☕Fall finally feels real in Waco

Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s as satisfying as finding the last Reese’s in the candy bowl.

Fall has finally arrived in Central Texas. Mornings in the 40s, evenings that actually make you want to sit outside, and the first hints of color starting to show in Cameron Park. Waco feels calm again — like the city collectively exhaled after summer.

Waco’s getting a 23-foot Dr Pepper bottle.
We’ll start there, because how could we not? The Dr Pepper Museum is marking 35 years in Waco by unveiling a 23-foot bottle outside the downtown museum — part celebration, part statement piece. Nobody asked for it, and yet it feels completely right for Waco.

Hudson Westbrook is coming to Foster Pavilion.
The rising Texas country artist will headline Baylor’s new arena next month, with tickets going on sale this Friday morning. Westbrook’s mix of red-dirt swagger and small-town storytelling has made him one of the fastest-moving names in Texas music. If you’re the kind of person who likes to say you saw someone before they blew up, now’s your moment.

Cobbs Drive just slimmed down → Read more
Two lanes came out, bike lanes went in. It’s part of the city’s long-term Trails Master Plan — a push to connect Waco with safe routes for biking, running, and walking. For now, it’s dividing drivers and delighting cyclists, which probably means it’s working.

Waco is hiring a new City Manager.
The city’s on the hunt for a steady hand to guide its next chapter. It’s a six-figure job with the kind of responsibility that makes local headlines and the rare chance to help shape how Waco grows in the decade ahead.
👉 Apply here

✈️ Flight Deal of the Week
Round-trip flights from Waco to New York are hovering around $300 on American. That’s your cue to chase fall color before Texas remembers it’s still warm.

And finally, a sweet deal on wheels.
Mercedes-Benz of Waco is giving one lucky local a three-day weekend in a luxury ride — no strings attached, just keys. Find out how to enter on our Instagram page. Somebody’s errands are about to get a serious upgrade.

Three new neighbors are making a splash in Woodway.

🌮 Chilaquintes Cocina Mexicana
Taking over the former La Bottega space at 9111 Jordan Ln (next to Sip City), this spot promises authentic Mexican breakfast and brunch done right — think chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and café de olla. Opening mid-November, so get your appetite ready. @chilaquilescocinamexicana

🏊 SafeSplash Swim School
Families, take note — SafeSplash Swim School officially opens November 12 in Woodway. Their heated indoor pools and small group lessons make it easy to keep your little ones water-safe year-round. safesplash.com/locations/woodway-tx

💪 Special Strong
Also arriving mid-November at 9108 Jordan Ln, Special Strong offers adaptive fitness and personal training for children, teens, and adults with special needs. A first-of-its-kind program for the Waco area focused on strength, confidence, and inclusion.

📣 MCC Is Hiring
McLennan Community College is hiring a Marketing & Communications Specialist to help share stories that move the campus and community forward. View the role →

TUESDAY
🍕 Trunk or Treat on the Turf | Shorty’s Pizza Shack Woodway • 6:30–8:30 PM
Candy, music, costumes, and pizza — a kid’s dream and an easy dinner win for parents.

🚓 City of Waco + WISD Police Trunk or Treat | Waco ISD Stadium • 5:30–7:30 PM
Meet first responders, grab candy, and check out the cool police vehicles. Always a community favorite.

WEDNESDAY
🎡 Hewitt’s Spooktacular Bash | Warren Park • 6–8 PM
Costume contests, a kids’ zone, and food trucks. The first 300 kids get free totes and flashlights.

THURSDAY
🎨 Natural Primary Care Fall Festival | 7005 Woodway Dr. • 4–6 PM
Bounce houses, raffles, food trucks, and fall fun — short, sweet, and great for little ones.

🍬 Playtime Waco Trunk or Treat | 5144 W Waco Dr. • 5–8 PM
Free community event with candy, games, and jump houses. Bonus: kids eat free with an adult plate.

FRIDAY (HALLOWEEN NIGHT)
🌮 Velvet Taco Trunk or Treat | Franklin Ave. • 4–6 PM
Candy, tacos, and music — the perfect pre-trick-or-treat stop before the sugar rush begins.

🌭 Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Trunk or Treat | 1624 Wooded Acres Dr. • 5:30–7:30 PM
Neighborhood favorite with candy, games, and free hot dogs.

And if you’re wondering what the grown-ups are doing while the kids dig through candy bags…

🎤 Paul Wall Halloween Bash at The Backyard | Oct. 31 • 8 PM
Houston’s own People’s Champ headlines a full-out Halloween concert — hip-hop, grills, and Texas beats all night long.

🚗 Free Uber Rides Courtesy of Zimmerman Law Firm
Downtown on Halloween night? They’ve got your ride home covered so you can skip the tricks and get home safe after the treats.

🏢Searching for the perfect space? Cromwell Commercial Group helps you find and acquire the right commercial property for your next big move.
🏗️Big build coming up? Arise Construction is Waco’s go-to general contractor who recently completed Uptown Cheapskate at Webster Market.
💧 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 an exclusive discount!
⭐Protect what matters most with Adam Rogers - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. Local, trusted guidance for your home, auto, and family.
💪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 in Waco. From red light therapy to anti-gravity treadmill sessions and home to CrushCycle Waoc, we combine recovery with your training that fits real life.

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📆 Tuesday:

📆 Wednesday:

📆 Thursday:

Big-box cabinets were then…this is Kustombilt.
Cookie-cutter kitchens. Limited choices. Cheap finishes that don’t last. That’s the old way. Since 1977, Kustombilt Cabinets has been crafting custom cabinetry that fits your space—and your life—perfectly. From 3D design previews to hand-built, high-quality materials, we turn your ideas into lasting style and everyday comfort.

🏈Baylor drops another one — is a coaching shakeup coming?
Baylor’s bye week didn’t do much to stop the skid. The Bears fell again to Cincinnati this past weekend, raising questions around the program’s direction heading into Homecoming.
Next up: UCF at McLane Stadium this Saturday at 11 AM for the annual Homecoming Game. The Bears will need a strong showing to quiet the noise and give fans something to cheer about beyond the parade.

Volleyball heads north for road stretch 🏐
Baylor Volleyball faces two tough matchups away from home this week — Wednesday at Iowa State and Friday at Colorado. The Bears will look to tighten up before returning to Waco for their final home series in early November.

Top-10 Baylor Soccer closes regular season strong ⚽
Now ranked No. 10 in the nation, Baylor Soccer wraps up its regular season Thursday in Stillwater against Oklahoma State. The Bears are pushing for momentum heading into postseason play — a win could cement their case for a top seed.

MCC kicks off basketball season with McLennan Madness 🔥
The McLennan Community College Athletics Department hosts its annual McLennan Madness on Oct. 28 at 6:30 PM in The Highlands gym. The free event marks the start of basketball season and features introductions of the men’s and women’s teams, performances by the MCC Dance Team, and contests in dunking, 3-point shooting, putting, and even gaga ball.

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