☕️❄️ Ready for the freeze (and 40 local Waco hacks)

Good morning, Waco. This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s like the friend who shows up with a Whataburger cup and duct tape to help you wrap your pipes before a freezing weekend.

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

I-Vit Hydration Lounge is helping Waco start the year strong with a limited-time wellness special.

Now through January 31st, you can book a Myers Classic IV drip and receive $35 off, plus any add-on for just $10.  Even better—every visit includes a Free Good Faith Exam, so you can get started with confidence.

The Myers Classic is one of I-Vit’s most popular treatments, designed to boost energy, support immunity, and help your body recover faster from stress, workouts, or long weeks.

In addition to IV therapy, I-Vit Hydration Lounge also offers:

Whether you’re focused on performance, immunity, or overall wellness, I-Vit makes it easy to take a proactive approach to your health—right here in Waco.

📍300 S. 2nd Street, Waco, TX 76710
📅 Offer valid through January 31st
Use code “WACOBUZZ” to book online or call/text 254-362-2245 to schedule your appointment.

Partner this with our Red Light Deal at Waco Bodymend Company, right next door and you have your one stop wellness stop.

❄️ Winter weather is on the way (yes, that kind).
If you’ve been to H-E-B in the last 48 hours, you’d think we were gearing up for Snowpocalypse 2026, fueled entirely by collective memory of Sno-vid 2021. Jokes aside, a real winter system is moving through Central Texas this weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.

What that means for Waco:
• Light rain Friday turns into much colder temps
• Potential for snow, sleet, and freezing rain late Saturday into Sunday
• Slick roads, especially bridges and overpasses
• Possible power outages if ice builds up on lines and trees

Totals are still uncertain, but forecasts currently call for up to 2 inches of snow/sleet and ice accumulation in parts of Central Texas. Bottom line: slow down, plan ahead, cover your outdoor pipes, and maybe don’t wait until Sunday night to grab groceries.

🛒 Sometimes you don’t know how good you’ve got it…

I get emails every week asking when Costco or Trader Joe’s is coming to Waco. Fair questions. But it’s worth pausing to appreciate what we already have, because H‑E‑B was just named America’s top grocery store again, beating both in a national ranking.

According to a new study from Dunnhumby surveying more than 11,000 shoppers, H-E-B ranked No. 1 for its mix of value, quality, experience, and selection. That’s the fifth time in nine years they’ve topped the list. While we wait on other favorites, we are already shopping at the best.
Speaking of favorites, Texas' favorite ice cream, Blue Bell, just announced a high-protein ice cream line coming to H-E-B. If “getting healthy by eating ice cream” isn’t living in the future, I don’t know what is.

💡 Waco Hacks (2026 Edition)

I think one of the best kept secret in town is that a Waco library card is actually a "Golden Ticket." You can use it to check out physical passes for free entry to the Cameron Park Zoo, Mayborn Museum, and the Dr Pepper Museum. It also gets you free movie and TV streaming, as well as disc golf kits for our world class course at Cameron Park.

I’ve compiled 39 other local hacks just like that into a 2026 guide so you can learn the "insider" way to navigate our city now rather than finding out years down the line and wonder how you never knew about it. Earlier this month, I asked you all for your best Waco hacks, and after combining those with my own favorites, I put them all in one place.

🐾If your pet needs more than a routine visit, Ranch House Pet-Med offers comprehensive care from wellness to surgery, all right here in Waco. You can find them online, by phone at 254-544-1458, or at 149 Dosher Lane, Waco, 76712.

Meet Rizzo, a 10-month-old Shepherd mix weighing 28 pounds and still growing into herself. She’s curious, alert, and at a great age to learn routines, build confidence, and bond closely with her person.

If you’re looking for a young dog who’s ready for training, adventure, and becoming part of your everyday life, Rizzo could be a great fit.

👉 Meet Rizzo through Fuzzy Friends Rescue or learn more about her here.

Welcome to Open House, where the phrase “it has everything” finally stops being an exaggeration.

This country estate sits on just over 5 acres and feels like a private compound built for hosting, hiding out, and never running out of space to explore.

• 6 beds, 5 baths, nearly 5,700 sq ft to spread out
• Barn, workshop, creek, wraparound porch, and an outdoor kitchen made for long nights
• Bonus twists you don’t see every day, including secret rooms and a full safety bunker

👉 Take your best guess at the list price, then look at the photos and see the price here.

Please check social media or online for each event before going due to unpredictable weather.

🎈Friday, January 23:

Project Homeless Connect @ City of Waco Multi Purpose - 9 AM

2026 Barkin’ Ball: Rio Carnival with Fuzzy Friends @ BASE - 7 PM

Waco Civic Theatre is pulling double duty this weekend with two different shows. Grab your tickets for Songs for a New World (contemporary) or the Rodgers & Hammerstein revue A Grand Night for Singing (classic music). The latter officially kicks off Silver Stage, a brand new program highlighting the senior talent we have right here in Waco.

