Daily editionFriday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
Community
Flatland Youth Fund will soon accept applications to help local families cover fees for sports, theater and music programs.
Founder Cade Powell said the nonprofit will pay leagues or camps and provide gift cards for equipment from Play It Again Sports—teachers, parents and coaches can apply on a child’s behalf.
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Three Lubbock splash pads at Mae Simmons, Maxey and Rodgers Park will reopen today with summer nearly here, offering free water fun for families and groups.
The pads are open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday—providing a cool spot for community gatherings.
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CritterFest returns to the Science Spectrum in Lubbock from June 19th to 22nd and will feature live animals such as elephants, alligators, crocodiles, and more.
Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo and two shows—Avian Aces and Crocodile Encounters—while adult tickets cost $15 and children and seniors pay $12.50 with extra fees for rides and photos.
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Business
Whataburger will open its first Plainview location on Monday, May 19 at 3600 Olton Road & the new outlet will feature a special offer at launch.
Starting at 11:00 a.m., the first guest in the drive-thru lane & the first guest in the dining room will receive free Whataburger for a year.
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Culture
Today Lubbock hosts several live performances as Showstoppers: A Miscast Cabaret runs Friday and Saturday at Hollingsworth Hall Cultural Center plus Lubbock Concert Band plays at 7:30 p.m. today at Hemmle Recital Hall and Chicago runs from today through Sunday at Buddy Holly Hall of Arts and Sciences. Ray Wylie Hubbard will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Cactus Theater.
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Environment
TxDOT found what experts say is the tooth of a giant ground sloth during an environmental review for Loop 88 in Lubbock — paleontologists from Texas Tech University will study the remains and search for signs of past human activity.
KLBKRead more
Government
The Texas House passed HB 46 today to expand compassionate cannabis use by adding conditions like chronic pain and glaucoma—lawmakers will vote in the Senate next before it goes to the governor for a signature—while debates over THC product bans continue.
KKAMRead more
Health
Callan Farquhar, a 2-year-old with cystic fibrosis, will lead the 2025 Lubbock Great Strides Walk tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Buddy Holly Park — his role helps raise funds for CF research and care.
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Lubbock Events
Joyful Ventures 5K Run and Family Joy Walk
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 9 AM – 1 PM — Mackenzie Main City Park — $40 entry — A family-friendly 5K supporting breast cancer and hyperglycinemia awareness.
Signed Book Raffle Fundraiser
Monday, May 19th, 2025 · Literacy Lubbock is excited to announce our Spring Book Raffle—a blooming opportunity to win amazing book-themed prizes and support adult literacy programs right here on the South Plains! With signed books from Rebecca Yarros, Colleen Hoover, Darynda Jones, and so many more, each raffle ticket purchased provides free reading, writing, and English language classes for adults in our community.
Signed Book Raffle Fundraiser
Monday, May 19th, 2025 · Literacy Lubbock is excited to announce our Spring Book Raffle—a blooming opportunity to win amazing book-themed prizes and support adult literacy programs right here on the South Plains! With signed books from Rebecca Yarros, Colleen Hoover, Darynda Jones, and so many more, each raffle ticket purchased provides free reading, writing, and English language classes for adults in our community.
Tour of the South End Zone Football Facilities
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 · 9:30 a.m. — Lubbock Women's Club — $ — Enjoy a brunch followed by an exclusive tour of Texas Tech's football facilities led by Kevin Torres.
Cameron Allbright Concert
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 · 4-10 p.m. — Blue Light — Check event page for cost — Experience the lively performance of rising singer-songwriter Hank Weaver alongside Cameron Allbright.
Dillon Cassidy & The Rhythm Live
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 10 PM - 2 AM — Lubbock Art Depot — Check for entry fees — Experience the soulful rock n roll vibes of Dillon Cassidy & The Rhythm.
Stormcrow Pokemon Lubbock TCG League Challenge
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 · 11 AM – 5 PM — Stormcrow Games — Entry fee applies — Compete in the exciting Pokémon TCG tournament in Lubbock.
Pink vs. Green Movie Screening
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 · 2-5 p.m. — Mahon Library — Free entry — Dress in your favorite color and enjoy a fun summer movie screening for teens.
Cotton Patch Bingo
Sunday, June 1st, 2025 · 6:00 p.m. — Veterans Memorial — Free entry — Experience an exciting evening of community Bingo with a cotton patch twist.
Texas Tech University 10th Annual Small and HUB Expo
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 · 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Frazier Alumni Pavilion — Free entry — Explore over 55 booths dedicated to small and HUB businesses with door prizes and swag.
Summer 2025 Basketball Tournament
Friday, June 6th, 2025 · 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — The Gauntlet — $250 entry fee — Compete in a premier basketball tournament featuring boys and girls from grades 1-8 to varsity level.