MARCH

  March 19-20-21 - Shamrock
64th ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION... Salute the Irish in Shamrock with the Donegal beard-growing contest, carnival rides, parade, crafts, rodeo events, Miss Irish Rose pageant, motorcycle rally, Lad & Lassie contest and dance.(806) 256-2501.

APRIL

  April 16-18 - Lubbock
LUBBOCK ARTS FESTIVAL... Enjoy the largest fine arts and crafts event in West Texas! Festival presents visual art, music, theater, dance, a culinary event, and children’s activities. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. (806) 744-2787.

  April 17 - Albany
4th ANNUAL WRM CLASSIC CAR SHOW... Begins with cowboy breakfast 7am-10:30am. Over 100 cars are expected with 24 classes. Trophies go to out of town visitors, with local cars on display only. Also enjoy food/craft vendors and newly remodeled drug store serving beverages & desserts. This show is in memory of Watt R. Matthews, one of Albany’s most loved ranchers. Sponsored by Albany Chamber of Commerce: (325) 762-2525. Website: www.albanytexas.com. Email: chamberc@bitstreet.com.

  April 24 - Turkey
BOB WILLS DAY... Events honoring the legendary creator of western swing feature a fiddler’s contest, arts and crafts, dances, a parade, midnight breakfast, BBQ and musical performances by The Texas Playboys and others. www.turkeytexas.net. (806) 423-1033 or (806) 423-1491.

MAY

  May 1 - Sonora
VIVA SONORA CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION ... Parade, arts & crafts booths, food booths, dancing under the stars, children’s rides, entertainment, and Miss Cinco de Mayo contest. For more information, visit www.sonoratx-chamber.com or call (888) 387-2880 or (325) 387-2880. 

  May 14-16 - Midland
27th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS... Use your IMAGINEnation at this event set in Midland’s downtown and newly renovated Centennial Plaza. Enjoy concerts, outdoor entertainment, interactive art experiences, 70 visual artists indoors, street concert, festival refreshments and much more! (432) 687-1149.

  May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 8, 15, 22, August 5 - Odessa - HOT SUMMER NIGHTS WITH COOL MUSIC... From Texas Swing to bluegrass, oldies rock and roll to jazz, and much more—a different musical journey every Friday night. Free admission. Noel Heritage Park in downtown Odessa, 5th & Sam Houston Streets. Snacks available for purchase; no alcohol. Sponsored by Odessa Council for Arts & Humanities and Main Street Odessa. (432) 337-1492. www.odessaarts.org.

JUNE

  June 9-12 - Snyder
WEST TEXAS WESTERN SWING FESTIVAL... Hear the “best of the best” western swing musicians at this annual gathering, including Leon Rausch, Eddie McAlvain, Jody Nix & Texas Cowboys, Billy Mata & the Texas Tradition, Larry Lange & the Lone Star Troubadours, and more. The Coliseum. (325) 573-3558, or fax (325) 573-9721.

  June 11-13 - San Elizario
BILLY THE KID FESTIVAL... In 1876, Billy the Kid visited San Elizario! In June 2010, learn the historical truths behind this event as the historic breakout of Billy’s friend from the old El Paso County Jail is re-enacted. See an original one-act play, tour the jail and 17 other historic sites, plus arts & crafts, concessions and more festivities. 9am-6pm daily.  info@billythekidfestival.com, (915) 594-8424, or www.BillyTheKidFestival.com. 

  June 14-19 and June 24-26 - Albany
FORT GRIFFIN FANDANGLE... Re-capturing the look and feel of the old west with singing, dancing, cowboys, horses and a herd of Texas Longhorns. Chronicles are portrayed in this renowned outdoor amphitheater production with a local 400-member musical cast. BBQ each night at 5pm. For additional details, visit www.fortgriffinfandangle.org, call (325) 762-3838, or email fandangle@bitstreet.com.

  June 26-27 - Morton
TEXAS’ LAST FRONTIER HERITAGE CELEBRATION... Cochran County celebrates its frontier heritage with Buffalo Soldier encampment, story-telling, parade, musical entertainers, free country and western dance, antique car show, BBQ lunch, ham-burger supper, campfire sing-along, and more. (806) 266-5038.

AUGUST

  August 13-14 - Sonora
SUTTON COUNTY DAYS & PRCA RODEO ... Outdoor rodeo and dances, parade, craft fair, retail vendors, food booths, children’s games and much, much more. Located at Sutton County Park and Arena Complex. For additional information, visit www.sonoratx-chamber.com, or call (325) 387-2880 or (888) 387-2880.

OCTOBER

  October 2-3 - Sonora
WEST TEXAS CHAMPIONSHIP COOKOFF ... Featuring horseshoe & washer pitching and dancing under the stars. Located at Sutton County Park and Arena Complex. For more information, call (888) 387-2880 or (325) 387-2880. www.sonoratx-chamber.com.  v