Calendar

Wed.: Poultry show, 11 a.m. - Big Country Hall; Steer show followed by heifer show ,1 p.m. - Griffin Arena; Thurs.: Lamb show followed by goat show, 8 a.m. - Horse Barn; Rabbit show, 5 p.m. - Big Country Hall; Fri.: Swine show, 8 a.m. - Horse Barn; Sat.: Premium sale, 12:30 p.m. - Horse Barn

Learn the basics of floral arrangement and design with Abilene’s local floral shop owner and educator, the Flower Boss. Guests will design and take home a beautiful fresh flower arrangement, while enjoying a night out with friends and good wine. Ticket includes one free sangria to enjoy during the class.

Come out and enjoy some great dance music.

A theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts step out live on stage to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story. Experience, live-on-stage, the astounding 'creature' fundamentals, and the infectious excitement and inspiring quest of the Kratt Brothers that make the hit television series Wild Kratts so popular with kids and their families. 

Put on your dancing shoes and pack the house for a live performance by Muddy Creek. This dance is specifically for those 55 years and older. 

Make plans to come out for special live music guest, Christy Patton.

Come out to Abilene's newest nightclub where you can enjoy dancing, live music, and great drinks.

Come out and enjoy a night of live music performed by Indie Folk musician Ian Flanigan.

Learn the basics of decorating with royal icing. You will get to take home 6 decorated cookies, recipes, and tips and tricks for getting started on your own. Ticket price includes everything that you need to decorate the 6 cookies. Everything is prepped ahead of time so you can focus on how to work with the icing. Children are welcome to attend with their own paid ticket. Tickets are not allowed to be split because there is not enough room to accommodate the extra seats. Bring your favorite drink and your favorite people for some fun.

This football tournament will host teams from 3rd grade to 8th grade. They will play at Curly Hayes Field and Lee Athletic Complex.

The Abilene Philharmonic’s first concert of the New Year features an encore performance of Abilene’s very own Halle Puckett. Now in her senior year at TCU, she will be performing the powerful Beethoven Concerto No. 5, Emperor. Rounding out this performance is the cheery and almost pastoral Brahms Symphony No. 2. As part of our Illuminate series, you will also have the opportunity to receive live program notes on your smart device, should you choose to participate.

Make plans to see special live music guest, Eric Logan.

A come-and-go family program offered by our art educators who will help you and your little ones create a work of art using the style and medium of the featured artist in the gallery. Emphasis is on having fun while picking up valuable knowledge.

Bring a friend and enjoy live music this weekend.

The plaza is opening its doors to the public for a fun evening with live music, art galleries, and food trucks. Food trucks include Taco Lote, Classic Sliders, and Oh Butter! The host Yo! Martez, The Creative Studios, and The Domain will have their areas open as they introduce what they have to offer to the community. All ages welcome.

Come out and see Secondhand Prophets serve up some Texas roadhouse country and rock, with a side of hard hitting originals.

This is more than just a place to learn how to use a camera. It's to bring photographers in our community together to enjoy some free coffee and lunch, and take photography to the next level.

Sockdolager Brewing Company and Abilene Yoga House are collaborating to bring yoga to the community! This year they have decided to make it about music, movement and motion. Each Saturday AYH will take over the space at Sockdolager's and invade their spotify with a teachers choice music themed yoga class. So with that in mind, a sense of letting go, having fun with movement and motion is the intention. Bring a yoga mat (we will have some props if needed) and you must be able to get up and down from the floor. This class can be for beginners but we will be moving, stretching and relaxing, so bring a sense of inquiry and fun. Please arrive early and please sign up on the mindbody app, as they won't have cash or the necessities to take payment.

A city-wide night of worship and prayer to lift up the name of Jesus over our community and the Big Country. Hosted by 1-Kingdom. 

Enjoy the amazing talents of artist and performers. Performers: Sing, Play, Orate, Dramatic Readings, Poetry. Keep it clean and positive. Send an email to espressoyourself@maslowcoffee.com if you plan to perform. Include your name, contact information and facebook or instagram information.

