September
Spin Doctors: The ’90s sensations (spinsations?) will officially open United Way of Amarillo & Canyon’s fundraising drive with a concert at Starlight Ranch Event Center. (7 p.m. Sept. 2; 1415 Sunrise Drive; tickets $30-$150; 806-376-6359, unitedwayama.org) Other concerts to look forward to in September: the 12th Friends of Fogelberg concert on Sept. 10 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts; and Beppe Gambetta on Sept. 11 at The Rockin’ OT; country stars Lone Star on Sept. 17, Roger Creager
on Sept. 24 and The Eli Young Band on Sept. 25, all also at Starlight Ranch.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: The latest Marvel blockbuster features virtually an entirely pan-Asian cast, as the MCU’s ultimate fighter makes his cinematic debut. (Sept. 3) Also in theaters: biopic The Eyes of Tammy Faye (Sept. 17 in limited release) and musical adaptation Dear Evan Hanson (Sept. 24).
Up In The Air For Family Care Hot Air Balloon Festival: The kid-friendly fest returns and, weather permitting, you’ll see balloons soaring all over the city, in addition to the festivities and glow at Starlight Ranch Event Center. Other community events will include the 13th annual Crimestoppers Car Show on Sept. 4; and the Power of the Purse luncheon Sept. 29, featuring ABC’s Dr. Jennifer Ashton for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.
The Sound of Music: The beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, as delightful as the tea you drink with jam and bread, opens Amarillo Little Theatre’s Allen Shankles Mainstage season. (Sept. 16 to Oct. 3; ALT Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle; ticket prices vary; 806-355-9991, amarillolittletheatre.org) Also on the arts docket: Chamber Music Amarillo’s Sept. 11 season opener; Amarillo Symphony’s Sept. 17 and 18 concerts, featuring pianist Awadagin Pratt and Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony; West Texas A&M University Theatre’s You on the Moors Now from Sept. 17 to 26; and Broadway Spotlight Series’ Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story on Sept. 27 and 28.
Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo: The ultimate kickoff to fall, the Tri-State Fair is, without a doubt, one of the area’s most beloved traditions, with its exhibitions and rides and bronc-riding and, oh my goodness yes, its foods on a stick. In addition to all of that, the Bud Light Stage will feature some great Texas country from the likes of Gary P. Nunn, The Great Divide and Ray Wylie Hubbard. (Sept. 17-25; 3301 S.E. 10th Ave.; ticket prices vary; 806-376-7767,
tristatefair.com)
October
Hansel and Gretel: Amarillo Opera brings back this beloved fable, this time starring Amarillo tenor Eric Barry as the Witch. Other arts events scheduled include Center City’s Jazztober outdoor concerts each Tuesday; TheatreAC’s From Up Here from Oct. 7 to 10; WT Symphony pops concert on Oct. 7; Chamber Music Amarillo on
Oct. 9; Amarillo Symphony’s performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 on Oct. 15 and 16; Lone Star Ballet’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Oct. 22 and 23; a TBA-production from ALT Academy from Oct. 22 to 24; WT Theatre’s Monstersongs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1; and the Opera’s The Medium on Oct. 29 and 30.
Hoodoo Mural Festival: Celebrate public art at this walkable/bikeable party in downtown Amarillo, featuring food trucks, live music, DJs, art demonstrations and the unveiling of new murals. Only in its second year, this has the potential of becoming one of Amarillo’s coolest traditions. (3 p.m. Oct. 2; Polk Street and Fifth Ave; tickets $30; hoodoomural.com) Other community events for the month: Storybridge Live on Oct. 1 at Hodgetown, featuring several kids’ lit favorites; Flavors of Amarillo Mariachi Festival on Oct. 6; and Amarillo Chamber of Commerce’s 25th annual Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off on Oct. 7 at the Tri-State Fairgrounds.
No Time to Die: Daniel Craig’s Bond swan song might finally come out, following multiple delays throughout 2020 (Oct. 8). Also scheduled to hit theaters: Sopranos prequel The Many Saints of Newark (Oct. 1); historical epic The Last Duel, horror sequel Halloween Kills and comic book sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Oct. 15); sci-fi saga Dune and stunt comedy Jackass Forever (Oct. 22); and thriller Last Night in Soho (Oct. 29).
Nelly: The R&B star makes an … unexpected stop in Amarillo—true, it usually is hot in herre—for an Oct. 9 concert at Starlight Ranch. (We do not suggest you take off all your clothes there.) (7 p.m. Oct. 9; 1415 Sunrise Drive; tickets $65, plus fees; 806-556-4456, starlightranch.com) Other concerts and performances on tap: comedian Tim Allen on Oct. 2 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium; Charley Crockett on Oct. 8 at Starlight Ranch; Nitro Circus on Oct. 8 at Hodgetown; The Vandoliers on Oct. 8 at The Golden Light Cantina; Russ on Oct. 10; Def Leppard tribute band Def Leggend at Starlight Ranch on Oct. 15 (a makeup date from a late July rainout); Styx on Oct. 21; and Dwight Yoakam on Oct. 22 at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.
