Smack in the middle of everywhere, Lubbock is a hidden gem in the heart of West Texas. Here the expansive sky sparks a creative determination in artists and musicians to produce a piece of their own inspiration. The semi-arid climate sets the stage for the region to produce an array of French, Spanish and Italian wine grapes. Local attractions pay tribute to the region’s claims to fame—ranching, agriculture and rock ‘n’ roll. Whether it’s the stage of The Blue Light Live or the rows of grape vines, Lubbock impresses with its grit and West Texas charm.
With a notable music lineage, the stages in Lubbock are known to launch talent ranging from country to rock ‘n’ roll. Hometown legend, Buddy Holly, inspired musicians across the pond including Paul McCartney and Elton John. Musicians such as Pat Green, Joe Ely, Mac Davis, Natalie Maines, Josh Abbott and more, graced the stage of the “Hub City.” From intimate jazz performances to concerts by Metallica and United Hillsong, Lubbock is the destination for music lovers.
To hear the tunes of the “Hub City” make your way to the Depot Entertainment District. The Blue Light Live is known for inspiring artists and launching careers with its singer-songwriters’ nights. Just a few buildings down from The Blue Light Live is the Cactus Theater, which played host to performers such as Deana Carter and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Across the street, you can listen to local talents like Kenny Maines while you savor a perfectly cooked rib eye and locally brewed beer at the Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co. Next door, The Garden is a prime spot to listen to a band and play a game of giant Jenga. From there, walk over to La Diosa Cellars for a pitcher of sangria and more live music.
Just about any night of the week, you can enjoy live music paired with food and drinks across the city. Places like The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room, La Sirena and Stella’s Restaurant all promote local performers throughout the week.
This city boasts universities with art collections, world-class museums, art galleries, multiple performing theaters and fine and performing arts events throughout the year. Use Lubbock Cultural District’s website as a guide to the arts across the city. You’ll appreciate the map that showcases Lubbock art in each neighborhood as well as an arts calendar.
Plan to visit Lubbock the first Friday of any month to experience First Friday Art Trail when free trolleys transport you between the many art venues that stay open late. There’s food, wine, music and all kinds of art, most for sale. If you’re here another day, check out the galleries along the trail anytime (hours vary).
Whether it’s art lectures, book club discussions or film festivals, there’s always something going on at LHUCA. Join in a public art class at LHUCA’s clay studio or neighboring Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP), where you can try your own hand at letterpressing. CASP also has Live/Work Studios that provide the community an opportunity to interact with artists in residence. The Lubbock Garden and Arts Center also offers a wide variety of art workshops.
Tour the Museum of Texas Tech University, which hosts exhibitions of national significance, art lectures, Museum by Night and more. The TTU School of Art often opens student exhibits to the public—your chance to glimpse cutting-edge creations.
Lubbock Moonlight Musicals hosts Broadway style productions in the spring and fall and popular outdoor musicals at Mackenzie Park each summer. Lubbock Community Theater entertains all year long with comedies, musicals and dramas. Texas Tech’s School of Theatre and Dance performances are open to the public, as are TTU’s School of Music concerts. Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Lubbock put the region’s best talents on the stage. And in 2020, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences will open, bringing Texas performing arts to an entirely new level.
Eighty-five percent of all Texas wine grapes are grown in the High Plains AVA, the region surrounding the “Hub City,” which makes this area of West Texas wine country. Tour six Texas wineries, take a walk through a vineyard and mark your calendar for annual wine festivals in Lubbock.
Spend a weekend touring the six Lubbock wineries, each unique in their own way: Llano Estacado Winery, CapRock Winery, McPherson Cellars, Pheasant Ridge Winery, La Diosa Cellars and Burklee Hill Vineyards. Book a guided wine trip with Lubbock Shuttle Wine Trips or West Texas Wine Tours and let them do the driving and planning—all you need to do is show up and have a good time. Annual wine events include Wine & Chocolate Fantasia, Lubbock Uncorked, Wine and Clay Festival, and Grape Day.
Lubbock is a city that’s easy to get around and full of attractions for all ages. At the Science Spectrum & Omni Theater you can make giant bubbles, talk to the animatronic Tyrannosaurus-Rex and become an astronaut in the space exhibit. Play a round of golf from the climate-controlled boxes at 4ORE! Golf, where there’s plenty of games and food to entertain for hours. Make an old pastime a new memory at Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre and amp up the energy at Altitude Trampoline Park. Adrenaline City has everything from laser tag to dodge ball for the family to enjoy. Download the National Ranching Heritage Center’s free app to enhance your visit with the Critter Count, Ranch Boss Quiz and Scavenger Hunt. Joyland Amusement Park and Lubbock Water Rampage are two family attractions in Texas to check out while you’re in town, too. Lastly, be sure to keep an eye out for Lubbock Adventure Park coming later this year.
Bottom line, there’s plenty to love about Lubbock!