Good Morning Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that's like finding a parking spot near the door at HEB on a Sunday afternoon.

In this edition:
  • Faces in the Crowd: Cameron Philgreen, Owner of For Keeps

  • 🐶Pup of the Week: Sammy

  • 🎶 The Best Live Music and Events Happening in Waco on the Last Weekend of Summer

  • 🏠Open House: The Most Expensive House Sold in Waco in July

Let’s get to it!
Sam Harper

BUZZWORTHY NEWS
What’s Up Waco?

Hard to believe, but schools are back next week — and summer felt like it zipped by even faster than usual. Before the school bell rings, here’s what you need to know:

Texas tax-free weekend kicks off this Friday through Sunday. If you’re grabbing school supplies, clothes, or backpacks, now’s your chance to save some cash.

After two years of construction, Waco High is ready to welcome students to its brand-new campus this fall — a fresh start for a new era. Also new this year: a statewide ban on phones during school hours. Say goodbye to classroom distractions!

And for a little Waco magic, Cameron Park Zoo just introduced Bodhi, a baby giraffe born recently and now out exploring. Definitely worth a visit if you want to see a brand-new long-necked friend.

NEW RELEASE
New Waco Buzz Website

Thewacobuzz.com is where you can find every newsletter I’ve sent, our Waco guides, in-depth interviews, find out about upcoming Waco Buzz partner events, and soon, fun merch and a new way to support this work.

Bookmark the site, explore at your own pace, and share it with a friend to get all the latest delivered straight to your inbox. Feel free to share your feedback — I want this to be as helpful as possible.

👀 Take a look: thewacobuzz.com

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

📸 Autumn Sage Designs: Clean, modern, user-friendly websites built by local designer Alicia—perfect for small businesses, nonprofits, portfolios, or anyone who wants a site that actually works. Need a redesign, fresh logo, or ongoing maintenance? She does that too. Check out her work @ autumnsagedesigns.com and stand out online.

🌕Basin Climbing & Fitness isn’t just for experienced climbers—it’s the perfect place to try something new. Whether you’ve never climbed before or just want a fresh way to stay active, their welcoming community, easy beginner walls, and group classes make it simple to jump in. Ready to give it a shot? Use code BUZZ30 for 30% off a day pass when you book online.

🧑‍⚖️A Conversation with Justice Brett Kavanaugh
McLennan Community College will host U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh for a public conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Highlands Gym. Tickets are free but required, and seating is expected to fill quickly. Reserve your spot here ➜

FACES IN THE CROWD
How For Keeps Coffee Is Brewing Coffee & Community in Waco

Cameron Philgreen turned a lifelong dream into For Keeps Coffee — a specialty shop on Bosque Blvd. serving up great coffee, fresh bagels, and a space where neighbors feel at home.

Why Build For Keeps in Waco?
“We wanted to serve the Brookview, Heart of Texas, and Mountainview neighborhoods — communities that we believe deserve great places to gather.”

Now he’s roasting coffee beans in-house and eyeing a second location on Baylor’s campus.
Read the full conversation ➜

PUP OF THE WEEK
Meet your new best friend

Some dogs win you over with age and wisdom — Sammy’s plan is pure puppy charm. This 1-year-old Miniature Schnauzer mix (just 19 pounds) is all scruffy good looks and tail wags, ready to follow you from couch to coffee run. He’s at Fuzzy Friends Rescue waiting for his forever human… could that be you?

LIVE MUSIC & EVENT RUNDOWN
Coming up this weekend 📆

📆Friday:

  • End of Summer Popsicle Party
    Fabled Bookshop & Cafe — Friday, Aug 8 | 4 PM

  • Woodway Family Movie Night
    Woodway Family Center — Friday, Aug 8 | 7 PM

  • Throwback Tracks: Classic Rock Edition with DJ Eddie Rose
    The Will — Friday, Aug 8 | 7 PM

  • Lip Sync Battle Royale
    The Performing Arts Community Center — Friday, Aug 8 | 7 PM

  • Summer Melodrama: Along Came Joan or Savin’ Sweet Stu’s Bacon
    Brazos Theatre — Friday, Aug 8 | 7:30 PM

  • Wine & Jazz Festival
    Marie’s Wine Bar — Friday, Aug 8 | 8 PM

  • Sami Brown
    Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar — Friday, Aug 8 | 8 PM

