☕What Waco’s Talking About This Week

Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter reminding you it’s officially 100 days until Christmas. (Yes, the countdown has started.)

Waco keeps growing and Arise Construction is behind some of the projects shaping that future. From revitalizing Gibbon’s Island at Cameron Park to restoring the New Road Crossing, supporting Baylor University, and advancing renewable energy, Arise Construction delivers more than buildings. They deliver results.

Their formula is simple: clear communication, professional execution, and a promise to finish on time and on budget. That’s why clients across Waco count on them for everything from local developments to large-scale builds.

If your next project needs a partner who gets it done right, head to AriseBuilt.com or call (254) 481-0228.

💘 Date Night Passport Update
20 local partners are locked in, and the passport is off to the printer. This isn’t an app or QR code. It’s a physical booklet you can flip through because I want to help you get off your phone and out enjoying Waco.

Small sneak peek: a staycation at Element Hotel, paddleboarding with Sunshine Paddle Board, sunset horseback riding at Heritage Trails, queso at Ninfa’s, and a whole lot more. Only 100 passports will be available, priced to be a no-brainer. If you messaged me here or on Instagram, you’re already on the list.

🎶 Lauren Daigle Fills Foster Pavilion

6,000 fans packed the Foster Pavilion Friday night as Grammy-winner Lauren Daigle lit up Waco. A sold-out crowd, big-time production, and another sign that our city is becoming a true stop for national tours. The Foster Pavilion has been on a roll with a stellar lineup, next up is country artist Tucker Wetmore in October.

✈️ Flight Deal of the Week
Need a Fall escape? Flights from Waco to Portland $274 roundtrip —perfect for fall coffee shop hopping, Powell’s bookstore wandering, or exploring the Columbia River Gorge. Reminder: free parking at Waco Regional Airport ends this month. It’s still cheaper (and closer) than parking at DFW or Austin.

🤠 HoT Fair & Rodeo Countdown
We’re less than a month out! Discounted tickets are on sale now for the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. On October 8th, CUPID will take the stage—yes, the guy who somehow gets even the most reluctant wedding guests out of their chairs for the Cupid Shuffle.

The goal? To set the record for the largest Cupid Shuffle in Waco history. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Grab tickets here.

🍎 H-E-B Wants Your Nominations
H-E-B is calling on Texans to nominate their favorite teachers, counselors, and principals for its annual Excellence in Education Awards through Sept. 30. The program comes with serious perks: last year it delivered nearly $500,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools. Anyone can nominate online, and winners will be announced next spring.

Local Favorites Open 🍗☕🥗

🌭 Dog Haus Set to Open Downtown
Mark your calendars: Dog Haus is set to open Thursday at 215 S. University Parks Dr., Suite 108 (next to Sagrado). Expect hand-crafted dogs, sausages, burgers, all served on King’s Hawaiian rolls. Insider tip: Dog Haus and Sagrado are both included in the Date Night Passport.

🍧 La Frescura Sip’n Snack Cart
Congrats to longtime Waco Buzz reader Edith Cortes on the launch of La Frescura, a mobile sip’n snack cart for events. Edith’s mission? Take the stress out of hosting by bringing treats, service, and a smile so you can enjoy your guests. More info here.

🔥 Business for Sale: Dickey’s BBQ
A familiar barbecue spot in Waco is looking for a new pitmaster-owner. The restaurant already brings in between $40K–$50K in monthly sales, has a loyal customer base, and boasts a 4.8-star Google rating.

The asking price is $95,000, and the seller is open to negotiation with partial financing available. For the right person, it’s a turnkey chance to step into a well-known franchise with steady traffic. See listing here.

Waco City Council has a packed agenda this week, and a few items stand out:

🌳 China Spring Park – $3.7M contract to build the new park, plus $204K for play equipment. Completion goal date: Fall 2026
🏘 West Lake Village – A 567-acre development at Hwy 6 & Tom Ledbetter with $96M in planned improvements and a new management district.
🏢 CTFB of TX – $25M investment in a 64,000 sq. ft. facility on Gholson Road, with city fee reimbursements up to $140K.
🏪 Historic H-E-B – Council will support nominating the original Austin Ave. store for the National Register of Historic Places as it becomes Garden City.
🚍 Transit & Airport – Nearly $1.3M in contracts for bus management, airport security, and routine maintenance projects.
👮 Public Safety – Funding for police body cams, TASERs, uniforms, and additional fire staff.

📅 The meeting is Tuesday, September 16, at 6 PM in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave). The public may attend or watch online at MyWacoTV.com. View the entire agenda here.

🏢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.

📆 Tuesday:

📆 Wednesday:

📆 Thursday:

Looking Ahead:

🎨 Art on Elm
On Sept. 20, the Waco Farmers Market transforms into an open-air art show. Local artists, food vendors, and family activities make this one of the most colorful community events of the year. A simple way to support local talent and enjoy a Saturday downtown.

🍹 Margarita Festival
Also on Sept. 20, The Backyard hosts the Waco Margarita Festival. Sample dozens of margaritas, catch live music, and hang out with Waco’s most spirited crowd. Tickets are limited, so grab them early if you plan to go. Tickets from $7.15.

🎭 Baylor New Play Initiative
From Sept. 26–28, Baylor Theatre launches the first-ever New Play Festival. Four original works from emerging playwrights will debut on stage, with panels and a $15,000 Kirk New Play Prize on the line. It is a rare chance for Waco to help shape new American theatre right here at home. Grab tickets here.

🏈 Football — Baylor won vs Samford on Saturday 42-7 at McLane. Up next is Arizona State on Saturday at 6:30 PM (will be aired on FOX Sports). Tickets available from $39 if you want to be in the stands.

⚽ Soccer — It’s a Big 12 showdown under the lights with Baylor vs. Texas Tech, Friday, at 7 PM at Betty Lou Mays Field. PRO TIP: All Baylor Soccer games are FREE to attend so bring a friend and make it a night.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, share it with that friend with backyard chickens who swears they’re saving money…even though eggs are $2.75 at Wal-Mart.