Tech’s Inaugural Autumn Festival

This weekend, skies were clear and sunny, and a crisp, cool breeze had orange and yellow leaves floating through the air. Yes, last Saturday delivered ideal fall weather just in time for Texas Tech University’s first annual Autumn Festival.

Outlier performing on the singer/songwriter stage.

Rows of white tents lined the grass plot on the Engineering Key with plenty of products to satisfy shopping addicts of all kinds. Most of the items were locally made art pieces like pottery, colorful jewelry in many different styles, repurposed furniture and landscaping decorations, and photography.

Other products included purses and totes, handmade soap and bath accessories, potted plants, candles, and a wide array of crystals and other artfully crafted items. Idalou’s Apple Country Orchards also tempted attendees with their jars of apple, sweet potato, and pumpkin butters.

There were two stages for local musicians to perform. The singer/songwriter stage was held at the far end of the Engineering Key, next to a small stage with a high hanging ring set up for an acrobatic performer, and the main stage was on Memorial Circle. For the kids, there were also a few bounce houses on the circle.

Shoppers browsing.

A local StrEat food truck was the primary place for students, faculty, and local families to grab a bite to eat. Otherwise, you could watch one of the chef demonstrations, held on a small stage between Memorial Circle and the vendors’ tents, and wait until the end for a plate of samples. Executive sous chef Adrienne Riley whipped up some delicious butternut squash treats.

In a press release, Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis said by hosting the new Autumn Festival, he hopes to strengthen the bond between Tech and the community of Lubbock with local vendors, music, and food, and also familiarize students with the Lubbock and South Plains arts scene.