Lubbock is versatile in its list of cultural offerings — from parks and exercise locations to unique restaurants — in which visitors and locals alike can enjoy a wide variety of attractions and events. The city’s music scene, however, often sits as a well kept secret outside of the initiated. There are many great live music venues in Lubbock, and given the area’s rich music history, these establishments serve as must-visits for anyone exploring the city in its entirety.
Here are five great venues to check out first.
The Garden
The Garden is basically everything a local music fanatic could want; it sports a full bar complete with craft beer (not to mention some great food), it is dog friendly, and it features some of the best live music in the area. Pair these offerings with outdoor movie screenings and variety of yard and tabletop games and you are left with a staple of Lubbock entertainment scene — not just on the music front, but on nearly all fronts in general.
United Supermarkets Arena
If you fancy large mainstream concerts as opposed to local ones in small venues, look no further than United Supermarkets Arena. The nationally regarded arena has served host to a plethora of high-profile recording artists, including Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Paul McCartney. Perhaps the venue’s biggest strength is its affordability compared to that of its contemporaries, which pairs uncommonly well with its 15,000 seat selection.
The Blue Light Live
Live music is never hard to come by at the Blue Light. New artists and shows are booked on a nearly nonstop basis, encapsulating a strong mix of genres. The venue’s sets itself apart from its competition by implementing a fun, unique, and occasionally competitive element to its live performances (including its storied singer-songwriter competition).
Cactus Courtyard
As its name may imply, Cactus Courtyard is truly one of the more unique music venues in Lubbock. The venue is located in the heart of Lubbock’s depot entertainment district and features an over 9000 square foot bar area (complete with a fountain). Entertainment ranges from rising local talents to well-known regional and national acts. Visitors can enjoy the shows in groups of up to 900, making the Cactus perfect for large gatherings and receptions.
Backstage Lubbock
Hosting a variety of artists covering country to heavy metal, Backstage Lubbock is one of Lubbock’s premiere small music venues. The venue is also located in the city’s history depot district and features all types of fun and interesting specials, ranging from salsa nights to inventive happy hours.
