By Chip Chandler — Producer

Activities in the week ahead include celebration of man's best friend, a final bow for some singing nuns, a trip back in time and more. Check here for all your options through May 24!

Thursday

Business Connection: The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce trade show offers plenty of swag and chances to connect. Lunch at the Tradeshow Food Court is $15. (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday VIP show, 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday general public. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North and South Exhibit Halls, Regency Room and Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. $5 general admission, VIP tickets required. 806-373-7800 or 806-342-2018) 

Our Southern Neighbors: Learn about Mexico's rich culture of art and folklore with storytelling and an art project. (4 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

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

Friday

Windy City Warm-Up: Top regional riders will compete in this Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association event. (8 a.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

2018 Kids Cafe Classic Golf Tournament: This four-person, two low-ball tournament will raise funds for is set for High Plains Food Bank's Kids Cafe. Players will get lunch and a steak dinner. (1 p.m. Friday; registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Ross Rogers Golf Couse, 722 N.W. 24th Ave. Entry $1,500. 806-374-8562)

Cody Johnson: The red-hot Texas country star will perform with openers Parker McCollum and Muscadine Bloodline. (6 p.m. Friday, Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Tickets $30.75 general admission, $90 VIP, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Texas Panhandle Student Art Show: Students from kindergarten through 12th grade, in both public and private schools, will be honored at the closing reception for this annual exhibition. (6:30 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-371-5050)

Academy Unleashed: Student dancers from all of Lone Star Ballet Dance Academy's satellite studios will perform. (7 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $5. 806-372-2463 or 806-378-3096)

'80s Pop-Up Party: Flash back to the 1980s with Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, including cocktails and light bites while dancing to '80s tunes from Neon Pink Media's DJ Katie Eddins. (7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Derrick Event Center, 814 S. Taylor St. Tickets $20 in advance, $40 at door. 806-651-2244)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (8 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Saturday

Heritage Days: Celebrate Hansford County with a parade and more. (All day Saturday, various locations in Spearman. 806-659-5555)

Original Team Roping: More fierce roping action. (8 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Pancake Breakfast: Enjoy some tasty breakfast treats at this special event. (8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Khiva Shrine, 305 S.E. Fith Ave. Cost $7. 806-223-5920 or 806-654-2938)

Windy City Warm-Up: Top regional riders will compete in this Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association event. (8 a.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Frontier Days: Enjoy a day of living history at Caprock Canyons State Park's19th-century encampments with re-enactors, activities and more. (9 a.m.. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)

Pioneer Gun Show: Check out vendors, retailers and more. (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; continues Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. Admission $6. 806-567-8700)

Beary Fun Day: Celebrate the 22nd birthday of the zoo's black bear Perioso with treats, keeper chats, crafts and more. (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)

The Great Closet Cleanout: Panhandle Pride will host a community rummage sale, with booth rentals for $25; item donations also are accepted. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 212 Club, 212 S.W. Sixth Ave. Free. panhandle-pride.org)

Nuestro Estilo Car Club Chill & Grill: All classes of cars are welcome in this free car show. Food and vendors also will be on hand. (Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, northwest corner of Thompson Park, 2601 Dumas Drive. Free. 806-433-1750 or 806-576-5419)

Washer Tournament: The second-annual tournament also will feature adoptable dogs from Texas Panhandle Pet Savers. (noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Gerb's Wurst Bar, 7145 Bell St. Free to watch; $100 per team entry fee; brisket plates $5. 806-679-5107)

Academy Unleashed: Student dancers from all of Lone Star Ballet Dance Academy's satellite studios will perform. (2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $5. 806-372-2463 or 806-378-3096)

Imagine the Possibilities downtown open house: Tour downtown lofts, warehouses and retail spaces, beginning at The Firestone Amarillo, 10th Avenue and Tyler Street, in this event from Center City. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, downtown Amarillo. Wristbands $5. 806-372-6744)

Amarillo Venom: The indoor football squad continues its season with a bout with Dallas Marshals. It's F3 Night: Faith, Family and Football. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $10 to $40. 806-350-7277)

Armed Forces Day Banquet: This America: Celebrate, Honor & Serve banquet — "celebrating freedom and honoring service," according to its flyer —will feature Robert O'Neill, former Navy SEAL and author of The Operator. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $100; sponsorships available to $10,000; free for military veterans and family with reservation. 806-681-1418)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (8 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Sunset Hike: There's hardly a better place around here to watch sunset than Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and visitors on this moderately difficult guided hike will get an eyeful. Arrive at the park at least 30 minutes early for this approximately 1.5-mile hike, and dress for the warm weather (including good hiking shoes or boots). Don't forget water. The hike begins at Chinaberry Day Use Area on the floor of the canyon. (8:30 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Park admission $5 adults, hike is free. 806-488-2227)

