Events in Abilene today

Get started on the road the smart way with the MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC). This two-day course covers motorcycle basics and safety-focused mental strategies, with motorcycles and helmets provided. The program includes a 5-hour eCourse plus 11 hours of riding instruction over both days, and attendance is required for Saturday and Sunday. You’ll need to complete the required eCourse in advance, bring your completion certificate on the first day, and you’ll receive a TX DPS certificate after finishing to help you apply for the M endorsement.

The Food Bank of West Central Texas will hold a drive-through pantry distribution where visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles and complete registration on site. Food assistance is available for households that meet income qualifications and will be provided while supplies last. To help the process move quickly, have your total household income, your residential address, the number of people in your household, and a phone number ready.

This family friendly program offers a free art activity in the museum studio, inspired by the current exhibit. Participants can create together and connect with the works on display through an activity based on the exhibition.

Celebrate the close of summer with a lively backyard-themed dance party for children ages 3 to 6 at Prep Academy Dance in Abilene. Kids will enjoy creative movement, playful games, music-filled activities, and summer-themed fun that encourage laughter, friendship, and growing confidence. Perfect for little ones who love to dance, play, or simply have fun, this experience helps create happy memories before the school year begins. Capacity is limited.

Celebrate the 2026 Dyess We Care Team Awards Banquet with an evening of recognition and appreciation for the people making a difference in the community. Expect laughs, inspiration, and special acknowledgement for honorees, plus dessert provided by Life Of Pie. Dress code is “PicNic Casual,” with DWCT shirts and comfy shorts encouraged.

Catch a classic western, The Cowboys, in the Paramount film series. The story follows a rancher getting ready for a cattle drive, only to have his crew quit, forcing him to enlist a group of local schoolboys and train them as cowboys. As the journey gets underway, the herd is threatened by a bandit determined to steal it. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students, seniors (60+), military, and children.

A live music performance will take place at Ice House.

This songwriters open mic invites performers to share original work or play covers. Enter through the interior entrance at Majestic Coffee. Signups take place on site, with music beginning shortly afterward. Performances happen live on stage and are also streamed on YouTube. Original songs are encouraged, and covers are welcome when they include instrumental accompaniment.

Bring your companion for dog training classes that offer a chance to pick up new skills together and strengthen your bond.

Evan Christian brings live music to start the week, joined by guest performers each Monday.

A free, all-ages open studio at the NCCIL art studio offers self-directed creative time. During designated weeks in the summer, the studio is open Tuesday through Friday and provides a relaxed space for creative exploration.

Test your music knowledge in a clip based trivia challenge. Participants listen to short snippets of songs, write down their guesses, and compete for prizes in a friendly game format.

Aldersgate Methodist Church will host a mobile food pantry distribution organized by the Food Bank of West Central Texas. Food assistance is available to income-qualified households while supplies last. Those seeking assistance should be ready to provide total household income, residential address, the number of people in the household, and a phone number.

John Anderson takes the stage at Paramount Abilene. He emerged on the country charts in the late 1970s and rose to the top in the 1980s with No. 1 hits such as “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’,” and “Black Sheep.” After a quieter stretch, he returned to No. 1 in 1992 with “Straight Tequila Night,” his first chart-topper in nine years. The success continued into the 2000s, and across four consecutive decades he has placed 60 singles on the country charts.