Things to Do in Abilene This Month | Events and Attractions

Signature Events and Festivals

West Texas Fair & Rodeo

Experience the West Texas Fair & Rodeo at the Taylor County Expo Center, where you'll witness PRCA cowboys and cowgirls striving to qualify for the prestigious PRCA National Finals Rodeo, showcasing their skills on Beutler & Sons' finest and most formidable livestock.Venture into the midway, where Carnival Americana presents a thrilling array of modern, pulse-pounding rides suitable for all ages. But a fair isn't complete without exhibits, delectable cuisine, and music – and we have all that and more!

When: September 10 - 19

Where: Expo Center of Taylor County

Pro Tip: Kick off the experience Downtown with the Parade on Saturday September 12th at 10:30 am and read our Ultimate Guide to the West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Latin Dance Night

Latin Dance Night is back by popular demand for the 6th year! To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month right, the Grace Museum has invited the community to dance the night away to Latin hits in their beautiful Courtyard. This is the perfect opportunity to take your special someone Downtown and treat them to dinner before dancing under the Texas sky.

When: September 17

Where: The Grace Museum

Cypress Plaza Downtown Market: Fall Family Fun

You won't want to miss Abilene's newest event in the brand new Cypress Plaza. The Cypress Plaza Downtown Market: Fall Family Fun is a free event perfect for the fall weather. Shop a curated lineup of local artisans, boutiques, and small businesses surrounded by the sounds of local music and the delicious aroma of downtown restaurants and local food trucks. Come see the new plaza, grab a photo at the pumpkin photo op, and help fill this beautiful plaza with life and excitement.

When: September 19

Where: Cypress Plaza 101 Cypress Street

Swenson House Hobbit Day Celebration

The serene gardens of the Historic Swenson House take you straight to the rolling hills of the Shire during the Hobbit Day Celebration. This free event honors the life and work of J.R.R. Tolkien and brings families together to enjoy a fall afternoon in the fresh air. From Dwarf Axe Throwing to Hobbit Musical Rings. and a Map Drawing Station this years festival is certain to entertain the whole fellowship of party goers.

When: September 20

Where: Swenson House

Woman cheerfully posing for a photo dressed a a Hobbit on a fall afternoon

Arts and Culture

We've Got Spirit: Exhibition Throwback Sock Hop Reception

Step straight into the 1950's at We've Got Spirit: Exhibition Throwback Sock Hop Reception at the Grace Museum. Arrive in your best 50's inspired outfit and don't be square as everyone takes to the dance floor to jitterbug and jive the night away. This free event is a great opportunity to explore the museum and learn about local school history.

When: September 3

Where: The Grace Museum

Family Fun Saturday

Enjoy a hands-on afternoon at Family Fun Saturday, a free weekly program in downtown Abilene designed for families to create, explore, and enjoy art together. Held at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, this engaging event invites guests of all ages to take part in a themed fine art project inspired by children’s books and storytelling. Each week offers a new creative experience, from painting and drawing to mixed-media activities, all led in a welcoming environment that encourages imagination and artistic expression. Families can drop in, work side by side, and take home their own unique creations while enjoying Abilene’s vibrant connection to literacy and the arts.

When: Every Saturday in September

Where: NCCIL

Behind the Scenes Night at the Museum

Behind the Scenes Night at the Museum will be an Adult evening filled with mini-desserts and drinks while hearing from guest speaker Eric Pitney, the talented builder who created the 100 Acre Wood for the Winnie-the-Pooh Exhibit. Eric will share about his background and his process for creating the builds and then open it up to guests for questions.

When: September 10

Where: National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature

National Video Games Day

Celebrate National Video Games Day at Spark Science Center! Visitors can explore a collection of classic video games and gaming systems brought in by local video game enthusiasts, including the Sega Genesis, Nintendo NES, Ms. Pac-Man arcade machine, and more. Discover that video games are more than just fun—they are powered by coding, physics, mathematics, engineering, and problem-solving. Guests will have the opportunity to play, explore, and learn about the science and technology behind these popular games.

When: September 12

Where: Spark Science Center

Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Beethoven's Eroica Symphony

The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra's 76th season opens with Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, a work that changed the course of classical music forever. Joining the orchestra for this special evening is David Childs, a euphonium virtuoso whose artistry has captivated audiences the world over

When: September 26

Where: Convention Center

Exploration Aviation

Join the Spark Science Center for Exploration Aviation, a free event to showcase all things aviation. Featuring guest speakers, pop-up activities, readings and reenactments there is plenty going on to fill you with excitement about aviation. This event is in partnership with the National WASP World War II Museum and the Abilene Public Library.

When: September 26

Where: Spark Science Center

Mom proudly smiling at two young children as her son interacts with a space exhibit at The Spark Science Center

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 on the road to stardom at Betty Rose's, 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. With options including Stoney Larue, ABBA Cadabra the ABBA Tribute Band , and Pecos and The Rooftops sounds of musical icons take center stage and invite you to join in on an evening you won't want to forget.

A fiddler and a guitarist serenading guests at an outdoor wine bar

Outdoor Adventures

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

Two young children playfully climbing on a Tiger statue as their mom watches smiling

Shopping

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

Shoppers browsing trendy clothing and jewelry boutiques at Allen Ridge in Abilene, a vibrant retail and dining destination.

Young women shopping for jewelry and clothes at a boutique

Whether you’re here for a signature event, a cozy coffee break, or an afternoon exploring downtown, you’ll find both the frontier spirit and warm Texas hospitality that defines us.