By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

Saddle up for a busy week ahead! From WRCA action to theatrical productions, Veterans Day activities to family events, there's plenty to choose from through Nov. 16!

Thursday

Creative Mind Lecture Series: AC jazz and choral professors Nathaniel Fryml and Jim Laughlin will discuss Battle Cries of Freedom: An Exploration of American War Tunes. (12:30 p.m. Thursday at AC Concert Hall Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Free.)

Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show: Top cowpokes from around the country will compete nightly. A shopping expo also is featured. Tickets are available Thursday and Sunday, but the event is sold out Friday and Saturday. (1 to 8 p.m. Thursday for expo, 7 p.m. Thursday rodeo; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Expo free; rodeo $27 to $37, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Dinosaur Club: Kids ages 6 to 10 can enjoy dinosaur stories and crafts. (4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Great Escape Game: In time for the upcoming movie, celebrate the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series with a scavenger hunt. (4 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Irena Ravitskaya piano recital: The internationally touring pianist will give a guest recital at West Texas A&M University. (7:30 p.m. Thursday, WT Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Outside Mullingar: An awkward, shy man and a brittle woman who live on neighboring farms in rural Ireland find love and deal with their aging parents in this comedy by John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Moonstruck). (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Nov. 19. Amarillo Little Theatre Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Tickets $19 adults, $16 students and seniors and $13 children Thursdays and Sundays; $21 adults, $19 seniors and students and $16 children Fridays and Saturdays. 806-355-9991)

Radio Days USO Presents: Battle Cries of Freedom with the Radio Days Orchestra and Amarillo Master Chorale: The Creative Mind Lecture Series will conclude with this free concert. (7:30 p.m. Thursday at AC Concert Hall Theatre on the Washington Street campus. Free.)

Friday

Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show: Top cowpokes from around the country will compete nightly. A shopping expo also is featured. Tickets are available Thursday and Sunday, but the event is sold out Friday and Saturday. (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday for expo, 7 p.m. Friday rodeo; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Expo free; rodeo $27 to $37, plus fees — sold out. 806-378-3096)

Discover for a Dollar: Check out Travel Adventures at Don Harrington Discovery Center for just $1 each. (6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. 806-355-9547)

Bestie Night Selfie Challenge: Solve clues and take special selfies with your best friend at this City Studios event. (7 to 9 p.m. Friday, City Studios, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 25. $15 per pair. 806-282-6573)

Harrington String Quartet: The ensemble will open its season with a concert scheduled to include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's String Quartet K. 589, Fritz Kreisler's String Quartet in A Minor and Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartet Opus 59, No. 1. (7:30 p.m. Friday, WT Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. $20 adults, $15 seniors. 806-651-2840)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Saturday

Panhandle Cutting Horse Association: Top regional cowboys saddle up. (7 a.m. Saturday; continues Sunday, Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767) 

AC Suzuki: The young musicians will perform throughout the day at Barnes & Noble. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, 2415 Soncy Road. Free. 806-371-5340)

Ruffles and Rust Expo: This holiday shopping expo will raise funds for San Jacinto Christian Academy. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, San Jacinto Christian Academy, 501 S. Carolina St. Admission $5. 806-372-2285)

Veterans Day Parade: Celebrate the holiday at a parade that runs north on Polk Street from 11th Avenue to Fifth Avenue. Entries are due Nov. 5. (9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, downtown Amarillo. Free. 806-433-0864 or 806-513-9997)

Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show: Top cowpokes from around the country will compete nightly. A shopping expo also is featured. Tickets are available Thursday and Sunday, but the event is sold out Friday and Saturday. (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday for expo, 7 p.m. Saturday rodeo; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Expo free; rodeo $27 to $37, plus fees — sold out. 806-378-3096)

Artifacts Comm Alive: Join the WT department of communications for an interactive look at a variety of artifacts in the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum collection. (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, PPHM, 2503 Fourth Ave. Free with museum admission. 806-651-2806)

