Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s like riding the Ferris wheel and spotting the whole fair spread out below you.
In this edition:
🎡 HoT Fair & Rodeo Preview
💼 Business openings, deals, and a beloved Waco spot for sale
📸 Where are we?!
🎶The Best Midweek Live Music and Events This Week
🏅 Baylor Sports roundup
🎂 Happy Belated Birthday to our Waco Buzz super fans Katie J. and Carolyn H.!!!
Let’s get to it!— Sam Harper
BUZZWORTHY NEWS
💘 Date Night Passport & Waco Buzz Dinner Club Update
Well… y’all did it again. The very first Date Night Passport launched this past Friday and you nearly cleaned us out — 75% are already gone.
This started as a tiny idea to make it easier (and cheaper) to explore Waco’s best date spots. Turns out, you were more than ready for it.
If you’ve been waiting to grab one, now’s the time before the first run disappears:
👉 Snag your passport ›
On the Dinner Club front: more than 100 of you said you’re in for meeting new neighbors over great food. My favorite response so far:
“The introvert in me wants to resist, but I love the idea of building more connections outside my normal spheres in Waco!”
Same, friend. That’s exactly why we’re doing this. First dinner is penciled for the second half of October. I’m building the backend now so we can match tables and make it easy (no awkward “so… where are you from?” moments). Details coming soon.
🎨 South Waco Gets a New Landmark Mural
The South Waco Community Center (2815 Speight Ave) just unveiled a new mural called Dignidad — a color-packed tribute to Mexican and Chicano heritage. Painted by artist Jesus Rivera, the piece weaves together portraits of 30+ influential Texans whose impact reaches far beyond Waco.
Commissioned by the Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Association and brought to life with help from local partners, the mural is another reason to swing by South Waco and take in a bit of art and history.
📍 Add it to your Waco mural bucket list and explore even more public art around town with this interactive map ›
🎡 HEART O’ TEXAS FAIR & RODEO Preview — OCT. 2–12
Eleven straight days of fried food, live music, and big-time rodeo action are back at the Extraco Events Center this week. This year brings a few new attractions like chuckwagon races, a lumberjack show, new food options, and even a magic show.
Helpful notes for the planners out there:
🎟️ Sneak-A-Peek Night — Thu, Oct. 2: $5 gate admission + $2 rides.
🎖️ Military Night — Fri, Oct. 3: Free admission with military ID.
🐴 Stick Horse & Pony Grand Entry — Sat, Oct. 4: Free for kids who bring a stick horse.
🤠 Ride ’Em Cowboy — Tue, Oct. 7: $25 for gate + unlimited rides + balcony rodeo seat.
🎶 Southern Soul Night & Senior Night — Wed, Oct. 8: Seniors 65+ get $5 admission. Also: Cupid is headlining the music where it will be the largest Cupid Shuffle in Waco history.
🎓 College Night — Thu, Oct. 9: $10 admission with student ID.
🐂 Mexican Rodeo Spectacular — Sun, Oct. 12: One HOT Rodeo finale inside the Coliseum.
🎤 Pro tip: Rodeo tickets are separate but include the fair, concert, and arena show — worth it if you want the full experience.
Full schedule & tickets: hotfair.com
✈️ Flight Deal of the Week
Craving a crisp New England fall? Flights from Waco to Boston are just $277 roundtrip — perfect for leaf peeping, Freedom Trail strolls, and clam chowder by the harbor. Reminder: free parking at Waco Regional ends this month (the $5/day fee kicks in Wednesday). Still cheaper — and way closer — than driving to DFW or Austin.
BUSINESS NEWS
New Openings & Moves
Webster Market at 1001 Webster Ave
🛍️ Webster Market Grand Opening Party — Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30–7:30 PM
Wrangler, Flamingo Ranch, Connor Creek Boutique, Uptown Cheapskate — and more — are teaming up under one roof at the new Webster Market. Launch night includes Casa do Brasil appetizers, live music, and plenty of local shopping vibes.
📍1001 Webster Ave
🚲 Crush Cycle is bringing the spin scene back
If you’ve been missing a good group ride since Cyclebar and RushCycle closed, meet Crush Cycle — a new indoor spin studio that’s all about energy, music, and community (not just sweating solo on a Peloton). After class, pop next door to Bodymend for some of the best recovery in downtown. Classes are every Monday and Wednesday at 5:45 PM.
📍116 Mary Ave | Instagram
🛍️ 254 Craft Mall opening on Waco Drive
Remember the old Ritchie’s Western Wear building? It’s about to be reborn as the 254 Craft Mall, a 14,000 sq. ft. treasure hunt of local makers, vintage finds, home décor, gifts, and more. With hundreds of booths, it’s basically a new go-to spot for unexpected finds. Doors open this week (daily except Sunday, 10–6).
