The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Top Things To Do In Waco This Weekend

July 20-23

2 months ago

By Skylla Mumana

Happy weekend Waco! This weekend is full of activities to enjoy. From farmers markets to film festivals and everything in between, we here at the Grackle will always keep you in the loop so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun. Make sure to tag us @wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured!

Through the Weekend

Deep in the Heart Film Festival 

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Calling all film buffs! Come meet film professionals, learn about the film industry and see some amazing movies at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival. The film festival will run from Thursday to Sunday. The weekend schedule can be found on the film festival’s official website, and passes to the film festival can be purchased here

Punch Needle Espadrille Class 

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Head over to Paper Crown, 601 Franklin Ave, to learn how to make your own punch-needle espadrille sandals, taught by Sallie Dale of The Urban Acres. The class will run from Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m—4 p.m. For more information, contact the Paper Crown at papercrownwaco@gmail.com or call 254-224-7436. 

Summer Maker’s Market

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Head on down to Ramble & Co, 216 S 11th St., to experience the Maker’s Market. Come see local makers and vendors and have the chance to purchase locally homemade items. This two-day event will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. Entry is free and open to the public. 

Waco Civic Theatre’s “Oliver”

Waco Civic Theatre, 1517 Lake Air Dr, is putting on their production of Oliver. From Thursday through Friday, the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday the afternoon show begins at 2:30 p.m. while the evening show begins at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday the show begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here

Duel on the Brazos 

The Southern Drag Boat Association is back to host the fastest show on the water here in Central Texas. Come experience adrenaline-pumping action on the water at Brazos Park East Waco, 3516 N M.L.K Jr. Blvd. The event will run from Saturday to Sunday. Click here to purchase tickets

Barbie & Ken Weekend 

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Calling all Barbie fans! Grab your Barbie or Ken and head to Hemingway’s Watering Hole, 4700 Bosque Boulevard, any time from 8 p.m.— 2 a.m. this Saturday and Sunday for drink specials and fun. 

Of Warm Impermanence

Through paintings, sculptures, and installation works, this two-person exhibit by visual artists Nathan Clark and Vy Ngo is sure to be a moving and memorable experience. This free exhibition will run from May 26th to July 22nd at Art Center Waco, 701 S 8th St. Art Center Waco hours Thursday through Friday are 11 a.m.5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.2 p.m.

Texas, Your Texas: Celebrating 100 Years of the Texas Collection

Rare Texana will be featured at the special exhibit, “Texas, Your Texas: Celebrating 100 Years of The Texas Collection”, located at Carroll Library, 1429 S 5th St. From 8 a.m.—5 p.m., come celebrate the collection at this centennial event. 

Scooby Doo Mansion Mayhem 

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The Mystery Gang is in town and they need your help to solve a mystery! The Mayborn Museum, 1300 S University Parks Dr., is hosting this interactive exhibit through August 20. Museum hours Thursday through Saturday are 10 a.m.—5 p.m. and Sunday 1—5 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets!

Thursday, July 20th

Piano Happy Hour

Located at 723 Austin Ave, join Stay Classy for their happy hour piano night from 5—7 p.m. Enjoy Grammy-winner Dave Innis’ music while sipping on a drink, for more information visit their website.

Summer Splatter Party 

Pizza, painting and fun? What could be better? This parents’ night out event is taking place at Hammer and Stain, located at 214 S 11th St. From 6—8 p.m., drop off your child to paint their hearts out at Hammer and Stain’s special paint splash den, which will then be followed by pizza and a movie. This event is open to children ages 6—13, and pre-registration is required. Click here for more information

Sip N’ Speak

THRST Coffee, 1500 Colcord Avenue, is back with its annual Sip ‘N’ Speak Poetry Night, hosted by April Neal. The event is from 69 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here

Mix N’ Sip 

Come mix it up at this build-your-own cocktail class at Lounge ’93, 5401 Crosslake Pkwy Suite 400, Woodway, TX, from 6:30—8:30 p.m. All entrees will have a chance to compete to win the Mix & Sip and have their margarita featured at the lounge for a month. Call 254-230-9795 to reserve your spot today. 

Darts Tournament 

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Clicks’ Billiards, 1200 Richland Dr., is hosting its weekly darts tournament starting at 7 p.m.

Geeks Who Drink

Get your facts right because it’s Trivia Night at Truelove’s Bar, located at 414 Franklin Ave. This evening consists of 60 questions over a two-hour period starting at 7 p.m. There are plenty of chances to win free drinks and prizes throughout the evening!

Alleluia! A Praise Gathering for Believers 

Come see the Alleluia Conference’s 50th-anniversary performance at Jones Concert Hall in Glennis McCrary Music Building, 110 Baylor Avenue. The performance is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets start at $15. Click here to purchase tickets

Boot Scootin’ Dance Club

Dance along with live music from Larry Burgin and Texas Tradition for only $6 at the Boot Scootin’ Dance Club! Spend your night line dancing, doing the polka, the two-step, waltzes and if you’re lucky, the chicken dance. This event is at Sul Ross Senior Center, 1414 Jefferson Avenue from 7—9:15 p.m.

