From the “King of Country” to Western Wear: How to Cowboy Up this Spring in Lubbock

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls—grab your hats and boots and mosey on over to Lubbock for a refreshing dose of old-school Texas culture. This spring, the Hub City is the place to swap everyday routine for live music, one-of-a-kind finds, and cowboy-sized steaks, all wrapped up in the rugged mystique of the South Plains. Learn about cowboy history at the National Ranching Heritage Center, an immersive indoor-outdoor museum that honors the tradition of ranching. Treat yourself to a pair of handmade custom boots or a stylish Western shirt, then head for one of Lubbock’s many live music venues. Tip your hat to the “King of Country Music,” George Strait, when he takes the stage two nights in April. Fill your belly at a famed local eatery and rest your boots at one of Lubbock’s many welcoming accommodations. From technicolor sunrises to friendly last calls, Lubbock offers the best of the West Texas style.  

Catch Year-Round Live Music, Including “King George” Strait, This Spring 

When it comes to Lone Star royalty, it doesn’t get any bigger than “King of Country Music,” George Strait, who rides into Lubbock for two unforgettable nights at the Jones AT&T Stadium, April 24 and 25. The legendary Strait has more accolades than a Texas sky has stars, including 60 No. 1 singles and 33 platinum or multi-platinum albums. Guest artists, Dylan Gossett and Zach Top, join King George on opening night, while Hudson Westbrook and Miranda Lambert accompany him on April 25. Strait’s haunting twang in hits like "Amarillo by Morning" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas" will have fans on their feet and clapping for an encore.  

While it’s hard to top King George, Lubbock is home to year-round live music played across its many venues and performance halls. After all, this is the birthplace of rock legend Buddy Holly. An essential stop for music lovers is The Blue Light Live, a popular listening room and honkytonk in the Depot District that hosts top-notch regional performers along with singer-songwriter nights. Try the fiery “Apple Burn” habanero and vodka shot and settle in for an evening of great live music in a classic Lubbock setting. 

Shop Lubbock to Dress the Part  

The best way to get your cowboy—or cowgirl—on is to dress the part, made easy by Lubbock’s many local boutiques. Pay a visit to Wild Honey Hats and find a hat that’s unique to you. From custom-brim hats finished with ribbons and decorative details to blinged trucker hats, there’s no end to what Wild Honey can design to fit your personality and style. With your hat in place, it’s time for a pair of one-of-a-kind Western boots from Lubbock’s own RC Custom Boots. Choose from a range of styles and details crafted by the family-run company started by Ruben “RC” Cobos in Mexico in 1962. Styles are available for all ages, ranging from practical to extravagant. Select your stitching, top color, boot shape, heel style, and more, and you’ll be pulling on your custom pair in no time. 

Time Travel at the National Ranching Cultural Center  

Texas’ long history of ranching comes to life at Lubbock’s National Ranching Cultural Center, a fascinating 27-acre museum park that tells the real story behind the beef business in the South Plains. Take a trip back in time and explore 200 years of history as you stroll through 55 beautifully preserved or restored structures from real Texas ranches. Don’t miss the famed 6666 (Four Sixes) L Barn, one of the most photogenic structures in the region. Springtime is the perfect time to visit this unique attraction, where visitors can walk among stone buildings, mess halls, barns, rustic cabins, and the Trail of Steers, featuring 19 life-size bronze longhorns. 

Savor Meals Fit for a Cowboy  

Work up an appetite yet? Lubbock is just right for enjoying generous portions of authentic barbecue, Tex-Mex, and mammoth steaks grilled to order. A favorite stop is Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co., where hungry diners go for western vibes, hand-trimmed cuts of beef, and craft beer. Open since 2006, the brew pub and steakhouse serve local, handcrafted brews, piled-high burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh bread rolls made with Brew House Grain beer. The standout steaks include the “Grab the Bull by the Horns” ribeye, brought to the table before cooking so diners can choose their own thickness. It doesn’t get more cowboy than that.  

Lubbock offers a range of accommodations, from chain hotels to boutique rentals equipped with the flavor of the Wild West. For something truly memorable, check out the Hub City Silos, a collection of repurposed silos upcycled into charming, cozy rentals. For a taste of authentic western culture, plan your Lubbock weekend getaway today.