It’s not quite autumn, but the fall entertainment season has definitely arrived. Don’t miss these highlights.
The Amarillo Sod Poodles are taking on the Midland RockHounds in their final home stand of the regular season. According to the Soddies, they’re one game away from clinching a spot in the playoffs, and they’ve got a full lineup of gameday activities to officially bid farewell to the regular season. As usual, there are Taco Tuesday, Weiner Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday nights on deck, and the alternative Pigweeds uniforms will be donned Thursday, as well. You’ll enjoy a regular fireworks night Friday and Skyfest on Saturday, with what’s billed as the “largest fireworks show of the year.” Topping it all off is a visit from children’s TV fave Bluey on Saturday and Sunday.
Game times are 6:35 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Hodgetown, 715 S. Buchanan St. Ticket prices vary. Call 806-803-9547.
Of course, the longtime highlight of the September entertainment scene is the Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, which returns Friday for a week full of fun at the historic fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave. In addition to all of the food, midway rides and exhibitions, there’s nightly fun to be had. Though the days of multiple major concert acts are behind us, the Dancin’ in the Dirt concert will feature area native Randall King at 7 p.m. Saturday. Other music offerings will include a mix of new and experienced local faces, including country singers Tanner Lane on Friday, Logan Ellis on Saturday, Riley Evyn on Monday, Jadon Rogers on Sept. 18, Matthew Palmer & The Mammoth Cult on Sept. 19 and Ryan Hunter on Sept. 20; Tejano band Grupo Tercero on Sept. 14; rockers Goodbye Hollywood on Sept. 17; and the karaoke competition finals on Sept. 16.
Everything kicks off with the Celebrate at the Arch Gate event at 11 a.m. Friday with VIP treatment for the first 100 guests, and the annual parade from downtown to the fairgrounds at 10 a.m. Saturday. Looking ahead, don’t forget to get your rodeo tickets for performances Sept. 18 to 20.
Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily Sept. 12 to 20, with the carnival open until midnight. Ticket prices vary, but admission is free until 3 p.m. weekdays. For information, call 806-376-7767.
Other events of note:
Frozen: Performances of the beloved Disney musical continue, including a special ASL-interpreted staging for the Saturday matinee. (7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; continues through Sept. 21; ALT Allen Shankles Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle; ticket prices vary; 806-355-9991)
Kanton Teen & The Penny Pickers: I don’t know if that’s the Oklahoma country band frontman’s real name. Nor do I care. It’s great, regardless. They’ll pick some pennies and some tunes with local opener Colton Amerson at Hoots Pub. (9 p.m. Friday; 2424 Hobbs Road; cover)
Rain Division: The local rock band celebrates the release of its first EP with a special show at Golden Light Cantina. Also on the bill are local supporting acts Stealing Handshakes and Sevity. (7 p.m. Friday; 2908 SW Sixth Ave.; cover; 806-374-9237)
Wing Wars: The Texas Panhandle Builders Association’s annual fundraiser returns, with top area cooks battling it out to determine who offers the best bite-sized chickeny goodness. Proceeds benefit Amarillo Habitat for Humanity. (5 p.m. Saturday; 5813 Canyon Drive; tickets $35; 806-353-3565)
The Long Walk: This timely Stephen King adaptation, though it’s actually based on the first novel of his lengthy career, focuses on a bunch of teen boys who are forced to walk until only one is left standing. Also opening this weekend: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and much-awaited sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. (Opens Thursday; Cinemark Hollywood 16, 9100 Canyon Drive; and Cinergy, 9201 Cinergy Square)
