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Things to Do in Lubbock This Weekend

Things to Do in Lubbock This Weekend

Lubbock has so many unique attractions and restaurants that it's easy to overlook certain hidden gems! While most people know about the Buddy Holly Center, Adventure Park, and the Original Pancake House, there are many other incredible eateries and attractions for you to enjoy.

 

TOP 5 PLACES TO GO IN LUBBOCK, TX

With more than a quarter of a million people calling Lubbock home, there are many fun events and unique places to visit across our city. As locals, we have a few special places in and around town that are near and dear to our hearts! Whether you're looking to get in some exercise, learn something new, or create art with friends, there's an option for you on our list of favorite attractions below!
Two people are riding jet skis on the water.

Trying to beat the summer heat in Lubbock requires more than just a fun or a popsicle. A trip to Buffalo Springs Lake is likely in order! There are two beach areas for catching sun and accessing the water safely.

You do pay an entry fee to enter the park, but there is an option to buy an annual pass. If you like to fish, boat, or swim, an annual pass could be a smart investment. Buffalo Springs Lake has a no-wake area on the west end of the lake. There are also nature trails, as well as 13 miles of off-road trails for those who enjoy power sports! An important note for dog owners: your dogs can swim off-leash here, but they cannot be on the beach areas.

A guitar with a black pickguard is the main focus of this image.

If you’re a fan of music, you may appreciate the West Texas Walk of Fame! A wall surrounds the large Buddy Holly statute on display at the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza. A number of large plaques name local musicians and those who have had a profound influence on the local arts scene. The first inductee, in 1979, was Buddy Holly himself.

In the decades that followed, Civic Lubbock, Inc. has added up to six memorable artists, musicians, or teachers to the Walk of Fame each year. Some of the best-known people honored on the Walk of Fame include Roy Orbison and Jimmy Dean. The annual induction event is a celebration of the arts held at the Civic Center Theater, and it is also free to attend! /span>

Four people posing for a picture with tennis rackets.

Pickleball has rapidly become one of the most popular paddle-based sports in the United States. You don’t want your next game or training session to depend on whether other people beat you to a public court or the weather! A trip to Lubbock Indoor Pickleball helps you avoid both issues.

This locally-owned facility allows you to enjoy 24/7 access if you become a premium member. There are visitor options as well, although the prices for court reservations and open play are a bit higher for non-members. Those interested in trying out the sport, meeting other active people, or improving their pickleball skills may enjoy a trip to Lubbock Indoor Pickleball!

A yellow tornado warning sign against a cloudy sky.

The infamous 1970 Lubbock tornadoes left a swath of destruction downtown as it claimed the lives of 26 people, injured 1,500 others, and destroyed thousands of homes. These tornadoes had a profound influence on meteorology, as they led to the tornado rating system called the Fujita or F-Scale. The Lubbock twisters were the first-ever recorded F-5s, which are the most severe classification. 

Tornado Memorial Park features curving lines and grids built into the memorial to depict the paths of the tornadoes, water features to recall the sound of the storm, and even sculptural lights that add visual drama as representations of the storm. Visiting the memorial can provide a sense of connection to our local community, which rebuilt stronger after a storm that could have caused permanent devastation!

A man and a woman are covered in blue and pink powder, celebrating a festival.

806 Splatter is a one-of-a-kind local business that brings splatter painting to Lubbock. Splatter painting involves flinging neon-colored paints to create a truly unique and chaotic work of art in a room lit with black lights.

806 Splatter provides space and everything you need (including post-creativity cleanup) to get a little wild with paint. You can even control the music that plays over the in-room Bluetooth speakers. You can wear ponchos or embrace the experience with white T-shirts that end up becoming their own works of art. 806 Splatter even provide boxes for your finished canvases so the paint doesn’t end up all over in your car! 806 Splatter is a fun experience, even for those without any art skills!

TOP 5 AMAZING PLACES TO EAT IN LUBBOCK

 

Lubbock is home to hundreds of restaurants. While some of them are chain eateries you can find almost anywhere, there are also unique restaurants here that you won't find anywhere else! Whether you're craving a diner-style breakfast, an upscale dinner for a memorable night out, or a quick lunch, one of the five local restaurants below may be the place to go!
A close up of a creamy salad with bacon and herbs.

West Table

Restaurant, New American, Cocktails

Looking for an upscale dining experience with unique dishes that rotate daily depending on what is available locally? The West Table might just be the place for you! They take New American cuisine and finesse it based on the taste profiles currently trending. Want grilled quail prepared with hot honey, ribeye served with Argentinian Chimichurri sauce, or a satisfyingly crunchy wedge salad? They have all of that and more!

