BEAT THE HEAT, BEAT BOREDOM — As temperatures continue to rise into August, be sure to beat the heat and stay cool without burning a hole in your wallet. Abilene has many activities this month that are both affordable and fun. Be sure to take the opportunity to “check out your own backyard” before summer days run out.

Be sure to take a “Sunset Safari” before the summer ends. Sunset Safari allows you to enjoy your visit longer during the summertime with extended hours until 9 p.m. every Thursday through Labor Day. Mark your calendars and enjoy the “Spots and Stripes” Summer Concert Series. Wheeler and Deegan will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. in the zoo pavilion on August 27. Regular price for admission. For more information, call (325) 676-6085.

“Sweeney Todd” Dinner Theatre continues to run at McMurry University’s Amy Graves Ryan Little Theatre, Thursday-Saturday. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after spending 15 years in an Australian prison on false charges. Dinner at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Thursday, $2 discount on all tickets. For more information, call (325) 793-3889.

Enjoy an afternoon in historic downtown Abilene at Downtown Dayz — a day of shopping, art, walking tour, food and more, Saturday. Pick out some fresh, homegrown produce from the Farmers’ Market at N. 2nd and Mesquite, beginning at 7 a.m. Piano students will be performing at the Center for Contemporary Arts. Take advantage of the Downtown Dayz discounts and savings! Texas Star Trading Co. will host a book signing with Dixie Cash, 1-3 p.m. There will be a promotional sale of Downtown Dollars from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Minter Park. Candies by Vletas will give away a free gift with purchase. Enjoy the “Buy One, Get One Half-Price” jean sale at Ya Ya Gurlz. Mention “Downtown Days” at Frontier Texas! and the Grace Museum to receive $1 off admission. Relics will offer free frozen margaritas for shoppers. For a full list of activities, visit www.abilenedowntown.com.

Take part in the Chautauqua Learning Series at Buffalo Gap Historic Village on Saturday. This month’s lecture will feature “The Management and Suppression of Oak Wilt” with Melissa Sturdivant, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Village Gallery. Admission is $7, and includes lecture and admission to the Village. For more information, call (325) 572-3365.

Step inside from the heat and enjoy the current exhibits at The Grace Museum. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see “Best Friends: The Dog as Subject in Fine Art Photography.” These iconic photos from the Alice and Bill Wright Collection capture the truth and loyalty behind man’s four-legged best friend. Through Sept. 18. The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. For more information, call (325) 673-4587.

Speaking of those “Dog Days of Summer,” bring the entire family, including the dog, next week to ArtWalk, Aug. 13. Celebrate your furry friends at the dog parade and costume contest in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy live music, exhibits, museums, street vendors and more! ArtWalk is coordinated monthly by The Center for Contemporary Arts to celebrate visual and performing arts within the historical downtown district. Free. 5 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (325) 677-8389.

Don’t forget—a great way to see all of Abilene’s attractions before the summer ends is to purchase a Roundup Pass. The pass will admit you into all of Abilene’s attractions for one low price. Cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 16 and younger. Purchase it at any Abilene attraction or at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1101 N. 1st St.

For information about all of Abilene’s events and attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com or call (325) 676-2556.