Campus art at Texas Tech University

Lubbock

Travel Region

Panhandle Plains

Population

250,000

Those who take time to explore the “Hub City” will find a notable wine scene, thanks to the High Plains’ bounty of vineyards, an influential music scene, and a fascinating selection of museums. Few cities honor their heritage as enjoyably as Lubbock, home to museums focused on Buddy Holly, windmills, agriculture, and—a favorite top destination nominee for a number of TH readers—the National Ranching Heritage Center.

Upcoming Events

“The Apple Tree”

Oct. 7-8

McDonald Moody Auditorium, 5601 19th St.

Love blossoms in three comedic vignettes exploring the relationship between men and women.

lcu.edu

National Golden Spur Award Honors and Heritage Weekend

Nov. 3-4

Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences and National Ranching Heritage Center, 1300 Mac Davis Lane and 3121 Fourth St.

Craig Haythorn is the 45th recipient of the National Golden Spur Award, which recognizes an individual’s hard work and dedication to the ranching and livestock industries. Established in 1978, the award honors iconic industry leaders whose devotion to land and livestock has earned them notable respect and admiration from their peers. The evening also features a performance by recording artist Cody Johnson. Heritage Weekend rounds out the event, with tours and programming at the National Ranching Heritage Center.

goldenspurhonors.com

First Friday Art Trail

Dec. 1

Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, 511 Avenue K

First Friday Art Trail is a free, self-guided public art happening held in the Lubbock Cultural District, bringing the community together for an evening of art, music, food, and fun. A variety of art centers, museums, galleries, and businesses take part in the evening.

lhuca.org/ffat

Carol of Lights

Dec. 2

Science Quadrangle, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway

Walk into a winter wonderland at Texas Tech University’s Carol of the Lights. This tradition is home to a 38-foot Christmas tree, 20-foot wreath, and over 25,000 lights surrounding Memorial Circle. Spectators can watch the lighting ceremony while enjoying hot cocoa and enjoy Christmas carols performed by Texas Tech’s combined choirs.

100.ttu.edu/caroloflights

Candlelight at the Ranch

Dec. 8-9

National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St.

Experience a frontier Christmas at the National Ranching Heritage Center during the 45th annual Candlelight at the Ranch. Guests can enjoy a tour of historic structures with live reenactments from volunteers, a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments, and live music with a Texas swing.

ranchingheritage.org/nrhc-events/candlelight-at-the-ranch/#upcoming

The Day the Music Died

Feb. 3

Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave.

On February 3, 1959, Lubbock’s son and music legend, Buddy Holly, along with Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash en route to the next tour stop. Every year, the Buddy Holly Center hosts a free event for families to celebrate the legacy of the lives lost.

ci.lubbock.tx.us/events/1673021168-the-day-the-music-died

The October 2023 issue of Texas Highways "Tastes Like Home"

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