The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Top Things To Do In Waco This Weekend

March 30 - April 2

2 months ago

By Avery Ballmann

As March fades away and April comes about, we can either dread how the year is flying by or celebrate this new month by exploring Waco! There are plenty of free events and chances to support local fundraisers. Whether you choose to give or have some free fun, be sure to tag us @wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured! 

Through the Weekend 

Waco Spring Classic Horse Show

Giddy up because this Horse show spans all of this weekend from March 30th to April 1st at Extraco Events Center located at 4601 Bosque Blvd. Not only does this show provide entertainment to its viewers but can help the riders obtain scholarships for after high school. There will be live riding exhibitions, an auction and the Spring Carnival located outside. For more information about the show, email charityhorseshowstx@gmail.com

Cardboard Craze

This is the last weekend of the Mayborn Museum’s Cardboard Craze exhibit. This is a great hands-on activity for all ages and is located at 1300 S. University Parks Drive. At this exhibit, visitors can make all sorts of creations with Waco’s recycled cardboard material. Thursday through Saturday hours for the Museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sunday hours are 1—5 p.m. For more information on the exhibit and price list, visit the Mayborn’s website.

Baylor Art Student Exhibition 

Visit the Martin Museum of Art, located at 60 Baylor Ave., to see current Baylor art students’ latest work. The work displayed in the museum is from students who won the exhibition contest. Students have created paintings and sculptures for the public to enjoy. The exhibit is on display until April 16th and is free and open to the public. 

Athena by Baylor Theatre

Baylor Theatre presents Athena this weekend! This play is about friendship between Mary Wallace and Athena as they train for the Junior Olympics. You can see Athena in the Mabee Theatre Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Mabee Theatre is located inside the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts building at 60 Baylor Ave. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here

Two-Hour Wheel Throwing Workshop

At Black Oak Art Pottery, located at 1619 Franklin Ave., you can have a chance to make your pottery at their Two-Hour Wheel Throwing Workshop. All materials are provided for the class so be ready to show up either Thursday and Friday from 2 – 4 p.m. This workshop includes taking home two glazed pieces at the price of $80

Native Gardens

“Native Gardens” is back this weekend for another great performance! This play is a comedy about feuding neighbors thankfully separated by a fence. Showtimes for “Native Gardens” are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a show Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $22-25 and the theatre is located at 1517 Lake Air Dr.

Da’Shack Farmers Market

Da’Shack Farmers Market, located at 925 Houston St., provides fresh produce you can see cut straight from the soil. Da’ Shack offers organic produce, herbs and plants, along with occasional gardening classes and the expertise to answer all your gardening questions. The market is open from 2—6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

Thursday, March 30

MCC Mental Health/Social Work Agency Fair

McLennan Community college is hosting a Mental Health and Social Work Agency fair at 1400 College Dr. in the CSC Building room D 109, from 1—3 p.m. This is for people to meet potential employers and network. Email jshelton@mclennan.edu to RSVP and for more information. 

Conversation and Book Signing with Lee Jamison

Lee Jamison is an author and a painter who loves Texas Landscapes, so much so, he made a book and an art exhibition dedicated to East Texas’ beautiful scenery. “Ode to East Texas” is about telling a story through oil paintings of the countryside located at the Mayborn Museum 1300 S University Parks Dr. At this event, you will be able to talk to Jamison and have your book signed by him. This event is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., for more information click here

Piano Happy Hour with Dave Innis

Stay Classy has a Grammy winner on their hands! Dave Innis plays every Thursday from 5—7 p.m. at 723 Austin Avenue, for their happy hour piano night. Enjoy his music while sipping on a drink.

Bikepacking 101

What is Bikepacking you might ask? I was wondering the same thing! Luckily The Bear Mountain, located at 4425 West Waco Dr. is having a clinic from 6—8 p.m. to explain this terminology and practice. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here. 

C.S. Lewis: Further Up and Further In

Award-winning actor, Max McLean, is giving his audience a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience on the life of C.S. Lewis. McLean is transforming Waco Hall, 624 Speight Ave., into an immersive look into this famous author’s life and thought process. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a presentation from McLean afterwards. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more information. 

Boot Scootin’ Dance Club

Get excited, because it’s half-price night at the Boot Scootin’ Dance Club! Who doesn’t love a good deal and dancing? Spend your night line dancing, doing the polka, two-step, waltzes and if you’re lucky, the chicken dance. Hear live music from the Old Friends band. This event is at Sul Ross Senior Center, 1414 Jefferson Avenue from 7—9:15 p.m.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night

Truelove’s Bar, located at 414 Franklin Ave., is hosting their weekly trivia night at 7 p.m. Trivia night consists of 60 questions over a two-hour period. It’s okay if you don’t know everything because you can bring a team or will be paired up with a pre-existing one. But in case you and your team do know everything, there is an opportunity to win free prizes. 

Ozomatli, The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 7—9 p.m.

Songwriter Thursday 

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

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

Trivia Night @ Brotherwell Brewing        

Brotherwell Brewing, located at 400 E Bridge St., hosts a trivia night every Thursday from 7—9:30 p.m. Every week, they bring in a special guest to host and they have been offering a BBQ dinner service from Broken G BBQ. Each week covers different topics, so be sure to bring a team that has a wide variety of knowledge. 

Randy Rogers Band Acoustic Show, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 8:30—11:30 p.m.

Friday, March 31

Music on the Patio: Magnolia Press

Grab a coffee and sit at Magnolia Press’ patio to enjoy the sound of local Waco musicians. Artists will be playing on the patio from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, to look at what you could potentially be sipping on, click here. 

