☕4 things shaping Waco

Good morning, Waco. Here is the Waco Buzz Out/In list for 2026.

Out: “There’s nothing to do in the winter” / In: It’s Texas. Find a patio.
Out: Pretending Cedar Fever isn’t real / In: Carrying tissues like a pro
Out: Skipping the Waco airport / In: Realizing how easy it is to get in and out
Out: Pickleball / In: Kidding… pickleball’s still so in

Let’s get to it!
— Sam Harper

If you have something important on the calendar this year, a wedding, milestone celebration, family photos, or a night that actually matters, it helps to know there’s a plan. If you’ve ever wondered when to start or what actually works, this plan removes the guesswork.

At Skin & Body Refinery, the Event-Ready Skin Plan is designed for people who want to look like themselves, just more rested and polished. No rushing. No overdoing it. Just thoughtful timing and treatments that work with your schedule.

Plans may include medical-grade chemical peels to even tone, Dysport to soften fine lines, and a Red Carpet Facial for a polished finish. Most treatments are best started 2–3 weeks before your event. Optional physician-guided GLP-1 weight loss support is also available.

As a thank-you to readers, Waco Buzz subscribers receive 15% off treatment plans.

Trusted by Waco locals with 300+ five-star Google reviews, Skin & Body Refinery is located at 2210 Austin Ave.
📞 (254) 235-0605

✨ Waco Buzz subscribers receive 15% off treatment plans.

💼A New Local Job Board 
Over the past few weeks, I quietly added a new link to the newsletter. As we head into 2026, I wanted to formally introduce it.

I just launched a local job board created to highlight companies that are growing in Waco and investing in the people who live here. The board focuses on roles in marketing, media, tech, engineering, and sales, with an emphasis on local businesses and intentional hiring.

You can explore it here: https://jobs.thewacobuzz.com/

This job board is powered by American Amicable Group, a company whose history is closely tied to the Waco skyline and the city itself.

American Amicable was founded in Waco in 1910 and has operated out of the ALICO Building in downtown Waco for more than a century. The building has stood through generations of growth, including the 1953 tornado, and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Texas. Today, hundreds of American Amicable team members work from the ALICO Building, serving clients across the country while continuing to call Waco home.

This partnership exists because we share the same belief: that Waco is a strong place to build a business and a meaningful career. American Amicable continues to expand locally and plans to hire in Waco throughout the coming year, making them a natural partner in launching a job board focused on long-term growth and opportunity in our city.

For local employers, the job board offers a simpler alternative to national platforms. Listings are local, applications are intentional, and roles are not buried under sponsored content.

If you’re building a business in tech, media, marketing, sales, or engineering, you can post a job free over the next two months using code STARTUP.

As Waco continues to grow, our goal is to make it easier for great companies and great people to find each other right here.


🀄Mahjong Is Taking Off in Waco

Mahjong is suddenly everywhere in Waco. What used to be a quiet, living-room game has turned into one of the city’s most social weeknight rituals, mixing friendly competition with an easy excuse to get out of the house.

That energy is turning into something official with a new Winter Mahjong League launching in early February. Hosted by Mama Bear Mahjong alongside local Mahjong leaders, the four-week league is open to all levels and includes organized play, weekly prizes, and dinner each night at Jorge’s Cantina. Players will get four built-in nights out, dinner handled, and a grand prize tile set waiting at the end. Mahjong is becoming one of Waco’s favorite ways to connect.👉 More info and sign up here.

🐾If your pet needs more than a routine visit, Ranch House Pet-Med offers comprehensive care from wellness to surgery, all right here in Waco. You can find them online, by phone at 254-544-1458, or at 149 Dosher Lane, Waco, 76712.

Meet Rango, a 1-year, 4-month-old Chihuahua mix weighing in at just 14 pounds. He’s small, spirited, and right at that sweet spot where puppy energy meets everyday companionship. Think easy walks, couch time, and a loyal little shadow who’s always nearby.

If 2026 feels like the right year to add a compact sidekick to your routine, Rango might be your guy.

👉 Meet Rango at Fuzzy Friends or this weekend in person.

Welcome to Open House, where Zillow dreams meet Waco reality and everyone swears they’d “totally live here.”

This two-story home sits on 2.11 fenced acres just outside the city. It’s the kind of place that makes you rethink your current backyard situation.

• 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with flexible living space
• Fully fenced acreage with room for chickens, pets, or projects
• Quiet country feel just a short drive from town

👉 Take your best guess of the list price, then peek at the photos and answer here.

AG1 is a daily health drink that supports gut health, helps fill common nutrient gaps, and supports steady energy. One scoop each morning makes it easy to build a habit that actually lasts. Try AG1 today.

