Entertainment opportunities are varied and plentiful in Lubbock, the Giant Side of Texas.  Lubbock's rich musical heritage (Buddy Holly, Mac Davis, Ritchie McDonald, Natalie Maines, Virgil Johnson, to name a few) provides a foundation for entertainment activities. 

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. Renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman appears with the orchestra in February 2007 in a Gala Anniversary Signature Event.

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 new, 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.  Each fall the LCU Communications/Fine Arts Department produces a homecoming musical, and every February LCU Master Follies involves over 300 LCU students in the university’s most popular student event.  The Pioneer Gallery, located in the LCU Library, hosts a variety of traveling art and photography exhibits throughout the school year.  In addition, LCU student performance groups in the areas of music and drama can be seen all around the community entertaining at special events.

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. Ballet Lubbock opened its new studio in March 2005, allowing the company to expand its dance classes. Each year, the company produces “The Nutcracker,” which features students from its ballet school. Folklorico dancers entertain at a variety of functions throughout the year. Held every March, the Viva Atzlan Dance Festival draws folklorico groups from across the state.

Yet another well-established tradition bows in the spring: the Lubbock Arts Festival, a multi-event celebration that includes works by local, regional and national visual and performing artists as well as a children’s area. It provides low-cost entertainment for visitors and serves as an outlet for local cultural organizations to publicize their own programs.

Also in the spring, professional cowboys and cowgirls descend on Lubbock to compete in the ABC Pro Rodeo, a PRCA event featuring saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing and children’s events. The Downtown Chapter of the American Business Club has sponsored the event for more than 60 years; downtown streets welcome thousands who turn out each summer for Fourth on Broadway, Lubbock’s Independence Day celebration. The daylong event features a parade, street fair and an evening fireworks display and concert.

For a comprehensive list of things to see and do, click here.