The Grackle

Observations, Reflections and Miscellany from the Wacoan

Top Things To Do In Waco This Weekend

April 20-23

1 month ago

By Avery Ballmann

This is a historical weekend for Waco! With the Suspension Bridge reopening, there will be plenty of activities to do before and after, but we’ve also gathered plenty of other events to fill up your weekend. Read below to plan your perfect weekend and be sure to tag us @wacoan and use #WacoWeekend for a chance to be featured! 

Through the Weekend

Crimes of the Heart

Silent House Theatre Company presents its newest play: “Crimes of the Heart.” This comedy tells the story of three southern sisters who are not having the best day. Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Mission Waco’s Jubilee Theatre. You can purchase your tickets for any of these times on their website. 

Nancy Fortunato Exhibition

Walk through the life of Illinois watercolor artist Nancy Fortunato at the Art Center Waco, located at 701 S. 8th St. Fortunato primarily painted landscapes, wildlife and lighthouses, and her work has been in art exhibits around the country and the world. Viewing hours for this exhibit are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m.—5 p.m. and 10 a.m.—2 p.m. on Saturday. 

Climate Crisis Art Exhibition

Art Center Waco, 701 S. 8th St., is also hosting Waco Friends of the Climate’s 6th Annual Climate Crisis Art Exhibition. The exhibit displays pieces specifically designed to represent the climate crisis happening in our world. The reception is Friday from 5—7 p.m. and is free to the public. If you can’t make the reception, the exhibit is on display until April 29th. 

Just Between Friends

Here is your perfect opportunity to save money and shop for your kiddos all in one place! Just Between Friends Children’s Resale is coming to the BASE at Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd., from Friday to Sunday. For more information and tickets, click here!

Two-hour Wheel Throwing Workshop

Black Oak Art, located at 1619 Franklin Ave., is hosting its Two-Hour Wheel Throwing Workshop from 2—4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. This workshop includes taking home two glazed pieces at the price of $80. 

Waco Suspension Bridge Celebration

The Waco Suspension Bridge is back! We know you missed walking by the bronze cattle statues and throwing tortillas off the bridge just as much as we did. Friday night is the kickoff party at 7 p.m. with live music and 150 drones hovering over the Brazos River. Saturday will be the official ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., followed by a cattle drive across the bridge. You don’t want to miss this historic event! For more information click here

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 9 a.m.—6 p.m. Saturday. 

Two Divalicious Nights

The Waco Civic Theatre is hosting an evening full of divas, food and silent auction items. All proceeds will go to the Waco Cultural Art Festival. This fundraiser is Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m., located at 1517 Lake Air Dr. To purchase tickets, click here!

Texas Rowing Championship

The Texas State Rowing Championship is floating down to Waco this Saturday and Sunday! This competition will determine the best High School rowers in the state. The event is located at Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir Boat Ramp, 214 S League Ranch Rd. The course is 2 kilometers long and will take place all day Saturday and Sunday.  

 

Thursday, April 20

Piano Happy Hour with Dave Innis

Hear Grammy award-winner Dave Innis play at Stay Classy! Every Thursday from 5—7 p.m. at 723 Austin Ave., Innis plays at their happy hour piano night. Enjoy his music while sipping on a drink. For more information, visit their website.

Boot Scootin’ Dance Club

Dance along with live music from Midnight Mustangs Band for only $5 at the Boot Scootin’ Dance Club! Spend your night line dancing, doing the polka, 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.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night

Bring a team or be prepared to be paired with an existing one because it’s trivia night! Truelove Bar, located at 414 Franklin Ave., is hosting their weekly trivia night at 7 p.m. This evening consists of 60 questions over a two-hour period. There are plenty of chances to win free drinks and prizes throughout the evening. 

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        

Get ready for 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!

Broadway Magic

Emmy, Grammy, Tony and SAG award nominee Norm Lewis will be gracing the Waco Hall stage with his amazing vocals at 7:30 p.m. This Broadway star has been in famous productions such as “The Little Mermaid: The Musical,” “Les Miserables” and more! Waco Hall is located at 624 Speight Ave. Tickets range from $19-69; to purchase click here

 

Friday, April 21

Preview Day at MCC

See what McLennan Community College has to offer at the Preview Day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located at the Ball Performing Arts Center, 1400 College Dr., prospective students can see what courses are being offered as well as take a tour of the campus. A light breakfast will be provided along with free prizes and giveaway opportunities. If you’re interested, click here to register

Talisman Crochet Necklace Class

The Paper Crown, 601 Franklin Ave., is hosting artist Sandi DaRoza and her Talisman crochet necklace class. This class will teach students her special crochet stitch that has a wide variety of use. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a lunch break in between. The cost of the class is $75 with supplies included. To register, visit their website

Levitt AMP Waco Music Series

The Levitt AMP Waco Music Series is coming to Waco starting this Friday through July 1st! This festival includes a vendor market beginning at 5 p.m. and a concert featuring a Waco band at 6 p.m. Award-winning gospel singer, Taushey Sias will perform alongside the Suspension Bridge reopening festivities. Levitt AMP Music Series is located at 200 E. Bridge St., and is free to the public. 

Braxton Keith, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 6 p.m.

Liverpool Legends

Let the Liverpool Legends transport you back to the 60s with their covers of classic Beatles tunes! The top Beatles tribute band is coming to the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, located at 724 Austin Ave. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Buy your tickets now, because they’re going fast! 

Joel and Deon Q, Stay Classy, 8:30—10:35 p.m.

 

Saturday, April 22

Sound the Alarm- American Red Cross

*WARNING* Is your fire alarm working? If not, you’re in luck because the American Red Cross is fixing fire alarms for free all of Saturday. The Red Cross will be at the Dewey Community Center, 925 N. 9th St.,  from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Party for the Planet

In honor of Earth Day, the Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N. 4th St., is hosting a scavenger hunt. Tickets are $20 which includes admission into the park, the scavenger hunt and a stuffed animal! The hunt will begin at 9 a.m. 

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.

“Scooby-Doo!”- Mansion Mayhem 

Jinkies! The Mystery Crew is coming to the Mayborn Museum, 1300 S. University Parks Dr., from 10 a.m.—5 p.m. The crew has a mystery on their hands and they need your help! Visitors have the opportunity to solve the mystery and save the museum. For more information and tickets, click here

Book of Joy Class

The Paper Crown, 601 Franklin, is hosting artist Sandi daRoza again for her Book of Joy class! This workshop will teach students how to upcycle a vintage book into a new decor piece. The class is from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. and is $140. All supplies are provided, but you must bring your own book.

Family Porch Tales

The Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild is hosting a free porch story reading. This event is from 2—4 p.m. at 2301 Colcord Ave. Bring the entire family for stories, hotdogs and fun!

Eagles/Southern Rock Tribute, The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 6—8 p.m.

Alejandro Escovedo, Common Grounds Waco, 8—11 p.m.

 

Sunday, April 23

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. 

Floating Mercado

Shop local vendors at Calvary Baptist Church, 1001 N. 18th St., from 1—5 p.m. There will be food and an opportunity to connect with members of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! This event is free and open to the public. 

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