Fall in Amarillo means crisp air, golden sunsets, and a calendar packed with seasonal fun. From live music and local festivals to comfort food that hits just right, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy autumn in the Texas Panhandle. Whether you’re here for the Amarillo Tri-State Fair, a cozy café, or a concert under the stars, this 2025 fall guide covers the best dining, events, and live music in Amarillo.
Explore Fall in Amarillo:
- Self-Guided Haunted Tour
- Fall Events
- Live Music in Amarillo
- Arts in Amarillo
- Public Arts in Amarillo
- Fall Dining Picks
- Unique Amarillo Experiences
Amarillo After Dark: Self-Guided Haunted Tour
Dare to explore Amarillo's haunted side? This self-guided tour leads you to eerie landmarks where history and ghost stories linger after dark. The first 100 people to complete all the stops earn an exclusive Halloween-themed Visit Amarillo sticker sheet.
How it works:
Download the Visit Amarillo app, go to the Challenges page, select Amarillo After Dark Tour, and check in at each stop. The app uses geolocation for check-ins. No purchase necessary. Once completed, we'll mail you your exclusive Visit Amarillo sticker sheet, so be sure to fill out the contact information!
Best Fall Events in Amarillo 2025
Celebrate autumn in Amarillo with pumpkin patches, rodeos, music festivals, and family-friendly events happening all season long.
First Thursdays on 6th
September 4, 2025 | Amarillo Historic Route 66 District (6th Street)
Stroll through the Amarillo Historic Route 66 District and enjoy shopping, live music, food, and art along 6th Street.
First Friday Art Walk
September 5, 2025 | Arts in the Sunset
Explore galleries, studios, and shops at Arts in the Sunset during this monthly celebration of creativity. Meet artists, enjoy live music, and discover new works in Amarillo’s vibrant art community. This event is free and open to the public.
Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo
September 12-20, 2025 | Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds
A classic Amarillo experience. Enjoy rodeo action, carnival rides, fried food, livestock shows, and family-friendly fun.
Join us for Red Boot Affair Night at the rodeo!
Visit Amarillo is celebrating our signature dress code, Upscale Western, with a special $1,000 giveaway. Come dressed in your best Red Boot Affair look (think red boots, fringe, rhinestones, or your own Western twist) and you could walk away with the prize.
Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival
September 27 - November 2, 2025 | Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm
A family-favorite tradition with hayrides, a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, games, and fall treats.
Day of the Butterflies
September 13, 2025 | Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the magic of monarch migration with butterfly releases, hands-on activities, and garden exploration.
Sandcastle Days at Shark Beach
September 18-21 | Shark Beach Burgers
This family-friendly community event will bring together world class and local artists, students, and beach lovers of all ages for a weekend full of creativity, fun, and sunshine. Expect sandcastle building, live music, local vendors, food, and surprises throughout the beach.
Hoodoo Mural Festival
September 27, 2025 | Arts in the Sunset
A one-day festival fusing public art, live music, and local culture. This year marks Hoodoo’s debut at its new permanent home, Arts in the Sunset.
Good Times BBQ Cook-Off
October 2, 2025 | Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds
This smoky showdown brings pitmasters and BBQ lovers together for a flavorful evening of brisket, ribs, and live tunes.
Amarillo International Film Festival
October 9-11, 2025 | Arts in the Sunset
A weekend celebrating storytelling on screen. Enjoy a weekend of film, attend panels, and meet filmmakers from across the globe.
Cottonwood Faire
October 11 & 12 | Thompson Park
Experience a weekend of medieval magic at Amarillo’s Thompson Park, October 11–12. The Cottonwood Faire brings history and fantasy to life with live performances, artisan markets, themed food and drink, and family-friendly activities.
Bar Z Haunted Wine Run 5k
October 12, 2025 | Bar Z Winery
Ghouls just wanna sip and have fun! Join Bar Z Winery for their Halloween themed 5k, where costumes are encouraged.
Boo at the Zoo
October 17 & 18, 2025 | Amarillo Zoo
Dress up for a family-friendly Halloween adventure at the Amarillo Zoo. Enjoy trick-or-treating, themed activities, and more.