The food menu isn’t the only one that regularly changes. You’ll also have the choice of ordering a craft cocktail from their full bar. If you love local beer or a glass of wine with dinner, there’s definitely something on the menu for you here. They also have a full espresso bar, so you can enjoy something simple, like a Bailey’s and coffee to accompany your dessert. The West Table tends to have a very busy dinner hour, especially on weekends, so reservations may be helpful, especially if dinner is just one stop on a busy itinerary for a memorable night out!

A stack of pancakes topped with blueberries and syrup.

Stacked Breakfast & Lunch

Restaurant, Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Cocktails

As you can probably infer from the name, Stacked specializes in breakfast, especially pancakes. They’ll make you a stack of three chocolate chip, blueberry, sweet potato, or traditional pancakes. If you can’t choose, they even offer a mini pancake flight so you can try the traditional, chocolate chip, and blueberry pancakes on the same plate. They have other unique and sweet breakfast options, including their Nutella toast, which comes with fresh strawberries, bananas, granola, and a drizzle of hot honey. They also make a morning glory waffle inspired by the popular muffin!

If savory breakfast is more your style, they have chicken fried steak and eggs, brisket breakfast burritos, and eggs Benedict. If you stop by later in the day, you can order burgers, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. They also have cocktails, which go perfectly with their brunch 4-packs. If a group all wants to eat the same thing for brunch, there’s a discounted option for a few of their most popular dishes. Stacked offers a fun spin on many of the best breakfast and lunch comfort food classics, and they have healthy options on their menu as well.

A pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, and mushrooms on a wooden board.

Woody’s Pizza & Bar

Restaurant, Pizza, Burgers

When you’re craving pizza and want something close to home, Woody’s Pizza and Bar has you covered! This beloved local pizzeria is less than 10 minutes from The Dominion, making it a convenient option for in-store pick-up! If you choose to eat in, they have a full bar and great daily drink specials. They’re also a great option if you want a quick, filling lunch! The weekday lunch pizza buffet allows you to sample multiple options instead of committing to just one type of pie. They specialize in thin, crispy crusts, although you can order your pizza deep-dish Chicago style. If you need a gluten-free crust, you have your choice of broccoli, cauliflower, or rice crusts! Choose from one of their specialty pizza, or build your own by choosing from a list of nearly 20 toppings. Our personal recommendations are the Tipsy Texas, which has spicy BBQ sauce, chicken, Italian sausage, onion, and jalapeño, and the Mama’s Favorite, which features ranch sauce, chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and onion. If you want a burger instead, they’ve got plenty of options. Spice lovers will appreciate their Flamin’ Ass Burger, topped with grilled jalapeños and their special “Flamin’ Ass Sauce.”

A plate of barbecued ribs garnished with parsley.

The Shack BBQ

Restaurant, BBQ, Comfort Food

Nothing says “Texas comfort food” like quality BBQ. The Shack BBQ has an impressive BBQ menu that brings people back for more over and over again. Their “Dino Ribs,” likely a reference to a popular old-school cartoon, are a 1.5-pound portion of bone-in certified Angus beef ribs, served with two of their house sides. You can pick from potato salad, collard greens, mac & cheese, pinto beans, corn, and coleslaw.

Their brisket also has a devoted local following, with people insisting it has the best bark of any option in the area. You can get it on its own with sides, on a sandwich, or even in a combination plate with one of their other meats, such as their St. Louis-style pork ribs, sausage, or chicken. You can order takeout, but their charming outdoor seating, bar, and regular live music performances make eat-in dining a great choice, too!

A plate of food with a steak and fries.

Triple J Chophouse & Brew

Restaurant, Steakhouse, Brewpub

Triple J Chophouse & Brew is perhaps the best-known local steakhouse in Lubbock! Locals and tourists alike flock here for the atmosphere, the drinks, and the incredible food. Triple J has the distinction of being the oldest brewpub in Lubbock, as it opened in 2006. For 20 years, they have served up quick and affordable lunches, wood-fired pizzas, delectable burgers, handcrafted beers, and choice steaks.

They make a variety of beers, from trendy IPAs to their Dos-Czechies, a classic Vienna Lager. During lunch, they have a limited menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, pizza, and multiple fresh salads served with house-made dressings. A visit during dinner gets you access to their full menu, including their locally-famous steaks, served with salads ana a side. They’ll even cut your ribeye to your exact thickness specifications! Make sure to try their house-made dinner rolls, which they create with “Brew House Grain.”