Good Afternoon, Lubbock!
Friday, October 16, 2026 | Afternoon Update
A freeze watch, a newly announced Homecoming flyover, a free document-shredding event and fresh election information lead today's developments.
Top Stories
Freeze Watch for the Caprock Tonight
Bring sensitive plants indoors before bedtime. The National Weather Service in Lubbock has issued a freeze watch from late Friday night into Saturday morning across the Caprock, with temperatures possibly reaching 28–32 degrees. A second freeze is possible Sunday morning. Check the latest alerts because watches and forecast temperatures may change.
Four Texas Tech Graduates to Fly Over Homecoming Game
Texas Tech Athletics announced Friday that four alumni serving in the Texas Army National Guard will take part in Saturday's pregame flyover. The formation will include two Chinooks and two Blackhawks. The crew also plans a Friday afternoon flyover for patients at UMC Children's Hospital. Kickoff against Arizona State is 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Galaxy Stadium.
Free Document Shredding Saturday at Better Business Bureau
Residents can bring up to two boxes or bags of personal documents to the Better Business Bureau's free identity-theft prevention shredding event. The organizer's event notice lists Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to noon at 3333 66th Street, near Indiana Avenue. Participants must be able to carry their documents.
Source: BBB Lubbock event notice forwarded to the Chronicle. Confirm any last-minute changes with the organizer.
Texas Announces Record 19 Million Registered Voters Ahead of Early Voting
Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden announced Friday that statewide voter registration has reached a record 19 million ahead of the November 3 general election. Early voting begins Monday, October 19, and ends Friday, October 30. Lubbock County voters should confirm their locations and hours with county election officials before heading to the polls.
Know Before You Go
Cold overnight: A Caprock freeze watch is in effect for late tonight into Saturday morning. Check NWS Lubbock for updates. For local power outages, use the LP&L GridVu map.
Homecoming traffic: Texas Tech's parade begins at 6 p.m. Friday near Avenue V and Broadway, followed by a free 7:30 p.m. pep rally, bonfire and concert at Urbanovsky Park. Saturday's sold-out football game begins at 2:30 p.m. Allow extra travel time and check the university's parking and clear-bag guidance.
Tonight, Tomorrow and This Week
Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fri., Oct. 16 | Texas Tech Homecoming Parade | 6 p.m., Avenue V/Broadway. University schedule |
Fri., Oct. 16 | Homecoming Concert: Goo Goo Dolls and Bowling for Soup | 7:30 p.m., Urbanovsky Park; free, gates 6 p.m. Event details |
Fri.–Sun., Oct. 16–18 | Nightmare on 19th Street | 602 E. 19th St. Check nightly hours |
Sat., Oct. 17 | BBB Free Document Shredding | 8 a.m.–noon, 3333 66th St.; two boxes/bags maximum |
Sat., Oct. 17 | Texas Tech vs. Arizona State | 2:30 p.m., Galaxy Stadium. Gameday preview |
Sat., Oct. 17 | St. Joseph's Sausage Festival | Slaton. Confirm details with the organizer |
Sat., Oct. 17 | Theresa Caputo | Buddy Holly Hall; check showtime with venue |
Mon., Oct. 19 | Early Voting Begins |
Times and dates are subject to change. Check with event organizers for details.
Sports
Adam Bresnu earns national golf honor. Texas Tech announced Friday that Bresnu was selected as the Ben Hogan Award's September Golfer of the Month after winning the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational. Texas Tech Men's Golf.
High School Football: For this weekend's South Plains matchups and verified results, see the Chronicle's Flatland Football Report. For the complete Texas schedule, go to MaxPreps. Times are subject to change. No unverified final scores are listed here.
Around Lubbock / Quick Hits
Cook's Garage announces a November show. Tickets for Songwriters for Sawyer & Roy, scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 6 p.m., are now on sale, according to the venue's Friday announcement. Cook's Garage.
Monday political event: A campaign announcement says Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows will begin a Republican voter-turnout tour at 6 p.m. October 19 at the American Windmill Museum. This is a partisan campaign event, not an official government function.
Lubbock Chronicle Election Guide
Original, nonpartisan coverage of the November 3 election. Browse our On the Ballot guide, Chronicle-created unofficial sample ballot and federal candidate guide. The Chronicle's sample ballot is an informational resource, not an official election ballot.
Early voting: October 19–30. Election Day: November 3. For verified polling locations and hours, visit Lubbock County Elections. For registration and identification requirements, visit VoteTexas.gov.
LubbockChronicle.com is updated each afternoon with new developments.
