Good morning, Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the newsletter that feels like the moment you remember Monday is a holiday.
In this edition:
⚾️ A Look at the Ballpark District
🎓 Good things happening at Baylor
🎉 Your complete Memorial Day weekend guide
🐶 Dog of the Week: Hudson
💼 135 New Jobs Added to This Week
Before we get into the weekend, I want to say this plainly: Memorial Day exists because people gave their lives for this country. Everything fun in this edition sits on top of that. Thank you to everyone who has served, and to the families who carry those losses.
Let's get to it!
— Sam Harper
Together with I-Vit Wellness Lounge
Most people don't think about IV therapy until they actually need it — after a rough week, before a big event, or when they just can't seem to get their energy back. I-ViT Wellness Lounge at 300 S. 2nd St. is where a lot of Wacoans have quietly been going to reset, and everything is overseen by a medical professional.
This month, glutathione drips are up to $40 off through the end of May. Glutathione is the IV treatment that supports detox, immune function, energy, and skin health. It's one of their most popular options, and May is the right time to try it if you've been on the fence.
May is also Customer Appreciation Month at I-ViT — returning customers get 20% off everything through the end of the month. On Thursdays, bring someone with you and one of you gets 50% off.
They also just added peptide options — ask about those when you book if recovery or performance is on your radar.
👉 Book at ivitwaco.com — walk-ins welcome too.
BUZZWORTHY NEWS
⚾️ A Look at the Ballpark District
📸 Propertize Ventures
Waco's $1 billion downtown project keeps moving forward. This week, Propertize Ventures, a New York-based development firm, and SOCO Construction announced a formal partnership to advance two pieces of it: "Barron's Branch" and the "Ballpark District," situated on more than 42 acres of city-owned riverfront land along the Brazos.
So, what's planned?
The Ballpark District anchors one end: a baseball stadium built directly on the Brazos River, a hotel, mid-rise residential buildings, and waterfront dining and shops. Barron's Branch, the first phase of the broader redevelopment, adds a city-funded park with a winding creek, pedestrian bridge, and open green space, with over a million square feet of mixed-use development across eight surrounding lots. Demolition work on the site has already begun. City Council unanimously advanced Propertize's proposal for three key areas within Barron's Branch.
A few details worth knowing:
The stadium is an anchor to a lot of the proposed development around it. The goal is a neighborhood where people live, eat, and hang out on a random Tuesday.
Construction on the first phase could begin as early as 2027, pending final city approvals.
The project uses a TIRZ structure — a financing tool where new tax revenue generated by the development helps pay for the infrastructure that makes it possible.
Zoom out: Cities that have pulled off sports-anchored downtown development like Chattanooga and Durham built districts that changed their entire trajectory. Waco has 42 acres of riverfront, a $1 billion plan, and now a development team with experience doing this. I'll keep covering it as it moves forward.
🎓 Good Things Happening at Baylor
Baylor announced country star Braxton Keith is coming to Foster Pavilion on October 2. He's a Midland, Texas native fresh off Stagecoach and a debut album drop this week. Tickets start at $39 and are on sale now at baylorbears.com/tickets.
Also worth noting: Baylor just awarded $100,000 in grants to seven Waco nonprofits through the university's Philanthropy & the Public Good course. Recipients include Lovely Village, Mission Waco, The Cove, and Waco Family Medicine. Since 2014, students in the course have given $1.41 million to local organizations.
🎓 Waco Graduated a Lot of People This Month
Baylor sent more than 3,100 graduates across the Ferrell Center stage last weekend , including the first class of the newly named Moody School of Education. MCC had a record 871 graduates on May 12, and TSTC had over 500 students graduate.
If you're one of them, or here celebrating someone who is, welcome to what's next. Waco's glad you're still in town for the long weekend.
🍽 Last Call for Waco Buzz Dinner Club on Wednesday, May 27
Take a quick personality quiz, get matched with 5 compatible strangers, and show up for dinner. We handle the restaurant (revealed the morning of), you just bring yourself. After dinner, all tables converge at a surprise after-party location. Book your seat here.
Big thanks to Skin & Body Refinery for sponsoring this month's Dinner Club. Waco's only SkinCeuticals Flagship med spa, located at 2210 Austin Ave. HydraFacials, injectables, laser treatments, and more — all under expert physician supervision.
Hudson is a 9-year-old Pekingese mix at Fuzzy Friends Rescue, and he has been waiting patiently for someone to notice him. Hudson already knows how to be a good dog. No chewed shoes, no chaos, no 5 AM zoomies. Just a calm companion who will find a sunny spot on your floor and make the house feel warmer.
👉 Meet Hudson here
LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS
🎉 YOUR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GUIDE
☔ Quick weather note as you plan your weekend
Saturday is the rough one. The National Weather Service has an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high around 77. If you've got outdoor plans Saturday, have a backup or go earlier in the day. Sunday and Monday both look fine — but knowing Waco weather, it could change real quick. Plan accordingly.
