🐝 What's Happening in Waco This Weekend? (7/25-7/27)

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that makes you feel more accomplished than parallel parking perfectly in one go.

Let’s get to it.

— Sam Harper

Every Saturday escape to Homestead Weekly Market, a vibrant market where local artisans, farmers, and food vendors create magic from 10am-2pm. Navigate the Texas-sized cattle-pen maze, soar down giant hay slides, craft beeswax candles, and savor everything from NY-style bagels to authentic street tacos. Fresh produce, handmade treasures, and endless family fun await at 747 Dry Creek Road. Your Saturday adventure starts here!*

🗳️ Texas' Best Beach? You weighed in
Earlier this week, I asked: What’s the best beach getaway in Texas? A lot of readers chimed in, and the results are in.

🏖️ South Padre Island took the crown, with Port Aransas right behind. But one under-the-radar gem got some unexpected love — Rockport Beach, Texas’ first-ever Blue Wave beach. That means it’s clean, accessible, eco-friendly, and tests its water quality every two weeks. Not bad for a quiet spot on the Gulf Coast.

(Special shoutout to Sherry, who told us not to blow Rockport’s cover — sorry, Sherry. The secret’s out.)

🏙️ Downtown Waco Public Info Session
A major redevelopment plan could add parks, plazas, and public spaces to 100 acres along the Brazos — right where the old Austin Avenue Bridge once stood.

Why it matters: This is one of the biggest downtown projects in decades. If you live, work, or spend time downtown, this will shape what that experience looks like for the next 50 years.

Your voice counts: The city and developers are still in the planning stage — and they’re asking for input. If you want a say in what gets built (or what doesn’t), now’s the time.

📅 Public Meeting
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 🕕 6–7 p.m.
📍 Waco Convention Center – Bosque Theater Lobby

Plans are still on paper. Help decide what makes it to the streets.

Want to spread the good word about your business, ask someone on a date, or just want to say hi to 6,100+ neighbors? Want to grab a spot on the bulletin? Let’s chat.

🎶 Live at Texas Music Cafe
Sherman Ayres takes the stage this Saturday, July 26 at Texas Music Cafe (110 S. 6th St). For the first time ever, this veteran musician will perform a full set of original songs live — blending the rich storytelling of Americana with a powerhouse band of Texas talent. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8. Tickets available now on the Texas Music Cafe website.

🧗‍♀️ Climb, Connect, & Save at Basin
Basin Climbing & Fitness is officially open in Waco, and it's more than just a gym — it's a community built around adventure and wellness. From climbing walls to yoga to group fitness, there's something for every level. Want to check it out? Use code BUZZ30 for 30% off a day pass when you book online. 📍650 Alliance Pkwy, Hewitt

Friday
- Summer Nights with KWBU 6:00 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Darrell “D-Rail” Ray 7:00 PM | Uncle Worm’s Smoke House
- Sing-A-Long Piano Night with Russell Boyd 7:00 PM | Southern Roots Brewing Co.
- Asleep at the Wheel 7:30 PM | Waco Hippodrome Theatre | Tickets here
- Prince of Egypt 7:30 PM | Midway ISD | Tickets here
- Max, Lynnette, Shawna & Steven 8:00 PM | Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar
- Lucas Jon Turner 8:00 PM | Freight Bar
- Kin Faux 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets here

Saturday

- Waco ISD Family Fest 9:00 AM | University High School
- Waco Downtown Farmers Market 9:00 AM | Bridge Street Plaza
- Cuban Crocodile Day 9:00 AM | Cameron Park Zoo
- Back to School Bash 10:00 AM | Waco Convention Center
- Summer at the Silos 10:00 AM | Magnolia Market at the Silos
- Texas Ranger Talks 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM | Texas Rangers Hall of Fame & Museum
- Prince of Egypt (matinee) 2:30 PM | Midway ISD | Tickets here
- Waco’s Ultimate Karaoke Showdown (Round 2) 4:00 PM | The Will
- Gordon Pyle in concert 6:30 PM | The BLVD Steakhouse
- Dr Pepper Paranormal Experience 7:00 PM | Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise | Tickets here
- Lucas Jon Turner 7:00 PM | Camp Fimfo
- Prince of Egypt 7:30 PM | Midway ISD | Tickets here
- Sherman Ayres 8:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe | Tickets here
- Claws Out Comedy & Drag Show 8:00 PM | Brazos Theatre
- Austin English 8:30 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill

Sunday

- Prince of Egypt (matinee) 2:30 PM | Midway ISD | Tickets here
- Summer Social Sunday 4:00 PM | Freight Bar
- Open Mic 5:00 PM | Cricket’s Grill & Draft House
- Song Swap & Open Mic Night 6:00 PM | Lakeside Bar

Welcome to Open House, the part of the newsletter that believes mid-century charm and short-term rentals can coexist under one stylish roof.

Today’s listing is The Halet House — a fully furnished designer STR just minutes from Magnolia. With national exposure and a strong local following, it’s already a proven moneymaker.

Highlights include:

“So, how much for an Airbnb with a booking calendar that practically fills itself?”
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.

Thinking about a kitchen upgrade or a full remodel? Kustombilt Cabinets has been crafting custom cabinetry in Waco since 1977. From 3D designs to expert installation, their team makes your dream space a reality — with comfort, style, and craftsmanship built in. Ready to get started? Call 254-848-5379 or visit their gallery online today!*
_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

🎓 Academic Advisor – Baylor University
Help shape the next generation of business leaders at the Hankamer School of Business. You’ll work closely with students to map out academic plans, guide course selection, and present during campus events. If you're people-savvy, detail-oriented, and passionate about student success, this could be your next step. Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience required. Apply here.

🔧 Service Technician – Bird Kultgen Ford
They’re hiring a certified (or soon-to-be) Ford Service Tech to handle diagnostics, repairs, and customer communication. Great pay ($26–$47/hr), training to become a Ford Master Tech, and serious long-term opportunity at a local family-owned dealership. Apply here.

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your friend who’s waking up early to catch the Tour de France finale this weekend.