☕Swig is coming to Waco

Good morning, Waco. This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that pairs perfectly with that first cup of coffee in the morning.

Let’s get to it!

— Sam Harper

🎶 Another big concert announced at Foster Pavilion
Add this one to the list. Chart-topping norteño artists La Fiera de Ojinaga and Los Pescadores del Río Conchos are coming to Foster Pavilion on Sunday, July 19 at 3 PM.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan 23 at 10 AM, and the show adds to a growing run of major events booked at the venue. With upcoming appearances from the Harlem Globetrotters, comedian Jon Crist, and country artist Hudson Westbrook, Baylor is clearly stepping up its concert game this spring and summer.

We’ve clearly been on a Europe kick lately. First Paris, then Dublin, and now this one popped up. If you’ve got some holiday cash burning a hole in your pocket or just want an excuse to use a little PTO, this might be it.

Waco → Barcelona — $486 round-trip
Think tapas instead of takeout and maybe even catching Lamine Yamal play in person while you’re there.

The route runs Waco → Dallas → Barcelona, and the Waco-to-Dallas leg is essentially free compared to booking the same international flight out of DFW.

See this flight deal*
*Price is subject to change and may no longer be available at the time you check this link.

🤝 Community Corner

Making new friends as an adult is harder than it should be, which is why 65 locals are already signed up for our January Dinner Club on January 27. It’s a small, curated dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll sit down with a handful of other Wacoans for good food and easy conversation.

No speed networking or awkward ice breakers. Just a simple way to meet other neighbors and make Waco feel a little smaller. If you’ve been wanting to meet new people in Waco who share similar interests, click the link below and take the quiz. We’ll handle the rest.

Behind the scenes, a lot is coming together right now. From new partnerships and collaborations to upcoming events and ideas in motion, The Waco Buzz feels like it’s picking up serious speed. Can’t wait to share more soon.

Partner or advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]!

🏪 Swig is coming to Waco
The Utah-based chain known as the “Home of the Original Dirty Soda” has filed permits to open a drive-thru soda shop near campus, right by MOD Pizza and Velvet Taco at 1011 S. 10th Street, Suite 170. Construction is expected to start next month, with hopes to open by May.

🥤 What’s dirty soda?
It’s soda mixed with flavored syrups, fruit, and cream. If that sounds oddly addictive… that’s because it is. If it also sounds similar to something you’ve been ordering at Sonic for many years, you would also be correct.

🌮 On The Border rolls out a new menu
This isn’t a Pappasito’s opening announcement, but it might be the closest we’ve been in a while. On The Border just released a refreshed menu now overseen by Pappas Restaurants, the Texas-based team behind Pappadeaux and Pappasito’s.

Translation: higher-quality food, tighter execution, and a little more hope that Waco eventually gets that melted-butter shrimp experience without the drive to Dallas or Houston.

💪 610Fit Academy opens downtown
A new training concept is coming to 610 Austin Ave. 610Fit Academy and Training Center blends physical training with faith-based teaching, focusing on strength rooted in Christ rather than just reps and results. They’re hosting a preview party Wednesday, Jan 21, from 6–8 PM if you want to check it out and learn more.

🧋 Zuke’s Tea Bar turns 5 and opens a new downtown location
After five years inside Union Hall, Zuke’s Tea Bar is celebrating a milestone with a move into its own standalone space downtown, now open next to Sendero and Rancher Hat Bar at 319 S. 4th St. They’re marking the occasion Thursday with 5th anniversary celebration, including a ribbon cutting at 4 PM, giveaways, and a chance to win free tea for a year.

☕ Another local collab worth a nod
Last week we highlighted a few partnerships around town worth celebrating, and here’s another one to add to the list: Common Grounds (all locations) is now serving Nightlight Donuts. Coffee and donuts feels obvious, but when two local favorites team up, it’s still a win.

⚖️ City Council Meeting
A lot on the agenda this week. City of Waco City Council is set to dig into several decisions that quietly shape how Waco grows and operates going forward.

Here’s what’s on deck:

🏠 New affordable housing projects
Council will review proposals tied to new rental housing projects aimed at families, seniors, and residents with disabilities. These items are part of a state housing tax credit process and determine whether the City formally supports the developments moving forward.

🚧 Big infrastructure spending
This includes street repairs, utility relocations, wastewater plant expansions, rail quiet zone improvements, and riverfront-related projects across multiple districts.

💼 Hiring Waco’s next City Manager
This is the person who runs the city day to day. They oversee departments, manage the budget, and turn City Council’s decisions into action.

The meeting includes a 3 PM work session and 6 PM business session Tuesday at the Waco Convention Center (Bosque Theater, 100 Washington Ave). The public can attend in person, watch live on MyWacoTV, or sign up ahead of time to speak. View full agenda here.

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Looking Ahead

✈️🌍 Expedia Cruises – Waco Travel Expo – Jan 31, 10 AM–1 PM
Meet directly with the travel brands like Disney Cruise Line and Sandals to ask real questions, compare options side by side, and get advice tailored to how you actually like to travel. You’ll also unlock event-only perks, added amenities, and a $100 travel credit when you book through Expedia Cruises Waco at Glory Bell Coffee. RSVP today.

🎭 Songs for a New World – Jan 24 & 25
A powerful, song-driven musical about the moments that change everything. Songs for a New World weaves together stories of love, risk, hope, and second chances, all set at those crossroads where one choice can reshape a life. With music by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, expect soaring vocals, emotional punch, and storytelling that sticks with you long after the curtain falls. Details and tickets available through the Waco Civic Theatre box office.

🔥 Helberg BBQ Class: Brisket 101 – Jan 25, 4–8 PM
Join Texas Monthly Top 50 Pitmaster Phillip Helberg at Helberg Barbecue for a hands-on brisket class covering fire management, wood selection, and smoker fundamentals. You will leave with a full meal, merch, and the know-how to cook better BBQ at home.

🏀 Women’s Basketball (17–3, No. 18)
The Bears keep rolling. Baylor Bears picked up back-to-back road wins over Utah Utes and BYU Cougars, proving they can win away from Waco. They’re back home Wednesday night, hosting UCF Knights at Foster Pavilion at 7 PM. Conference play is ramping up, and this group continues to look like a real Big 12 contender.

🏀 Men’s Basketball (11–6)
After losses to Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas Jayhawks last week, the Bears are back home Tuesday night against Texas Tech Red Raiders, led by Scott Drew’s former assistant Grant McCasland. Texas Tech comes in ranked No. 16. Tipoff is 8 PM at Foster Pavilion, with tickets starting around $39. This one feels like a measuring stick game for how far we may go in March.

🏈 Baylor Football
A big step forward at quarterback. Baylor Bears landed transfer QB DJ Lagway from the Florida Gators. A former five-star recruit, Lagway brings high-upside talent and a strong Baylor connection, with his father having played for the Bears. He threw for more than 2,200 yards last season and immediately raises the ceiling of the offense. A clear signal that the program is pushing forward after the Sawyer Robertson era.

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Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your friend who always knows how to find the best deal on electricity.

Whenever you’re ready, there are three ways I can help you:

1. Dinner Club: Making new friends as an adult is hard. We make it easy by coordinating a dinner with five others at the table, provide conversation starters, and take the awkward part out of the evening. Next Dinner Club is on January 27.

2. Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering. Hiring? Use code STARTUP to post your first job today FOR FREE.

3. Promote your business or event to 25,000 highly engaged Waco locals across our newsletter and social media channels.