Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

• April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
• June 13 • 9:15 PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
• September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Herbarium Workshop
Join us for a hands-on introduction to creating your own herbarium. Learn how to collect, press, and preserve plant specimens like a botanist.

 May 13
 10:30–11:30 AM
 Alibates Visitor Center
 Free and open to all

A great activity for nature lovers, students, and families.

Presenter:  Ranger Gigi Amerman, NPS

Look up with us!

On May 23, Dr. Arthur Scheider (emeritus, Amarillo College) leads a special Star Party at the Alibates Visitor Center from 8:30–10:30 PM.
Bring a lawn chair and get ready for an unforgettable night sky experience.

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

• April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
• June 13 • 9:15 PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
• September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith Friends Group hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films and a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.

The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2.  Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandle’s most scenic spots.   Movies begin at sunset. 

*no dogs allowed except service animals

*Movie will be canceled in case of inclement weather. 

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films with a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.

The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2.  Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandle’s most scenic spots.

*no dogs allowed except service dogs. 

A Night of Patriotism, Community, and Pure Summer Magic

As the sun dips behind the mesas and the lake settles into twilight, anticipation builds. Families spread out blankets, kids wave glow sticks, and the smell of summer hangs in the air. There’s something special about watching fireworks burst over the water—each color reflecting across the lake like a painting that lasts only a moment.

This year’s show begins at 9:30 PM, timed perfectly so the sky is dark enough for every spark, shimmer, and boom to shine at full brilliance.

Tips for a Great Evening

• Arrive early to snag a great spot—this event draws a crowd.
• Bring a light jacket; evenings by the lake can cool off quickly.
• Don’t forget your camera. Fireworks over the water make for incredible photos.

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

• April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
• June 13 • 9:15
•  PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
• September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Discover the incredible story of the Monarch Butterfly as it travels thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico in one of the most astonishing migrations on Earth.  Learn why Monarch populations are declining, what conservation efforts are underway, and how you can help protect this iconic species.

Then enjoy a relaxing, creative session as we watercolor wildflowers the Monarch loves — including the beautiful Coneflower.  All supplies are provided!

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Capacity: Limited to 20 participants
Activity: Learn, paint, and explore Monarch conservation
Cost: All materials included
Reservations: Call 806‑886‑3826 to save your spot

• The epic migration of the Monarch Butterfly
• Why their population is decreasing
• How conservation efforts are making a difference
• Hands‑on watercolor painting of Monarch‑friendly wildflowers
• A fun, educational experience for all ages

Space is limited — once we reach 20 participants, registration closes.
Call 806‑886‑3826 to sign up.

Let’s celebrate the Monarch and learn how to keep its journey alive for generations.

Antleope Creek Village Tours in October 

Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village. Each Saturday in October, meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People, who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD. Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains.

This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions.

To protect this fragile cultural site:
• Do not touch or remove artifacts
• Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger
• No dogs allowed, except service animals

Participation is limited to 25 people, and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑886-3826 to secure your spot.

Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.