Things To Do In Abilene: November 2025
Signature Events and Festivals
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Celebrate life, culture, and remembrance at the first-ever Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Abilene Zoo! Experience a vibrant festival filled with live mariachi music, folklorico dancers, animal encounters and beautiful ofrendas honoring loved ones.
Date: November 1 - 2
Where: The Abilene Zoo
Primal Brewing Company Pickle Fest
Round up your gang and get ready for a pickle eating contest, pickle juice chug off, live music and vendors at the Primal Brewing Company Pickle Fest! Home of the award-winning "What's The Big Dill" pickle beer Primal Brewing Co. is the place to be for this two days pickle and beer festival.
Date: November 14 - 15
Where: Primal Brewing Co.
Dav Pilkney's Dogman Day
Join the NCCIL for an action-packed celebration inspired by the hilariously heroic world of Dog Man by Dav Pilkey! Bring the whole family for a day of tail-wagging fun with Dog Man himself, fine art projects, and fun games for the whole family at Dav Pilkey's Dogman Day.
Date: November 15
Where: The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
Arts and Culture
Shrek The Musical
Join the ACU theatre for a tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Shrek The Musical promises to be a play filled with laughs and excitement the whole family will enjoy.
Date: November 1 & 2
Where: Boone Family Theatre - ACU
The Little Mermaid
This classic tale is brought to the stage as a type of musical comedy designed for families filled with songs, gags, slapstick comedy and dancing. This interactive telling of The Little Mermaid promises to be a delight for the whole family.
Date: November 2
Where: Paramount Theatre
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ushers in the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Abilene at the historic Paramount Theatre. This beloved Christmas classic comes to life as the Abilene Ballet Theatre takes to the stage for an enchanting tale of Christmas magic.
Date: November 21, 22, & 23
Where: Paramount Theatre
The National Center For Children's Illustrated Literature
The NCCIL celebrates the artistic achievements of children’s book authors and illustrators through exhibits of their original artwork. From Family Fun Saturday to Every Artist Starts Little the NCCIL offers free programs rooted in fine art and literacy. Experience the spirit of imagination and discover the art of Juana Martinez-Neal.
The Grace Museum
Housed in the former Hotel Grace built in 1909, this fully-renovated museum showcases a vibrant blend of contemporary and historic spaces paired with an interactive children's area. From creative arts events for toddlers to artist receptions and family festivals The Grace is a hub for interactive and creative events for the whole family.
Live Muisc
Local Legends
As a Certified Music Friendly City, Abilene has a long list of local musicians performing across town for you to discover all year round. From local legends lighting up The Ice House stage to rising talent under the stars at The Big Country Beer Garden, Abilene serves up a night of music that’s full of pure Texas charm.
Musical Icons
From charming evenings in the beautifully restored Spanish Moorish Paramount Theatre to big stage names at the Abilene Convention Center, Abilene brings renown hits right to you. From Joe Bonamassa to Motown "Back in the Day , Here to Stay" and Life in the Fast Lane A Tribute to the Eagles the sounds of musical icons take center stage and invite you to join in on an evening you won't want to forget.
Outdoor Adventures
Frontier Day
Join the Abilene State Park for a day of outdoor fun, live music, and frontier reenactors and immerse yourself in the wild history of the Texas frontier. Frontier Day invites to take part in this frontier experience that shaped the Texas Frontier into what we know today.
Date: November 8
Where: Abilene State Park
Farmers Market
Shop fresh and local at the Abilene Farmers Market! Browse a colorful selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, jams, and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect way to connect with local growers and makers while supporting the community.
Date: Every Saturday 8am - 12pm
Where: 626 N. 1st Street
Storybook Gardens
As the Storybook Capital of America Downtown Abilene is filled with the largest public collection of storybook character sculptures! Stop by Frontier Texas or the Visitor Center at 1101 N. 1st Street to grab your Adventure Guide and explore the storybook gardens taking photos with your favorite characters.
Where: Downtown Abilene
Winter Lightfest
Stroll through a dazzling display of nearly 3 million Christmas lights featuring photo ops, a special appearance by Santa, and a scavenger hunt through the light trail. Winter Lightfest is an unforgettable experience perfect for making Christmas memories.
Date: November 29 - December 27
Where: Abilene Field of Dreams
Shopping
Christmas Carousel: Market Hall
Shop till you drop at the 44th annual Christmas Carousel! This annual Christmas shopping event brings together vendor from across the area as well as opportunities for brunch with Santa and a festive style show. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done early.
Date: November 6 - 9
Where: Abilene Convention Center
Christmas in November
The Christmas countdown has begun, and Christmas shopping is in full swing at Christmas in November. Featuring over 100 craft, food, and boutique vendors you are sure to find unique gifts for your family and friends.
Date: November 14 - 16
Where: Expo Center of Taylor County
Downtown Shopping
Wander through Abilene’s vibrant Downtown Cultural District and discover a delightful mix of boutiques, antiques, and art nestled among galleries, local restaurants, and storybook sculptures. From stylish local boutiques and curated gift stores to vintage treasures and handmade goods, downtown shopping offers an authentic Abilene experience
Whether you’re here for a signature festival, a cozy coffee break, or an afternoon exploring downtown, you’ll find both the frontier spirit and warm Texas hospitality that defines us.