Trivia Night

It’s Thursday which means it’s Trivia Night at Brotherwell Brewing, located at 400 E Bridge St. Trivia is from 7—9:30 p.m. and each week covers different trivia topics. Be sure to bring a team that has a wide variety of knowledge!

Songwriter Thursday

The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, is hosting its weekly Songwriter Thursday Night from 7—10 p.m. located at 511 S 8th St. This is your opportunity to share your original songs or experience someone’s first time performing. Sign-ups begin at 6 p.m.  

Coffee w/The Masons

The leaders of Waco Masonic Lodge are hosting a coffee event at Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, 508 Austin Ave, from 7:30—10:30 p.m. Come learn the truth about Freemasonry and ask any questions about the organization. 

Friday, July 21st

Summer Barbie Party

Barbie and Ken are back and have done it again. Head over to the Pink Waco A-Frame, 205 Old Central Road, Lacy Lakeview, for the ultimate summer Barbie party. From 4—7 p.m., take a tour of the A-Frame, listen to live music, drink prosecco, grab food from any of the amazing vendors on site and much more. 

Kids in the Kitchen Class 

This one is for all aspiring kid chefs. Head over to the Greater Waco YMCA, 6800 Harvey Dr, from 5:30—6:30 p.m. for the July Kids in the Kitchen class. Learn the art of cake decorating in this sweet class. All kids ages 5—15 are welcome to attend. For more information on how to register, contact Crystal Hernandez at chernandez@ymcactx.org, or call 254-776-6612. 

Four-Course Wild Turkey Dinner 

Get ready to indulge the senses at J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, located at 420 Franklin Ave. From 6—9 p.m., enjoy a chef-prepared menu featuring Wild Turkey that is accompanied by a whiskey pairing. Space is limited and reservations are required. Email info@barnettspublichouse.com to reserve your spot today. 

Jon and Jon, Lounge ‘93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway Suite 400, Woodway, 6:30—9 p.m. 

Alexander Wild, Southern Roots Brewing Co, 219 North 8th Street, 7—9 p.m

After the Downbeat with David Phelps 

American Christian music vocalist, songwriter and vocal arranger David Phelps will be honored by Baylor University with its Exemplary Leadership in Church Music Award. The event will take place in Jones Concert Hall in the Glennis McCrary Music Building, 110 Baylor Avenue, from 7—9 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets

Cody Canada & The Departed w/Waves, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 S 8th St, 8:30—11:30 p.m. 

Hot Ghoul Summer

Who says we can’t have Halloween in July? Head over to Cricket’s Draft House & Grill, 211 Mary Ave, for a spook-tastic night. From 9 p.m.—2 a.m., enjoy themed cocktails and shots, $7 hot chicken sandwiches and a costume contest. 

Saturday, July 22nd

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

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The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.1 p.m. and is located at 500 Washington Ave. This market features locally grown and produced goods from farmers and artisans within 150 miles of Waco. There is always live music and a featured local organization each week. For more information regarding upcoming events and weekly vendors visit their website.

Texas Ranger Talks 

Join Ranger Laura Simmons at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum for the ranger talk at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Beer Tasting Tour 

Bare Arms Brewing, 2515 La Salle Ave, is hosting a behind-the-scenes tour of Bare Arms Brewing. Starting at 12 p.m., come enjoy craft beers and tasty appetizers, then a lovely lunch to finish off the tasting tour. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at the brewery. 

Brazos Brothers, Camp Fimfo Waco, 1000 Chickadee Lane, 7—9 p.m. 

Joshua Rogers presented by Greater Harvest Assembly COGIC Young Warriors, Life Cathedral Worship Center, 13-1 Webster Avenue, 7—9 p.m.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

The Temple Civic Theatre Guild is hosting a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament from 7—11 p.m. at 700 North 8th Street, Temple. Come test your luck at this tournament, and enjoy food, drinks, and endless fun. Tickets range from $25—$50. Click here for more information

Brit Kerr, J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Ave, 8—11 p.m. 

Kyle Park w/Will Carter Band, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 South 8th Street, 8:30—10:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 23rd

Woodway Farmers Market

The city of Woodway is hosting its first-ever Woodway Farmers Market. From 10 a.m.—1 p.m. come enjoy a variety of vendors, food trucks and live music.

Sunday Funday @ Barnett’s 

 J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Avenue, is hosting their Sunday Funday from 10 a.m.—7 p.m. Come enjoy award-winning brunch and cocktails, live music, outdoor games and karaoke. 

Puppy Social Hour 

Brotherwell Brewing, 400 E Bridge St, is hosting their puppy social hour from 4—7 p.m. Bring your favorite furry friend and enjoy some fun in the sun at the Beer Garden.

Open Mic Night with Clinton Bon Slaughter, Lakeside Bar & Live Music, 6—11 p.m.

Sunday Funday @ Coach xXx Smoke 

Sundays just got better thanks to Sunday Funday at Coach’s xXx Smoke, 330 Austin Ave. From 6—9 p.m., this BBQ restaurant is dishing out great food, great drinks, and great music, courtesy of DJ Suavasito. Stop by and elevate your Sunday evening.