Oct
21
10:00 AM10:00
Filtering by: Festival
May
4
5:00 PM17:00
MAY THE 4TH FAMILY FESTIVAL
Join us for a galactic FREE Family Festival with food, games, and themed activities appropriate for people of all ages….and May the 4th be with you! Costumes are welcome and encouraged.
Sep
16
5:30 PM17:30
16 de Septiembre Parade and Festival
"16 de Septiembre Parade ' . Friday, September 16th, lineup at 5:30pm, at St Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church parking lot. Parade starts at 6:00 pm, ending at Sears Park with FREE festival for the community, Ballet Folklorico and more.
FREE
Jun
10
to Jun 11
10th Children's Art & Literacy Festival
The 10th Annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival is a two and a half day event that kicks off Thursday night and continues all day Friday and Saturday with dramatic book readings, costumed characters, a petting zoo, Abilene Philharmonic Instrument Petting Zoo, Kornpop the Balloon Sculptor, Professor QB, Joe McDermott singing, Marionette Show and Nancy Burks Worcester the famous Texas ventriloquist and more! Workshops available for an extra fee; limited spaces available.
Earn up to 12 buttons for your festival lanyard by completing the activities! The festival is the largest children’s event in the Storybook Capital of America, attracting thousands of families from across Texas and the U.S.!
The 10th CALF will celebrate the work of Summer 2022 NCCIL illustrator and author Sophie Blackall and it will celebrate the past decade of festival honorees and their books and characters.
Festival pass required for Friday and Saturday.
Jun
9
5:30 PM17:30
10th Children's Art & Literacy Festival
The 10th Annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival is a two and a half day event that kicks off Thursday night with free activities. The costume contest starts at 4 p.m. The Storybook Parade is at 5:30 p.m. down Cypress Street. At the Convention Center, we will unveil the newest addition to the Storybook Sculpture Project followed by a Garden Party with food trucks and “Sketch with Sophie” event at Paramount Theatre.
The 10th CALF will celebrate the work of Summer 2022 NCCIL illustrator and author Sophie Blackall and it will celebrate the past decade of festival honorees and their books and characters. Sophie’s original artwork will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in downtown Abilene.
No festival pass required for Thursday.
Apr
30
7:30 PM19:30
Bluebonnet Festival
This family friendly old fashioned fun day will be full of whimsy and delight! Come-and-go from 11am to 9pm or lounge around all day!
Live music throughout the day, kicking off with Christy Patton, continuing with Luke Powell and wrapping up with Midnight Blue at the Family Dance from 7:30-9pm!
- Delicious "blue themed" treats and specialty drinks provided by Branch Coffeehouse and other local businesses
- Bluebonnet art taught by local artists - for all ages
- Family pictures amidst actual bluebonnets
- Bluebonnet scavenger hunt
- Local artisans with bluebonnet inspired products: bluebonnet candles, leather goods, etc.
- Fun activities throughout the day, including:
- Archery, axe throwing & corn hole competitions
- Inflatable slide and other fun areas to play outside
- Enjoy interacting with alpacas, baby chickens & other animals
- Bluebonnet crafts and face painting
- And more surprises!
7:30 - 9:00: Family Dance under the majestic oak trees and stars with the band - Midnight Blue! Made possible by Eller Hall.
Tickets: http://MyRefugeRanch.org
A special thank you to those making this possible:
ATMOS ENERGY: Community Champion Sponsor
ELLER HALL: Production Sponsor
BELTWAY: Community Catalyst Sponsor
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY: Community Catalyst Sponsor
BRANCH COFFEEHOUSE: Refreshment Sponsor
Event Location: Refuge Ranch, 3933 FM 89, Tuscola, Tx 79562 USA
Cost (if any): $5
Jul
3
to Jul 4
Abilene Freedom Festival
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a spectacular event!
On July 3rd, everyone is invited, free of charge, to the Downtown Celebration. Beginning at 4 pm, The AFF is joining the Downtown Association with live bands, food booths, shopping, a parade and loads of fun. You can even enjoy the thrilling movie, “Independence Day,” at the Historic Paramount Theatre for an extra fee (purchase tickets on Paramount website). You can also enjoy the many restaurants, pubs and bars downtown.
