Also known as Hub City, Lubbock is an economic and educational center, as well as a top Texas destination that features a diverse culture and attractions for all ages. The city is home to Texas Tech University, and visitors can partake in a variety of on-campus activities such as sporting events, festivals, exhibitions, and more. If you're a fan of music, make sure to stop at the Buddy Holly Center, a museum highlighting the legacy of Lubbock’s most famous musician.
4th on Broadway has been one of the leading Independence Day events in West Texas since its inception nearly three decades ago. The event is free to enter and will take place July 1-4 at various locations across Lubbock. The first day of the event kicks off with La Raza on the Plaza, which is a big street dance with live performances by AJ Castillo, Eddie Gonzalez, and more. The Texas Country Freedom Festival will take place on the second and third days of the event, featuring live performances by William Clark Green and Randy Rogers Band. The final day of the event offers something for everyone including Yankee Doodle Dash (5k and 1-mile run), Classic Car Show, Kids Area with games and activities, FirstCare Youth Fishing Tournament, and more. Last but not least, is the Covenant and First Bank and Trust Star Spangled Celebration Concert featuring legendary and new West Texas talent, produced by Don Caldwell, which then culminates with the Reagor Dykes Fireworks Extravaganza choreographed to the music of the Lubbock Youth Symphony Orchestra. We got the opportunity to interview Colee Orf, Executive Director of Broadway Festivals, Inc., to learn more about this unique Independence Day celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CO: This will be the 27th year.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CO: We anticipate around 80,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
CO: Our events offer something for everyone. We have a large children’s area and lots of kid’s activities on the Fourth of July, so we tend to attract a lot of families. Our street dances take place in the preceding days, attracting a lot of college kids and young adults. We see kids that attended years ago with their parents, come back with children of their own.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CO: All events on July 4th are free to enjoy. We have a variety of activities and are always looking to grow the experience.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
July 1
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Amigos La Raza on the Plaza, Tejano Street Dance
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Featuring AJ Castillo, David Lee Garza, Gary Hobbs, Eddie Gonzalez and More ($15 tickets)
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July 2 & 3
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LubbockApartments.com Texas Country Freedom Fest
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7/2 William Clark Green, Randall King, Grant Gilbert
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7/3 Randy Rogers Band, Dalton Domino, Shotgun Rider
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July 4
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Fun Run 5k & Sparkler Sprint for the Kids
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Large Parade with Over 75 Floats
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Music in the Park
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Two Large Outdoor Stages and Three More Under Tents
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FirstCare Youth Fishing Tournament
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PetSmart Charities Pet Adoption Event
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Classic Car Show
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Riversmith’s Adult Catfish and Cobbler Eating Contest
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Riversmith’s Kid’s Cherry Cobbler Gobbler No Hands Eating Contest
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Covenant and First Bank and Trust Star Spangled Celebration Concert
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Reagor Dykes Fireworks Extravaganza
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
CO: Aside from the performers, Texas Tech’s mascot Raider Red and The Masked Rider will be making appearances.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
CO: We will have over 25 food trucks selling a variety of food and drinks.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
CO: 4th on Broadway has been a major factor for the redevelopment of downtown Lubbock. It was a catalyst for building the National Wind Power Center, Bayer Museum of Agriculture, and Moonlight Musicals Amphitheater. One of the new major projects that the event has helped bring to Lubbock is the Buddy Holly Center for the Performing Arts.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CO: With roughly 80,000 guests a year and approximately 25% of those guests staying overnight from out town, the economic impact is enormous. The estimated money spent per person while staying in Lubbock is about $350 a day, according to our local visitor's bureau. Since the event began, the redevelopment of the downtown area's once-blighted districts now generate millions in annual revenue.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CO: Since its inception in 1991, our event has maintained a large following. This speaks to the high quality of experience that we provide. It is a celebratory event, not only for America but also for our culture. It's held in one of the most beautiful areas in Lubbock and provides a pleasant and laid back environment. Anyone looking for excellent entertainment and lots of activities can find plenty with our events, free of charge.
For more information about 4th on Broadway, please visit the event website.