The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Top Things To Do In Waco

August 17-20

1 month ago

By Skylla Mumana

Happy weekend Waco! From theatrical eats to grand openings and much more, this coming weekend is filled will amazing events for you to enjoy the final weekend of summer. Make sure to tag us @Wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured. 

Through the Weekend

Stake! A Comedic Drama Dinner Theatre

The Brazos Theatre, 7524 Bosque Boulevard, is hosting Stake, an epic comedic drama sequel to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. From August 18—27, enjoy this exciting show while eating an incredible dinner catered by Uncle Worm’s Smokehouse. Click here to purchase tickets

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

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!

Hermès in the Heart of Texas: The Art of Kermit Oliver

Art Center Waco, 701 S 8th St, is presenting an exhibition of wearable art in celebration of Kermit Oliver’s 80th birthday. Curated by Andrea La Valleur-Purvis, come view the intricate designs of Kermit Oliver, a Waco post worker and artist, in his 30-year collaboration with the world-renowned French fashion house, Hermès. The exhibit will run from August 4th through October 14th. Gallery hours are Tuesday—Friday from 11 a.m.—5 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m.—7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. 

Thursday, August 17

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.

Thicc Thursday

Come on down and get ready to pump up your glutes at Thicc Thursday, hosted by TurnUP Waco, 2422 Columbus Avenue, from 6—7 p.m.

Steak Night

J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Ave, is hosting a steak night. From 6—9 p.m., come enjoy a beef filet, salad and two sides for $20, along with half-off bottles of wine. 

Italian Wine Tasting 

Join Lighthouse Coffee & Wine, 624 Washington Ave, as they offer this Italian Wine Tasting event. From 5:30—8:30 p.m., embark on a sensory journey while learning about the rich heritage and history of Italian winemaking. Taste amazing wine, indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres and experience amazing exclusive wine bottle pricing that will allow you to take home your favorites from the night. 

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

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!

Songwriter night with Jonna Mae, Texas Music Cafe, 7 p.m. 

Darts Tournament 

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

Venus E in Concert

Head over to Old Chicago, 4641 South Jack Kultgen Expressway, from 7—10 p.m., for great food, drinks and live music from Venus E

Tastemaker Thursdays 

Riverfront Entertainment is hosting Tastemaker Thursdays at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, 724 Austin Ave. From 7—10 p.m., dance the night away to live performances and a DJ set while having discounted drinks. No cover is required and a VIP after-party is available after the event. 

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.  

Speakeasy Night

Head over to Pivovar, 320 South 8th Street, from 7—11 p.m. for their speakeasy night. Listen to the smooth tunes of Pat McKee while enjoying extended bar hours and Prohibition-era cocktails. 

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, August 18

Billy Joe Shaver Memorial Concert

Corsicana legend and former bandmate of Billy Joe Shaver, Jeremy Lynn Woodall, is debuting his Shaver tribute group at the Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 S 8th St, at 6 p.m. Come and enjoy music from Chris Low Band, Cordon Collier Band, David Matthew Doran & Unshaven and much more.  

Wheel Throwing Workshop

Black Oak Art, 1619 Franklin Ave, is hosting a wheel-throwing workshop. From 6—8 p.m., join in as one of Black Oak’s expert instructors guides participants through the basics of throwing on a pottery wheel. Whether it be a cup, vase, plate, bowl or something in between, come create your own masterpiece!  

Stephany Chavira, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 215 S. University Parks Drive, 6:30—9:30 p.m. 

Joe Parker and Steve Dansby, Lounge 93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway, 6:30—9 p.m. 

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

Billy Bone, Twisted Sisters Patio Bar, 115 Mary Avenue, 8—11 p.m. 

Markus Miller, The Blue Dog Wine and Martini Bar, 2004 North Valley Mills Drive, 8—11 p.m.

Saturday, August 19

Tuff Enuff Trail Run 

Come test your endurance at the Tuff Enuff Trail Run, the 3rd race in the Waco Striders Huaco Cuatro Trail Run series in Woodway Park, located at Estates Drive, Woodway. From 8—11 am, all participants will get to choose between a 5k and 10k trail to run in. Awards will be provided at the end of the race.

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

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.

Rare Whiskey Tasting 

Calling all whiskey lovers! J.S Barnett’s Whiskey House, located at 420 Franklin Ave, is hosting an evening of rare whiskey tasting, led by local whiskey influencer, Tyler Sims with Waco Bourbon. Taste some of the rarest whiskies in their collection while learning about the craftsmanship needed to make them. A light cocktail hour paired with hors d’oeuvres will be offered before the tasting. Cocktail hour starts at 3 p.m., and tasting will begin at 4. Reservations are required. Email info@barnettspublichouse.com to reserve your space. 

Dancing Bear’s Sweet 16 Birthday Party

Head over to Dancing Bear Pub, 1117 Speight Avenue, for their 18th birthday party. From 7 —11 p.m., enjoy great drinks and wood-fired pizzas from Bahler Street Pizza. 

Goodtimes/Good Vybes Festival ‘23

The good times keep rolling at this hip-hop festival hosted by Brotherwell Brewing, 400 E Bridge St. From 7—11 p.m., enjoy amazing music by artists like OTB Fastlane, Yungstar and much more. Click here to purchase tickets now

Collin James Band, Twisted Sisters Patio Bar, 115 Mary Avenue, 8—11 p.m. 

Cooper Mohrmann & Company w/Larissa Boyd, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 South 8th Street, 8:30—11:30 p.m. 

Sunday, August 20

Sunday Funday @ Barnett’s 

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

Seafood Sunday

The Brazos Landing, 100 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, is hosting its Seafood Sunday. Go in and take $3 off of their featured seafood dishes, such as their eggplant au gratin tower, shrimp and grits, Chilean sea bass or pecan-crusted catfish meunier. 

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.

Sunday Funday @ Old Chicago

Head over to Old Chicago, 4641 South Jack Kultgen Expressway, from 8—11 p.m. for amazing food, drinks, cocktails and live music. 

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