That’s Entertainment — West Texas Style

From musical roots to cowboy boots, Lubbock offers a multitude of attractions and events for all tastes and preferences

“I guessed happiness was Lubbock Texas in my rearview mirror

But now happiness was Lubbock Texas growing nearer and dearer

And the vision was getting clearer in my dream

And I think I finally know just what it means

And when I die you can bury me in Lubbock Texas in my jeans”

— Mac Davis

“Texas in My Rearview Mirror (1980)

Every day 200,000 plus Lubbock citizens believe the final lines of Mac Davis’ Top-10 song. They were either born here or got here as quickly as possible, but they all know that native son Mac Davis had it right!

And while many cities have their claim to fame, few can match the rich musical heritage of Lubbock and the South Plains area. Indeed, Buddy Holly is the most popular Lubbock native to hit the big time (there’s a bronze statue of him downtown) but he’s only the beginning! In addition to Holly and Davis, other established artists hailing from West Texas include Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Roy Orbison, Tanya Tucker, Virgil Johnson, Terry Allen, Pat Green, Lone Star’s Ritchie McDonald, Bobby Keys, saxophone player for the Rolling Stones, and the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines. Like Holly, many are memorialized with plaques on Lubbock’s West Texas Walk of Fame.

Music remains a mainstay of Lubbock nightlife. The Depot Entertainment District has become a favorite place for Lubbock musicians and area diners. With its bright neon lights, smorgasbord of restaurants and West Texas attractions, this unique entertainment district includes The Buddy Holly Center, Cactus Theater, restaurants, nightclubs, artists’ studios and much more.

Entertainment abounds at the state-of-the-art United Spirit Arena, home to TTU basketball and volleyball teams and other local, regional and national events. The USA has hosted sell-out crowds for well-known performers such as Aerosmith, Cher, Elton John, The Eagles, George Strait, Kiss, Matchbox 20, Shania Twain and The Moody Blues, to name just a few.

Established in 1946, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra (LSO) performs a full season of classical works featuring guest artists from around the world. Each season features five pairs of classical concerts, a Holiday Pops concert and a Spring Pops concert.

Beyond the music scene, Lubbock’s nightlife includes theater, both community and professional. Broadway theater comes to town each year when  Celebrity Attractions links efforts with Civic Lubbock Inc. to provide a season of national touring attractions from September to May. 

Texas Tech University’s Department of Theatre and Dance produces an annual series of dramas, comedies and dance productions.  TTU”S Hemmle Recital Hall offers a variety of performances and productions throughout the year. For 75 years, the TTU Maedgen Theater has enlightened, educated and entertained West Texans by staging a wealth of theatrical productions, ranging from well-known classics to , creative works by emerging artists

Lubbock Christian University (LCU) also provides the Lubbock community with an annual schedule of theater, music and art events on its campus.

Lubbock’s oldest live theater venue, Lubbock Community Theatre, also offers various plays at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center.  Ballet Lubbock and several ballet folklorico troupes add another dimension to the performing arts.

For more information about things to see and do in Lubbock visit our Calendar of Events and Business Directory.