🐝 Waco’s weekend picks (6,400+ locals agree)

Good morning, Waco! You’re reading the Waco Buzz, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

Let’s jump in.

— Sam Harper

Honest. Reliable. Done Right.

When other Wacoans need a contractor who delivers on promises, they turn to Evergreen Enterprises. From complete home remodels to rental make-readys and new construction, this local team handles every detail with upfront pricing and clear communication throughout your project.

Their full-service approach means one call manages everything—no juggling multiple contractors or surprise costs.

⭐"His work is always on time, clean and top notch quality" - Google Review

⭐"All work was professionally done on schedule" - Google Review

Need a project done right? Get your free consultation or call (254) 717-3173

Downtown Waco: $1.8 billion makeover in the works 🏗️
City leaders invited the public Tuesday night to give feedback on a long-range vision for downtown redevelopment. Over the next decade or so, up to $1.8 billion could be invested in making downtown more walkable, livable, and river-friendly. Think fewer dead zones, more green space, and better reasons to hang around after dinner.

Stay in the loop here or share your feedback directly at wacodowntownredevelopment.com.

Amazon drone delivery: info session Monday night 🚁
Last week, I mentioned Amazon hiring for drone delivery operators in Waco and now they want to chat. A public info session is set for Monday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center.

Expect a peek into how it works, what they'll deliver (hello, iPhones), and how it’ll sound in your neighborhood. Drones hover 13 feet up, drop packages safely, and skip delivery in bad weather. Amazon says Waco’s layout helps avoid the noise complaints seen in College Station.

Governor Abbott coming to Waco this fall 🎤
Governor Greg Abbott will headline the 2025 State of the State Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at McLane Stadium’s Baylor Club. He’ll be joined by Sen. Brian Birdwell and Reps. Pat Curry and Angelia Orr for a legislative recap and panel discussion.

Tickets are available now on the Waco Chamber website.

Mark your calendars, August is stacked 📅

Want to spread the good word about your business, post your resume, or just want to say hi to 6,400+ neighbors? Want to grab a spot in the bulletin or partner with the Buzz to grow your business? Hit reply and let’s chat.

📸 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.

💵 Waco Buzz Cash Drop happened this past Tuesday on Instagram—shoutout to reader Lucy Hao (owner of L&L Hawaiian BBQ) for being the first to get there! Follow us @wacobuzz for more scavenger hunt cash drops and surprises around town.

Friday

- Central Texas Watercolor Society Book Signing & Happy Hour 4:30 PM | The Olive Branch
- Monte Rose 6:00 PM | Slow Rise on the Brazos
- Bob Ross Night Paint & Sip 6:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe | Tickets here
- TriWizard Weekend: Task Two 6:00 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Tickets here
- Moana JR. 7:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- The Aristocats KIDS 7:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Brazos Brothers 7:00 PM | Camp Fimfo
- Sloppy Joe Trio 8:00 PM | Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar
- Ghosts of Hill County 8:00 PM | The Will | Tickets here
- The Ultimate Doors Tribute 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets here

Saturday

- Waco Downtown Farmers Market 9:00 AM | Bridge Street Plaza
- Homestead Weekly Market 10:00 AM | Homestead Heritage
- Ink’d Fest 10:00 AM | Waco Convention Center | Tickets here
- TriWizard Weekend: Task Three 10:30 AM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Tickets here
- Movie Day: Homeward Bound (morning) 10:30 AM | Mayborn Museum Complex
- Moana JR. (matinee) 2:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- The Aristocats KIDS (matinee) 2:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Movie Day: Homeward Bound (afternoon) 2:30 PM | Mayborn Museum Complex
- Waco’s Ultimate Karaoke Showdown Finals 4:00 PM | The Will
- Summer Vibes 4:00 PM | Southpaw Ink
- Love Island Tiki Night 6:00 PM | One Day Bar
- Moana JR. 7:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- Live Jazz Saturday with the Pat McKee Trio 7:00 PM | Segovia Wine Bar
- The Aristocats KIDS 7:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Clay Palousek & Cody Ellinger 7:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Improv Comedy Show 7:30 PM | Brazos Theatre | Tickets here
- Dyer Davis with Nikki Heath 8:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe | Tickets here
- Megan Urby, Sul Ross, Gabe Choate & Bill Sibley 8:00 PM | The Will
- Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets here

Sunday

- Ink’d Fest 10:00 AM | Waco Convention Center
- WPN First Sunday Coffee Hangout 10:30 AM | Common Grounds (Woodway)
- Homegrown Sunday & Outdoor Market 11:00 AM | The Will
- Greg Carpenter Benefit 1:00 PM | Lakeside Bar
- Sunday Sessions: Matthew Logan Vasquez 2:00 PM | Waco Surf
- Moana JR. (matinee) 2:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- The Aristocats KIDS (matinee) 2:00 PM | The Performing Arts Community Center | Tickets here
- Maura Jortner: Keepers of the Marsh 3:30 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe

Welcome to Open House, the only part of the newsletter that thinks a house built into a limestone bluff should come with binoculars and a poet’s residency. We’ll give you a few facts and you guess the price.

This week’s listing is a hidden gem perched above Landon Branch Creek in the heart of Waco. Designed by local architect Robert S. Bennett, this 1978 treehouse-style home is as much a work of art as it is a place to live.

Highlights include:

So, how much for a mid-century modern icon that feels like a private retreat but sits just minutes from Lake Waco? Take your best guess.
Answer’s found at the bottom of the newsletter.

Supporting this newsletter means more events, local highlights, and fun finds for 6,400+ Waco neighbors. Want to join the party or promote your business? [Just hit reply.]

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with your friend who carries a sweatshirt around all summer for when they go into H-E-B.

Our 6,400+ Waco neighbors are always asking: “Where’d you find that place?”

We spotlight the local gems they can’t stop talking about - from the coffee shop that gets your order right to the trainer who actually cares.

Think your spot would fit right in with our community? I’d love to hear from you.

Drop your info here and let’s chat.