From outdoor concerts to fundraisers, live theater to orchestral concerts, Amarillo’s entertainment scene is shifting back into high gear. Here are my picks for your sure bets over the next two months (just remember to be safe and considerate out there).
Amarillo Symphony: The orchestra resumes its delayed live concert season with pianist Diego Caetano in the spotlight with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, as well as Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 (the “Classical Symphony”) and George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings.” The orchestra will be back June 4 and 5 with a performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. (6 and 8:30 p.m. May 7 and 8, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 806-376-8782 or amarillosymphony.org)
Matilda: Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, this energetic musical about the struggles of a gifted young girl against a tyrannical headmistress and careless parents finally opens after several delays. (May 13-23, Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 806-355-9991 or amarillolittletheatre.org)
Amarillo Sod Poodles: Amarillo’s Double-A team kicks off its home season May 18 with a six-game stint against the Midland RockHounds, then comes back to Hodgetown with series action against the Corpus Christi Hooks beginning June 8, the RockHounds again beginning June 15, and the Wichita Wind Surge beginning June 29. (Fans of college ball should watch for Amarillo Sod Squad Texas Collegiate League games throughout the summer, as well.) (May 18-23; June 8-13; June 15-20; June 29-July 4. 715 S. Buchanan St., 806-803-7762, sodpoodles.com)
Muttfest: The annual fundraiser for Amarillo SPCA hits lightspeed this year with a Star Wars-themed bash. “May the Furs Be With You” will feature vendor booths, low-cost vaccinations, photo booths and more in a pet-friendly environment. (Noon to 5 p.m. May 23, Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive,
806-622-0555, amarillospcashelter.com)
Texas: The outdoor musical is reborn after the first dark summer in its 55-year history. (Nightly except Mondays, May 29 to Aug. 14, Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 806-655-2181, texas-show.com)
High Noon on the Square: Center City of Amarillo’s crowd-pleasing outdoor music series returns after a year off (sensing a theme?), with weekly music and food in downtown Amarillo. (Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays from June 2 to July 28, Potter County Courthouse, 501 S. Fillmore St. Lunch $8. 806-372-6744, centercity.org)
24 Hours in the Canyon: After a year off, the red-hot fundraiser for Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation returns to Palo Duro Canyon. Those interested in both fitness and giving back should also note Mission 2540’s Feed, Clothe, Love & Lift on May 14 and 15, featuring CrossFit legend Rich Froning (visit mission2540.org for more). (June 5-6, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 24hoursinthecanyon.org)
Asleep at the Wheel: The Western Swing giants (returning June 5) are just one of the big acts lined up for concerts at Starlight Ranch Event Center. Also on tap: Parker McCollum and William Beckmann (May 7); Shane Smith & The Saints (May 22); Read Southall Band and Austin Meade (June 4); Randy Rogers Band (June 18); and hometown favorite Aaron Watson (June 26). (7 p.m., 1415 Sunrise Drive, 806-556-4456, starlightranch.com)
Amarillo Community Market: Local producers will return to downtown Amarillo all summer for this popular event. Look for fresh produce, fun crafts, food trucks, live music and more, all back in the market’s original location around the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce building. (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays from
June 12 to Sept. 11, 1000 S. Polk St., 806-372-6744, amarillocommunitymarket.weebly.com)
Cruella: Emma Stone stars as the dastardly dog (fur) lover in this live-action origin story for the 101 Dalmatians villainess. It’ll open simultaneously in theaters and, for a premium fee, on Disney+. Now that theaters are reopening, keep your eyes open for A Quiet Place II (May 28), Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights (June 11) and high-octane sequel F9 (June 25). (Opens May 28)
