Abilene has a lot going on. The best place to go for a monthly, online calendar of events is http://abilene.com/visitors/calendar.shtml.  For a printed August-July version of the same information, go to the Chamber of Commerce and ask for a Welcome Packet. This Events Calendar covers a plethora of local activities, including the Universities’ theater productions and special events. The Chamber is located downtown on the second floor of 174 Cypress St. and will also give you a free phone book.

Another great resource is the Recreation Division of the Abilene Community Services Department. They put out a Leisure Guide each quarter. Go to www.abilenetx.com/recreation/guide.htm to find a .pdf file of activities ranging from Family Volleyball Nights to Dancing and Martial Arts Lessons.

Even after more than four years, I still haven’t been able do everything! I did do a lot, though, and these were my favorites. Take a friend, or take date—you are going to want to have someone to reminisce over these events with later.

January

Martin Luther King Dinner

Held at the Civic Center every year, this dinner is a highlight for the whole community. Good food, a dynamic speaker, and fantastic entertainment—the MLK Dinner is the best such event I ever attended. Dr. King’s dream comes true here every year, as people of all races unite to celebrate the positive effects his vision has had on our society. 

February 

Bible Lectureship at ACU

This four day lectureship has something for everyone. Each day speakers from around the world teach on theological subjects to interested lecture attendees in classrooms across campus. A dynamic speaker presents to a near-capacity crowd in the on-campus coliseum each night. Schedules of speakers are available on the ACU website (www.acu.edu). There is no fee to attend.

March 

Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-Up

A classic car parade kicks off this, the world’s largest Rattlesnake Roundup. Activities include educational presentations, opportunities to pet the snakes, a Miss Snake Charmer Pageant, a snake eating contest, and nightly dances. You will be exposed to hundreds of rattlesnakes. Seeing them prepared (killed, gutted, skinned, and prepared to eat) is not for the weak stomached. Be sure not to leave until you’ve had a $5 plate of Rattlesnake Meat & Fries! This event is held at the Nolan County Coliseum. 

April

Celebrate Abilene

Abilene’s first town lots were sold on March 15, 1881. This event began as a “birthday” celebration of that event, but was moved to April to allow for better weather. Held downtown, this event boasts living history performers, activities for kids, live music, and a watermelon eating contest. This family-friendly outing it is free to attend.

September 

West Texas Fair & Rodeo

This is one of the biggest events of the year, and to not go is a mistake. The Fair offers several hours of entertainment, and is one of the best people-watching events in the Big Country! It also offers unique dining experiences. While fried Snickers/Oreos/Twinkies may not taste like heaven, trying them does make you feel a little more adventurous than you really are.

Along with the myriad of rides, several exhibition halls, and the rodeo, I highly recommend riding the mechanical bull—but make sure you’re wearing tight jeans to avoid chaffing...Hold on tight!

 

Hot Air Balloon Festival

This event is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Abilene and is held at Redbud Park. There is a balloon glow every night and a flight Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting. Admission is free, but you’ll have to buy tickets if you want food, etc. from the vendors.

 

AirFest

Not a plane lover myself, I still really enjoyed seeing the older planes flying around and the stunt pilots doing their tricks. It is certainly more entertaining than going to a movie, and a drastic change of pace for anyone not in the Air Force. This event is held at Abilene Regional Airport and costs around $10 to attend.

October

WESTfest Short Film and Video Competition

I did not expect to see something like this in Abilene, and I love that it is here! Independent film makers from all over send in their shorts to compete against one another at the Paramount. The entries are shown over two nights, so try to go both times. You won’t like all the films, but each one is only a few minutes long. They definitely are not Hollywood productions, but are generally worth seeing. While this may not be your best bet for a romantic date, it does serve as fodder for both intelligent conversations and personal enrichment.

 

“The Changeling”

This is a must! You haven’t done Halloween in Abilene until you’ve been to see “The Changeling” at the Paramount. Go in costume to the midnight show on the 31^st! This is the rowdiest crowd you’ll find outside of a Friday night football game, and everybody has a great time. At just $5 for all seats, this much entertainment is a bargain. There is a showing at 7:30 on the 30^th, but nothing beats Halloween night for something like this!

November

City Sidewalks

This is a lot like Art Walk, but bigger, better, and with a Yuletide twist. Downtown museums and shops (in the spirit of Christmas) stay open late, and the joy of the season runs rampant. There is a parade through downtown followed by a tree lighting at the Civic Center. With events including a gingerbread house contest, City Sidewalks seems like something from an old-time movie. This event rings out the season’s greetings in a grand way, and is an annual favorite with locals.

December

Celebration Park

If you are a fan of Christmas lights, be sure to check out Celebration Park just east of town on I-20. This 40-acre property has tens of thousands of Christmas lights decorating its trees and displays. The celebration extends beyond the Christmas usuals to include scenes celebrating Biblical themes, Texas, our nation, and our heroes. Admission is charged by the car load.

  

Swenson House Holiday Open House

The Swenson House is one of the oldest residences in Abilene. For three days in early December it is decorated to the hilt by professional decorators and local florists. A trip here is sure to put you in the yuletide spirit.