Good morning, Abilene.

The Ceramic Invitational returns this weekend with events at SAMFA, the Chicken Farm, Mayer Museum, Galley Verde (and other venues) that showcase local ceramic art.

HSU held its 43rd Annual Western Heritage Day today to give elementary students and daycare providers a close-up view of Texas frontier life (with activities like sheep shearing, folk dancing, and animal petting) despite rainy weather.

The event ended with a picnic lunch for families and educators.

Abilene ISD named Michele Josselet as the new principal of Clack Middle School; she is currently the principal at Alcorta Elementary and will start when school begins for 2025-26—she brings 25 years of teaching and leadership experience.

The Texas Education Agency released new 2023 accountability scores for Region 14 school districts, showing drops in ratings—Roscoe ISD fell from 85 to 59 while Abilene ISD scored 72.

The decline follows changes in the TEA's scoring criteria and a legal battle over notifying districts, and the agency will issue 2025 ratings in August.

The City of Abilene suspended the Public Information Act requirements from April 22-28 after a cyber attack hit its internal city network servers - the move follows Texas Government Code Section 552.2325 that lets governmental bodies suspend the act during a catastrophe.

Zoobilation Gala 2025

12-5 a.m. — Abilene Zoo — Tickets required — Experience the rugged western frontier with live music, dancing, and bold cocktails.

Where Horses Heal the Soul

7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Learn how equine-assisted therapies are transforming lives through a powerful documentary screening.

An Evening with David Sedaris

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets $49 - $79 — Enjoy a night of humor and storytelling from one of America's pre-eminent satire writers.

Rain - A Tribute To The Beatles

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — $49-$69 — Experience the magic of The Beatles with this vibrant tribute performance.

Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K Fun Run

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Williams Performing Arts Center — Entry fee details not specified — Participate as a superhero to support children in need during this fun run.

Paramount Laughs: Beningo & Boronkay

7-10 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $19 - $29 — Enjoy a night of clean comedy with Andy Beningo and Bill Boronkay bringing laughter about family and marriage.

Jake Hooker & The Outsiders Concert

10 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an evening of country music with Jake Hooker & The Outsiders.

Etched in Embers Live Concert

8 PM - 2 AM — The Zone — $6.25 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Etched in Embers, fresh off their tour with Papa Roach and featuring local bands.

Buffalo Gap Flea Market

11:00 PM - 10:59 PM — Buffalo Gap Flea Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of unique items at this leading local flea market.

Lockjaw Concert

7-8 p.m. — The Zone — Ticket prices unknown — Experience the Monster Inside Texas Tour with top Texas bands in an electrifying live performance.