🎈 Friday, May 22:
World Hunger Relief Farm Tour & Happy Hour @ World Hunger Relief - 3 to 6 PM and Happy Hour from 6-7 PM
The Dan Band @ Waco Hippodrome CANCELLED
United Pro Rodeo @ Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills - 7:30 PM
Kiss Me, Kate @ Waco Civic Theatre — 7:30 PM
FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC
Claire Ruland @ Segovia Wine Bar — 7 PM
Garrett Morphis @ Blue Pup Wine and Martini Bar — 7 PM
Jon Foxx & Mike D @ Lounge '93 — 7:30 PM
Markus Miller @ Encore Rooftop Bar — 8 PM
2:Fourteen @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar — 8 PM
Shameless: Garth Brooks Tribute @ Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — 8 PM
Drunk On a Wednesday @ The Will — 8 PM
🎈 Saturday, May 23:
Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza — 9 AM
Weekend Festival (Formerly known as Homestead Weekly Market, they will now be once a month) @ Homestead Heritage — 9 AM to 6 PM
Warriors Canvas @ Doris Miller Department of Veteran Affairs — 9 AM - 3 PM Art lessons and demonstrations led by local veterans
Memorial Day Weekend at Magnolia Silos @ 601 Webster Ave — 10 AM to 5 PM | Free admission | Petting zoo, tintype photography from Holliday Tintype inside the Old Church, sidewalk sale up to 60% off, live music and temporary tattoos all day
United Pro Rodeo @ Top Hand Cowboy Church - 10 AM
Pauline Reese @ Waco Surf Beer Garden - 5 PM
Kiss Me, Kate @ Waco Civic Theatre — 7:30 PM (also 2:30 PM matinee)
SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
Soul of Motown Tribute @ Waco Hippodrome — 7 PM
Greg Bashara and Evan Klaras @ Segovia Wine Bar — 7 PM
The Yacht Crew @ Lounge '93 — 7 PM
Fred Smith @ Marie's Wine Bar — 7:30 PM
Colin James Band @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar — 8 PM
Jessie Blake @ The Will — 8 PM
Big City Nights: Scorpions Tribute @ Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — 8:30 PM
🎈Sunday, May 24
Badass Texas Half Marathon | Running around the Brazos River through Cameron Park, finishing at Heritage Square, 300 Austin Ave | Half, 10K, and 5K options
Military Appreciation Weekend @ Texas Ranger Hall of Fame — 9 AM to 5 PM | Free admission for veterans, retirees, and active duty through Monday
Magnolia Silos — Open Sunday for the First Time Ever @ 601 Webster Ave — 12 to 5 PM | Linocut workshop with Ellen Orchard inside the Herbarium (tickets required), sidewalk sale, live music, temporary tattoos
Homegrown Sundays @ The Will — Vendors 1 to 5 PM, live music 12 to 5 PM
Camp Fimfo: Stars, Stripes, and S'mores @ 1000 Chickadee Ln — All weekend through Monday | Golf cart decorating parade, patriotic crafts, face painting, classic outdoor games
Kiss Me, Kate @ Waco Civic Theatre — 2:30 PM
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC
The Bohemian Pirates Duo @ The Will — 2 PM
CenTex Artist Showcase @ The PACC — 8 PM
🎈Monday, May 25
If you see someone walking around town looking equal parts proud and tired, they probably just did The Murph.
The Murph is a Memorial Day tradition in the fitness world — a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another one-mile run, done in honor of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. A lot of gyms around Waco do it together, and plenty of people tackle it solo.
If you do it Monday, tag us. Post your after-Murph photo and tag @waco.buzz and we'll share it to our stories.
WACO BUZZ JOB BOARD POWERED BY
Operations Coordinator @ Ascension Providence
Supply and inventory operations for the Security department at Ascension Providence. Benefits include employer-matched retirement and tuition coverage through Ascension's Vocare program. Worth a look if logistics is your background.
Director of Sales and Marketing @ Hotel 1928
Hotel 1928 is looking for a senior marketing and sales leader. Base salary is $110,000. If you know hospitality and you know Waco, this one is worth a look.
Director of Public Relations & Partnerships @ Connally ISD
A communications leadership role covering media relations, digital platforms, and community engagement across the district. Pay range is $78,607 to $109,991. Five years in communications or public relations required.
Hiring? Post a Job
Hunting? View all 135 new roles added this week
LOCAL PERKS FOR WACO BUZZ READERS
💛 Exclusive deals from the businesses that make this newsletter possible.
🧗♀️ This summer, Basin Climbing + Fitness is offering $25 off their summer camp using code WACOBUZZ. If you or your child wants to try climbing before signing up, swing by the gym any day and give it a try together.
🔥 Waco Buzz readers can join HOTWORX Woodway for $1 this month.
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✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best. They’re offering Sculptra specials of buy two get one free to help your body grow its own collagen.
💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy. Waco Buzz readers get $35 off.
💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a world class space built for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something worth doing this weekend, share it with your friend who always complains about having nothing to do in Waco.
Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:
1. Want to reach Waco? This newsletter lands in 13,500+ local inboxes every Tuesday Friday and Sunday. If you're a business owner looking to get in front of people who actually live here, let’s talk.
2. Dinner Club: Meet five other locals (recent movers and lifelong Wacoans) over dinner on May 27. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.
3. Have an event you want to promote? Get it featured leading up to the event. Two spots available per issue. Reserve yours here.