Naked Girls Reading: Bedtime Stories, Grimm's Edition: The Amarillo chapter of the national "live, nude literary salon" will entertain the audience with an unusual book club. (9 p.m. Saturday, RR Bar, 701 S. Georgia St. Cover $10. 806-681-9255)

Sunday

Hope & Healing Place 2018 Half Marathon: Runners will tour through downtown Amarillo and and the Oliver-Eakle and Wolflin neighborhoods to raise funds for support groups for grieving children and families. (7 a.m. Sunday, Amarillo National Bank Plaza 1, Fourth Avenue and Polk Street. Registration fees $75 for individuals, $100 for a two-person relay and $150 for a four-person relay; Sleeping-In donation fee is $65. 806-371-8998)

Windy City Warm-Up: Top regional riders will compete in this Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association event. (8 a.m. Sunday, Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767)

Pioneer Gun Show: Check out vendors, retailers and more. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. Admission $6. 806-567-8700)

Muttfest: Themed "Game of Bones," a spin on HBO's Game of Thrones, Amarillo SPCA's 25th annual festival will food, face painting, crafts, a silent auction and vendor booths, and the Skyhoundz Canine Frisbee Disc Championship. Pets can be entered in several contests. (Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Park, 24th Avenue and Washington Street near the Amarillo College campus. Free. 806-622-0555)

Sister Act: This raucous musical adaptation of the popular film will close out Amarillo Little Theatre's 81st season. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Academy Unleashed: Student dancers from all of Lone Star Ballet Dance Academy's satellite studios will perform. (3 p.m. Sunday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $5. 806-372-2463 or 806-378-3096)

Tuesday

Fourth Tuesday Book Club: Join the discussion of Sarah Addison Allen's Lost Lake. (11 a.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Wednesday

Stuffie Sleepover: Kids can wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll for a special storytime. Afterwards, the toys will spend the night at the library. (4 p.m. Wednesday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

May 24

Downtown Lunchtime Book Club: Join the discussion of Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls. (12:15 p.m. May 24, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Ongoing

• Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument: The monument, about 35 miles north of Amarillo near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Daily hikes with rangers are offered from 10 a.m. to noon; reservations requested. Admission is free. Call 806-857-6680.
• Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through September. 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. Admission is free. Call 806-371-5050.
• Amarillo Public Library: Look for daily events for children (and book clubs for adults) throughout the spring 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 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, plus by appointment. 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 open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed holidays). It's featuring Hard Work and Horse Power through July 29. 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 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-373-8194.
• Caprock Canyons State Park: The canyon, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque, is open daily. Park admission $4 for ages 12 and older. Call 806-455-1492.
• Cerulean Gallery: The gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., is open 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, features Wild Music through Sunday. It's open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $11 adults, $8 children and students (to age 22), military and seniors. Call 806-355-9547.
• Extreme Laser Tag: Take aim at this indoor attraction, 2503 S.W. 45th Ave. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays, or by appointment. Admission is $6, plus tax, per person per game; group rates available. Call 806-367-8954.
• 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 free tours conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
• Kwahadi Indian Museum: Celebrate the legacy of the Native American population on the Plains and the Kwahadi Dancers at this museum, 9151 E. Interstate 40. Admission $5 adults, $3 children. Hours are noon to 5 pm. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays in June, July and August, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from September through May. Call 806-335-3175.
• 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 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 through Memorial 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, features Pop Culture through Dec. 31. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays through May. 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.
• Southern Light Gallery: The art gallery, located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College's Washington Street campus, is open 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 5:50 p.m. Sundays. Call 806-345-5654. 
• Starlight Ranch Event Center: The event center's zip lines, a 10,000-square-foot maze, miniature golf and more are open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. It's located at 1415 Sunrise Drive. Zip line prices are $25 for first ride, $7 for additional rides. Maze price is $5 per walkthrough. Day passes are $50; night passes (7 p.m. to midnight) are $40. Call 806-683-7883.
• Texas Air & Space Museum: The museum, 10001 American Drive, is open 10 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, 2601 Dumas Drive, will continue its 67th season. Park hours vary throughout the spring and summer, so check their calendar for the most up-to-date information. Ultimate WOW passes are $31.95 to $39.95; regular WOW passes are $16.95 to $24.95. Spectator passes are $5. Miniature golf is $5; hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 806-383-3344.
• Xcape Room Warehouse: The escape room attraction, 714 S.E. 10th Ave., is open from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays; other times available by appointment. Admission $25. Call 806-353-6353.

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