Jazztober
Every Tuesday in October (October 7,14,21,28, 2025) | Bivins Manson Lawn (1000 S. Polk St)
Bring a blanket and enjoy free jazz concerts on the lawn. Local talent, cool fall evenings, and a historic backdrop.
WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo
November 13-16 | Amarillo Civic Center Complex
The ultimate showcase of working cowboys and real ranch skills. This multi-day event brings teams from across the country to compete in events like bronc riding, stray gathering, and wild cow milking.
🎉 Visit Amarillo is sponsoring a special night at the rodeo: Red Boot Affair!
This is your chance to show off your best “Upscale Western” look. Think bold boots, fringe, and glam. One lucky winner will take home $1,000 for their standout Red Boot Affair outfit. Come dressed to impress.
Amarillo Arts and Culture
Fall is the perfect time to experience Amarillo's creative spirit.
The Amarillo Cultural Arts District is the official hub of the city’s creative life. Recognized by the Texas Commission on the Arts, the district brings together galleries, museums, live music, theaters, and community events. From monthly art walks to world-class performances, this is where Amarillo’s cultural spirit shines brightest.
Arts in the Sunset & Amarillo Art Institute
Arts in the Sunset is the anchor of the Amarillo Cultural Arts District. Each month, the campus hosts the First Friday Art Walk, a free event featuring open galleries, live music, food trucks, and local artist showcases. Inside, the Amarillo Art Institute invites visitors to take part in hands-on classes like painting, pottery, and photography, making it easy to experience Amarillo art in a personal way.
The Amarillo Museum of Art offers a rich collection of permanent works alongside rotating exhibitions. Guests can explore everything from Asian sculptures and paintings to modern photography and contemporary pieces. Every visit is a new opportunity to be inspired by world-class visual art in Amarillo.
Amarillo Little Theatre & Adventure Space
The Amarillo Little Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the nation. Its mainstage productions rival professional companies with their quality and heart. For something more experimental, the Adventure Space stages bold, innovative performances in an intimate setting that keeps audiences close to the action.
The Amarillo Opera brings the drama and passion of the human voice to the Texas Panhandle. Their productions blend beloved classics with adventurous new works, creating unforgettable evenings of music and storytelling.
Amarillo Symphony
The Amarillo Symphony has been performing for more than 100 years, making it one of the city’s longest-standing cultural treasures. Each season features guest conductors, world-class soloists, and a mix of timeless masterpieces and exciting new music.
Lone Star Ballet is a cornerstone of Amarillo’s performing arts scene. From classical works to contemporary choreography, their productions are both moving and visually stunning. Their annual performance of The Nutcracker is a cherished Amarillo holiday tradition.
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum connects Amarillo’s Western heritage with its cultural landscape. Visitors can learn about the history of the American Quarter Horse through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and inspiring stories of legendary horses and riders.
STOEX Design Gallery brings a modern edge to the Amarillo art scene. The gallery highlights innovative works from both established and emerging designers, offering fresh perspectives in the heart of the Cultural Arts District.
Route 66 Historic District Galleries
The Route 66 Historic District features a collection of galleries and studios where visitors can discover eclectic artwork from local and regional artists. It’s a stop that adds a creative layer to the legendary highway experience and highlights Amarillo’s role along Route 66.
Public Art in the Open Air
Amarillo art isn't confined to galleries, it's all over the city itself. Make your mark at the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, where visitors spray paint the row of half-buried cars that have become an international icon. Seek out Ozymandias, a pair of giant sculpted legs in the plains, or catch the optical illusion of the Floating Mesa hovering against the Panhandle sky. Wander through Amarillo's growing mural scene, from downtown walls to hidden neighborhood gems, and don't miss the colorful fiberglass horses of Hoof Prints of the American Quarter Horse, each painted by a local artist to celebrate the city's Western roots.
To dive deeper, check out "In Open Air," a PBS documentary that spotlights the public art of the Texas Panhandle, offering a thoughtful look at the installation that make Amarillo such a unique culture destination.
Where to Hear Live Music in Amarillo This Fall
From historic Route 66 venues to new hotspots, discover where to catch the best live music in Amarillo this fall. Mild weather means you can still catch shows on patios, in courtyards, and at local venues all season long.