Craft Fair: The handmade holiday market will feature Christmas crafts, a chili cook-off, door prizes and more. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, More Church, 5511 W. Amarillo Blvd. Free. 806-354-0232)

Women's Book Club: Join the discussion of Fredrik Backman's Bear Town. (10 a.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Armistice Day: Commemorate the 100th anniversary of America's entry into World War I at this Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum event. (11 a.m. Saturday, PPHM, 2503 Fourth Ave. Free. 806-651-2806)

Veterans Day ceremony: The Texas Panhandle War Memorial will host a Veterans Day commemoration ceremony at Randall County Veterans Park, with a presentation of colors, a flyover by Blue Sky Honor Flight and remarks by U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas). Chuck Alexander, Mary Lyn Halley and Dean Yates of Insufficient Funds will sing the national anthem. (11 a.m. Saturday, Randall County Veterans Park, 4101 S. Georgia St. Free. 806-674-0495)

Welcome Home Veterans: This event celebrates contributions of Amarillo-area vets with free kids activities, prizes, free hamburgers and hot dogs, and music. (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Rex Baxter Building on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-355-9703, ext. 7112)

Making Music with Makey Makey: Take part in a science-themed storytime and musical STEM project. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

MIAs on Tiger Mountain: Join Amarillo Museum of Art for a screening of this documentary by Norman Lloyd about a quest to find six soldiers lost in a battle at A Shau Valley in Vietnam, in conjunction with AMoA's ongoing exhibitions about the country. (2 p.m. Saturday, AMoA, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-371-5050)

Uniquely Creative Talent Show: This talent show will feature competitors with developmental delays, as well as a black-and-white formal dinner. (4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Fresh Start of Monroe, 609 S. Jefferson St. $5 singles, $8 couples. 806-626-8866)

Amarillo Master Chorale: The community choir will perform a patriotic-themed concert, "Battle Cries of Freedom." (5 p.m. Saturday, Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St. $15 adults and $5 students in advance, $20 and $7 at the door; free for veterans. 806-371-5340)

Veterans Ball: Stephen Tamm, coordinator of Veterans' Services at Lewis-Clark State College, will speak at this annual event, which also features live and silent auctions and music from Insufficient Funds. (5 p.m. Saturday, WT Jack B. Kelley Student Center Legacy Hall. $100 couples, $60 individuals general admission; $80 couples, $45 individuals for veterans; $50 couples, $30 individuals for WT students; $1,000 tables or $500 student tables. 806-651-2070) 

Star Party: Observe stars, galaxies and nebulae for the last time in 2017 at this event at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Meet at the Wolfberry area near the Juniper camping grounds. (6:30 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Park admission $5. 806-488-2227)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Outside Mullingar: An awkward, shy man and a brittle woman who live on neighboring farms in rural Ireland find love and deal with their aging parents in this comedy by John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Moonstruck). (8 p.m. Saturday; continues through Nov. 19. Amarillo Little Theatre Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Tickets $19 adults, $16 students and seniors and $13 children Thursdays and Sundays; $21 adults, $19 seniors and students and $16 children Fridays and Saturdays. 806-355-9991)

Turnabout: The annual Panhandle AIDS Support Organization will turn The Bowery into a go-go nightclub. (8 p.m. Saturday, The Bowery, 100 S. Lincoln St. $25 general admission, $40 cabaret seating, $80 or $125 table seating; includes drink tickets. 806-372-1050)

Sunday

Panhandle Cutting Horse Association: Top regional cowboys saddle up. (7 a.m. Saturday; continues Sunday, Bill Cody Arena on the Tri-State Fairgrounds; free. 806-376-7767) 

Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show: Top cowpokes from around the country will compete nightly. A shopping expo also is featured. Tickets are available Thursday and Sunday, but the event is sold out Friday and Saturday. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for expo, 2 p.m. Sunday rodeo; continues through Sunday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. Expo free; rodeo $27 to $37, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (2:30 p.m. Sunday; continues through Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Tuesday

