Weekend Events Guide: Amarillo’s Top Picks for July 12-13

This weekend, Amarillo is buzzing with a variety of events designed to suit all tastes. Whether you're looking to dive into the local art scene, catch some live music, or bring the whole family out for a day of fun, the city offers plenty to fill your itinerary on July 12 and 13.

Spotlight on Festival Plaza and The Globe-News Center

Festival Plaza, located at 400 South Polk Street in downtown Amarillo, is the heart of Saturday’s activities with the annual Amarillo Arts Walk slated from 4 to 9 p.m. The event showcases over 50 local and regional artists presenting paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts. Food trucks offering Tex-Mex and barbecue delicacies will line the plaza, while a stage hosts rotating performances by the Amarillo Symphony Brass Quintet and local folk band Cottonwood Junction.

Meanwhile, over at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts on Polk Street, the Amarillo Civic Theatre is presenting “Summer Nights,” a series of one-act plays running at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $15 for students, making it a budget-friendly option for theater enthusiasts. Attendance to this production has increased by 18% compared to the same weekend last year, reflecting growing local interest in performing arts.

Family Fun and Practical Tips

For families, the Amarillo Zoo on Western Street is hosting its annual Summer Safari Fest on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can participate in guided animal encounters and outdoor craft workshops. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12, with weekend parking free in the nearby lot on Southeast 6th Avenue. Organizers recommend arriving early, as attendance is expected to exceed last year’s record of 1,200 visitors.

Additionally, the Amarillo Public Library is hosting technology workshops at its Main Branch on South Buchanan Street throughout the weekend. These free sessions cover topics from digital literacy to enhancing job skills using online resources, reflecting the city’s commitment to lifelong learning.

Public transit options include the Amarillo City Transit bus routes with extended weekend schedules, and downtown parking meters will be free after 5 p.m. on Saturday to encourage attendance at evening events in the city center.

With the temperature forecasted in the mid-90s, event organizers advise attendees to stay hydrated and use sunscreen, especially during outdoor activities on Saturday afternoon.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Amarillo Balloon Festival scheduled for August 8 through 10 promises to be another major draw with hot air balloons, live entertainment, and a culinary village. Tickets for that event will go on sale next week at AmarilloEventTickets.com.