Daily editionSaturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Lubbock.
The Daily Lubbock Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
Community
New population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Lubbock grew by approximately 14,991 people (a 5.8% increase) from 2020 to 2025, with the largest gain occurring from 2020 to 2021.
These changes help confirm Lubbock’s status as one of the state’s largest cities.
KLBKRead more
Local emergency management officials advise installing or registering storm shelters in homes to stay safe during severe weather.
They recommend various options (from integrated closets to reinforced garages) and note residents can apply for SPAG rebates online.
FOX34Read more
Lubbock residents travel town-wide for trusted car washes, the best Sonic, affordable Facebook Marketplace finds and lively cookouts.
They also show true community spirit by helping neighbors with moves and garage cleanups (a local hallmark of support).
KKAMRead more
Culture
Lubbock locals remember the Winchester Twin theater—once a grand movie palace near 50th and Indiana known for opening in 1966—whose famous sign still shines at Lone Star Events Center as a reminder of cherished community memories.
KKAMRead more
Economy
Gas prices in Lubbock are still near $4 as many locals prepare for Memorial Day weekend travel.
AAA Texas reported a drop from May 7 to May 15 even as crude oil remains near $100 a barrel, setting the stage for the highest Memorial Day pump prices in four years.
KLBKRead more
Education
Lubbock Public Library's annual Summer Reading Program begins June 1, featuring free dino-themed activities, hands-on archaeology, and a lunch and learn series at Patterson Branch Library.
The library will host a Summer Reading Kick-Off Party (May 29) with games and prizes while Citibus partners to provide rides.
KLBKRead more
Atmos Energy donated $6,000 to Lubbock High and Estacado High’s Project Graduation and $1,000 to Wester Elementary’s Destination Imagination team to lower admission fees and cover transportation costs + support local educational programs.
KLBKRead more
Environment
Storms ignited wildfires in the Panhandle on Friday morning near Canyon and Lake Meredith — crews battled a 1,500 acre blaze near Matador in Motley County.
KCBDRead more
Government
Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office honored four fallen deputies on National Peace Officer Memorial Day Friday—Deputies Bernie Forrester, Rudy Gonzalez, Corporal Robert Martine Harvey and Sergeant Joshua Bartlett—for their service, a tribute that reminds the community of their sacrifice.
FOX34Read more
Lifestyle
Villa’s Tortillas, La Malinche Tortilla Factory, and El Molino Tortillas serve fresh tortillas and other treats at 2331 34th, 1105 2nd, and 5404 4th respectively.
Locals praise Villa’s for its samples, La Malinche for its tamales, and El Molino for reliable bulk orders — making these spots community favorites.
KFYORead more
Sports
Texas Tech will face TCU on Thanksgiving Day at 7 p.m. on ESPN — season tickets are sold out and single-game tickets go on sale May 18.
Fans should secure their seats early for this long-awaited rivalry game.
KFYORead more
Lubbock Events
Celebrate America: 1812 Overture
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 6:00 – 10:30 p.m. — Lubbock Symphony Orchestra — Tickets required — Experience Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and other American classics in a night of orchestral celebration.
Andy Hedges Album Release Celebration
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · 7-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the release of Andy Hedges' new album with cowboy songs, poetry, and storytelling.
Shinyribs Concert
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cactus Theater — $25-$50 — Experience the eclectic sounds of Shinyribs in a night of groovy storytelling and music evolution.
BETTER OFF ALONE - 90s/2000s Dance Rave
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 · 9 PM-1 AM — Jake's Sports Cafe — 18+ entry — Relive the best dance hits of the 90s and 2000s with DJ Spenser Powers at this nostalgic rave.
Taylor Hunnicutt at The Blue Light
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 · Time TBA — Blue Light, 1806 Buddy Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX — Cost TBA — Experience old-school southern music with modern flair from Alabama's own Taylor Hunnicutt.
Jay Sueños at Summer Showcase
Thursday, June 11th, 2026 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Buddy Holly Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of local music featuring Jay Sueños and a mix of fresh talent.
Luke Bryan Concert
Friday, June 12th, 2026 · 7:00–8:00 p.m. — United Supermarkets Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the country music sensation live in Lubbock.