 22; continues through June 24. Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Amarillo Fire Department visit: Meet some of Amarillo's first responders. (10 a.m. June 22, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Welcome to Summer Party: Enjoy an evening party at Palace Coffee's Amarillo College location, featuring outdoor games; a cornhole tournament; food trucks Twisted Texas Trio BBQ & Catering, Pizza Nomad and Purple Flamingo; and music from Smooth Taste. (6 p.m. June 22, Palace Coffee at Amarillo College. 806-476-0111)

The Michael Jackson Experience: The tribute artist to the King of Pop will perform. (6:30 p.m. June 22, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $16, plus fees. 806-678-7002)

The Singer & The Songwriter: The touring duo will perform at Wildcat Bluff's monthly Sunset & Songwriters event (this time on a Friday). (6:30 p.m. June 22, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and children. 806-352-6007)

Bat Tour: Take a guided vehicle tour to historic Clarity Tunnel for the bat emergence flight. Reservations required. (7 to 9:30 p.m. June 22, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Sashay to Stonewall: The drag queen stars of 212 Club will lead a procession to the Potter County Courthouse in a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, which helped thrust the gay rights movement into the national spotlight in 1969. The march will be followed by drag bingo at the club. (7:30 p.m. June 22, 212 Club, 212 S.W. Sixth Ave. Free; cover for drag bingo. 806-372-7997)

Steel Magnolias: Amarillo acting troupe Merely Players will tackle this beloved dramedy. (7:30 p.m. June 22; continues through June 23. Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets $10 adults, $7 students and seniors. 806-371-5359)

Movies in the Park: Catch a free screening of Monsters Inc. as part of the Westminster Presbyterian Church film series. (8 p.m. June 22, Austin Park next to the church, 2525 Wimberly Road. Free. 806-359-4781)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 22; 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 23

Early Birds Walk: 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. June 23, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

McCracken Team Roping: Fierce roping action. (8 a.m. June 23; continues through June 24. Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Amarillo Community Market: The outdoor, downtown farmers and artisans market returns for another season. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23; continues through Oct. 6. 1000 S. Polk St. Free. 806-335-6360)

Little Habitat on the Prairie: Take a guided nature hike through habitats of different prairie plants and animals. (9 a.m. June 23, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Panhandle Team Penning and Sorting: More fierce roping action. (9 a.m. June 23, Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Driving Tour: Meet at Palo Duro Canyon State Park headquarters for a journey through the canyon, learning about its flora, fauna, history and geology. (10 a.m. June 23, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Caprock Bingo: Learn more about Caprock Canyon's animals, history, plants, geology and more in this game day. (2 p.m. June 23, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Admission $4. 806-455-1492)

The Rise of Beatlemania: West Texas A&M University professor Marty Kuhlman will discuss the Beatles' influence on popular culture. (2 p.m. June 23, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Summer on the Slab: Enjoy music from Texas Pearl Snaps and JW Lane & County Road Xat this family friendly outdoor party and dance in Clarendon, featuring burgers, barbecue and non-alcoholic drinks on sale and a midnight cowboy breakfast. (5:30 p.m. June 23, 100 Ayers St. in Clarendon. Entry fee $20 ages 4 and older; $10 cooler fee. 806-206-6767) 

Comanche Summer: This pre-show event before the night's staging of Texas will feature authentic Comanche costumes, dance, artisans and more. (6 to 8:30 p.m. June 23, Pioneer Amphitheatre. Free with show tickets: 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)

Off the Hook preview party: Get a taste of what the new downtown seafood restaurant will offer at this special event. (6 p.m. June 23, Moondoggy's Pizza & Pub, 626 S. Polk St. $50; cash bar available. 806-350-1400)

Summer Kick-Off Cookout: Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, sides, beverages, music, outdoor fun and more, plus witness the groundbreaking for a new pavilion. (6 to 9 p.m. June 23, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road. Admission $20 members, $25 nonmembers. 806-352-6007)

And Then There Was Eve: An exclusive screening of this mysterious new drama is set for part of Panhandle Pride's PrideFest celebrations. (Full disclosure: I helped secure the film for Panhandle Pride.) (7 p.m. June 23, Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4901 Cornell St. Free; donations accepted. 806-355-9531)

Song of the Eagle: The Kwahadi Dancers' summer show returns. (7 p.m. June 23; dinner at 6 p.m. Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, 9151 E. Interstate 40. $9 adults, $8 seniors and $7 children; optional dinner additional charge. 806-335-3175)

Bad Moon Rising: The Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band will perform. (7:30 p.m. June 23, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $15 to $40, plus fees. 806-678-7002)

Steel Magnolias: Amarillo acting troupe Merely Players will tackle this beloved dramedy. (7:30 p.m. June 23. Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Tickets $10 adults, $7 students and seniors. 806-371-5359)

