Small Town, Big EVENTS
Fort Griffin Fandangle
When: Last two weekends in June
Every summer, Albany comes alive with the Fort Griffin Fandangle, the oldest outdoor musical in Texas and one of the community’s proudest traditions. First staged in 1938, the Fandangle tells the story of the Texas frontier, blending history, music, dance, and pageantry into a production unlike any other. Performed in an acre-sized amphitheater under the stars, the show transports audiences back to the days of pioneers, cattle drives, and early settlement on the Western frontier.
What makes the Fandangle truly remarkable is the community behind it. More than 400 Albany residents of all ages come together as cast and crew, volunteering their time and talents to bring the story to life. Families pass down roles from one generation to the next, creating a legacy that is as much about community pride as it is about performance. Horses, wagons, longhorn cattle, and elaborate sets all play a part in the spectacle, adding authenticity and excitement to each show.
The Fandangle is staged during the last two weekends of June and regularly draws thousands of visitors from across Texas and beyond. Audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the state’s history and the spirit of Albany, a town that has embraced storytelling as a way to celebrate its roots. Whether it is your first time or your fiftieth, the Fort Griffin Fandangle promises an unforgettable evening of music, history, and community under the wide Texas sky.
Polo on the Prairie
When: April
Each spring, Polo on the Prairie brings together spectators, players, and supporters for one of the region’s most anticipated annual traditions. What began in 1987 as a small gathering of two polo teams and a few hundred supporters has grown into a spectacular event that combines world-class polo with philanthropy, entertainment, and community spirit. Set against the wide-open backdrop of the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch, the event now draws more than 1,200 spectators who come to enjoy both the action on the field and the atmosphere off of it.
The event was founded in the mid-1980s by Mary Anne McCloud of Eastland and inspired by her son-in-law, polo enthusiast Henry Musselman, who transformed a pasture into a regulation polo field. From the very beginning, Polo on the Prairie has been dedicated to supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center, and over the years it has raised more than $10 million to fund cancer research and treatment programs. Today, it stands as MD Anderson’s longest-running fundraising event, uniting visitors, volunteers, and players in a shared mission to fight cancer while celebrating life.
But Polo on the Prairie is about more than just polo. A highlight every year is the post-match concert, which features a big-name musical act that always proves to be a fan favorite, creating an unforgettable finale to the day’s festivities. Attendees also enjoy festive gatherings, good food, and the unique experience of watching one of the world’s oldest sports in a distinctly Texas setting. The combination of thrilling matches, small-town hospitality, star-powered entertainment, and a meaningful cause makes this event a highlight of the calendar and a reminder of how a community can come together to make a lasting difference.
CAREFEST
When: Mid-August
Going into its 8th year in 2026, CareFest has become a signature fundraising event that brings music, community, and generosity together for a greater cause. Hosted at the Happy Wife Happy Life Wedding and Events venue, CareFest raises money for ResourceCare’s Outreach Programs, with 100 percent of profits going directly back into surrounding communities. What began as a creative way to support healthcare outreach has grown into an annual tradition that reflects the spirit of giving across the Big Country.
The funds raised at CareFest support a wide range of programs that directly impact lives, including Vittles by Vehicle, ASPIRE after-school programs, Day Camp for children, Senior Citizen Day, Toys for Tots, Back to School Supplies, and the Emergency Assistance Program.
These initiatives touch six different communities, ensuring that children, teens, families, and seniors all benefit from the generosity generated at the event. Each year, volunteers and supporters rally around the mission, knowing their efforts make a real difference in their neighbors’ lives.
At its heart, CareFest is a day-long music festival that keeps the energy high from start to finish. The stage has welcomed some of the biggest names in Texas country, including Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Stoney LaRue, Parker McCollum, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Cody Canada and the Departed, and Cory Morrow. With a full lineup of fan-favorite artists, food, and fellowship, CareFest offers an unforgettable experience while continuing to fuel programs that serve the region year-round.
Albany Classic Car Show
When: April
Now heading into its 19th year in 2026, the Albany Classic Car Show has become a favorite springtime tradition that fills downtown Albany with chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia. Dozens of vintage cars and trucks from across the Big Country roll in for the event, giving visitors the chance to admire everything from antiques and hot rods to customs and classics. The show offers something for everyone, whether you’re a serious car enthusiast or simply enjoy taking in the polished beauty of restored vehicles on a Saturday afternoon.