A free traditional 4th of July meal will be provided to first responders and their families. This event is not open to the public due to the attendance size. However, there will be a congratulations victory line outside the south entrance of the Convention Center beginning at 6:15 pm.
On July 4th, come out for live outdoor festival concerts featuring superstar Neal McCoy, with special guests Chris Colston and Jerrod Medulla. Doors open at 4 pm and the music starts at 5 pm. Along with the great concerts there will be vendors, food trucks, a kids area and more!
Please check out this year’s Abilene Freedom Festival Cook-Off hosted by the Sweetwater Jaycees.
NOTE: The 2021 WESTEX CONNECT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR is currently scheduled for Monday night, July 5 in the Festival Gardens at Nelson Park across from the Abilene Zoo. This is a separate event from the Abilene Freedom Festival. Buy tickets for this event at https://wtconnect.ticketleap.com/2021fireworks/details
Jun
12
9:00 AM09:00
Children's Art & Literacy Festival
The 9th annual Children's Art & Literacy Festival celebrating the summer artist on display at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is a two and a half day event where books come to life. Enjoy fun activities nearly 20 venues in downtown Abilene as we celebrate the books and characters of Loren Long. Registration opens in February at www.abilenecalf.com.
Friday schedule (pass required):
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Loren Long Art Exhibition
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cookie Decorating
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Abilene Philharmonic's Instrument Petting Zoo
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Train Rides
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Face Painting
9 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Palette of Purpose Chalk Art
9 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show
9-11 a.m. Loren Long Book Signing
9:45 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
9:50 a.m. Joe McDermott Music
10 a.m.-3 p.m. May Farm Petting Zoo
10:30 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
11 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show
11:15 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
11:45 a.m. Farm Friends Storytime
12 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
12 p.m. Joe McDermott Music
12:30 p.m. Farm Friends Storytime
12:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
1 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show
1:30 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
1:50 p.m. Joe McDermott Music
2:15 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
3 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
3 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show
3:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
6 p.m. Movie at Paramount
6:30 p.m. NCCIL dinner with Lore Long (registration required)
Jun
11
9:00 AM09:00
Children's Art & Literacy Festival
The 9th annual Children's Art & Literacy Festival celebrating the summer artist on display at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is a two and a half day event where books come to life. Enjoy fun activities nearly 20 venues in downtown Abilene as we celebrate the books and characters of Loren Long. Registration opens in February at www.abilenecalf.com.
Saturday schedule (pass required):
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Loren Long Art Exhibition
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cookie Decorating
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Abilene Philharmonic's Instrument Petting Zoo
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Train Rides
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Face Painting
9 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Palette of Purpose Chalk Art
9 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show
9-11 a.m. Loren Long Book Signing
9:45 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
9:50 a.m. Joe McDermott Music
10 a.m.-3 p.m. May Farm Petting Zoo
10:30 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
11 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show
11:15 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
11:45 a.m. Farm Friends Storytime
12 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
12 p.m. Joe McDermott Music
12:30 p.m. Farm Friends Storytime
12:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
1 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show
1:30 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
1:50 p.m. Joe McDermott Music
2:15 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
3 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
3 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show
3:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities
6 p.m. Movie at Paramount
Jun
10
4:00 PM16:00
Children's Art & Literacy Festival
The 9th annual Children's Art & Literacy Festival celebrating the summer artist on display at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is a two and a half day event where books come to life. Enjoy fun activities nearly 20 venues in downtown Abilene as we celebrate the books and characters of Loren Long. Registration opens in February at www.abilenecalf.com.
Thursday schedule (events are free):
4-5:30 p.m. Costume Contest in the Elks Arts Center
5-8 p.m. Loren Long art exhibit is open and free at the NCCIL
5:30-6 p.m. Storybook Parade down Cypress Street
6:15-6:30 p.m. Storybook Sculpture Unveiling: Otis the tractor
6:30 p.m. Otis’s Putt Puff Puttedy Party in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden with entertainment and food trucks
7-8:40 p.m. Artist Talk and Book Signing with Loren Long at Paramount Theatre
Nov
1
to Nov 6
Dia de los Muertos - Virtual Family Festival
Dia de los Muertos – Virtual Family Festival
Daily virtual learning opportunities + art activities.
All museum social media channels.
