A James Beard Best Chef: Texas nominee presents his take on French dishes; Broadway takes the stage in downtown Lubbock; and the Hub City pours High Plains wine at two annual wine festivals. These are just a few reasons Lubbock needs to be one of your destinations this spring.  

It wouldn’t be a trip to Lubbock without indulging in an unforgettable meal. At Chez Sami, Owner and Chef Jon Walter creates a dining experience that landed him on the 2023 James Beard Award Best Chef Texas Semifinalist list. In his early career, Walter traveled the world perfecting his craft as a private chef catering to yachts sailing across Europe. It was during this time that he learned the art of French cuisine.

What started out as a family restaurant that served up Walter’s grandmother’s infamous tamales, turned into, at the customers’ requests, the fine-dining restaurant we know and enjoy today. Guests will find a traditionally exquisite menu featuring Escargot, Coquilles Saint-Jacques and the can’t-miss Crème Brulee.

The legacy of Lubbock’s favorite son and rock ‘n’ roll legend, Buddy Holly, lives on at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. The world-class theater that opened in early 2021 boasts a lineup of local performances from Ballet Lubbock, Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and area school districts, as well as Broadway touring productions.

Purchase your tickets to the fabulously fun and award-winning Legally Blonde The Musical March 3 through 5. Follow the transformation of Elle Woods, a spunky blonde with the determination to achieve her goals and tenacity to not take no for an answer, as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

This spring, You Will be Found at The Hall April 4 through 9 as the Tony Award-winning production, Dear Evan Hansen, is in the spotlight on the Helen Devitt Jones Main Theater stage. Follow Evan Hansen, a high school senior with social anxiety, who invents an important role for himself from a tragedy he did not expect.

A celebration of Texas Wine, Lubbock Uncorked showcases over 50 state wineries and vendors. A stunning venue that ties the Hub City’s rich pioneering spirit to the city we enjoy today, guests can experience the cool spring breeze of West Texas blow through the largest collection of windmills in the world at the American Windmill Museum. Here, wine connoisseurs and first-time tasters alike honor the land that produces over 90% of all Texas wine grapes. Not only does the region boast a budding legacy for delicious fruit, but visitors will Rave On while enjoying live music provided by local musicians.

This isn’t our first rodeo! At the Mallet Event Center, located in Levelland, Texas just 20 minutes outside of Lubbock, professional cowboys and cowgirls take to the arena March 30 through April 1 to compete in events including steer wrestling, team roping, and the fan-favorite bull riding at the ABC Pro Rodeo. For over 79 years, members of the Lubbock chapter of the American Business Clubs have produced a plethora of western events with a mission to better the lives of the Lubbock and surrounding area communities. Pull on your boots and cheer on the athletes as they compete to beat the eight second buzzer!

Spend some time in the Old West during the National Ranching Heritage Center’s annual Ranch Day. Featured activities include rope making, leather stamping, horseback riding and more. Ranch Day is an educational event with more than 100 ranch hosts and special event participants who recreate authentic settings reflective of ranching from the 1780s to the present.

An unforgettable adventure awaits you in Lubbock this spring. Plan your visit today at visitlubbock.org.