☕13 Reasons to Step Outside in Waco This Weekend

Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter as dependable as Waco finally cooling off when September ends.

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

💌 The Eagle Has Landed

Well, Waco — you asked, and we delivered. The very first Waco Buzz Date Night Passport is here. We teamed up with 20 local restaurants and activities so you and your favorite person or friends can explore the city, save money, and support local businesses along the way.

Think free apps or desserts at spots like Butcher’s Cellar, Ninfa’s, Di Campli’s, Dog Haus and more. BOGO deals on activities like Dinkden Pickleball, Basin Climbing, Main Event — plus adventures with Sunshine Paddleboarding on the Brazos and Heritage Trails horseback riding. There’s even a locals-only staycation deal at Element Hotel. Altogether, it’s $500+ in value packed into one little passport.

Quantities are limited — and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
👉 Grab your Date Night Passport now

🐶 Dog of the Week: Demi

Demi is a 1-year, 6-month-old Miniature Poodle/Golden Retriever mix with 29 pounds of fluff and sunshine. She’s playful, smart, and has the kind of sweet, eager-to-please personality that makes every walk feel like an adventure.

If you’ve been looking for a loyal sidekick who’s just the right mix of brains, bounce, and cuddle, Demi’s your girl. Meet her here.

🍔 Sendero Provisions Co. x Whataburger
We love seeing a Waco brand play on the big stage. Sendero Provisions Co. just teamed up with Whataburger for its 75th anniversary, dropping a Whatarodeo Collection of hats, shirts, and western-flair gear that’s pure Texas pride. Check it out.

💡 Know of something happening in Waco that feels like a hidden gem? Reply to this newsletter and send it my way, I may end up sharing it with 8,000+ neighbors in a future edition.

🍽️ Vote: Waco Buzz Dinner Club
Waco keeps growing, but meeting new neighbors isn’t always easy. So here’s an idea: what if we started a Waco Buzz Dinner Club?

You’d take a quick quiz, get matched with a small group of fellow Wacoans, and meet up for dinner at one of our great local restaurants. The goal is simple: help people make real connections and new friends over good food.

🎭Baylor New Play Initiative — IT’S THIS WEEKEND! Four brand-new plays premiere Sept. 26–28 at Baylor’s Mabee Theatre, each competing for the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize. It’s an open invitation for Waco’s creatives, theatre lovers, and community to come together and experience fresh stories before they make their mark. → get your tickets now.

⛳Bootstrap Classic — Startup Waco is swinging big with its first-ever charity golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club on Oct. 13. Sendero Provisions Co. is the title sponsor, and registration closes at the end of the month — so sign up your team now to snag a spot. Expect caddies, swag, and a chance to play one of the best courses in Texas while fueling bold new businesses in Central Texas. → bootstrapclassic.com

🚲 Bikesmith Waco
More than just a bike shop, Bikesmith Waco is a community hub where riders swap trail tips, get their gear dialed in, and connect over a shared love of Cameron Park’s world-class trails. Whether you’re buying your first mountain bike or rolling in for a quick tune-up, their team makes sure you’re ready to ride. And if you want to meet fellow riders, join their community rides — Thursday nights at 7 and Saturday mornings at 8. 📍702 Elm Ave

Today’s Open House is a classic Dean Highlands gem on Cumberland Avenue — timeless curb appeal, shady oaks, and beautiful updates.

Inside you’ll find:

👉 Take your best guess at the list price before peeking at the photos and answer here.

🏠 Evergreen Enterprises - Honest, reliable, and on time general contractor for all your home needs.
⭐Adam Rogers - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance - Local, trusted insurance guidance designed specifically for your family.
🏢Cromwell Commercial Group - Your trusted partner to assist in finding and acquiring the perfect commercial property for your investment needs.
🏗️Arise Construction- Waco’s trusted commercial contractor, currently building the new Gibbons Island at Cameron Park Zoo.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Reply to this email or fill out this form to get started.

