If you’re unsure what to do this weekend, then keep reading. Many exciting events are happening around town. Show us the fun you have this #WacoWeekend by tagging @WACOAN in your social media posts. Have fun!

Thursday, October 5

 

 
Attend a reception and talk by artist Danville Chadbourne at the Martin Museum of Fine Art on the Baylor University campus. Chadbourne will discuss his exhibit of small wooden sculptures entitled “Retrospective Part IV,” which will be on display from October 5 through November 12. This reception will meet in front of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts building Center and will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. Admission is free.
 

 
Head over to the Waco Hippodrome for what is sure to be a fun evening as Andy Mineo, Christian hip-hop artist, takes the stage. He will be accompanied by hip-hop duo Social Club Misfits and rapper Wordsplayed. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show goes from 7 until 9:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by visiting wacohippodrometheatre.com.
 

 
Enjoy an evening of music and dance at this month’s Stars Over Texas Jamboree. This event takes place at the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum and features a variety of family-friendly musical performances. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show itself is 7-10 p.m. Tickets cost $14 for adults and children 12 and under are free.
 

 
Catch music from Vanessa Silberman at Dichotomy Coffee and & Spirits. Vanessa’s Silberman’s unique sound blends a variety of musical genres including rock, punk and pop. Her music reflects numerous influences, yet still emerges as a force in its own right. She will be accompanied by Boston-based rock artist Carissa Johnson. The show begins at 7 p.m. and is free of charge.
 
Baylor Opera Theatre will perform scenes from several different operas in “An Evening of Opera Scenes” at Roxy Grove Hall. Enjoy songs from works by Mozart, Bizet, and Verdi. This event begins at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.
 

Friday, October 6

 

 
It’s First Friday, and you know what that means. Many downtown businesses are having specials to provide a fun night for Wacoans. Keep your eye out for deals, freebies and events all day. Stroll through downtown and enjoy an evening out. First Friday is the ideal way to relax after a long week while supporting local businesses.
 
Calling all ladies for April N October, a spoken word poetry event featuring only women poets —– many of whom hail from right here in Texas. The night begins at 7:30 p.m. with an hour of open mic time followed by spoken word poetic presentations from the line-up of performers. Music from San Antonio-based DJ Such and Such will add to the fun. So come on out to the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum auditorium to see the show. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com and cost $10 for general admission and $15 for VIP admission.
 

 
Enjoy the folk and blues-inspired music of Mr & Mrs Something at Dichotomy Coffee and & Spirits. This Seattle-based married couple writes and performs music inspired by facing real-life challenges. The show begins at 8 p.m. and admission is free. T-shirts and CDs will be available for purchase.
 
If you’re looking for an evening of laughs, visit Cozy’s Lounge for the Dexter Givens Stand Up Comedy Showcase. Several up-and-coming comedians will tickle your funny bone including two local performers. Hosted by Derrick Jack, the show begins at 8 p.m. and admission costs $10.
 

Saturday, October 7

 
Cheer on participants in races benefiting three great causes. First up is the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, where participants will run or walk a 1K, 5K or 10K route at Woodway Park from 8-10:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a program to help cancer survivors restore their health and strength. Next up is the Waco Wild West 100 bike ride, benefiting Be The Match Registry, where participants can register for one of five routes of varying length and difficulty. The ride begins at 8 a.m. at Waco’s Heritage Square. Last but not least, the Waco Heart Walk, benefiting the American Heart Association, offers participants the option of a 5K or a one-mile walk. This event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium.
 

 
A perennial favorite, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market always has something for everyone, be it local produce, meats and dairy products, gourmet baked goods or handcrafted artisanal items. Stop by and peruse through all the local vendors have to offer. The Farmers Market is located at 500 Washington Avenue and runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
 

 
Generations Adoptions will host their 13th annual Hope Gala at the Baylor Club from 6-9 p.m. This special evening will include catered food, auctions, raffles and inspiring stories of lives and families touched by adoption, auctions and raffles. Reservations vary in cost and are available by visiting generationsadoptions.org.
 

 
Enjoy some live country music as Deryl Dodd performs at Lakeside Tavern. Dodd is no stranger to the live music scene in Texas, having performed throughout the state since 1987. Come watch a veteran performer put on a show that is sure to be full of passion and energy. The show begins at 8 p.m. and is free of charge.
 

Sunday, October 8

 
Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument for Earth Cache Day, happening from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids are sure to love this special scavenger hunt event which can earn them a Junior Ranger certificate upon completion. This event is free of charge.
 
Enjoy an hour of voices in harmony as the Chamber Singers perform in the McLean Foyer of Meditation at the Armstrong Browning Library on the Baylor University campus. Starting at 3 p.m., Brian Schmidt, associate professor of Choral Music, will lead the Chamber Singers in a range of songs that span the Renaissance to the contemporary era.
 

All Weekend

 

 
Experience the variety and richness of the annual Waco Cultural Arts Fest held at Indian Spring Park and at the Waco Convention Center. Touted as six festivals in one, dancers, musicians, poets and filmmakers will be on hand to perform, offer workshops, do readings and display their latest works. Children can spend some time creating their own art at various stations throughout the park. Admission is free and events begin at 9 a.m. on Friday and continue into Saturday and Sunday. For details visit wacoartsfest.org.
 

 
The Heart O’ Texas Fair and & Rodeo, presented by H-E-B, will be held at the Extraco Events Center from October 5-14. This year’s fair is full of exhibits, carnival rides, games, concerts and rodeo thrills for the entire family. There’s something new every night, including local entertainment on the Hometown Stage. For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit hotfair.com.
 

Live Music Events

 
Looking to kick back and relax or have a fun night out on the town? A wide selection of live music this weekend has you covered. Start off your weekend early Thursday night with Pat McKee and Trammell Kelly’s live jazz performance at DiamondBack’s at 6 p.m. Catch the Huser Brothers performing at La Fiesta for some country, blues and southern rock at 6:30 p.m. Also, make sure to check out The Backyard Bar, Stage & Grill at 9 p.m. for the Piano Man, Russell Boyd. Friday night, stop by The Grape from 7-10 p.m. for some more live music. End the weekend with some country music from Denny Herrin at Lakeside Tavern Sunday starting at 3 p.m.