Lubbock at large seems disappointed with the decision to take Hub City Barbeque private. And honestly? Maybe that opens the door to something better.
I’ll admit it — I never quite understood the full appeal of the old setup. I get that it was social. I get that it was tradition. But it also felt a little forced, a little crowded, maybe even a little unwelcoming to some. None of that really matters anymore though. That’s in the rearview mirror.
What if we stopped trying to gather everyone into one fenced-off space… and instead let the entire city become the celebration?
No Gates. No Wristbands. Just Smoke in the Air.
The idea is simple:
Lubbock Barbeque Day.
One day set aside to celebrate what West Texas already does better than most — smoked meat, backyard fellowship, and community pride.
No central meeting place.
No admission fee.
No politics.
Just:
Visit your favorite local BBQ joint
Fire up your smoker at home
Invite the neighbors over
Support a backyard wizard selling plates
The whole city becomes the venue.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Smokers
If it catches on, the possibilities are wide open:
Restaurants could offer “Lubbock BBQ Day” specials
Grocery stores might discount charcoal and briskets
Hardware stores could push rubs and smokers
Churches and civic groups could wrap plates for families in need
It’s not about competing with anyone. It’s about expanding the table.
And in a place like Lubbock — where Saturday football already means someone’s tending a pit — it just makes sense.
Why Saturday, September 19th?
Yes, Texas Tech Red Raiders football plays that day.
But that’s actually the point.
On a Tech Saturday, smokers are already rolling. The city already smells like mesquite. The momentum is built in. Instead of adding another event to the calendar, we simply declare what we’re already doing as something shared.
That’s the beauty of it. It’s abstract — but powerful.
Start With Community
The only way to know if people want this is to build the community first. That’s why the Facebook group “Lubbock BBQ Day” is already live. If people gather there, talk about it, share photos, and tag their favorite spots — then we’ll know. Join the group now! Other than that, just circle the date on your calendar.
Read: Here’s A List Of Great Lubbock BBQ Spots!
This doesn’t need permission.
It doesn’t need a gatekeeper.
It just needs people who love brisket and believe community is bigger than any single event.
And in this town? That feels like a pretty safe bet.
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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven
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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven