Fandangle opens 88th season this weekend

The Fort Griffin Fandangle will open its 88th season Friday night at the Prairie Theater, beginning two weekends of performances that annually draw thousands of visitors to Albany.

The first performances of the 2026 production are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, with the final two shows set for June 26-27.

For nearly nine decades, the Fort Griffin Fandangle has told the story of the settlement of Shackelford County and the Clear Fork area through music, dance, narration, horseback scenes and dramatic reenactments. Hundreds of local volunteers participate in the production each year, with many families represented by multiple generations on stage.

Final rehearsals have been underway this week as cast members, musicians, horse riders and backstage crews prepare for opening night.

Gates at the Prairie Theater will open at 7:00 p.m. each evening, followed by a calliope concert performed by Louann George at 7:30 p.m. The Fandangle performance begins at 8:30 p.m.

Ticket sales have been strong leading into opening weekend, with several sections filling quickly over the past few weeks. Tickets remain available for all four performances and may be purchased online at ­FortGriffinFandangle.com or through the Fandangle office.

Improvements at the

Prairie Theater

Visitors attending this year’s performances will be welcomed by a new entrance archway at the Prairie Theater.

The custom structure was installed earlier this week after being donated by a supporter of the association. The archway was designed and built by Albany metal artist Joe Barrington and was completed in time for opening weekend.

The new entrance creates a prominent focal point as guests enter the theater grounds and represents one of the most visible improvements made to the facility in recent years.

Another project completed this spring is located behind the scenes.

Through the association’s capital fundraising campaign, a new prop barn has been constructed to provide dedicated storage space for props, set pieces and production materials used throughout the show. While not visible to audience members, the building will help preserve many of the items used in the production and provide improved storage for future generations of cast members and volunteers.

Activities around

town

While the Fandangle remains the centerpiece of the two-week celebration, visitors will find numerous activities taking place throughout Albany during both weekends.

Fort Griffin State Historic Site will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Old Jail Art Center will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while the Albany Car Museum will welcome visitors from noon until 7:00 p.m.

The Shackelford County Courthouse will be open for tours from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. each day, and the Albany Study Club’s annual Quilt Show will be open at the Whitney Theatre during the same hours.

Local musician Sandy Abel will present tracker organ performances from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church, while the Historic Picket House will be open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The City Pool will be open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day, and visitors are encouraged to spend time exploring downtown Albany’s shops, restaurants and attractions. Several members of the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd will also be on display around the courthouse square during show weekends.

The Shackelford County Library will be open from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Fridays during both weekends.

Several long-standing Fandangle traditions are also scheduled during the two-week run.

The Icehouse Cowboy Breakfast will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. on both Saturdays.

The annual Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, around the Shackelford County Courthouse square.

During the second weekend, the Old Jail Art Center will host a Native American Dance Performance from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.