October 2 guide: This event has concluded. The next First Friday Art Trail is November 6.

Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail returned last evening, October 2, from 6–9 p.m., bringing galleries, studios, musicians, food trucks and local artists together across the Cultural District.

The monthly event is free and self-guided, with LHUCA at 511 Avenue K serving as one of its primary hubs. Visitors can build their own route among participating galleries and businesses or use the free trolley system connecting several downtown stops. LHUCA

This month presented a good opportunity to see LHUCA’s current exhibitions, including Yu Yan’s “What Remains?” and Elena Masrour’s “Waking Up Was the Worst Idea?!”, both scheduled to remain on display through October 31. LHUCA

You don’t need to be an art collector to enjoy the evening. First Friday combines art with live entertainment, food, conversation and an excuse to explore a part of downtown Lubbock that many residents don’t regularly visit.

Admission to the trail and galleries is free, although food, drinks and artwork are available for purchase. Much of the experience involves walking outdoors, so plan accordingly.

The simplest strategy: park once, pick a few stops and explore.

Texas Tech is inviting Lubbock residents to do something entrepreneurs often postpone for months: take an idea and actually test it.

The Red Raider Startup Challenge runs October 2–4 through the Innovation Hub at Research Park. It is open to Texas Tech participants as well as members of the surrounding community, and entrants do not need an existing company, business plan or fully developed concept. Texas Tech University Departments

Teams spend the weekend moving through short Startup Labs and hands-on challenges covering customers, problems, business models, testing, demonstrations and pitching. The weekend concludes with a Demo Showcase, with prizes including Innovation Hub memberships, startup resources, a People’s Choice Award and an Ultimate Grand Prize. Texas Tech University Departments

The larger opportunity may be discovering whether an idea actually solves a problem people care about.

Texas Tech’s Innovation Hub at Research Park is located at 3911 4th Street and offers additional entrepreneurship and commercialization programs throughout the year. Texas Tech University Departments

Miss this weekend? The Red Raider Idea Competition is accepting three-minute video pitches through October 12, with finalists scheduled to pitch October 28. That competition is also open to members of the surrounding community. Texas Tech University Departments

Texas Tech’s 2026 Homecoming weekend will include something even non-football fans may want to circle on the calendar: a free Goo Goo Dolls and Bowling for Soup concert on Friday, October 16.

The evening begins with Texas Tech’s traditional Homecoming Parade at 6 p.m., traveling from Avenue V and Broadway onto campus. The pep rally, bonfire and concert follow at 7:30 p.m. at Urbanovsky Park. Gates open at 6 p.m., and tickets are not required. Texas Tech University Departments

Concertgoers should plan for security screening and Texas Tech’s clear-bag policy. Chairs and strollers are allowed after screening, while outside food and beverages, coolers, smoking and several other items are prohibited. Food trucks will operate inside the event perimeter. Texas Tech University

Public event parking near United Supermarkets Arena becomes available after 5:30 p.m.

Homecoming continues Saturday, October 17, when the Red Raiders host Arizona State at Galaxy Stadium. The kickoff time had not yet been announced as of October 2. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Whether you are a Tech graduate or simply live in Lubbock, Friday night offers an unusually accessible way to experience Homecoming: parade, bonfire, pep rally and a major concert — without buying a concert ticket.