Dance to the tunes of country music and classic/southern rock at a live performance by the Midnight Blue Band. 

Enjoy a night full of food, wine and laughs as five paired courses are offered. Tickets are priced per person and each includes meal, tax and tip.

Directed by visionary Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, 'Finding Neverland' tells the incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Come early for the pre-show party in the foyer at 6:30 pm with live music, drinks and dessert.

Put on your dancing shoes and pack the house for a live performance by Exit 277. This dance is specifically for those 55 years and older. 

Make plans to see special live music guest, Robert Odell.

Learn the basics of decorating with royal icing. You will get to take home 6 decorated cookies, recipes, and tips and tricks for getting started on your own. Ticket price includes everything that you need to decorate the 6 cookies. Everything is prepped ahead of time so you can focus on how to work with the icing. Children are welcome to attend with their own paid ticket. Tickets are not allowed to be split because there is not enough room to accommodate the extra seats. Bring your favorite drink and your favorite people for some fun.

Join the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music, First Baptist Church, The Hardin-Simmons University School of Music Foundation, Cooksey & Company Realtors, LLC, and Mrs. Jan Tucker for an evening of music. Organist Julia Tucker will perform an organ recital at First Baptist Church in Abilene. A reception will follow the recital.

The Abilene Grunts Association and Texas Veterans Chapter One will host this reunion where Veterans and their families gather to share old memories and stories of their years in the military. Anyone who attends is encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia, no matter the era, service branch or conflict. This event is open to all Veterans from any conflict and their families. Attendees needing special accommodations can call in advance. Contact David Vargo at 325-690-0750 or Donna Stone at 325-672-4003.
 

Six Brothers Brewery reach out to 2 Brothers Brewery in Melbourne, Australia on ways to  help the volunteer firefighters of Australia battle the raging wildfires. Even though they're four brothers short, they had the great idea of brewing a beer with Australian ingredients - so Six Brothers is brewing an Australian Pale Ale with Australian ingredients and donating half of all  the proceeds to the volunteer firefighters of Victoria, Australia.As part of the fundraising the highest donor will get the Australian Pale Ale named after them, two growlers and two shirts will be given away to random donors, and anyone who donates more than $10 gets a free Six Brothers keychain. There will be music and Crooked Creek Meats food truck as well.

Make plans to come out for special live music guest, Christy Patton.

This student driven endeavor will be performed in the Down Centre Stage Lab Theatre located in the lower level of the Van Ellis Theatre. 

It's Vincent's birthday and Homer's is having a party for everyone. Join in the fun with a live performance by James Tuffs and the Southern Trouble.

As a Texas native, Joey Green has created a household name for himself in not only Texas Red Dirt, but nationwide with an impressive appearance on season 15 of The Voice where he was selected by team Blake Shelton. Joey has also toured with acts such as Eli Young Band, Kevin Fowler, Sean McConnell, and Randy Rogers.

Sockdolager Brewing Company and Abilene Yoga House are collaborating to bring yoga to the community! This year they have decided to make it about music, movement and motion. Each Saturday AYH will take over the space at Sockdolager's and invade their spotify with a teachers choice music themed yoga class. So with that in mind, a sense of letting go, having fun with movement and motion is the intention. Bring a yoga mat (we will have some props if needed) and you must be able to get up and down from the floor. This class can be for beginners but we will be moving, stretching and relaxing, so bring a sense of inquiry and fun. Please arrive early and please sign up on the mindbody app, as they won't have cash or the necessities to take payment.

Enjoy the amazing talents of artist and performers. Performers: Sing, Play, Orate, Dramatic Readings, Poetry. Keep it clean and positive. Send an email to espressoyourself@maslowcoffee.com if you plan to perform. Include your name, contact information and facebook or instagram information.

Come enjoy a weekend full of hunting, camaraderie, and fundraising fun hosted by Disability Resources Incorporated (DRI). There will be opportunities to meet multiple celebrities, listen to special performance by the DRI hand bell and chime choirs, eat delicious meals, and bid on outstanding auction items throughout the weekend.

Dancing, food, photos and more. The dance is open to girls ages 3-13 years of age and their dads, or male role models. Registration opens November 25. 

Put on your dancing shoes and pack the house for a live performance by Moonlight Bandits. This dance is specifically for those 55 years and older. 

Make plans to join First Baptist Church Abilene for a special night of worship with the legendary Gaither Vocal Band while on their 'Good Things Take Time Spring 2020 Tour'.

James Cameron's 'Titanic' is an epic, action-packed romance in which a young aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic. The "ship of dreams" ultimately carried over 1,500 people to their death in the ice cold waters of the North Atlantic in the early hours of April 15, 1912. 1997, drama, 3 hours and 25 minutes (with intermission). Rated PG-13.

This celebration of the official opening of this beautiful venue includes the Abilene Chamber Ribbon Cutting, and a grand opening party to celebrate afterwards. Come enjoy the fun, take a tour, and view this repurposed addition to the Downtown Abilene family.

Equip is about helping Christians love God and others, grow in the Word of God, be salt and light and grow spiritually. This year, our theme, 'Stronger' is aimed at just that - to help you grow stronger spiritually! Everyone welcome.

Grab your favorite person and join us for a massage workshop with brunch! Learn basic massage techniques for back, neck, shoulders, and hands. We will also learn methods for relieving common tension areas and stress. Great for Valentine's Day!

Sockdolager Brewing Company and Abilene Yoga House are collaborating to bring yoga to the community! This year they have decided to make it about music, movement and motion. Each Saturday AYH will take over the space at Sockdolager's and invade their spotify with a teachers choice music themed yoga class. So with that in mind, a sense of letting go, having fun with movement and motion is the intention. Bring a yoga mat (we will have some props if needed) and you must be able to get up and down from the floor. This class can be for beginners but we will be moving, stretching and relaxing, so bring a sense of inquiry and fun. Please arrive early and please sign up on the mindbody app, as they won't have cash or the necessities to take payment.

The chamber presents a night of music from the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild.

Looking for something a little different to do this Valentine’s and Galentine’s day? Then look no further! Sokdolager Brewing Company is partnering with Graze Abilene to bring a beer and cheese pairing experience to you. Grab your significant other, or you favorite group of gals, and get your tickets now before they’re gone. There will be 2 sittings: 7pm & 8:30pm. Each sitting will include 4 curated pairings, palette cleansers (red meats and crackers), and a small dessert.

FREE tour of the historic Paramount Theatre. Come have a seat in our 1,200 seat theatre and see a short film about the history. Then we’ll pull back the curtains and take you behind the scenes of the theatre and it’s amazing restoration! No ticket or reservation needed. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.

Enjoy the amazing talents of artist and performers. Performers: Sing, Play, Orate, Dramatic Readings, Poetry. Keep it clean and positive. Send an email to espressoyourself@maslowcoffee.com if you plan to perform. Include your name, contact information and facebook or instagram information.

Head bartender, Colby Marcee, will lead you and your significant other through a fun cocktail making class. You will then be assigned a table with a bottle of champagne, dessert, and roses for you to have a romantic evening out with the one you love the most! 

Put on your dancing shoes and pack the house for a live performance by Last Dance Band. This dance is specifically for those 55 years and older. 

The Grace, in conjunction with Abilene Yoga House, want you to be able to experience this unique opportunity. With your ticket, some local Abilene businesses have generously donated wine and snacks after your museum tour and yoga class. Spots are limited, spread the word and sign up through the MINDBODY app. Some yoga mats are provided but bring one if you have one. Thanks to the Future Fund of the Community Foundation of Abilene, The Mill, and a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, HeARTS for the ARTS, the Abilene Arts Alliance and the City of Abilene for making this event possible.