Golf in Waco is about to change. Swing Waco, opening mid-October at 1530 Washington Ave. next to BeKind Coffee, brings tour-level tech and a social vibe to anyone who’s wanted to play without sweating through four hours in the Texas sun.

Powered by the same technology seen on ESPN’s new The Golf League— you can play world-famous courses, dial in your swing with tour data, or squeeze in a quick round after work. Owners Rafael and Madison dreamed up the space to make golf welcoming and community-driven. Their longtime friend John manages the club, and PGA pro Brady offers lessons for every skill level.

Early memberships are open now, and the first Swing Scramble Tour — a six-week, two-person scramble league — tees off October 20. Grab a partner, claim your spot, and be part of Waco’s newest clubhouse before it even opens.

Details and sign-ups at swingwaco.com.

🎈Friday:

Baylor New Play Initiative @ Mabee Theatre - 7:30 PM Tickets

The Woman in Black @ Waco Civic Theatre - 7:30 PM Tickets

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC

David Matthew Doran @ The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro - 6 PM
Gordon Pyle in concert @ The BLVD Steakhouse - 6:30 PM
The Mexican Standoff @ Texas Music Cafe - 8 PM Tickets
Tommie Jo Agnew @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM
Caleb Wilbourn @ Barnett’s Whiskey House - 8 PM
Ying Yang Twins in concert @ The Backyard - 8:30 PM Tickets
Darrin Morris @ Melody Ranch - 9 PM

🎈 Saturday:

Celebrate Life 5K @ Indian Springs Park - 7:30 AM

Cars & Coffee @ Black Rifle Coffee Company - 9 AM

Starbridge Pickleball Open @ Camp Fimfo - 9 AM

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza - 9 AM

Hewitt Dog Days @ Hewitt Park - 9:30 AM

Lone Star Open @ NEXUS - ALL WEEKEND

Community Day with Inez Alvidres and Eric Linares @ Mayborn Museum Complex - 10 AM

Homestead Weekly Indoor Market @ Homestead Heritage - 10 AM

Baylor New Play Initiative @ Mabee Theatre - 2:30 PM Tickets

Oktoberfest @ Brotherwell Brewing - 4 PM (The Beer Mile Run is at 3:15 PM)

Waco Run Walk to Prevent Suicide @ Brazos Park East - 6 PM

Glow Night @ Western Belle Farm - 6:30 PM

Baylor New Play Initiative @ Mabee Theatre - 7:00 PM Tickets

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC

Joey Love @ Barnett’s Whiskey House - 8 PM
Hair Metal Giants @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30 PM Tickets
Gordon Pyle @ The BLVD Steakhouse - 8:30 PM

🎈Sunday:

Baylor New Play Initiative @ Mabee Theatre - 10:30 AM Tickets

2nd Annual Heart of Texas Goodwill Corn Hole Tournament @ Camp Fimfo - 1 PM

The Woman in Black (matinee) @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2:30 PM Tickets

Baylor Singers Bach Concert @ Armstrong Browning Library - 3 PM

HOT Pro Wrestling: MegaBrawl 2025 @ Waco Convention Center - 6 PM

Looking Ahead

🎡Hot Fair and Rodeo - October 2-12
The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo is back with ten days of rides, rodeo action, concerts, and all the fried food you can dream up.

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃Ironman Waco Weekend - October 4-5
Athletes from around the world are coming to test their limits on Waco’s river, roads, and trails. Check out volunteer opportunities as well through the link provided.

💜Walk to End Alzheimer’s - October 11
This annual walk raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research — a chance to honor loved ones and move toward a cure.

🦆The Great Waco Duck Race - October 19
Thousands of rubber ducks will race down the Brazos for bragging rights and prizes — all to support getting a book into every child’s hands in Waco.

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with someone who plays pickleball several times a week.