☕Art on Elm Returns

Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that feels like the smell of rain on a hot sidewalk.

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

Cromwell Commercial Group is Central Texas’ trusted partner for commercial real estate brokerage and property management. With more than 180 years of combined experience, the Cromwell team brings unmatched market insight, strong relationships, and proven results to every deal.

From retail, industrial, and office space to investment properties and land development, Cromwell Commercial Group delivers the strategies and access clients need to succeed. Backed by data, experience, and a commitment to client success, Cromwell is where opportunity meets expertise.

👉 Check out available properties and contact a Cromwell broker today to secure the right property for your business.

☀️ Fun weekend around Waco

This weekend is packed with reasons to get outside and connect with the community. Art on Elm is back, pairing the Downtown Farmers Market with more than 100 local artists and vendors for a neighborhood-style festival. McGregor is celebrating Founders Day with a parade, food trucks, and activities for kids that run all day. Saturday night, McLane Stadium hosts Baylor vs. Arizona State under the lights — with resale tickets still hovering in the $30s if you want in on Big 12 football. And if your idea of competition involves a salted rim, the Margarita Festival at the Backyard will have you sipping and voting for the best marg in Waco.

👉 Find the full rundown of weekend events at the bottom of today’s newsletter.

🐶 Dog of the Week: Franky

Franky is a 1-year, 7-month-old French Bulldog with a sturdy little frame (21 pounds) and a face built to melt hearts. He’s playful, compact, and has all the charm you’d expect from a Frenchie.

If you’ve been waiting for a pint-sized pal who can turn any walk into a parade, Franky’s your guy. Meet him here.

💡 Lifelong Learners of Waco

This one came from a Waco Buzz reader (thank you!). Baylor’s Lifelong Learning program is proof that curiosity doesn’t retire. Hosted through the Mayborn Museum, it offers courses on everything from Texas history and WWII heroes to railroads, poetry, travel, and even the storied past of Cameron Park. Most classes meet once a week, run just a few sessions, and cost about $20 — all designed for adults 55+ who want to keep learning, connecting, and exploring.

👉 Explore the full slate of fall courses here: Baylor Lifelong Learning

💡 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 7,500+ neighbors in a future edition.

⚾ Downtown Waco Baseball

If you’ve flipped through Waco’s master plan for downtown, you may have noticed something tucked in among the parks, trails, and riverfront: a baseball field. Now, most of us aren’t following the farm leagues unless a local high school grad gets drafted to the majors. But there’s one team that has more attention than nearly any other — the Savannah Bananas.

Banana ball isn’t really about baseball, it’s about nonstop entertainment with a game wrapped around it. Picture circus stunts, choreographed dances, and fans on their feet from first pitch to final out. Dream with me: what if, ten years from now, Banana ball takes off nationwide and Waco lands a team downtown?

⛳Bootstrap Classic — Startup Waco is swinging big with its first-ever charity golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club on Oct. 13. Expect caddies, swag, and a chance to play one of the best courses in Texas — all while fueling bold new businesses in Central Texas. → bootstrapclassic.com

🎭Baylor New Play Initiative—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

🚲 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 sits on Deerwood Drive, one of Waco’s most charming tree-lined streets. It’s a classic home with space to spread out and plenty of character throughout.

Inside you’ll find:

• Three bedrooms and three baths across 2,600+ square feet
• A formal dining room with chandelier and crown molding
• A family room with a brick fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking the backyard
• A study with sliding wood doors that feels like an English library

👉 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.

🎈Friday:

Home for the Holidays Gift Market of Waco @ Waco Convention Center - 9 AM through Sunday at 4 PM

Crash at Crush Comedy Musical @ Lee Lockwood Library - 6 PM Tickets

Mocktails & Mahjong @ Carleen Bright Arboretum - 6:30 PM Tickets

The Jungle Book KIDS @ Waco Civic Theatre - 7 PM Tickets

Friday Night Lights with Donald Glaude @ The McGregor Exchange Event Center - 10PM

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC

Clinton Bon Slaughter @ Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp - 6 PM
Lucas Jon Turner @ The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro - 6 PM
Howdy at the Hurd with Ty Myers @ Hurd Welcome Center - 6 PM
Brazos Brothers @ Camp Fimfo - 7 PM
Zach Hill @ Uncle Worm’s Smoke House - 7 PM
Nonity @ Lounge ’93 - 7:30 PM
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM
Spirits of Mars @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
Casey Donahew @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30 PM Tickets

🎈🎈 Saturday:

McGregor Founder’s Day @ McGregor - 9 AM

Cars & Coffee @ Black Rifle Coffee Company - 9 AM

Walk with a Doc @ Mountainview Park - 9 AM

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza - 9 AM

The Waco Margarita Festival @ The Backyard - 12-6:00 PM Tickets

Oktoberfest @ Southern Roots Brewing Co - 12 PM to Close

The Jungle Book KIDS (matinee) @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2 PM

Eastside Market @ Brotherwell Brewing - 5 PM

College Football: Arizona State vs. Baylor @ McLane Stadium - 6:30 PM Tickets

The Jungle Book KIDS @ Waco Civic Theatre - 7 PM

The Toxic Avenger with Lloyd Kaufman @ Waco Hippodrome Theatre - 7 PM Tickets

Captain’s Glowball Tournament @ Lake Waco Golf Course - 7:30 PM

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC

Graham St. Clair Band @ McLane Stadium - 4:30 PM
Tyler Layne @ Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp -6 PM
Cean Ballou & Dave Giddens @ Slow Rise on the Brazos - 6 PM
Live Piano @ BLVD Steakhouse - 6:30 PM
Mark McCallister @ Camp Fimfo - 7 PM
Brandon Johnson @ Waco Ale Co. - 7 PM
Dave Innis @ Segovia Wine Bar - 7 PM
Zachary Hill @ Marie’s Wine Bar - 7:30 PM
Stand-Up Comedy Showcase @ Brazos Theatre - 8 PM Tickets
Sloppy Joe Band @ The Will - 8 PM Tickets
Missle Annie @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM

🎈Sunday:

Walk for the Homeless @ Meyer Center - 7:30 AM

Barre & Brunch @ Bertie’s on the Rooftop - 10 AM

Woodway Farmers Market @ Carleen Bright Arboretum - 11 AM

Castle Builder Exhibit Hall Grand Opening @ Mayborn Museum - 1 PM

Designer Purse Bingo for the Advocacy Center @ Lee Lockwood Library Tickets

The Jungle Book KIDS (matinee) @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2 PM

👥 Recruiting Specialist @ Magnolia
Magnolia is looking for a people-person to join their HQ team and help bring the right talent into the fold. You’ll recruit, screen, and onboard candidates across the company while keeping the hiring process running smoothly. If you’ve got an eye for talent and love connecting people with opportunities, this one’s for you. Apply here

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, share it with your family member who calls Central Texas Marketplace “the new mall.”