'80s Night: Take part in an '80s costume contest (with prizes), listen to '80s tunes and enjoy 80 cent shots. (8 p.m. June 23, Moe Dogs, 3515 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover. 806-220-1760)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 23; 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 24

McCracken Team Roping: Fierce roping action. (8 a.m. June 24, Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Panhandle Pride Festival and Celebration: Celebrate LGBTQ culture and community at Panhandle Pride's annual party in Memorial Park. Three stages of entertainment are planned, as are food vendors and more. Performers include Amy Coffman, Mike Fuller, SilenTerrace, 212 Club drag queens, Insufficient Funds, Galatea Burlesk, Wonderland Wives cast and more.  (Noon to 6 p.m. June 24, Memorial Park, 2501 S. Washington St. Free. panhandle-pride.org)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 24; 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 25

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo's 35th Birthday Golf Tournament: The city's only pro-am tournament returns in a fundraiser for RMHC's services. A ribeye dinner reception and raffle will follow. Volunteers are sought. (9 a.m. June 25, Amarillo Country Club, 4800 Bushland Blvd. Entry fee for two is $1,800 in sponsorship. 806-358-8177)

Richard III: Cast members from Texas will tackle this Shakepearean drama. (8:30 p.m. June 18; continues June 25. Pioneer Amphitheatre. Tickets $10. 806-655-2181)

June 26

Fourth Tuesday Book Club: Join the discussion of Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies. (11 a.m. June 26, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

June Jazz: Amarillo jazz combo Polk Street Jazz will perform at the expanded outdoor series. (7 p.m. June 26, mall in front of the Amarillo College Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Free. 806-371-5345)

Noisy Paint Box: Discover what it means to experience sound as colors. (7 p.m. June 26, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Starlight Theater: Amarillo folk bands Black Slacks Combo and The Geriatric Strollers will perform for the summer concert series. (7 p.m. June 26, 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. June 26; 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 27

Matt the Cowpony: Meet a friendly pony and see horse tricks. (10 a.m. June 27, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

High Noon on the Square: Amarillo country act The Buster Bledsoe Band will perform at the Center City concert series. Crush Wine Bar & Deli will sell pulled-pork sliders. (11:45 a.m. June 27, Potter County Courthouse lawn, Sixth Avenue and Tyler Street. Lunch $8; $75 for season-long punch card. 806-372-6744)

Harmonicas: Make your own mouth organ and enjoy music from the Harmonica Club. (2 p.m. June 27, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Draggin' Main Music Festival: Clovis, N.M., will be rocking and rolling with this fest for music and car lovers alike, including (on this evening) a concert by country singer Doug Stone. Preliminary events include June 23 races at High Plains Motor Speedway and June 25 to 28 tours of Clovis' classic drive-ins. (7 p.m. MDT June 27, Marshall Auditorium, 100 Commerce Way in Clovis, N.M., 575-763-3435)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 27; 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 28

Summer Spectacular: The Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association brings its seasonal sensation to town. (8 a.m. June 28; continues through July 1. Amarillo National Center on Tri-State Fairgrounds. Free. 806-376-7767)

Downtown Lunchtime Book Club: Join the discussion of this month's selection. (12:15 p.m. June 28, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

DIY Bookends: Decorate bookends with words and pictures. (2 to 4 p.m. June 28, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Rock 'n' Reel: This film series will focus on movies about music. This week: The Music Never Stopped. (6:30 p.m. June 28; doors open at 6 p.m. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Draggin' Main Music Festival: Clovis, N.M., will be rocking and rolling with this fest for music and car lovers alike, including (on this evening) a concert by classic rock band The Killer Vees. (7 p.m. MDT June 28, Marshall Auditorium, 100 Commerce Way in Clovis, N.M., 575-763-3435)

Music in the Gardens: Amarillo folk singer Tennessee Tuckness will perform for the summer series. (7 p.m. June 28; 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 rockers Andy Solano and Ace Rodriguez will perform in Canadian. (7 p.m. June 28, Canadian Chamber of Commerce lawn, 119 N. Second St. Free. 806-323-6234)

Poetry Circle: Enjoy works by others or share your own at this monthly event from High Plains Poetry Project. (7 p.m. June 28, Burrowing Owl Books, 419 16th St. in Canyon. Free. 806-282-9888)

June Jams: Amarillo rock band Velvet Funk will perform for the Canyon Main Street concert series. (7:30 p.m. June 28, Neblett Park, Sixth Avenue and 16th Street. Free. 806-656-6833)

Reckless Kelly: The beloved Americana band will perform with opener Drake Hayes Band. (7:30 p.m. June 28, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $15 to $50, plus fees. 806-678-7002)

Texas: The outdoor musical drama continues its 53rd season. (8:30 p.m. June 28; 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)