Happy weekend Waco! With school now upon us, we here at the Grackle hope that your first week back was nothing but spectacular. While working hard is important, make sure to take a break and head over to these amazing events going on in the Waco area. Make sure to tag us @Wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured.
Through the Weekend:
Birthday Celebration
Fabled Bookshop and Cafe is celebrating four years as Waco’s independent bookshop on Friday and Saturday. Join for a Winnie the Pooh-themed celebration with a special storytime, illustration class, giveaways, silent auction and more!
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.
Waco Swap Meet
The 2nd annual Waco Automotive Swap meet will be held at McLane Stadium, 1001 S. M.L.K Jr. Blvd, from 8 a.m.—5 p.m. Come swap car stories, show off your rust buckets or even find the car of your dreams. Admission to the event is free and concessions will be available. Click here for more information.
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 humble 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.
STAKE! A Comedic Drama by Dr. Michael Long
The Brazos Theatre, 7524 Bosque Boulevard, is hosting Stake, this epic comedic drama as a sequel to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. From August 18—27, enjoy this exciting show while eating an incredible dinner from Uncle Worm’s Smokehouse. Click here to purchase tickets.
Silent House’s “Machinal”
Local Waco theater company Silent House Theatre is presenting Machinal, the story of Ruth Snyder’s highly publicized murder trial. This thrilling production will be performed at the Waco Civic Theatre, 1517 Lake Air Drive, from August 23—27. Click here to purchase tickets.
Retro Radio 2023
Get ready for a night that will take you back in time. This retro charity event, sponsored by TFNB Your Bank for Life and others, will feature unlimited drinks, delicious food and iconic beats spun by the sensational World Famous DJ Flashback from atop of the world’s biggest boombox. Dress to impress in your favorite retro attire from the 70s, 80s or 90s. Click here to purchase tickets.
Thursday, August 24th
Open Paint
Hammer & Stain, 214 South 11th Street, is hosting an open paint event from 2—6 p.m. All are welcome to walk in and grab a project from their ‘open paint’ selection to create a special masterpiece.
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.
Cigar Rolling & Casa Azul Tasting
Head over to Lounge ’93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway, to roll some cigars and taste some tequila! Cigar rolling starts at 5 p.m., and Casa Azul tasting will begin at 6:30 p.m. To reserve your spot, call Lounge ’93 at 254-230-9795 or text your name to 210-240-7785.
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.
Kolten Benton, Lounge 93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway, 6:30—9:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Shemane Nugent Book Signing & Discussion
Shemane Nugent will be at Fabled Bookshop & Cafe, 215 South 4th Street, to discuss her book, “Killer House: Is the Air in Your Home Killing You”, from 7—8 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.
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!
Waco Brew Theology: Paradox
Waco Brew Theology is hosting a discussion and brew group to discuss theology and paradoxes in religion and the secular world while enjoying some tasty drinks. The event will run from 7—9:30 p.m. at Southern Roots Brewing Co, 219 N 8th St. Click here to RSVP today.
Friday, August 25th
Tiki Night
One Day Bar, 618 Columbus Ave, is hosting an end-of-the-summer tiki night from 6—11:59 p.m.
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!
Jennifer Pisarcik & Jon Fox, Lounge 93, 5401 Crosslake Parkway, 6:30—9:00 p.m.
Zachary Burnett & The Washed Up Kids, Freight Bar, 1613 James Avenue, 7—10 p.m.
Back to School Bash
Common Grounds, 1123 S 8th St, is hosting a back-to-school bash concert. From 8—10 p.m., come help ring in the new school year while listening to some amazing live music performed by Fooligan, Sol Y Motion and Cherry Mantis. Tickets range from $8—$10. Click here for more information.
Mediterranean Wine Dinner
Head over to Lighthouse Coffee and Wine, 624 Washington Avenue, for a great night of food and fun. From 7—9 p.m., enjoy a five-course Mediterranean dinner. For a price, a curated wine pairing will be offered as well. Seats are selling fast, so make a reservation today! Click here to reserve your spot.