The Schedule and Tickets

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Tia Juanita's Fish Camp - 6 PM (Country / Country-Rock)
Jacob Erler @ The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro - 6 PM (Acoustic / Singer-Songwriter)
Claire Ruland @ Segovia Wine Bar - 7 PM (Acoustic / Singer-Songwriter)
Lucas Jon Turner @ Uncle Worm's Smoke House - 7 PM (Country / Americana)
Brazos Brothers @ Lounge '93 - 7:30 PM (Rock / Blues Rock)
Chris Whitten @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM (Country / Americana)
Colin Dexter @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM (Classic Country / Covers)
The Spazmatics with Jet Jurgensmeyer @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 8 PM (’80s New Wave / Pop Rock) Tickets

🎈 Saturday, January 24:

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza - 9 AM

Winter Jigsaw Puzzle Swap @ Hewitt Public Library - 10 AM

Texas Whiskey Society Bottle Share @ Humidor on Austin - 3 PM

Baylor Basketball vs TCU @ Foster Pavilion - 5 PM Tickets

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
The Year of the Punk: 9 O’clock Shots, Girl Dinner & Keep The Kids @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 6 PM Tickets
Darrell “D-Rail” Ray @ Waco Ale Co. - 7 PM (Country / Country-Rock)
Michael Jacobson & Evan Klaras @ Marie's Wine Bar - 7:30 PM (Jazz / Smooth Jazz)
The Ballou’s Cats @ The Will - 8 PM (Americana / Roots Rock / Folk Rock)
Collin James Band @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8 PM (Southern Rock / Blues Rock)
David Adam Byrnes @ Backyard Bar Stage & Grill - 9 PM (Country / Country Rock) Tickets

🎈Sunday, January 25:

Mahjong 103 & Open Play @ Social House - 1 PM Tickets

Skee Ball Tournament @ Main Event - 1 PM

Songs for a New World (matinee) @ Waco Civic Theatre - 2:30 PM Tickets

Day Party with DJ Mojamz & Strawberry Chic 5th Annual Vision Board Party @ Marie's Wine Bar - 3 PM

Matthew Kim: We Follow Christ & What’s God Saying Here? @ Fabled Bookshop & Cafe - 4 PM

Parents’ Night Out @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 5 PM Tickets

🌟 WOW Level Up 2026 – Jan 30, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
A full-day women’s conference hosted by Women of Waco at AC Hotel Waco. Expect to hear from Dr. Linda Livingstone and Rachel E. Pate, plus breakout sessions and time to network with others. Built for women who want to level up their business and their brand. Details and registration.

🎓 Baylor TIP Super Saturday – Jan 31, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM A chance for students in grades 1-12 to dive into everything from robotics and engineering to creative writing right on Baylor's campus. It’s a great way for kids to grow their skills and meet other curious students in a hands-on environment. The registration deadline is this Sunday, Jan 25. Details and registration.

🏀 Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour – Feb 14, 1:00 PM The legendary team is bringing their show to Foster Pavilion in a few weeks. Expect huge dunks, game changing tricks, and new pre-game magic to celebrate 100 years of the team that redefined basketball. A great event for the whole family. Details and tickets.

Digital Marketing Specialist at McLennan Community College.
Help shape how one of Waco’s most important institutions shows up online. This role blends creativity, data, and accessibility to tell MCC’s story, support students, and keep the college’s digital presence modern, consistent, and useful as Waco keeps growing.

Director, New Business & Underwriting at American Amicable Group
Lead from the center of a 100+ year Waco company building its next chapter. High-impact executive role for someone who wants to guide strategy, modernize systems, and mentor teams while helping families plan their financial futures.

Hotel Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Hotel 1928
This role mixes hospitality, events, and social storytelling at one of the city’s most talked about hotels. Perfect for someone who likes being in the middle of the action and helping visitors fall in love with Waco.

Hiring? Post a job
Hunting? View all 73 open local jobs on the Waco Buzz Job Board

🔥Kick off 2026 with the Fit in ’26 deal from HOTWORX Woodway: just $99 all in for enrollment, January dues, plus a mat and towel. This Waco Buzz reader promo ($276 value) expires Feb 28, 2026. Call (254) 870-4508 or stop by 13701 Woodway Dr. to claim it.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best. Waco Buzz readers get 15% off the Event Ready treatment plan.

💧 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 by clicking the link.

💪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. From red light therapy and PEMF to alterG anti gravity treadmill sessions & home to CrushCycle Waco, we combine science backed recovery with your training that fits your life. Click the link to the get the exclusive offer for Waco Buzz readers.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your neighbor who stocked up on bread, eggs, and TP to get through the weekend.

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:

1. Promote your business or event to 25,000 engaged Waco locals across our channels. Click the link to get the conversation started.

2. Dinner Club: Meet other locals (recent movers and lifelong Wacoans) over dinner on January 27. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.

3. Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering.