5 Ways to Celebrate Buddy Holly’s Birthday in Lubbock

By: Aubrie Harris

A local rock ‘n’ roll legend’s birthday is just around the corner. On September 7, the music community will celebrate Buddy Holly’s 87th birthday. Learn more about Lubbock’s favorite son and how you can join the festivities below.

Ever since he was young, Buddy enjoyed listening to and making music. He rocketed to fame in 1957 with the Billboard topper “That’ll Be the Day” which he recorded with The Crickets. Later, his solo career took off with the production of “Peggy Sue,” “Rave On,” and many others before his sudden passing in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. Here are a few ways you can celebrate and honor this local legend while you’re in Lubbock:

The Buddy Holly Center is hosting a special bash in honor of Buddy Holly’s birthday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on September 7. There will be all-day screenings of “Buddy Holly: Listen to Me.” A curator tour will take place at 2 p.m., and the J.I. Allison House will be open for viewing from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is a family-friendly event with children’s activities offered all day, live performances by The Rock Masons Band and a variety of food trucks opening after 4 p.m.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate that are off the beaten path, make a stop at Two Docs Brewing Co. for its craft brew named after the rock star himself, the Buddy Hoppy IPA. This craft brew was created with the same pioneering spirit Buddy Holly brought to rock ‘n’ roll.  

Spend some time looking at the larger-than-life statue of Buddy Holly before walking through the plaques surrounding the statue. These plaques honor Buddy Holly himself and other West Texans who made it big in the arts and entertainment industry. 

Inside of The Buddy Holly Performing Arts and Sciences Center is the restaurant Rave On. This upscale restaurant, named after one of Buddy’s top singles, while not having any specific celebration for his birthday, is a great place to eat a high-end lunch or dinner in a place inspired by the rock ‘n’ roll legend. 

In the Heart of Lubbock, Buddy Holly is buried underneath a guitar-decorated gravestone with the pre-fame spelling of his family name – Buddy Holley. A respectful stop at this historical marker is a way to honor Buddy. If you want to do something extra special, bring a guitar pick to leave by his gravesite in remembrance.

There are many ways to celebrate this rock ‘n’ roll legend in the Lubbock area. Don’t let the celebration stop too soon. Stop by the top music venues in the area to keep the music and party going. We just ask that you celebrate and memorialize respectfully. 

Share how you celebrated Buddy Holly’s birthday with us using #LiveLoveLubbock!