By Chip Chandler — Producer
Nothing says summer quite like an outdoor community festival, particularly in the small towns all around the region.
Festival season truly kicks off this weekend, with four big parties in Amarillo and one of the region's largest music fests in Canadian.
Here's a roundup of those festivities and others throughout the summer (at least, those that have been announced thus far). Look next week for a roundup of outdoor concert series in Amarillo and Canyon, and in June for details on the region's Fourth of July options.
Saturday
Amarillo Family Fun Fest: The outdoor party (which may borrow the name of the original Funfest but is not related to the old Junior League fundraiser) will feature bounce houses, games, pony rides, a car show, a barbecue cook-off and live music. Bands include Danny Ruiz & Gypsy Renegade, Rusty Cooper, Divided Me, Honey Badger, Stew Moss, Tennessee Tuckness, Texas Blues Rangers, SuSpence, The Vacant and Bar Code, among others. (noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Western Bowl parking lot, 5120 Canyon Drive. Free. 806-677-9801)
Canadian River Music Festival: Texas, Americana and country acts Turnpike Troubadours, Mark Chesnutt, Josh Weathers, Charley Crockett, Grady Spencer & The Work, Zac Wilkerson and Dixon Creek will perform at the annual outdoor music fest. (Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jones Pavilion, 1101 N. Sixth St. in Canadian. Tickets $30 online in advance, $40 cash at gate. canadianrivermusicfestival@gmail.com)
Maverick Music Festival: This outdoor concert and fundraiser for Maverick Boys & Girls Club will feature a barbecue rib meal from the Big Texan, music from Bob Wyre & The Fence Posts, Caliche Road and Jason Hodges & The Panhandle Playboys, plus Starlight Ranch Event Center's activities, including zip lines, a 10,000-square-foot maze, miniature golf and more. (4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $33 adults, $15 kids ages 6 to 12; $1,000 VIP tables available. 806-678-8002 or 806-372-8393)
Texas Panhandle BaconFest: Mmmmm, bacon. Celebrate everyone's favorite greasy, porky treat at this new event from Townsquare Media. The party will feature a bacon cook-off, music from Lubbock country band The Local Nobodys, lifestyle vendors and more. (4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Rex Baxter Building on the Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. Tickets $20 adults, $10 kids 10 and younger. 806-355-9777)
Musica Variada: This annual Amarillo Opera event will expand to celebrate Hispanic and Latino food as well as music, with street tacos, elote, poppers and desserts from Catering by Roy and music from the all-female Mariachi Las Altenas. (7:30 p.m. Saturday, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $30, plus fees. 806-372-7464)
May 18
'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. May 18, Derrick Event Center, 814 S. Taylor St. Tickets $20 in advance, $40 at door. 806-651-2244)
May 19
Heritage Days: Celebrate Hansford County with a parade and more. (All day May 19, various locations in Spearman. 806-659-5555)
Frontier Days: Enjoy a day of living history at Caprock Canyons State Park's 19th-century encampments with re-enactors, activities and more. (9 a.m.. to 3 p.m. May 19, Caprock Canyons State Park, 850 Caprock Canyons State Park Road near Quitaque. Park admission $4. 806-455-1492)
May 20
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. May 20, Memorial Park, 24th Avenue and Washington Street near the Amarillo College campus. Free. 806-622-0555)
May 26
Bad Magik Musik Fest: The annual summer kickoff with some of Amarillo's favorite bands returns. Music lineup includes The Mag Seven, The Grumbling Grandsons, The Wookies, Dallas Owens, Fat Lava, Mount Ivy, Bad Grammar, Fine & Dandy and Fellow American, with DJs Rupert the Duke and GiANT. (noon to 9 p.m. May 26, Sam Houston Park, Line Avenue and Western Street. Free. 806-322-1806)
Mulkey Block Party: This family friendly block party helps celebrate ongoing renovations to the historic Mulkey Theater in downtown Clarendon. It'll feature live music, food, games and a car show. (6 to 10 p.m. May 26, at and around Mulkey Theater, 110 S. Kearney St. in Clarendon. Free; 806-874-2421)
June 1
Courthouse Summer Celebration: Hereford and Deaf Smith County residents will kick off the season with a free party at the county courthouse, featuring food, games and live music. (6 to 8 p.m. June 1, Deaf Smith County Courthouse, 235 E. Third St., Hereford. Free. 806-364-3333.)