Baylor Alumnae: Leading Texas Libraries

Hear the conversation between the two librarians currently holding the highest offices among librarians in the state of Texas. Baylor Alumnae Gloria Meraz and Mary Woodward will be hosting an event with Baylor Spokesperson Lori Fogleman at the Armstrong Browning Library, located at 710 Speight Ave. This event will talk about librarianship, education in libraries and the future of Texas Libraries. The conversation is free and open to the public from 2:30—4 p.m. with a streaming option available. 

Makerspace Open House

Learn more about Maker’s Edge Makerspace, located at 1800 Austin Ave., from 5—8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and includes a tour of the space, check out what tools they have on-site and see their members in person! The open house will also provide information about their upcoming summer camps. 

Friday Night Dinner at Lighthouse

Lighthouse located at 624 Washington Ave., is serving a magnificent four-course dinner with an optional wine and cocktail pairing. The week was busy already so make dinner simple by having it made for you. This experience is only $25 and begins at 7 p.m. To view the March menu and book your reservation, click here

Deep in the Heart Film Festival 254 Showcase 

See the magic of movies happening right here in Waco at the 254 Showcase, located at Texas Music Cafe on 600 Columbus Ave. Be the first to witness films, short films and a feature film made from locals. The Showcase begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Roll out your support and the red carpet for our local filmmakers. 

Best of Both Southern Soul & Comedy Tour

Positive Money and BMW Entertainment are coming to the Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave., live at 8 p.m. This comedy tour is featuring seven comedians and DJ BMW. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will end at 11 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

Roger Creager in concert, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 8:3011:30 p.m.

There are no further events this weekend.

 

 

Saturday, April 1

April Fools! Sorry readers, it was too easy. 

Baylor Spartan Stadion Weekend

If the Bearathon wasn’t tough enough for you, consider going to the Spartan Stadion race at Mclane Stadium 1001 South M.L.K. Blvd. This type of race is similar to the Spartan but includes tests of speed, strength and willpower. Distances available are a 5K, 20K and a Spartan Kids course, the first race begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

HOTAN 5K for Autism 

The Heart of Texas Autism Network is hosting a 5K at 8 a.m. and a fun run at 10 a.m. located at Brazos Park East, 3516 North M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. Proceeds from the event will go to programs supporting people with Autism in the Waco area. This event is family and pet friendly with games and music, click here to register. 

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. Visit their website to view a calendar of upcoming events and this week’s vendors.

Texas Food Truck Showdown

Food trucks from across the state will be coming to Heritage Square, 311 Austin Ave. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to have their food judged by celebrity chefs and the public. The showdown is expecting up to 40 food trucks and over 25,000 people. Visitors can purchase a ‘tasty ticket’ for $6 and will receive a 4-ounce signature dish from any truck. To purchase tickets and see the schedule of events, click here

Jenn’s Clay Class

Join local artist Jenn Mcglon of Noodle & Lou at the Paper Crown, 601 Franklin Ave., for this workshop. Learn how to make clay dolls with all materials included for $120. This event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., click here for more information. 

Waco Weddings and Events Walk-In Saturdays

Spend your Saturday getting hitched at the Waco Weddings and Events Walk-in at 6801 Sanger Ave., from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Couples can get married or have their marriage certificate signed for 50% off with no appointment required. Marriage license signature is $40, and the elopement ceremony is $87.50 with a notary available as well. 

Symphony of the City 

Waco Symphony Council is pleased to invite you to their Symphony of the City fundraiser located at Badger Ranch, located at Badger Ranch Boulevard. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with Waco Symphony Orchestra musicians greeting guests at the cocktail party in two Badger Ranch Homes. The third home will have desserts and champagne and the final home guests visit will have a silent auction, wine pull and other activities. The fundraiser will conclude at 10 p.m. All proceeds for the fundraiser will go to the Waco Symphony Orchestra, to purchase tickets visit their website.

Teen Takeover at the Mayborn Museum  

Teenagers you’re in luck because the Mayborn Museum is about to be all yours from 6—9 p.m. Make your decision fast because registration is required and closes March 30. Teen takeover allows these guests to explore the museum after hours with their friends and learn about science!

Improv Comedy Show

It’s the first of the month, which means the Brazos Theatre, 7524 Bosque Blvd., is hosting their Improv Comedy Show! Doors open at 7 p.m. and guests can BYOB or peruse the snack bar. Tickets are $15.50 and can be purchased online

The Unlikely Candidates, Common Grounds Waco, 8—11 p.m.

Sunday, April 2

Sketch Artist Social Club

Join Casket and Cauldron, located at 1601 Washington Ave., for their weekly Sketch Artist Social Club. This event allows artists and admirers to meet one another over coffee and specialty donuts. The social club is from 9 a.m.—1 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

Softball: Baylor vs. Kansas

Cheer on the Lady Bears softball team as they battle it out with Kansas from 12—3 p.m. The game is located at Getterman Stadium, 1612 South University Parks Dr. Tickets only range from $5 to $10 so get your green and gold on and head to the ballpark. 

Pilates and Pints

Grab a beer and a friend and head to Brotherwell Brewing, located at 400 East Bridge St., for pilates and pints. All you have to do is bring a mat and $10 for a 45-minute Pilates class that includes a beer! This class is taught by Club Pilates’ instructor Lisa and is from 2—3 p.m.

Open Mic Night, Lakeside Bar & Live Music, 6—11 p.m