Lubbock might be in West Texas surrounded by sand and dirt, but don’t underestimate the number of festivals that come year-round. If you are looking for events around the city that include live music, popular artists, and local artists, look no further! I am going to explore the popular events West Texas has to offer to music and art lovers. Just a heads up, these are festivals that come to Lubbock, Tx every year but could be postponed until 2021-2022. Make sure to visit their social media pages to get more information on future events and festivals.
Annual Kalf Fry Festival
Grab your cowboy boots and hats, and keep an eye out for the Kal Fry Country Music Festival dates. Kalf Fry is a fundraising event ran by Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Fry is a festival that is a night full of live music from popular artists to local bands you have seen around Lubbock, Tx. Kalf Fry is a celebration of appreciating the roots of Western culture. They have brought in major artists such as Aaron Watson, Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers band, and William Clark Green to be part of this huge fundraising experience.
Don’t forget to get yourself some fried kalf balls to go with your beer. Yes, I said Kalf balls. Kalf Fry offers an open bar for anyone over the age of 21. grab yourself a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy live music that will make you want to dance the night away. Usually, Kalf Fry is held around September or October, and tickets are roughly $25.
It is only one night a year, so do not miss it when the dates are announced!
JAB Fest
Keep your cowboy boots on as you wait for JAB Fest to make its way back to Lubbock, Tx. Every year the Josh Abbot Band stops in West Texas to put on an annual live festival that draws thousands of people each year. This live event is known across Texas as a must-attend celebration. In the past, We have seen Wade Bowen, The Dirty River Boys, Dirty Lucius, Wheeler brothers, and The Dirty Guv’Nahs.
JAB Fest is nothing like anything else in the city of Lubbock. JAB Fest is a huge part of the culture at Texas Tech and for Lubbock locals. This major fest is known throughout Radiar Land as the place to be if you are looking for a night to remember. Tickets always go quickly and could be very limited in the future.
Be sure to keep your ears and eyes open for the upcoming dates, hopefully soon.
Cotton Fest
Every year William Clark Green, a music artist, puts on the annual Cotton Fest in Lubbock, Tx. This festival benefits the high cotton relief fund, so go to support the cause. In the past, Cotton Fest landed at Cook’s Garage in their big open field. This is another popular Lubbock festival that gives you three days of live country and rock music. Suppose you don’t want to leave the fun, camp out on the camping grounds with your friends and family. A camping pass includes four wristbands for the three days live concert and free parking.
The best part about Cotton Fest is that it is BYOB! No need to spend money on overpriced drinks when you have a rack of beer with you. If you find yourself hungry while kicking the dust-up, stop to visit the Cook’s Garage cook-off. I can already smell the smoked brisket and ribs.
Stay tuned to get more information on their social media pages about upcoming dates in Lubbock.
Hometown Heroes Festival
Hometown Heroes is a one of a kind live festival in Lubbock, Texas. It is a festival that integrates live and live-streamed music in one. Hometown is a two-day festival that has four live performers each day. Recently, they had Harper Grace, Wade Bowen, Kody West, Pat Green, Cody Johnson, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg. Tickets can be sold as a single day pass or two-day pass. Admission is $52 a person, but I swear it is worth it!
Despite Covid-19, Hometown proceeds to have the live festival in Lubbock but took safety precautions. According to their website, Temperature check, masks, and social distancing is required. They also make everything from ordering food and drinks to purchasing merchandise on an app. All groups are not allowed to leave their designated area for any other reason than an emergency or bathroom.
Visit their website to find out more about Hometown and when the next year’s dates will be!
Lubbock Arts Festival
Be amazed by what local artists come up with at the Lubbock Texas Arts Festival. You will come across unique Western pieces, abstract and interactive displays. Even though it is a virtual event now, you can still experience and celebrate the time and effort put into the art and crafts. They have a children’s area, performing artists, and booth artists to explore.
Usually, the event is held at the end of April, and admission is free. If you can’t make the dates of next year’s event, hop on their website to see featured artists throughout the months. It is the perfect setting for art appreciation in Lubbock. It is a yearly art celebration you do not want to miss, and they would love your support. When they decide to go back to in-person, bring the family to future events, or continue to view online.
Make sure to tune in once in a while to their website to check for future dates and events in Lubbock, Texas. While you wait, you can always visit the Buddy Holly Center, where you can view exhibits on Contemporary Visual Arts.
Vines and Wines Festival
Vines and Wines is another unique event specifically for the Lubbock area. McPherson Cellars, one of the most prominent wineries in Lubbock, hosts the event every May. The event is tailored towards local winemakers and tasters from all over Texas. This event features live performances, food trucks, and local food vendors. You can purchase a day ticket or a two-day ticket. All proceeds from the ticket sales go to Meals on Wheels.
As of right now, there is no information regarding any upcoming live events for Vines and Wines in Lubbock. Be sure to follow the Lubbock event page on Facebook to stay updated when May comes along.
Story by: Michelle Meyer, Campus live Intern