Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock's Arts & Culture Scene
The birthplace of Buddy Holly still makes noise. From working galleries in the Depot District to live theatre and monthly art trails, the 806's creative scene runs deeper than most people know.
Music
Born Here, Heard Everywhere
Lubbock is the birthplace of Buddy Holly — and that legacy runs through the city's DNA. From songwriter nights at Blue Light Live to shows at the Cactus Theater and Jake's Backroom, the 806 has a live music scene that punches well above its size. The history is here too: the Cotton Club, the honky-tonk that hosted Elvis and Buddy Holly, closed decades ago but remains part of the city's music lore.
Music eventsBlue Light Live
Local original music every weekend · Depot District
Cactus Theater
Historic Depot District theater · tribute shows + local talent
Jake's Backroom
Intimate live-music venue · 50th Street
Visual Arts
Galleries, Studios, and Living History
The visual arts scene in Lubbock anchors around a tight cluster of institutions downtown. The Buddy Holly Center houses the city's most significant collection of music and art history. Charles Adams Studio Project and LHUCA — the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts — give working artists studio space and gallery walls to push Lubbock's creative community forward.
Arts & culture listingsBuddy Holly Center
Museum · gallery · Lubbock music history
Charles Adams Studio Project
Working artist studios + gallery exhibitions
Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA)
Nonprofit arts complex · galleries + performance space
Film & Theatre
Screens, Stages, and Sold-Out Runs
Lubbock has a surprisingly rich performing arts ecosystem. The Cactus Theater in the Depot District books tribute shows and local talent most weekends. Lubbock Community Theatre stages community productions. Texas Tech's Performing Arts venues host everything from Broadway touring companies to student showcases.
All eventsCactus Theater
Historic theater · tribute shows + local talent
Lubbock Community Theatre
Community productions · check the current season
Texas Tech Performing Arts
Broadway tours · student productions · recitals
Local Festivals
Recurring Events Worth Marking
Lubbock has a calendar of recurring cultural events that draw the city together. First Friday Art Trail fills the Depot District galleries and streets monthly. Lights on Broadway turns downtown into a holiday installation every December. And Cotton Fest brings Texas music to Cook's Garage each year.
Upcoming eventsFirst Friday Art Trail
Monthly · Depot District galleries + live music · free
Lights on Broadway
Annual · December · downtown holiday event
Cotton Fest
Annual Texas music festival · Cook’s Garage · check dates
Keep up with the 806
What's On This Month
Arts events, gallery openings, theatre runs, and live music — all in one calendar.