June 2
Miami Cow Calling Contest: Warm up your bovine hollerin' skills for this annual blow-out in Miami. Festivities kick off June 1 with the annual Follies at 7 p.m. at the Miami School, 100 Warrior Lane, then continue June 2 with an 8 a.m. Color Run, a noon steak cook-off, the 1 p.m. cow calling competition and a 9 p.m. dance at Roberts County Park. (8 a.m. to midnight June 2, Roberts County Park on U.S. Highway 60. 806-662-7681)
Higgins Hog Roast: Enjoy a pit-roasted pulled pork, calf fries, french fries and beans, plus music from Country Justice, JC Hopkins Band and headliner Sunny Sweeney. (5 p.m. to midnight June 2, Higgins City Park, County Road 29 and U.S. Highway 60. Free; donations accepted. 580-571-7992)
June 8-16
JuneFest: Amarillo's Juneteenth celebrations wrap up June 16 with a parade beginning at Ninth Avenue and Hayden Street, culminating in festivities at Bone Hooks Park, 2000 N. Hughes St. But events also include a concert by R&B performer Tank at 7:30 p.m. June 8 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St.; a networking and social hour at 7:30 p.m. June 9 at In This Moment, 707 S. Polk St.; a gospel concert with Joshua Rogers at 7 p.m. June 14 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 118 S. Van Buren St.; Carver school reunions and dance with jazz musician Don Diego at 8:30 p.m. June 14 at In This Moment; the Juneteenth Talent Show at 7 p.m. June 15 at Palo Duro High School, 1400 N. Grant St.; Kicking at the Backstage adults-only party at 7:30 p.m. June 15 at Bone Hooks Park; youth swim party (ages 13 to 17) at 7:30 p.m. June 15 at Warford Activity Center, 1330 N.W. 18th Ave.; and a college party for ages 18 and older at 10 p.m. June 15 at In This Moment. (June 8 to 16, various locations, 806-640-8184)
June 9
Burnin' the Bricks: Gearheads can't miss this 15th annual High Plains Cruisers car show in Pampa. Activities include the show and vendors in downtown Pampa from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a burnout from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Recreation Park (east of town on U.S. Highway 60) and a downtown cruise from 7 to 9 p.m. Entry fee is $25 for the car show, $20 for the burnout and $10 for the cruise. (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 9, various locations in Pampa. Free admission. 806-665-5855 or 806-664-4993)
CBH Bubbapalooza Music Festival: Texas country and Americana favorites are on the lineup for this fest, which benefits the Brian Hunton Memorial Scholarship, established after the firefighter's death in the line of duty in April 2005. Bands include headliner Sam Riggs, Josh Paulson, JW Lane & Country Road X, Brandon Stennett and No Dry County. (5 p.m. to midnight June 9, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive. Tickets $25 in advance and $30 at the gate; available at all Amarillo and Hereford United and Amigos supermarkets. 806-379-8800)
June 15
artafterdark: This Amarillo Museum of Art party will feature music from Susan Gibson and Gary Thomason, live printing by Dirk Fowler of f2design, hands-on art activities, a full bar, food trucks and more. (7 to 10 p.m. June 15, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Tickets $30; AMoA members free. 806-371-5050)
June 16
Dogie Days: The 72nd annual community celebration will include a parade at 11 a.m., a carnival, food booths and more. Lead-off events include a midway carnival at 6 p.m. nightly June 13 to 15, a pit barbecue lunch at 11 a.m. June 14 and more. (11 a.m. June 16, McDade Park in Dumas. $11 barbecue luncheon, other events free, except for carnival rides; raffle tickets $5. 806-922-7367)
All Things Artful: This festival, benefiting Amarillo Art Institute, will feature food from Sharky's Burrito Co., United Supermarkets and Tyler's Barbecue, plus homemade ice cream in handmade bowls; drinks; music from Denton bluegrass band Boxcar Bandits; and art demonstrations and interactive projects. (5 to 8 p.m. June 16, Amarillo Art Institute, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 117. $25. 806-354-8802)
June 21
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)
June 24
Panhandle Pride Festival and Celebration: Celebrate LGBTQ culture and community at Panhandle Pride's annual party in Memorial Park. Two stages of entertainment are planned, as are food vendors and more. (Noon to 6 p.m. June 24, Memorial Park, 2501 S. Washington St. Free. panhandle-pride.org)
June 27-30
Draggin' Main Music Festival: Clovis, N.M., will be rocking and rolling with this fest for music and car lovers alike. Preliminary events include June 23 races at High Plains Motor Speedway and June 25 to 28 tours of Clovis' classic drive-ins, then kick into gear with concerts by Doug Stone on June 27, The Killer Vees on June 28, and Warrant and Steelheart on June 29, all at 7 p.m. at Marshall Auditorium, 100 Commerce Way. The Draggin' Main cruise runs 5 p.m. to midnight June 30, following a Gearhead Gathering outdoor party from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall practice field, 100 Commerce Way. (June 23-30, various locations in Clovis, N.M., 575-763-3435)
June 30
Route 66 Heart of Amarillo Festival: This event along the Mother Road will return (without most of last year's concurrent downtown fest), with live music, '50s and '60s costume contest, car show, bike show and more. (Fireworks will still happen downtown, officials said, with details to be announced later.) (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 30, Historic Route 66 between Georgia and Western Streets. Free. txivy@arn.net)
Lovestock Party on 10th: Celebrate the upcoming July 4 holiday with a music festival featuring 17 acts at T's Bar, Music Box and Zombiez Bar & Grill at 10th Avenue and Madison Street, food from Wonder Womenz Bakery and Zombiez, and more. Beer with $5 wristbands. (5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 30, 10th Avenue and Madison Street. Free.)