Forest Friends: Kids can enjoy a storytime celebrating animals from temperate forests. (7 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Public Library North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave. Free. 806-381-7931)

Stomp: The Broadway Spotlight Series continues with this high-energy dance show featuring eight percussionists/dancers in a propulsive show. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday; continues Wednesday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $22 to $60, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Comedy Night: Touring comic Josh Cocks will perform with Amarillo opener Skylar Potter. (8 p.m. Tuesday, Leftwoods, 2511 S.W. Sixth Ave., $3. 806-367-9840)

Wednesday

Festival of Trees Family Night: Get a sneak peek of the decorated trees at the Panhandle Community Services fundraiser, plus kids crafts and games, photos with Santa and more. (6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Soncy Medical Center, 3501 S. Soncy Road. Free; activities cost $20 for four. 806-372-2531)

Carden Circus International: See elephants, athletic and acrobatic performances, and more at this touring circus. (6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Amarillo National Center on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. $9 to $18, plus fees. 806-376-7767)

Stomp: The Broadway Spotlight Series continues with this high-energy dance show featuring eight percussionists/dancers in a propulsive show. (7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $22 to $60, plus fees. 806-378-3096)

Open Mic Comedy Night: Try out your stand-up act or enjoy the bravery of others. (9 p.m. Wednesday, Whiskey River, 4001 S.W. 51st Ave. No cover. 806-367-6163.)

Nov. 16

National Philanthropy Day: Area benefactors and others will be honored at the annual luncheon, held by the Texas Plains chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (11:30 a.m. Nov. 16, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tables $375 to $3,000; individual seats $50. 806-654-2599)

Downtown Lunchtime Book Club: Join the discussion of George Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo. (12:15 p.m. Nov. 16, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Wolflin Square Christmas Open House: Ring in the season with in-store specials, carolers and photos with Santa. (4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16, The Shops at Wolflin Square, 1901 S. Georgia St. 806-355-6131)

Wine Down & Dessert Wars: Sample an array of wines and sweets at this Townsquare Media event. (6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16, Rex Baxter Building on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 806-355-9777)

Lawrence D'Attilio lecture: The photographer, who's featured in Amarillo Museum of Art's ongoing Vietnam exhibitions, will speak about his work, which examines the modern state of the country. (6:30 p.m. Nov. 16, AMoA, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-371-5050)

Merryvale Wine Pairing: Learn about the Merryvale slate of wines at this reservations-only dinner at Metropolitan. (6:30 p.m. Nov. 16, Metropolitan — A Speakeasy, 9181 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1201. Price TBA. 806-242-0117)

Transgender Day of Remembrance: The Open and Affirming Congregations of the Texas Panhandle will host this ceremony at Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. (6:30 p.m. Nov. 16, Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4901 Cornell St. 806-355-9351)

Festival of Trees: One-of-a-kind Christmas trees will be auctioned off at the annual fundraiser, which benefits Panhandle Community Services. (7 p.m. Nov. 16, Soncy Medical Center, 3501 S. Soncy Road. Tickets $20. 806-372-2531)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (7:30 p.m. Nov. 16; continues through Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Ongoing

• Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 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., features a trio of Vietnam exhibitions through Dec. 30. It's 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 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 hosting its AQHA Photography Show through Nov. 25. It's open 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., features Take It All In through Dec. 21. It's 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, is featuring Travel Adventures through Jan. 9. 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.
• 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. Admission is $13. 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 holiday tours through Dec. 19 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.
• Southern Light Gallery: The art gallery, located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College's Washington Street campus, features Robert Hirsh's The Architecture of Landscape through Nov. 16. Gallery hours are 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. 
• 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.
• Xcape Room Warehouse: The newest escape room attraction, 714 S.E. 10th Ave., is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays, 12:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission $25. Call 806-353-6353.

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.