The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Things to do in Waco this Weekend

October 19-22

6 years ago

By Juliana Mudd, Richelle Braswell & Palmer Brigham

Make the most of your #WacoWeekend, with whole lot of laughs and more in store. So many exciting events are happening! And we want to be a part of all the fun you’re having so let us know what you’re up to on social media by tagging @WACOAN and using our hashtag, #WacoWeekend. You just might be featured in our Monday morning social media recap!

 

All Weekend

 
Calling all cowgirls! Watch the top women rodeo athletes rope, ride and round the barrels at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals all weekend starting on Wednesday and concluding with a winner on Sunday. Stop on by any time from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Extraco Events Center. Yeehaw!
 

 
Christian Youth Theater presents “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” at the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum. Join Tom, a nervous school teacher, as he tries to relax after his first day. Follow his journey as characters leave the television to help him learn to use creative songs and imagination to engage his students. Catch this performance Thursday at 12:30 p.m., Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 or 6 p.m. or Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets may vary by performance. To learn more, visit cytwaco.org.
 

 
Be inspired by Waco artists and their creations! The Central Texas Watercolor Society’s fall exhibit is on display at McLennan Community College’s Ball Performing Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
 
The verdict is in! “Contempt of Court,” an interactive Comedy Dinner Theater experience, will make you laugh until you cry. Meander over to The Palace Theatre in Marlin for this parody of television court shows. As the night rolls on, members of the audience become witnesses, defendants, plaintiffs and jurors in some hilarious and eccentric lawsuits. Some subject matter may not be suitable for children. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $35 and include drinks, dinner and dessert and can be purchased at palacetheatremarlin.com.
 

 
Take part in one of the nation’s oldest and largest Homecoming Celebrations as Baylor University welcomes its alumni back to Waco. In addition to reunions all weekend, don’t miss the Bonfire Extravaganza Friday night from 7-10 p.m. on Fountain Mall. The Homecoming Parade on Saturday starts downtown at 8 a.m. and goes through campus at 8:30 a.m., Pigskin Revue is happening from Thursday night to Saturday afternoon and showcases various student organizations’ Broadway-style acts. And of course, the big event is Saturday night’s football game when the Bears take on West Virginia at 7:00 p.m. at McLane Stadium. For the full schedule of events and traditions, visit baylor.edu/homecoming.
 

 
It’s just a jump to the left! Know that tune? Then be prepared for the Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Waco Warp, Waco’s premier Rocky Horror shadow cast. Head to the Brazos Theatre when doors open Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. The show begins at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $13 for students, military and anyone 55 or older and cost $15 for everyone else. Buy yours now, because they’re selling fast. Tickets are available at squareup.com/store/brazos-theatre-group.
 

 
Shop ‘til you drop at Waco’s White Buffalo Market, an outdoor market of vendors. Come find your own unique vintage and artisan treasures at Heritage Square in the shadow of the ALICO building. Stop by Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 

Thursday, October 19

 
Celebrate the accomplishments of AVANCE Waco families and wish one young lady “Feliz Quinceanera” at the 5th annual AVANCE Extravaganza and Quinceanera Gala. This special event will take place at Mary Avenue Market from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help AVANCE Waco continue the educational support they offer the families who participate in their programs. Sponsorships and a limited number of tickets are available at avancewaco.org. For more information, call 254/296-0449.
 

 
If you think about the year 1985 with nostalgia or agree that anyone who moves to Ohio should “Come Back to Texas,” here’s a show you won’t want to miss! Bowling for Soup will be performing at The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill beginning at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for attendees under 21 and $20 for those 21 and up. Have a couple of drinks while you enjoy the show — but don’t end up with “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve.”
 

 
“Project Runway” fans, rejoice — and come to The Front Row of Fashion at the Phoenix Ballroom in downtown Waco. Here’s your chance to experience a red carpet fashion event complete with up-and-coming local brands, designers and models. Musical entertainment before the show will be provided by Lucas Allison and Taylor Thrash. Ticket prices begin at $15 and are available online at eventbrite.com/e/the-front-row-of-fashion-tickets-37895748203.
 

Friday, October 20

 
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness month, stop by Waco’s 7th annual Walk-N-Roll! This event will be a gathering full of food, music and a job and resource fair for those with disabilities. Stop by Heritage Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this free community event. For more information, check out their Facebook page at Waco Walk N Roll Celebration.
 
Did you know that sloths are good swimmers? Visit Cameron Park Zoo for International Sloth Day to hear the keepers share more facts about these slow-moving tree dwellers. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the keeper talks occur at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $7 for children ages 4-12 and $10 for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free.
 
Who’s in your family tree? Discover for yourself at the 17th annual Genealogy Lock-In at the West Waco Library from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Speakers representing various areas of genealogical expertise will offer workshops on creating family trees, understanding DNA analysis and discovering the resources available at community archives. This come-and-go event is free and more information is available at wacolibrary.org.
 
The Baylor Sigmas are at it again with their 2nd annual Royal and Pure Step Show. For an evening of rhythm and dance, stop by the Waco Convention Center from 6-9 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $15 ahead of time and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/the-2nd-annual-royal-and-pure-homecoming-step-show-tickets-37760085432.
 
Get ready for movie night at the zoo! Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Hippodrome will show “Hotel Transylvania” for the first night of their fall movie series. The movie will be held at the zoo from 7-9:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets from home. Children 3 and under are free, and tickets for everyone age 4 and up cost $5. They can be purchased at cameronparkzoo.com.
 