Ticket includes a cozy candlelight date night with one gourmet date night box by Fromage & Honey, dessert for two, one custom bouquet of flowers, one bottle of wine/prosecco/sangria (guest choice), and a mini couples photo session by Meghan Martin. Other drinks will be available for purchase. Couples will enjoy live acoustic music by Jess Goodlett at a private candlelit table by the fire.

Help make children's lives 'Grand' by attending the Day Nursery of Abilene's dueling pianos fundraising event on Valentine's Day.

Native Abilene cousins Kendra Lyon Duke and Ben Starr are teaming up this Valentine's weekend to bring a fresh, modern take on BBQ to a select group of in-the-know Abilene foodies. Those attending the event will experience Chef Starr’s culinary expertise while enjoying their meal at SoDA District’s historic Ark on Elm. The multi-course menu will feature complimentary welcome cocktails and wine pairings.

Abilene's one and only dirt track for car racing.

Move around the museum as you enjoy dinner and drinks, quick and easy dance lessons (if you’re so inclined), open floor dancing (if that’s more your style), create a custom print to take home, pose for a live artist sketch, visit the photo booth and more.

See one of Christian music's beloved artists, Big Daddy Weave, with Paul and Hannah McClure. Premium doors open at 5 p.m.; Pre-show conversation with Mike Weaver at 5:45 p.m.; Early entry doors open at 6 p.m.; General admission doors open at 7 p.m. and concert begins. 

Join in the fun with West Texas’ only dinner dance for people and their dogs. Over 600 people and 400 dogs will dine and dance the night away to support Rescue the Animals, SPCA at their most important fundraiser of the year. Perini Ranch Steakhouse will be catering dinner, Pam’s Pets and Fish will be catering the Doggie Buffet, and the Abilene Community Band will be performing live.

An evening to enjoy great food, entertainment, dancing, and meeting others. This event is presented by the U.S. Philippines Friendship Organization. The USPFO is a non-profit organization preserving Filipino heritage and supporting the community.

Sockdolager Brewing Company and Abilene Yoga House are collaborating to bring yoga to the community! This year they have decided to make it about music, movement and motion. Each Saturday AYH will take over the space at Sockdolager's and invade their spotify with a teachers choice music themed yoga class. So with that in mind, a sense of letting go, having fun with movement and motion is the intention. Bring a yoga mat (we will have some props if needed) and you must be able to get up and down from the floor. This class can be for beginners but we will be moving, stretching and relaxing, so bring a sense of inquiry and fun. Please arrive early and please sign up on the mindbody app, as they won't have cash or the necessities to take payment.

'Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing?' The much-loved Caldecott Honor children’s book is brought to life in a colorful, captivating, hilariously moving musical about negotiation and compromise.

A one-of-a-kind agribusiness event that serves as an opportunity for vendors to interface directly with a combination of farm, ranch and/or wildlife managers and rural consumers in the Big Country. The Texas Agrilife Extension Office provides continuing education opportunities for the Big Country agribusiness community.

Enjoy the amazing talents of artist and performers. Performers: Sing, Play, Orate, Dramatic Readings, Poetry. Keep it clean and positive. Send an email to espressoyourself@maslowcoffee.com if you plan to perform. Include your name, contact information and facebook or instagram information.

Discover what makes Abilene unique: The Convention and Visitors Bureau will give you an inside look into events, things to do and other resources to help you appreciate and promote Abilene. Included in the day is a personalized tour of downtown, given by the one and only cowboy poet, Gus McDusty. This event is for anyone who is looking to grow their hospitality skills, or learn what there is to love about Abilene! 

Put on your dancing shoes and pack the house for a live performance by Midnight Blue. This dance is specifically for those 55 years and older. 

Over 1,200 ACU students take the stage to compete for best overall show while performing a cappella with original lyrics set to a medley of popular songs.

Providing a safe environment for the public to come shop for guns, knives and ammo.

