☕Blackout on the Brazos

Good Morning Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that feels like clocking out early on a Friday before a three-day weekend.

Cooler temps and a chance of showers set the stage for perfect football weather as college games kick off this weekend. Speaking of surprises, here’s a fun challenge: The Waco Buzz is written by a human (me), but one element in today’s newsletter was created by AI. Can you spot it? Have an amazing weekend, Waco!

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

The former Floyd Casey Stadium site is getting new life. Last week, $16.5 million was awarded to create Alice Rodriguez Park, and right beside it a 240-home master-planned community called Cordova Springs is taking shape. The idea? A neighborhood that feels like home from day one—front porches on every house, 8+ miles of shaded trails, a dog park, pocket parks, and even Little Free Libraries built in.

What makes this notable is the emphasis on connection and accessibility, with 100% financing available for buyers and an approach designed to create a genuine community inside city limits. Homes are set to begin construction in the coming months, and it offers a new way of thinking about home ownership in Waco. It’s a development worth watching to see how it shapes the city’s growth. Take a look at the various home designs and plans here.

Meet Millie Josette, a 4-month-old Golden Retriever mix who already tips the scale at 30 pounds. She’s got the fluff, the wiggle, and the puppy-dog eyes down pat. Millie’s waiting for her forever family at Fuzzy Friends, and trust me, she won’t wait long. → Adopt Millie

Friday night lights just hit a new level: Baylor opens its season against Auburn in what’s being called the Blackout on the Brazos. Expect the Pepsi Challenge at 4 p.m., kickoff under the lights, and a packed McLane Stadium. One heads-up: between I-35 construction and game-day traffic, Waco roads will be a little wild. Plan ahead, pack some patience, and enjoy the ride.

Bootstrap Classic — Startup Waco’s first annual charity golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club, October 13th, promises caddies, swag, and championship-level play—all to fuel bold new businesses in Central Texas. Register your team or sponsor a hole → bootstrapclassic.com

Baylor New Play Initiative— Four brand-new works take the stage Sept. 26–28 at Baylor’s Mabee Theatre, culminating in the $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize. Early-bird packages start at $50 → get your tickets

Last chance: Friday is the last day to grab this run of our Buzz shirts. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Rep the crew → Order Now

Today’s Open House is tucked away on Greenwood Lane, a quiet, wooded neighborhood near the Brazos River. Built in 1978, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been completely remodeled into a sleek, turnkey retreat — fully furnished and professionally decorated.

Highlights include:

Here is the Zillow link if you want to take a peak after guessing the price. 👇

📆Friday:

Westfest 2025: Friday Night Preview Party with Aaron Watson, Jon Wolfe & Shinyribs @ West Fair & Rodeo Grounds - 6:30 PM Tickets

College Football: Auburn vs. Baylor @ McLane Stadium - 7 PM Tickets

Alice by Heart @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 7:30 PM Tickets

LIVE MUSIC:
Patio Party with Jacob Augustine @ Barnett’s Whiskey House - 5 PM
Monte Rose @ Slow Rise on the Brazos - 6 PM
David Matthew Doran @ The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro - 6 PM
Zachary Hill @ Waco Ale Co. - 7 PM
Towne Adams & Cody Ellinger @ Camp Fimfo - 7 PM
Steve Dansby @ Uncle Worm’s Smoke House - 7 PM
BD Dueling Pianos @ Lounge ’93 - 7:30 PM
Maxx Carter @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM
Lucas Jon Turner @ Encore Rooftop Bar - 8 PM
Collin James Band @ The Will - 8 PM
Ray Palousek @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
Parker Ryan @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30 PM Tickets

📆 Saturday:

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ 200 Bridge Street - 9 AM

Homestead Weekly Indoor Market @ Homestead Heritage - 10 AM

Alice by Heart @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 7:30 PM Tickets -$5

Action U.S.A. @ Waco Hippodrome Theatre - 7:30 PM Tickets - $12

It’s a 2000s Party @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8:30 PM Tickets - $30

LIVE MUSIC

Kent Klaras Band @ The Will - 2 PM
Austin Avenue & The Heatwave Band @ Barnett’s Whiskey House - 5 PM
Brandon Johnson @ Waco Ale Co. - 7 PM
Dueling Pianos @ The Will - 8 PM
Collin James Band @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM
The Ethan Lynch Band with Brady Johnson @ Common Grounds - 8 PM

📆Sunday:

Westfest Kolache 5k @ Czech Stop in West - 8 AM (Free Kolaches after the race!)

Homegrown Sunday & Outdoor Market @ The Will - 11 AM

Westfest 2025 with Kolby Cooper & Sunny Sauceda @ West Fair & Rodeo Grounds - 11 AM

Sunday Sessions: The Bright Light Social Hour @ Waco Surf - 2 PM

R&B Day Party with DJ Mojamz @ Marie’s Wine Bar - 3 PM

Inferious with Dog Bite, Rasura & Banged Out @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 6 PM Tickets - $10

📆Monday (Labor Day):

Be Kind Coffee Marathon @ 1534 Washington Ave - 5:30 AM Details

Homestead Indoor Market @ Homestead Heritage - 10 AM

🏠 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.

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