A Wine Festival Weekend in Lubbock, Texas

By: Maggi Gallaspy

For the second year in a row, this one-of-a-kind event is bringing wineries, breweries and vendors from across the state to Downtown Lubbock. A showcase of the best of the Texas beverage industry, The Texas Wines, Hops & Shops Wine & Beer Festival is a libation connoisseur’s dream. Celebrating what it means to be Texas grown and made, festival goers will have the opportunity to explore McPherson Cellars winery, shop local arts and vendors, listen to live music and grab a bite from local food trucks. 

To make the most of your time downtown, check out our weekend itinerary centered around the Wines, Hops & Shops Festival!

McPherson Cellars sits along Texas Ave. and is within walking distance of a few top-notch accommodations in the downtown area. 

The Pioneer Pocket Hotel is nearly a century old, dating back to the roaring twenties. If you love history or want to step back in time, this boutique hotel is only a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from McPherson Cellars. This luxury accommodation impresses with 10 themed rooms paying homage to different aspects of Hub City history. The best part? When you want a bite to eat, three floors down from your room, you’ll find The Brewery LBK and The West Table Kitchen & Bar. 

The Cotton Court Hotel is another downtown gem. With its expansive courtyard, heated outdoor pool and Midnight Shift restaurant, it draws in visitors year-round. The mid-century modern flair pays tribute to cotton farming and is eye-catching in every way. Under a 20-minute walk and a 3-minute drive to the festival, the Cotton Court is another great place to act as your home base for the weekend. Be sure to check out the live music lineup while you’re in town. 

When you arrive in Lubbock, take the evening easy after checking in to your accommodations. If you’re tired of sitting after a day of travel, stretch your legs by walking to dinner at one of downtown’s hottest spots. 

Dirk’s is a fan-favorite fried chicken heaven. From the fresh gulf oysters to the Korean fried chicken and every mouth-watering side offered, the menu serves up chicken in several different ways. Rotisserie, fried tenders or Nashville hot style, there’s no wrong choice. Pair your meal with the Margarita de Tejas or one of their other craft cocktails. While enjoying dinner, be sure to check out the artwork by Dirk West.

If you have extra time when you arrive, downtown is home to a few great activities. The Buddy Holly Center is filled with history and memorabilia dedicated to the music of West Texas and Buddy Holly. You can also explore the arts by going on a drive-it-yourself downtown mural tour or viewing an art gallery in the Depot district!

Rise and shine! Kick your day off with a latte from Monomyth Coffee! Located on Broadway and Avenue Q, this shop is a 10-minute walk from Downtown. Monomyth offers specialty drinks like the Cold Brew Cola which blends the house cold brew and Coca-Cola, as well as house-made syrups like the local favorite Bourbon Maple. Be sure the check out what seasonal drinks are available during your visit. This spring, Monomyth has created a strawberry matcha that we can’t stop thinking about. For breakfast options, Monomyth has partnered with a local bakery, Brulee Bakery, to offer guests delicious locally made pastries and treats. We recommend the traditional Texas kolache! 

Here’s a breakdown of everything festival related:

General admission tickets are $45 and can be purchased online ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased until 5 p.m. the day of the festival, so it’s not too late to start planning your weekend of wine now. Included in the ticket purchase is admission to the wine and beer festival (10 drink tickets included), shops & boutiques, and the downtown Lubbock concert. With your wristband, you’ll be able to taste from 25+ stations, allowing you the opportunity to test your palate and discover Texas’ best beverages.

While you browse, live music will be played all day in the concert tent. And when it’s time for lunch or a mid-day snack, local food trucks will be lined up from noon to 5 p.m. 

Be sure to stick around for the celebratory concert with headliners The Legal Limit. 

11:30am: Wristband Pickup Begins

12:00pm – 5:00pm: Winery & Brewery Tasting

12:00pm – 5:00pm: Sip & Shop pop up shops & boutiques

5:00pm – 7:00pm: Downtown Lubbock Concert

A detailed festival lineup is available on the event website. 

After the festival, feast at one of downtown’s best restaurants. If you’re in the mood to continue your wine tour, head to Burklee Hill Vineyards for shareables, sandwiches, salads, entrees and pizzettes. 

Downtown is also home to Double Nickel Steakhouse. Choose from steak and seafood selections to pair with eclectic wine or handcrafted cocktails. This modern saloon-style steakhouse is serving up classics with flair. 

Before you head out, have brunch at Claraboya Scratch Kitchen + Bar located in the Doubletree by Hilton. The Sunday brunch is from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and serves elevated classics like the cinnamon roll with a bourbon glaze and eccentric dishes like duck enchiladas. 

If you want something quick on your way out of town, Nashwell Cafe is well worth a drop-in. This Australian cafe has bakery items and a set daily menu that offers both American and Australian classics. 

We hope you enjoy your weekend at the Texas Wines, Hops & Shops Wine & Beer Festival. When posting to social media, share your favorite moments using #LiveLoveLubbock.