Jerry Herman is a legendary composer/lyricist of the American Musical Theatre and one of Broadway’s most beloved icons. From “Hello, Dolly” and “Mame” to “Mack and Mabel” and “La Cage aux Folles,” Jerry Herman’s songs have lit up Broadway for decades with toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical showstoppers. Now he’s sharing his great musical legacy with a new generation of music lovers.

Don't miss a live performance by Bart Crow at the Firehouse Bar and Grill. 

Come out for a live performance by Kacey Toliver & The Wild Flower Band.

Sockdolager Brewing Company and Abilene Yoga House are collaborating to bring yoga to the community! This year they have decided to make it about music, movement and motion. Each Saturday AYH will take over the space at Sockdolager's and invade their spotify with a teachers choice music themed yoga class. So with that in mind, a sense of letting go, having fun with movement and motion is the intention. Bring a yoga mat (we will have some props if needed) and you must be able to get up and down from the floor. This class can be for beginners but we will be moving, stretching and relaxing, so bring a sense of inquiry and fun. Please arrive early and please sign up on the mindbody app, as they won't have cash or the necessities to take payment.

From the Gibson Girl to the Flapper, women's fashion evolution from the early 1900s to the 1920s in the United States was due to new economic and social factors for women. These three decades were a defining time as many women fought for the right to vote, joined the work force during World War I, and changed the traditional social norms for women from the previous century.

A solo exhibition of the recent work of Chinese-born American contemporary artist, Hung Liu in a variety of media including mixed media, resin, tapestry, oil and works on paper. She is best known for masterful recreations of historical Chinese photographs.

Russia American artist, Igor Melnivok, challenges traditional associations with portraiture through his haunting paintings of emotionally ambiguous children isolated on a dark background. Although he often bases his paintings on children he knows, he also relies old photographs as well as memories and dreams for details. He states that his main objective is not to record a likeness but rather to suggest the childlike innocence and vulnerability we once possessed.

Photographer Paul James Black presents an intimate group of Polaroids and black and white photographs of only one person; his wife Carol. The photographs in the exhibition, Paul Black: Carol, were taken in the first two decades of their marriage and offer an intimate record into their private world in the 1960s and 70s. Carol is the only subject in this chronicle.

Using 19th and 20th century photographic archives of mug shots, Sarah Ball creates a series of intimate portraits of anonymous protagonists. Her meticulously-rendered paintings in this solo exhibition feature expressionless faces taken out of context and reflect on contemporary issues of bias in an increasingly judgmental culture.

Artists have been creating paintings that produce the illusion of real objects for centuries. Trompe l’oeil—from the French phrase 'deceives the eye'—is the art term that describes the effect of their visual deception. Contemporary artists often create an additional level of content by adding visual references relevant to contemporary events, situations, and observations. Nobody’s Fool highlights the work of contemporary artists Kirk Hayes and Michael Bane.

Hung Liu’s portraits connect with archived memories of early modern imperial China as shaping the experiences of today’s America as an Asian American artist. Leila McConnell and Kermit Oliver’s works are archival artefacts of modern America, capturing memories of a modernizing nation, like keepsakes and family heirlooms that activate our connections to the historical past. This lecture focuses on the genre of portraiture as bridges to the nostalgic modern in the American post-industrial present.Speaker: Liz Kim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Art History; Texas Woman’s University

Many moons ago, NCCIL leadership dreamed up the Storybook Ball to honor those who passionately work for our mission and vision. For the 5th Ball, there could be no better honoree than Dr. Gary McCaleb. In 1994, while mayor of Abilene, Dr. McCaleb was inspired by SANTA CALLS, a book written and illustrated by William Joyce. Join in the fun as we celebrate with Dr. McCaleb and William Joyce in what is sure to become one of Abilene’s most treasured black-tie affairs.

Group Exhibit Reception with new Exhibitions: 'The Third Day' by Ruth Jackson; 'The Way We See It' by Jennifer Nichols & Jill Geeslin; OUTSIDERS exhibit.