  • Bear Country Night Trek 5K, 10K, 15K & 10K Ruck
    Cameron Park — Friday, Aug 8 | 8:30 PM

  • Erick Willis with Claire Hinkle
    Backyard Bar Stage & Grill — Friday, Aug 8 | 8:30 PM

📆 Saturday:

  • Waco Downtown Farmers Market
    Bridge Street Plaza — Saturday, Aug 9 | 9 AM

  • Homestead Weekly Market
    Homestead Heritage — Saturday, Aug 9 | 10 AM

  • Back-to-School Book Reading & Live Drawing with Alison Sloan
    Mosaic Makers Collective — Saturday, Aug 9 | 10 AM

  • Big Binky’s 15th Annual Waco Family Day BBQ & Back 2 School Giveaway
    Oscar DuCongé Park — Saturday, Aug 9 | 1 PM

  • Wine & Jazz Festival
    Marie’s Wine Bar — Saturday, Aug 9 | 3 PM

  • Rockin’ Luau with The Morticians
    Central United Methodist Church — Saturday, Aug 9 | 6 PM

  • Club Retro ’70s, ’80s & ’90s
    BASE at Extraco — Saturday, Aug 9 | 6 PM

  • King George: A Tribute to George Strait
    Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Saturday, Aug 9 | 7 PM

  • Neon Glow Pool Party: Splashback Saturday Edition with DJ Adeezy
    AC Hotel — Saturday, Aug 9 | 7 PM

  • Back to School Bash & Foam Party
    Route 77 Food Park — Saturday, Aug 9 | 7 PM

  • Summer Melodrama: Along Came Joan or Savin’ Sweet Stu’s Bacon
    Brazos Theatre — Saturday, Aug 9 | 7:30 PM

  • Rewind Party Band
    The Will — Saturday, Aug 9 | 8 PM

  • Bear Country Night Trek 5K, 10K, 15K & 10K Ruck
    Cameron Park — Saturday, Aug 9 | 8 PM

  • David Lewis
    Backyard Bar Stage & Grill — Saturday, Aug 9 | 8:30 PM

📆Sunday:

  • Wines, Rides & Good Vibes Jeep Show
    Waco Winery & Vineyards — Sunday, Aug 10 | 10 AM

  • Back to School Bash
    Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute — Sunday, Aug 10 | 10 AM

  • Homegrown Sunday & Outdoor Market
    The Will — Sunday, Aug 10 | 11 AM

  • Sunday Sessions: Short Jake
    Waco Surf — Sunday, Aug 10 | 2 PM

OPEN HOUSE
How much did this house sell for?

1020 Canyon Trail, Waco, TX, 76657

Welcome to Open House, the part of the newsletter that thinks a heated pool, three fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen are just the basics.

July’s priciest Waco home sold is a sprawling 8,832 sq. ft. Hidden Valley estate on 1.6 acres, with 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and a backyard straight out of a resort — heated pool, spa, covered patio, the works. Inside: smart home tech, a massive kitchen island, and a master suite with its own fireplace.

Here’s the Realtor.com link if you want to check it out after guessing the sale price first!

How much for your own private resort in Waco?

You guess the estimated sale price.

Login or Subscribe to participate

JOBS
Two jobs at two companies with 🚀🚀growth potential

Wholesale Customer Service - Sales Coordinator – Sendero Provisions Co.
Help keep customers happy and support the sales team by handling orders, returns, and questions. This full-time Waco role needs 1–2 years of customer service experience and offers hourly pay with benefits.
🔗 View Job Details

Starlink Market Access Manager – SpaceX
Manage global licensing and regulatory work to help bring Starlink internet to new countries. This Waco based job requires a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in international business or regulatory affairs, and up to 50% travel.
🔗 View Job Details

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS — THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Local businesses who love Waco, serve with integrity, and help keep the Waco Buzz community growing.

🏠 Evergreen Enterprises - Honest, reliable, and on time general contractor
Homestead Weekly Market – Saturday mornings 10A-2P
Adam Rogers - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance - Local, trusted guidance designed specifically for your family.

Interested in connecting with our audience, supercharging your business, and supporting the growth of this publication? Reply to this email to get started.

THANKS!

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