Summer in Abilene!

photo courtesy of Pinterest

Allison McCall, staff writer

Summer is quickly approaching, and with that comes the inevitable boredom of not having a structured schedule anymore. Do you want to avoid sitting around all day with nowhere to go or nothing to do? You’re in luck because we happen to live in a city that has a bustling summer schedule! The city of Abilene hosts numerous events that are perfect for adults, kids, and families. If you’re anticipating a summer of boredom, check out this list of the best events happening in Abilene from May – August! 

Tie-Dye DIY

🗓 May 13

📍Play Faire Park

Mini Golfing at Play Faire Park is already a summer must-do. The place screams fun, excitement, and joy. Now you can bring your friends AND go home with a new, fun colored shirt!

“Bring something to dye or purchase something white from the shop. Whatever you bring, just make sure it’s natural (cotton, rayon, hemp, etc). $10 Per Person, Includes Mini Golf!” (Abilenevisitors.com) 

 

COFFEE & CANVAS- Party Llama in the Summer

🗓Sat, May 14, 10 AM – 12 PM

📍Painting with a Twist

This event is open to all painters ages 10 and up! Enjoy a nice cup of coffee while learning a new artistic skill. 

 

Downtown Abilene Food Tour

🗓 Jun 4

📍the fountain in Everman Park

New to Abilene and still scoping out the best restaurants? This is the stroll for you.

“Take a short walk and experience some of the absolute best flavors the big country has to offer. Each tour is a unique culinary adventure that combines food with history, architecture, and culture. You’ll stroll through downtown learning and chatting while filling your belly with some delicious food from some of the top eateries in all of Abilene!” (abilenevisitors.com) 

 

10th Annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival

🗓Jun 9- Jun 11

📍Downtown Abilene

The Art & Literacy Festival has become a sweet tradition in Abilene. It is the perfect opportunity for children to learn about great works of literature, while having some well-deserved summer fun!

“The festival will celebrate award-winning illustrator and author Sophie Blackall. The fun kicks off with a storybook parade followed by an artist talk, both of which set the stage for the next two days of joy for kids of all ages. Book readings, art activities, animals, skits and movies, and you’ll find a special art exhibit on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.” (abilenevisitors.com)

 

Abilene Philharmonic: A Tribute to The Beatles

🗓 Jun 11

📍 Abilene Convention Center

The Abilene Philharmonic has worked very hard to put together this performance. If you’re a music lover, this is the perfect way to spend your evening! 

“Hear all your favorite Beatles hits such as Penny Lane, Yesterday, Imagine, I am the Walrus and much more!” (Abilenevisitors.com)

 

Friends of the Library Book Sale

🗓 June 16- June 19

📍Abilene Convention Center

If you’re like me and cheap books are the way to your heart, you definitely need to pay a visit to this book sale! Not only will you find your favorite books for half the normal price, you’ll also be supporting your local library! What a great opportunity to support the community!

“You’ll find the best deals around on a wide selection of books, movies, music, children’s books, and more. All proceeds from the sale go towards benefiting your Abilene Public Library.” (Abilenevisitors.com)

 

Henry V by ACU

🗓Jun 18, 7:30-8:30 PM

📍Abilene Christian University, 1600 Campus Ct

Abilene Christian University is taking on Shakespeare for one night only! Admission is free, and it’s not a show you want to miss!

 

Potosi Live Summer Jam 

🗓Fri, Jun 24, 5-8 PM

📍Potosi Live

Nothing says summer like a concert. Check out this event with your family and friends for a night of music & fun!

“Enjoy a 2-night outdoor show taking place under the new Taylor Electric Pavilion on the Lithia Toyota Stage! Artists include Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, Mike Ryan and Stoney Larue.” (Abilene visitors. Com)

 

Make Your Mark

🗓 Jun 30

📍Abilene Convention Center

“Save the date for “Make Your Mark” benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters on June 30, 2022 at the the Abilene Convention Center. An inspirational evening to celebrate the spirit of Mark Rogers.” (abilenevisitors.com)

 

Big Country July 4th Family Freedom Festival

🗓 Sun, Jul 3- Mon, Jul 4

📍E South 11th St. 

Celebrate our country at this fun, family-friendly festival for all ages!

“This year the Abilene Freedom Festival will include over a dozen entertainers, a car and bike show, a larger kids’ area, Food Trucks, outdoor booths, food booths and more, including the Fireworks” (Abilene visitors.com) 

Soul at the Paramount

🗓 July 17

📍Paramount Theatre

Watch the movie “Soul” under the stars of the Paramount! Tickets are $2!

“Pixar’s ‘Soul’ is about a jazz pianist who has a near-death experience and gets stuck in the afterlife, contemplating his choices and regretting the existence that he mostly took for granted.” (rogerebert.com)

Encanto at the Paramount

🗓 Aug 27

📍 Paramount Theatre 

Watch the movie Encanto under the stars of the Paramount! Tickets are $2!

“….a Colombian magical realist tale of a family that received special powers after surviving a tragedy. Now, a few generations later, they live together in a magical house and each member develops their own talent, like the ability to control the weather, shapeshift into other people, and talk to animals.” (rogerebert.com)