Good morning, Abilene.

Elementary students from Clyde CISD raised more than $2,000 during a school coin drive on Friday — their check donation will help repair the Bulldog Community Park splash pad set to reopen in May.

Abilene will open splash pads at local parks + community centers as summer recreation begins, offering residents a new way to cool off during warmer days.

Abilene will celebrate cowboy culture with the annual Western Heritage Classic at the Taylor County Expo Center from May 7 to 10.

The four-day event will include a ranch rodeo, a national horse show finals, and the nation’s largest bit and spur show.

Students at TSTC (Texas State Technical College) practiced emergency response in a simulated mass casualty crash on campus in Abilene, sharpening skills in patient extraction, triage, and teamwork.

The exercise provided critical real-world experience to prepare them for future emergencies.

Santa Rita Elementary School’s fifth grade robotics team is set to travel to Missouri for the World VEX Robotics Competition, where they will test their skills + teamwork in robotics and engineering.

The event will showcase student achievement in a hands-on learning environment.

Abilene Vet Center is offering a new archery program at the Abilene Bow Hunters Association range to help veterans reduce stress and build social connections — many veterans have made these sessions a calming monthly ritual that complements traditional counseling.

Abilene Environmental Health Division inspected local restaurants during April 13-17 and found issues ranging from warm milk to black mold — a Subway at 4498 Buffalo Gap Road faced priority violations that were corrected on site.

At Noah Project's 15th annual Golf Tournament and Helicopter Ball Drop, a golfer whose ball landed closest to the hole won a Sandhill Crane hunt for four.

The event drew local competitors together (testing skill and luck) in a unique sports challenge.

Toadies Live at Potosi

7-10 p.m. — Fun Town RV Event Center — All Ages — Experience Toadies performing their new album 'The Charmer' crafted with the legendary Steve Albini.

Bob Dylan Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Abilene Convention Center — Tickets on sale Dec 12 — Experience the legendary Bob Dylan on the final stop of his U.S. tour showcasing his iconic songwriting.

Big Country CASA’s Superhero 5K

9-10:30 a.m. — Williams Performing Arts Center — Registration required — Race to support CASA and enjoy a superhero-themed fun run.

2026 RHAA National Finals

10 AM – 10 AM — Western Heritage Classic — Entry fees apply — Watch some of the best ranch horses and riders compete for championship titles in Abilene, Texas.

24K Magic: Bruno Mars Tribute Show

7-8 p.m. — Potosi Live — $30 and $57 — Experience the electrifying energy of the #1 Bruno Mars tribute band while supporting a scholarship fund.

TLCA Eagles Spring Market

4-7 p.m. — Elm Creek at Wylie Subdivision — Support local vendors — Enjoy a fun shopping experience with student and local vendors for Mother’s Day weekend.

Big Country Veterans Expo and Car Show

9 AM - 2 PM — Taylor County Coliseum — Free entry — Discover essential resources for veterans while enjoying a fun car show.

Jay Moore: News from Abilene

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets $12 — Enjoy an evening of storytelling and laughter with historian Jay Moore as he shares tales from Abilene.