Jonna Mae, Camp Fimfo Waco, 1000 Chickadee Lane, 7—9 p.m.
Back to School Luau
Head over to Cricket’s Draft House & Grill for a Back to School Luau. From 8 p.m.—2 a.m., enjoy themed cocktails, live music, photo ops, frozen mai-tais and margaritas.
Max Tooker, Lynnette Hundley-Allmon, Shawna Roscom and Steven Scheifley, Blue Dog Wine & Martini Bar, 2004 North Valley Mills Drive, 8—11 p.m.
Touch of Grey, Twisted Sisters Patio Bar, 115 Mary Avenue, 8—11 p.m.
Jake Worthington, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 South 8th Street, 8:30—10:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 26th
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.
Battle of the Badges w/Carter BloodCare
From August 16—September 10, Carter BloodCare, in partnership with McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, Waco Police and the Waco Fire Department, is hosting several blood drives at various locations, and Black Rifle Coffee Company, located at 3524 Creekview Drive, is hosting the first one! From 9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m., come donate and vote for your favorite public servant agency. All beverages will be buy 1 get 1 half-off for those who donate.
Harley Davidson Big Summer Blowout
Mark your calendars today, because Harley Davidson Waco, 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy, is hosting their big summer blowout. From 12— 4 p.m. enjoy food trucks, vendors, face painting, a dunk booth, and much more. Enter their motorcycle giveaway for a chance to win. Click here for more information.
Eastside Market 4th Anniversary
Eastside Market is celebrating their four-year anniversary of supporting small businesses and local creatives. From 5—10 p.m., come on down to Brotherwell Brewing, 400 E Bridge St, to enjoy food trucks, local vendors, graffiti contests, music, and more. For more information, visit the Eastside Market website.
Happy Dad Patio Party
Join J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House, 420 Franklin Avenue, for their Happy Dad Hard Seltzer Patio party. Get a raffle ticket for every Happy Dad you purchase! From 4—7 p.m., enjoy patio games, delicious Texas BBQ, Live music and much more. Entry is free and open to the public (must be 21+ to consume Happy Dad beverages and participate in Happy Dad Raffle).
Waco Margarita Fest
Get ready for a night full of great music, margaritas, family fun and salsa! The Waco Margarita Festival will take place at Heritage Square, 311 Austin Ave, from 4—11 p.m. The festival will feature live music from The Randy Rogers Band, the Huser Brothers and much more. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here to purchase tickets.
Kurt Carr, Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Dallas Street, 6—8 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.
Dinner at the Hundred Aker Wood
Fabled Bookshop & Cafe, 215 South 4th Street, is partnering with WISD librarians to raise money to stock free book vending machines located on WISD elementary school campuses. To help this cause, all proceeds from this $30 Winnie-the-Pooh-themed dinner will go towards this cause. From 6—9 p.m., enjoy a delectable dinner that will include a drink, an appetizer, an entree and a dessert. A silent auction will follow. Reserve your spot now.
Katie Stewart, Southern Roots Brewing Co, 219 North 8th Street, 7—9 p.m.
Kolten Benton, Camp Fimfo Waco, 1000 Chickadee Lane, 7—9 p.m.
Unreal Summer Bash ‘23
Get ready for an event so fun—it’s unreal! From 7—11:59 p.m. join Unreal Imaginations as they host UNREAL Summer Bash ‘23 at the Waco Event Center, 1825 North 18th Street. Grab some friends and stop by to enjoy refreshing drinks, an amazing photo booth, and non-stop entertainment and performances by talented local artists. Click here to purchase tickets.
Buckcherry, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 S 8th St, 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 27th
Natalie Grant & Bernie Herms, The Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave, 7—10 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.
Open Mic Night with Clinton Bon Slaughter, Lakeside Bar & Live Music, 6—11 p.m.