Goldenlight Cafe & Cantina | 2906 SW 6th Ave
GoldenLight Cantina is the longest-running restaurant on Route 66 and one of Amarillo’s most iconic spots for live music. Sitting right on Route 66, it’s been hosting bands for decades, from local favorites to big-name acts passing through. Pro-tip, don't miss out on their burgers and fries!
Shark Beach Burgers | 1505 E Farm to Market Rd 1151
A beach in Amarillo? Yeah, you heard that right! Shark Beach Burgers is a locally owned burger joint with a coastal twist. The owners returned to Amarillo from Florida to be with family. Missing the ocean, they brought the beach with them; serving up great burgers, hosting live weekly music, and putting on concerts through the year.
Smokey Joe's | 2903 SW 6th Ave
Smokey Joe's is a staple in Amarillo's Route 66 Historic District. Come here for their laid back vibes, good food, and weekly live music.
The Western Horseman | 2501 E Interstate 40 Hwy
The Western Horseman is a revived honky-tonk where classic Amarillo charms meets chef-driven dining. They are known for their top-quality steaks and is a go-to spot for weekly live music that ranges from country to jazz.
The 806 Coffee + Lounge | 2812 SW 6th Ave
The 806 Coffee + Lounge is home to one of Amarillo's iconic 6th street hangs, known for their edgier vibe. Enjoy their coffee, craft drinks, wine, and creative crowd. They host everything from open mic nights and art shows to live music. It's a great spot for discovering new sounds and supporting local talent.
The Lumberyard | 850 N 23rd St, Canyon, TX
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Amarillo, Canyon's newest venue pairs great food with a wall of self-serve beer taps and a lineup of big-name concerts. It's quickly becoming a go to spot for catching major shows, karaoke, and live music on the weeknights.
Cozy Food Picks for Fall in Amarillo
Cooler weather automatically calls for warm and satisfying meals. From legendary steakhouses to hidden, lesser-known gems serving up global flavors, these spots are perfect for fall dining in Amarillo. Browse through more Amarillo dining listings to plan your next meal!
Green Chile Willies | 13651 I-27
Home to one of the best chicken fried steaks in Amarillo. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in gravy. This is the ultimate Texas comfort food!
Delvin's | 1300 N Hughes
A must-visit for soul food in Amarillo. Known for their BBQ, fried catfish, and hearty Southern sides that taste like home.
Girasol Cafe & Bakery | 3201 Coulter St S.
A cozy, and beloved Amarillo cafe perfect for the crisp fall weather. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes and treat yourself to some of the best pastries in town.
Hood Eats | 3703 Wolflin Ave
Serving Lao comfort food and Asian fusion, Hood Eats offers bold, flavorful dishes that warm you up. Think Lao barbeque and papaya salad, crispy egg rolls, and spam musubis.
Hacienda Meche | 626 Polk St
Known for molcajetes, fresh ceviche, and now an expanded brunch menu featuring Mexican classics like chilaquiles, Hacienda Meche is a must-try.
The Big Texan | 7701 I-40
One of the most famous restaurants in Amarillo and a Route 66 icon. Known for the 72 oz. steak challenge, but also a great place for hearty, classic Texas meals.
Unique Amarillo Experiences to Try This Fall
Explore the unique attractions and adventures that define Amarillo, from Western heritage to iconic roadside stops.
From Western culture to wide open landscapes, there's no shortage of signature Amarillo experiences. Tour the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum to learn the history of one of America's most iconic horses. Saddle up for a posse-style trail ride at Cowgirls & Cowboys in the West, and leave your mark at Cadillac Ranch. Wrap your trip up with a stroll through the Route 66 Historic District.
Plan Your Perfect Fall in Amarillo
From cozy comfort food to live music, Amarillo's fall season is full of ways to make the most of the mild weather. Whether you're grabbing chicken fried steak at a local favorite, sipping coffee before a show, or catching a concert under the stars, there's no shortage of unique places to eat, drink, and listen to the Texas Panhandle.
Check our Visit Amarillo events calendar to see what's happening next and start planning your perfect fall night out.