The festivities actually kick off the night before with a popular Friday evening burger supper and burnout at Clear Fork Bank Park. The fundraiser supper brings the community together in a relaxed setting, while the burnout event adds an extra dose of excitement, giving fans an early taste of the high-octane weekend ahead. It has become a tradition in its own right and sets the stage for the full day of activities on Saturday.
Awards are a highlight of the show, with categories such as Best of Show and People’s Choice giving participants and spectators a chance to celebrate standout vehicles. Out-of-town judges bring a fair and consistent scoring system, while local sponsors provide trophies, plaques, and door prizes. Food vendors, local fundraisers, and downtown shops all contribute to the lively atmosphere, with Clear Fork Bank Park serving as a central hub for gathering and activities. For nearly two decades, the Albany Classic Car Show has combined small-town hospitality with big-time style, earning its spot as one of the community’s signature annual events.
Live Music
When: Year round
Music is woven into the culture of Albany, and visitors will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy live performances throughout the year. At the center of it all is the historic Aztec Theater, which now hosts four to six concerts annually. The venue has welcomed legendary Texas artists and crowd favorites such as Gary P. Nunn, Pat Green, Paul Cauthen, Neal McCoy, Shane Smith & The Saints, James McMurtry, Reckless Kelly, and many more. With its intimate atmosphere and unique setting, the Aztec offers a concert experience that feels both personal and unforgettable.
Albany’s dining scene also plays a big part in keeping the music going. Goodnight Steakhouse & Saloon and The Icehouse regularly feature live performers, bringing a lively energy to nights out in town. Both restaurants double as gathering spots for locals and visitors, offering not just great food but also memorable evenings of entertainment in a relaxed setting.
These venues also support the community’s largest annual fundraiser by hosting CareFest’s Battle of the Bands and Acoustic Showdown, giving up-and-coming performers the chance to shine on stage. It’s not unusual for guests to catch an act on the rise, making Albany a place where you might discover the next big name in Texas music. Whether you’re seated in the Aztec’s historic rows or enjoying dinner and a show at a local restaurant, live music in Albany is always worth adding to your stay.
Living History Days at Fort Griffin
When: Friday & Saturday - Weekend before Columbus Day
Law and order may have been restored to the old frontier town of Fort Griffin—but every October, the past comes roaring back to life with a few shots still fired across the prairie.
Fort Griffin Living History Days transforms the historic site into a bustling frontier town filled with gunslingers, soldiers, Native Americans, buffalo hunters, Texas Longhorns, and settlers. Crowds gather to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of Texas in the late 1800s, brought to life by re-enactors in full period dress.
The weekend begins with a special School Day, when hundreds of area students take a journey through time. Children watch live demonstrations and interact with historical figures—from blacksmiths and soldiers to frontier women and gamblers—gaining hands-on insight into life on the Texas frontier.
Throughout the event, all three branches of the military are represented, including cavalry, artillery, and infantry units. Visitors can walk through camps of buffalo hunters and trail drivers, stroll into period-style saloons and general stores, and witness demonstrations of 19th-century cooking, spinning, and taffy making. Re-enactors portray Indian scouts, gamblers share the art of poker, and attractions like the Camel Corps or a stagecoach replica often round out the immersive experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a one-of-a-kind family outing, Living History Days at Fort Griffin offers an unforgettable glimpse into the wild and rugged roots of West Texas.
Albany Mainstreet Playhouse
When: Shows throughout the year
Since 1999, the Albany Mainstreet Playhouse (AMP) has brought high-quality theater to the heart of Albany. Its very first production, Barefoot in the Park, set the tone for what would become a longstanding tradition of excellence. Over the years, AMP has staged more than 40 plays and musicals, drawing audiences from across Texas who come to experience performances that rival theaters in much larger cities. Guest directors and talented local casts have helped make each season unique, filling Albany with laughter, music, and drama.
Although AMP is a separate organization from the historic Aztec Theater, the iconic venue often serves as its home stage, providing a one-of-a-kind setting where local productions come to life. Among the many shows performed there, one of the most popular was Always…Patsy Cline, which played to sold-out crowds and even toured across Texas before returning to Albany. The success of productions like this reflects the quality and energy AMP has become known for, continually raising the bar for community theater in the region.In 2024, AMP was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ushering in a new era of growth and creativity. Today, the Playhouse not only entertains but also supports local visual and performing arts programs, ensuring theater remains a vital part of Albany’s cultural fabric. With its talented casts, loyal audiences, and commitment to the arts, the Albany Mainstreet Playhouse continues to prove that world-class theater can thrive in small-town Texas.