📍4533 W Waco Dr | 254craftmall.com
🍸 Encore Rooftop keeps leveling up downtown nights
The Hippodrome’s rooftop bar — now Encore — has been quietly turning into one of downtown’s best hangs. Think movie nights under the stars, pop-up Pilates, watch parties for Baylor and Cowboys games, and steady live music. If you haven’t been lately, it’s worth a visit just for the view.
Facebook
🥗 Harvest on 25th is looking for a new owner
One of Waco’s coziest, most beloved restaurants — known for scratch-made seasonal menus and warm community vibes is officially for sale. Harvest on 25th comes fully equipped, with a trained team and loyal customer base. It’s a turnkey opportunity for someone ready to step into a thriving local spot and take it to the next level.
Listing
Where Are We? 📷
Watch this space for a random picture from somewhere in Waco.
Where are we?
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Local Businesses You Can Trust
🏢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 helping build Waco’s future.
🏠 Evergreen Enterprises - Honest, reliable, and on time general contractor
⭐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.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN & MIDWEEK EVENTS
Coming up this week 📆
📆 Tuesday:
Free Coffee & Community by Waco Moms @ Magnolia Silos - 10:30 AM
Ashley Schumacher: Say It Out Loud @ Fabled Bookshop & Cafe - 7:00 PM
Beer Garden Yoga @ Brotherwell Brewing - 7:00 PM $15
Smarty Pints Trivia @ Southern Roots Brewing - 7:00 PM
Trivia Night @ Dancing Bear Pub - 7:00 PM
Baylor Concert Jazz Ensemble @ Glennis McCrary Music Building - 7:30 PM
Waco Community Band: Sacred Echoes @ Ball Performing Arts Center - 7:30 PM
Slap Stix Trivia @ Freight Bar - 7:30 PM
📆 Wednesday:
The Meetup @ Startup Waco – 9:00 AM
Fabled Story-Time @ Fabled Bookshop & Café – 10:30 AM
Trivia Night @ Hemingway’s Watering Hole - 6:00 PM
Wednesday Game Night @ The Will - 6:00 PM
Levitt AMP Waco Music Series: Dwight James & The Royals with The Lindsley Brothers @ Bridge Street Plaza - 6:00 PM
Slap Stix Trivia Night @ Torchy’s Tacos - 6:30 PM
📆 Thursday:
Woodway Night Out by the Woodway Public Safety Department @ Woodway Family Center - 6:00 PM
Music Bingo @ Waco Ale Co. - 6:00 PM
Slap Stix Karaoke @ Torchy’s Tacos - 6:30 PM
Trivia Night @ Brotherwell Brewing - 7 PM
Randy Travis @ Waco Hippodrome - 7:30 Resale Tickets from $146
OCTOBER PREVIEW 🍂
🎤 Jeff Dunham — Oct. 3 @ Foster Pavilion
America’s favorite ventriloquist (and his puppet crew) roll into town Friday night. Expect sharp jokes, quick banter, and a packed house. Tickets from $71🏊♂️ Ironman Waco — Oct. 5
Thousands of athletes will swim, bike, and run their way through Waco. Even if you’re not racing, downtown turns electric — grab a coffee, cheer them on, and feel the buzz.🍻 Brew at the Zoo — Oct. 17 @ Cameron Park Zoo
Craft beer. Food trucks. Live music. And yes — you get to roam the zoo after hours with a drink in hand. One of the coolest nights in town.Waco Buzz Dinner Club Kickoff
Good food. New friends. A simple way to feel more connected. First dinner is coming — sign-up details soon.🎉 Silobration — Oct. 24–25 @ Magnolia
Magnolia’s birthday bash takes over downtown with live music, food trucks, and tons of market energy. Crowded? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Forrest Frank and Switchfoot headline the musical performances.🎭 Paul Walloween Bash — Oct. 31 @ The Backyard
Houston rap legend Paul Wall headlines Waco’s biggest Halloween party. Costumes, live music, and throwback hits to close out the month.
Together with Kustombilt Cabinets
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.
SPORTS
Baylor Sports This Week
@bufootball
🏈 Football — Baylor rolled past Oklahoma State 45–27 in Stillwater on Saturday, powered by Sawyer Robertson’s five touchdown passes. Next up: Kansas State comes to McLane this Saturday at 11 AM for the Go Gold Game.
🎟️ Deal alert: Grab 4+ tickets and snag seats that usually go for $35 for just $10 each here.
🏐 Volleyball — Two big home matches this week at the Ferrell Center:
Wednesday, Oct. 1 — Baylor vs. Houston at 7 PM
Friday, Oct. 3 — Baylor vs. Kansas at 7 PM
⚽ Soccer — Home under the lights! Baylor hosts Iowa State at Betty Lou Mays Field this Thursday at 7 PM. (Reminder: all Baylor Soccer games are FREE — bring friends and make it a night.)
THANKS!
Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your friend who is all about funnel cake at the Fair.
