A West Texas ‘Hub’ of Activity: 15+ Things to Do in Lubbock, TX

All big cities have unique neighborhoods and districts that lend them their signature character. The famous Depot Entertainment District in downtown Lubbock is one such area and is not to be missed.

The Depot Entertainment District is home to local businesses, art galleries, historical sites, gorgeous architecture, fine cuisine, live music venues, and more. Spend an afternoon perusing the Farmer’s Market or Art Walk, or stop in one of the district’s many shops or boutiques for some retail therapy.

At’l Do Farms is a premier destination not just in the fall but throughout the entire year. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of games and activities, with some favorites being Fairy Tale Trail, the Corn Cannon, hayrides, campfires, the barnyard, the Cow Train, and of course, the famous corn maze. During the off-season, the venue at the Farms is a popular place for locals to host all kinds of corporate events and parties.

The Science Spectrum Museum is a fascinating learning center offering an array of science and technology exhibits, educational classes, an aquarium, and even an astonishing 55-foot dome movie screen.

With more than 250 interactive exhibits, the Science Spectrum Museum—which is also home to the Lubbock Children’s Museum—is a must-visit attraction whenever you’re in Lubbock. It’s located at 2579 S. Loop 289 #250.

Few shopping excursions are as adventurous as antique shopping. And when it comes to the treasures of yesteryear, Lubbock is full of them.

Spend your leisure hours searching for your next treasure at the Antique Mall of Lubbock, Grand Central Station Antiques, Vintage Rose Antique Mall, or JK’s Anything Sells. We guarantee you’ll find something worth bringing home.

Tex-Mex food has cemented its place as one of the forever favorites of Texans and other hungry diners across the country. If you’ve been craving the best authentic Tex-Mex and you’re in the Lubbock area, prepare to feast!

Get your fill of some of the best Tex-Mex in the country at spots like Abuelo’s, Chimy’s, Chuy’s, La Parrilla, and Torchy’s Tacos, as well as an assortment of local restaurants and eateries.

There’s nothing quite like catching a Texas Tech Red Raiders game at Jones AT&T Stadium on a beautiful autumn day! From the pre-game parties to the tailgating festivities during the game to the rowdy post-game celebrations, Texas Tech knows football.

Check out the official Texas Tech athletics website to stay up to date on college football in Lubbock this season.

For those who prefer wine over beer, there’s the McPherson Cellars Winery, a former bottling plant that’s now a wine-making distillery. It’s renowned throughout the area as an industrial-chic wine-tasting room that also offers captivating guided tours. Enjoy wines, cheese, crackers, sausage, live music, and more!

The craft beer scene in Lubbock is alive and well for local brew lovers, boasting such popular breweries as Mano Negra Brewing Co., The Brewery LBK, Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co., Auld Brewing Company, and Two Docs Brewing Co.

No matter where your tastes lie, you’ll have the chance to spend hours learning about and sampling all kinds of tasty brews.

As the world’s largest windmill museum, this Lubbock attraction showcases just about every kind of windmill you can ever dream of.

Learn about the history and advancement of wind power at the American Windmill Museum, where you’ll gaze upon more than 200 windmills displayed both indoors and outdoors. The museum has summer art camps and is also a popular event rental space (particularly for weddings).

The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts is a nonprofit arts hub that includes a theatre, event spaces, student classrooms, and studio space. The main building is home to 4 art galleries that host rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The Firehouse Theatre seats 159 patrons and is used for concerts, dance programs, and theatrical and film productions. Studio classes in the clay studio (focusing mostly on pottery) are offered for all ages. Youth-specific programs and camps are also offered throughout the year, as well as family hours (which are perfect if you’re only visiting Lubbock for a short time).

Adults and kids alike enjoy scenic Mackenzie Park with its expansive lake and meandering walking paths. You can enjoy the sculptures and watch all sorts of animals, including ducks and prairie dogs, during your visit.

There are also historical markers offering information about how this unique animal sanctuary came to be. Make sure you bring everything you need to enjoy a beautiful picnic while you’re here!

This museum in Lubbock has almost 9 million objects on display for visitors to enjoy. With a calendar that’s always full of events and activities, the museum is constantly at the top of the list of most-loved attractions in the city.

The Museum of Texas Tech University comprises the main museum building, the Moody Planetarium, the Natural Science Research Laboratory, the Val Verde County Research Site, and various research and educational elements of the Lubbock Lake Landmark.

This 19-acre historical park has an onsite museum that is dedicated to preserving the cultural, physical, and social aspects of ranching. As one of the most historically important industries in America, ranching carries its own set of intrinsic values and traditions that are perpetuated through the National Ranching Heritage Center.

The center is closed on Texas Tech University holidays.

During World War II, the military operated a first-of-its-kind glider program, the history of which is now preserved at the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock. It offers an impressive, captivating collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other miscellaneous items on display for public enjoyment and education.

Visitors can experience the triumphs and heartbreak of the wings that flew during the war and the weapons they carried.

Charles Hardin Holley, known better to us as Buddy Holly, once called Lubbock home. The singer and songwriter is a native of the city and was one of the early pioneers of rock and roll. His band, The Crickets, once opened for Elvis Presley back in 1955, after which he decided to pursue his musical career.

The Buddy Holly Center is a gorgeous, engaging tribute full of fun for everyone.

There are so many exciting things to do in Lubbock, Texas, that it’s hard to fit them all into one short list! Other places of interest in Lubbock include:

• The FiberMax Center for Discovery
• Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark
• The English Newsom Cellars at Caprock Winery
• The Caviel Museum of African American History
• Lubbock Memorial Arboretum

You also won’t want to miss the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center, where you’ll find musical performances, art exhibits, and fascinating educational opportunities.

While you’re in town, make sure you stop by the Lubbock Veterans War Memorial located in beautiful Huneke Park. It’s one of the largest memorials in the entire country. On your way out, time travel back to the 1950s with some delicious ice cream from the retro Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe.

Make sure you add as many of these signature hotspots to your Lubbock itinerary as you can!