July 12-15
Texas Route 66 Festival: Celebrate the Mother Road in a big way in this new festival in Shamrock and McLean. Activities include a welcome party July 12 in McLean; vendors, day trips, a rodeo and music from Cody Canada & The Departed and Dalton Domino on July 13 in Shamrock; and vendors, car show, rodeo, banquet and music from Charlie Robison, Bri Bagwell and The Road Crew on July 14. (July 12 to 15, various locations in Shamrock and McLean. Festival free, banquet $25 and rodeo/concert $25 or $125 VIP. 806-373-1427 or txivy@arn.net)
July 14
Caprock Roundup Rodeo & Reunion: The 87th annual event in Claude includes a parade, barbecue, shopping, fiddlers contest and pageants on the downtown square, plus a rodeo. (July 14, various locations in Claude. 806-226-6102)
Suds N Sounds: Americana favorites Shane Smith & The Saints will headline the annual party, held in conjunction with the day-long Nazareth German Festival. Also performing are Agave Posse, Next to Kin, Mason Kleman and Cody Sparks Band. (11 a.m. to midnight July 14, Nazareth Community Ball Park and throughout Nazareth. Concert admission $30. 806-943-5843 or nazchall@gmail.com)
July 21
Friona Cheeseburger Cook-Off:Celebrate the mouthwatering goodness of a burger at the official Cheeseburger Capital of Texas at this 13th annual festival. (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21, Friona City Park, 700 Main St. 806-250-3491)
July 28
Chalk It Up: Entries are sought now for Amarillo College's second sidewalk art competition. Professionals and amateurs will sketch in the morning, then judges and spectators will vote for their favorites to win cash prizes. (8 a.m. to noon July 28, Amarillo College Washington Street campus. Free. 806-371-5000)
The Original Harley Party: Rev up for the 24th annual Family Support Services fundraiser in downtown Amarillo. Blue Mesa Trio, Andy Chase & Friends and The Buster Bledsoe Band will perform. (5 to 9 p.m. July 28, 10th Avenue and Polk Street. $85 for two. 806-342-2503)
Aug. 4-5
Ama-Con: Celebrate pop culture, books, comic books, cosplay, anime and more at this annual event from Friends of the Amarillo Public Library. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 and noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 5, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $8 for two-day pass, $5 for one-day pas, free ages 6 and younger. 806-378-3089)
Aug. 17
Create: The Center City and Amarillo Cultural District celebration of the arts will move to a one-day party and will include an art show, create-your-own-art and more. (6:30 p.m. Aug. 17, Embassy Suites Amarillo, 550 S. Buchanan St. Ticket cost TBA. 806-372-6744)
Aug. 18
SuSpence Fest: Rock out at this second annual festival in Pampa. (12:45 p.m. Aug. 18, Norris Pavilion at Top O' Texas Rodeo Arena, 200 N. Ballard St. in Pampa. Ticket prices TBA. 806-440-6874.)
Texas Panhandle's Craft Beerfest: Sample beers and food, plus enjoy music from Andy Chase, at this annual party. (3 p.m. Aug. 18, Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door or $100 VIP. 806-355-9777)
Aug. 25
Santa in the Summer: 'Tis the season for Jazzin' Up Eveline Rivers Christmas Project — New Orleans Style. (7 p.m. Aug. 25, 314 S. Jefferson St. $65 singles, $120 couples. 806-372-3985)
Sept. 1
Yellow City Sounds Music Festival: The second-annual music festival from Panhandle PBS and FM90 will celebrate "Music Made Here" with reunion performances by The Groobees and Krakt, plus performances by Mount Ivy and more bands to be named later. About a dozen Amarillo food trucks will be on hand, and kids and families can enjoy activities and vendors. (2 to 10 p.m. Sept. 1, Memorial Park, 2501 S. Jackson St. Free. 806-371-5224)
Chip Chandler is a producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.