 
Experience the Texas country music of Stoney LaRue as he performs at The Backyard at 8:30 p.m. LaRue’s music is steeped in Red Dirt tradition, and he uses his lyrics to form a connection with his listeners. Tickets purchased in advance cost $15 for concertgoers under 21 and $10 for those 21 and up. Tickets purchased the day of the concert are subject to a $5 price increase. To buy tickets, visit backyardwaco.com.
 

Saturday, October 21

 

 
Want to try your hand at glass-blowing? Now’s your chance to create a glass-blown pumpkin! From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Stanton Studios will offer Pumpkin Glassblowing with a wide array of colors. Don’t want a simple orange pumpkin, then mix it up with some blues, purples, greens and more. The cost for each pumpkin is $45, and the finished product will be about a 4-inches in diameter. Pumpkins take about 15 minutes to blow and 24 hours to cool down, so be prepared to pick up your pumpkin the next day. Call 800-619-4882 or email elizabeth@stantonglass.com to schedule your appointment. For details, visit stantonstudiostx.com.
 

 
Grab a friend and head to the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Browse the many booths and have some breakfast or buy some fresh produce. Stop by the downtown location at 500 Washington Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 

 
How much do you know about historical Wacoans? Wander through Oakwood Cemetery for “Walking Tales” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Knowledgeable interpreters will bring historic stories to life about the legendary, infamous and renowned people resting in this historic cemetery. This event is free to the public. Call Vivian Rutherford at 254-717-1763 or visit hotstorytellingguild.org for more information.
 
Enjoy the fall season in Clifton with the 16th annual FallFest. Stroll down Main Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for shopping, arts booths and more. Children can run, bounce, slide and laugh in the Clifton Optimist’s Children’s area. Check out the slick rides in the Cruisin’ Main Street Car Show. And, of course, don’t forget the plethora of food options from tamale plates to alligator on a stick to funnel cake. To learn more, go to visitclifton.org or call 254-675-8337.
 
Attention all reptile lovers and their friends. Cameron Park Zoo will celebrate Reptile Awareness Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but be sure to catch the keeper talks and activities at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $7 for children ages 4-12 and $10 for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free.
 
Pumpkins galore! If you don’t want a glass-blown pumpkin, how about a fabric one? Make your own Fall Fabric Pumpkins in the West Waco Meeting Room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This easy-to-make, cute pumpkin will last all season long and will keep for next year. Not a crafter? Worry not. This event requires no crafting experience and you will be given the necessary materials. Registration is free and required. To register, visit calendar.wacolibrary.org/event/3473321. Hurry, the seats are almost filled.
 
Neigh! The horses invite you to the Fill the Barn benefit at The West Community Center. Eat finger-licking good barbecue catered by Bunkhouse BBQ. Phoenix Theory, the central Texas band, will get you moving with their eccentric music. While you’re having fun, peruse the silent auction with great items for everyone, including sporting event tickets and vacation accommodations. This event begins at 6 p.m. and benefits the Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center. Tickets cost $25. Call 254-749-2612 for details.
 

 
Let your inner archaeologist out at the Fall Fossil Festival at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. The main attraction is fossil identification, but that’s not all. Ranger activities, pumpkin painting, games, treats and more are sure to keep you entertained. Admission is free, but a wristband for train rides and for the dig shelter tour cost $5. The Waco Mammoth National Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

Sunday, October 22

 

 
On your mark, get set, take aim! If you missed the Waco Tactical Fitness Biathalon on Saturday, check out the Sunday Sprint, which is only 3.5 miles of the same trails and shooting stages at Tonkawa Park in Crawford. Tickets cost $100 for participants or $50 for those who took part in the Biathalon. This event lasts from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., so get ready for a full day of fun! For registration or more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/wtf-sunday-sprint-fall-2017-tickets-35102691094?aff=es2.
 

Live Music

 
Forget the stress of the week and sit back and relax or go out on the town with this variety of live music options!
 

 
Tune into DiamondBack’s Thursday from 6-9 p.m. for Pat McKee and Trammell Kelly’s jazzy duo. Or catch the Huser Brothers performing their classic mix of country, blues and southern rock at La Fiesta from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Don’t forget Thursday night means live music night at The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro from 7-9 p.m. Make sure to swing by Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits from 7-10 p.m. to catch singer-songwriter Amy Hooper.
 
Josh Garner will kick off Friday night with a performance at Kissing Tree Vineyards from 7-10 p.m. Meanwhile, The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro will have live music from 7-9 p.m. as well. Swing by La Fiesta between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. to hear acoustic duo Brian and Jeremy. Stop by Cultivate7TWELVE for a jazz performance from The Professors at 7 p.m. or see Sinatra-style singer Bruce Carbonara at Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro from 8-10 p.m.
 
Saturday, Dueling Hearts will be battling it out on the banjo and mandolin at Kissing Tree Vineyards from 7-10 p.m. Meanwhile, Briana Adams brings her country and blues performance to La Fiesta from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Catch Jackson Anderson at Valley Mills Vineyards Sip & Swirl from 8-11 p.m. Jazz artist Chuck Jennings will perform at Klassy Glass Wine Bar from 8-10 p.m. End the night with a Texas two-step at Melody Ranch to Thomas Michael Riley’s Americana sound from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.