Start With One Scoop

💪 Pure Barre Waco x Hotel 1928 Barre & Brunch – Sunday, 10 AM
Kick off the new year feeling strong and refreshed with a guided Pure Barre class followed by a relaxed brunch at Hotel 1928. Move your body, linger over brunch, and start 2026 with intention. Reserve your spot.

🎈Friday, January 9:

Bingocize®@ Doris Miller Community Center - 9:30 AM

Women of Waco Networking @ The Baylor Club - 11 AM

Conectar-Connect: State of the City @ Nell Pape Garden Center - 11:30 AM

Grand Night For Dolly @ Waco Civic Theatre - 7:30 PM Tickets

FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC
Monte Rose @ Slow Rise on the Brazos - 6 PM
YouCantLiveInPittsburgAndThink in Concert @ Southern Roots Brewing Co - 6:15 PM
Gordon Pyle @ The BLVD Steakhouse - 6:30 PM (Piano / Easy‑Listening)
Mark McCallister @ Camp Fimfo - 7 PM
Darrell Ray @ Encore Rooftop Bar - 8 PM (Country / Country-Rock)
Ronnie Glenn & Chris Perez @ Lakeside Bar - 8 PM
Suede in concert @ The Backyard - 8 PM (’80s / ’90s Pop-Rock & New Wave)
Brian Brown @ Blue Pup Wine & Martini Bar - 8 PM

🎈 Saturday, January 10:

Waco Downtown Farmers Market @ Bridge Street Plaza - 9 AM

Roni’s Mac House Grand Opening Celebration (someone will win free mac & cheese for a year!) @ 2424 Creekview Dr - 11 AM

Texas Whiskey Society Blind Tasting @ Barnett's Whiskey House - 3 PM

The Dark Overlords of Waco Premiere @ The Performing Arts Community Center - 8 PM Tickets

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
Lucas Jon Turner @ The Fawkes Landing - 8 PM
Towne Adams & Jonna Mae @ Encore Rooftop Bar - 8 PM
Madam Radar Live @ The Will - 8 PM Tickets (Americana / Roots Rock)
Rachel & The Resistors @ Twisted Sisters Patio Bar - 8:30 PM (Rockabilly / Roots Rock / Americana)

🎈Sunday, January 11:

With This Ring Wedding Show @ ExtraCo Events Center - 1 PM

Brax, Bubba & Drew @ The Will - 3 PM

Acoustic Open Mic Night @ Lakeside Bar - 6 PM

Book Club Night @ Fabled Bookshop - 6 PM

🎀 Waco STEAM Center Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening – Jan 16
Celebrate the grand opening of the Waco STEAM Center with a ribbon cutting and open house. Come check out the new space, meet the team, and see how they’re expanding hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education in Waco. Learn more at wacosteamcenter.org.

🎪 Waco Wellness Festival – Jan 17, 10 AM to 1 PM
Move, stretch, breathe, and explore all things health and wellness at this community-focused festival. Expect workshops, local vendors, fitness demos, and plenty of ways to reset for the new year. Details and tickets here.

🎹 Aristo Sham with the Waco Symphony Orchestra – Jan 22, 7:30 PM
Hear the 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist and Audience Favorite perform live at Waco Hall with the Waco Symphony. The evening features Brahms’ first piano concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, and an opening work by American composer Jessie Montgomery. Details and tickets.

🔥Kick off 2026 with the Fit in ’26 deal from HOTWORX Woodway: just $99 all in for enrollment, January dues, plus a mat and towel. This Waco Buzz reader promo ($276 value) expires Jan 31, 2026. Call (254) 870-4508 or stop by 13701 Woodway Dr. to claim it.

✨ Skin & Body Refinery delivers top tier injectors, advanced treatments, and natural looking results that help you look and feel your best. Waco Buzz readers get 15% off the Event Ready treatment plan.

💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy. Waco Buzz readers get $35 off by clicking the link.

💪Move better. Recover Faster. Live Stronger. Waco Bodymend is a world class space built for everyday movers, athletes, and anyone who wants to feel their best. From red light therapy and PEMF to alterG anti gravity treadmill sessions & home to CrushCycle Waco, we combine science backed recovery with your training that fits your life. Click the link to the get the exclusive offer for Waco Buzz readers.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with someone who homeschools their kids.

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:

1. Promote your business or event to 10,400 engaged Waco locals in an upcoming newsletter. Click the link to get the conversation started.

2. Dinner Club: Meet dozens of other locals (recent movers and lifelong Wacoans) over dinner on January 27. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.

3. Waco Buzz Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering.