Events in Waco, TX

Young children ages 18 months to 6 years can enjoy an unstructured playtime in an open gym while a parent stays to supervise. Each session lasts an hour and a half, takes place on select Friday afternoons, and costs $8 per child.

Texas country artist Josh Ward takes the stage at The Backyard Waco with a high-energy show full of honky tonk spirit. Known for his commanding voice and crowd pleasers such as “Whiskey & Whitley,” “Together,” and “Ain’t It Baby,” he delivers a set made for singalongs and good memories. Look forward to a lively night of Texas country in Waco as he brings fan-loved hits and road-tested charisma to the spotlight.

Murder in Sironia brings a live mystery to the Cooper House, a historic residence where the story unfolds. Two performances are available, and each lasts about two to three hours. General admission includes entry to the experience along with two complimentary drinks and appetizers. A VIP ticket adds a guided look inside Madison Cooper’s office and desk, which have been preserved since his death. Because of the home’s historic layout, some portions of the event involve stairs. Attendees wearing 1950s attire will be entered into a raffle.

The Colorado Buffaloes travel to face the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium, setting up a conference test with intensity on and off the field. This matchup offers a clear look at how both teams handle a challenging road setting and a charged home crowd. Expect a competitive game with meaningful stakes for each program.

Step into a night styled like a Hollywood red carpet with an exciting atmosphere from start to finish. There is a chance to win $10,000, and the winner must be present in person to claim the prize. An exclusive VIP package is available to elevate the experience and make the evening even more memorable.

Hosted by the RSI Court of the Central Texas Empire, this Vampire’s Ball unfolds at the Performing Arts Community Center in Waco, Texas with an evening of mystery, glamour, and gothic style. Attendees are encouraged to wear vampire-inspired attire and immerse themselves in spellbinding performances and themed entertainment. Expect an elegant atmosphere, haunting ambiance, and moments meant to linger like a midnight waltz.

This overnight lock-in at Nexus features party games, tournaments, and plenty of activities suited for all ages. Entry is $20 and includes complimentary pizza, access to gameplay at no additional cost, and a full night of gaming fun.

D-Rail brings a live acoustic set to Taqueria Mexicano Grill 15.

On First Friday, 7th Street buzzes with activity as Downtown Waco springs to life. As part of the citywide celebration, the block is alive with live performances, local vendors, and friendly faces. A blend of music, art, and small businesses sets the scene for reconnecting with neighbors and creatives. Whether browsing and shopping, catching a performance, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this welcoming spot offers something for all ages and highlights a beloved slice of Waco.

Braxton Keith teams up with Cassidy Daniels for a live performance at Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas. This concert features both artists on the same bill, offering one show that brings their music to the spotlight.

The 11th annual Dancing with the Waco Stars comes to the Waco Convention Center stage.

Enjoy a live music night with Josh Meloy. Doors open before the show, an opening act gets things started, and the headliner follows. All set times are subject to change.

Built to Last marks The Cove’s tenth anniversary of serving youth experiencing homelessness in Waco, celebrating lives changed and raising funds to help future children access stable housing. Attendees may purchase individual tickets, reserve a table for ten, or support the event as sponsors with complimentary tickets included. The evening features a live musical set, an open bar, a full dinner, and auction experiences in both silent and live formats. Business casual attire is suggested. For information about donating items for the auctions, or with questions about sponsorships, tickets, or tables, email Hello@thecovewaco.org or call (254) 224-6095. To receive text updates, text BUILT to (866) 984-9784.

Queer Coffee is a relaxed meet up at Cha Community where conversation unfolds over drinks and light bites. Guests can choose from coffee, boba, or a snack, with plenty of options to suit different tastes. Settle in, connect with others, and enjoy a low key atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxed teen meetup at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Waco, where participants can play a few casual games and spend time socializing. The group welcomes ages 13 to 17 and focuses on making friends and having fun. This is a social gathering and is not intended to be therapeutic. Parents are required to remain at the venue for the duration.

The D-Rail Acoustic event offers live acoustic music at Taqueria Mexicano Grill 15.

Feast of Caring gathers the Waco community around a shared table to advance Caritas of Waco’s mission of helping neighbors move beyond hunger to hope. Originating as a simple reflection of the Caritas soup kitchen, it has grown into a lively evening that includes a Soup and Dessert Cook-Off with local chefs, a silent auction, games, and other activities, all supporting the organization’s life-changing work. Thanks to community support, Caritas serves over 120,000 individuals each year with food, resources, and pathways to long-term stability. The night centers on good food and meaningful connection, aiming to leave attendees full and inspired while contributing to something larger.

The Nines Swatch Nines Surf & Skate is back at Waco Surf for another creative action-sports lineup. Along with the surfing setup, there will be an accompanying skateboarding section, plus a Public Day on Saturday where spectators can watch the action. The event is hosted by The Nines in collaboration with Coco Ho and friends.

A major Central Texas gathering offers a wide range of attractions. Shop the HOT Shops marketplace with more than 100 vendors, enjoy a carnival with rides, visit the livestock show, and catch entertainment with comedy and live animal presentations. On weekends, the ZiegenBock Music Stage features live music. Throughout the event, the arena hosts a variety of rodeo programs, including the PRCA Permit Finals Rodeo, the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Texas Chute Out Finals Rodeo, and the Mexican Rodeo Spectacular. Some days have no rodeo.

Part of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, this 5K and 1 mile fun run winds through the fairgrounds and culminates with a dramatic finish inside the Extraco Coliseum, with live bulls along the arena for a memorable finale. Choose the distance that suits you and take in a race setting unlike any other at the Extraco Events Center. Entry fees are $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1 mile option.

A youth-focused hunter education class is offered in a modern classroom at Republic Gun Club, with adults welcome to participate. It is designed for ages 9 to 17, and students under 12 are encouraged to have a parent or guardian attend the academic portion for added support. Parents or guardians who accompany a student do not need to register unless they also require certification, and anyone who needs certification must register individually. The fee is $20 per student, paid directly to the instructor by cash, Venmo, or PayPal, and the instructor will submit payment to TPWD on the student’s behalf. Do not pay through the TPWD registration website. There will be a lunch break, and participants may bring snacks, drinks, and lunch or visit nearby eateries. Part of the class takes place outdoors, so weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. For more information, contact Ray Bottenfield at (254) 307-4867 or Training@RepublicGunClub.com.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings a community-focused walk to Legends Crossing in Waco. The event raises awareness and funds that benefit care, support, and research in the local community. It offers a meaningful way for people to show solidarity with those affected by Alzheimer’s while contributing to ongoing efforts.

McLennan County Master Gardeners host an educational community booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, providing information and answering gardening questions for visitors.

Community members can pick up fresh produce, pantry staples, and other groceries at a distribution hosted at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Downsville. No personal details will be requested to receive assistance. Please bring your own bags or boxes so items can be carried home safely. Quantities are limited and will be given out in the order that participants arrive, with a focus on supporting neighbors who could use a little extra help.

This one-day exploration of the unexplained in Waco spotlights UFOs, cryptids, the paranormal, true crime, and horror, and includes the premiere of the film Horrify. Expect intrigue with more questions than answers. The setting is The PACC in downtown Waco. Early bird tickets start at $29.

Threads of Time, the Baylor Club’s flagship charitable gala, honors memory, celebrates community, and lifts hope for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The formal black-tie evening begins with a cocktail hour paired with a community weave experience, followed by an elegant plated dinner inspired by the themes of past, present, and hope. A live program highlights meaningful storytelling and anchors a charitable effort that benefits the Waco Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Thoughtfully crafted to guide attendees from reflection to meaningful action, this gathering is presented by the Baylor Club. Formal attire. Ticket and sponsorship details will be shared soon.

Bigfoot Running Company hosts a Dia de los Muertos themed running celebration at Indian Springs Park, offering distances for every pace including a Kids Dash, 1 mile, 5K, quarter marathon, and half marathon. Expect festive music with a live DJ and name announcements, Bigfoot themed fun, and an energetic event crew. Participants receive soft shirts and finisher medals, with aid stations on the course and post race refreshments under a rally tent. Awards feature distinctive Bigfoot Trophies. A costume contest takes place before the start, the national anthem opens the event, and packet pickup is available beforehand. Extras include youth pricing for ages 12 and under at 15 dollars for the 5K and quarter marathon, a referral perk that returns 20 dollars after inviting five friends, group discounts, and options to volunteer or volunteer then run. The theme encourages honoring loved ones and celebrating life through movement.

Set in Warren Park, this community-focused gathering brings Hewitt Public Safety and the Hewitt community together to foster connection and strengthen local relationships.

Expect an evening with an opening act to start the show, followed by a headlining performance to close it out. Doors open before the show begins, and the schedule is subject to change.

Experience a crisp autumn morning at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market with fresh flavors, local music, and a warm sense of community. Browse seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, all grown by Central Texas farmers. Enjoy artisan fare, coffee from local vendors, baked treats, and handmade goods that capture the cozy feel of fall. Bring family and friends for a picnic on the lawn and take in the sights and scents of harvest season throughout the Market. Fresh harvests, local flavors, and strong community roots come together at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market.

Experience a practical introduction to working with plants in a hands-on workshop that starts by slowing down to notice their fragrance, textures, and movement in the garden. Explore traditional ways people use herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, ginger, and yarrow through conversation and activities. Participants leave with new skills, a printed handout, and a live plant to take home and grow. No prior experience is required. Bring curiosity, a love of tea, and a readiness to get a little dirt on your hands.

The game's start time has not been determined yet. Updates will be posted here as soon as the official time is announced, so check back for the latest schedule information.

This instructor-led class takes place in a modern classroom at Republic Gun Club. It is geared toward ages 9 to 17, and adults may attend as well. For children younger than 12, a parent or guardian is strongly encouraged to sit in for the classroom portion to help with the material. Anyone who needs certification, including minors, must register separately. Parents or guardians who are only accompanying a student and do not need certification do not need to register. Tuition is $20 per participant and is paid directly to the instructor using cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Do not pay through the TPWD registration site, because the instructor submits the required amount to TPWD on each student's behalf. A lunch break is included. Participants may bring snacks, drinks, and a packed lunch, or visit nearby eateries during the break. Some activities will be outdoors, so dress for the weather. For more information, contact Ray Bottenfield at Republic Gun Club at 254-307-4867 or Training@RepublicGunClub.com.

Registration is open for a Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo event celebrating the Cutest Cowboy and Cowgirl. Children ages 4 to 8 can enter for a $20 entry fee. Capacity is limited to 20 contestants in each age division, with 10 boys and 10 girls accepted, so early signups are recommended. Participants are invited to wear their best western or vaquero outfits and step on stage to show off their style. También se reciben inscripciones para el concurso Vaqueritos Más Chulos, con cupo limitado por categoría y una cuota de $20. Viste a tu pequeño con su mejor ropa vaquera o de estilo folklórico para brillar en el escenario.

The 2026 Prosper Waco Summit will take place at BASE at Extraco Events Center, bringing together community leaders, partners, and change-makers for a program centered on big ideas, meaningful connections, and discussions aimed at moving the community forward. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

In Waco, the Halfway Home Tour brings We Are Messengers to the stage for a night centered on the ongoing walk of faith, featuring heartfelt songs like Come What May and Wholehearted. Select dates on the tour also include Andrew Ripp with favorites such as Fill My Cup and Jericho, and Allison Eide with Love Who I Am, and the lineup may change. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and include early entry, a pre-show Q&A with We Are Messengers, and a VIP laminate. VIP arrival requirements apply, late arrivals may forfeit the Q&A, and VIP tickets are nonrefundable. To ensure valid tickets at face value, purchase only through the official ticketing partner and beware of resellers. Resale comments may be removed.

An overnight gaming lock-in at Nexus welcomes all ages for a full night of play. Admission is $20. Enjoy party games and tournaments as the action carries on until morning. Entry includes pizza and access to games for the entire night, creating a lively, marathon-style experience.

Saddle up for a benefit trail ride at Reynolds Creek Equestrian Park in support of TETRA. Suggested donations are $30 for members and $40 for non members, and riders 18 and under participate at no cost with a paying riding adult. Day riders are welcome for $20 per day, and non riders who would like to join the meal times are $10. Plan to arrive early to complete registration. An appetizer mixer will kick things off, followed by a community potluck dinner the next evening. Meat, drinks and paper goods are provided for the potluck, and participants are invited to bring a favorite appetizer to share. No other meals are provided. Primitive camping is complimentary for this ride, and horse water will be available. Please keep pen setups small. A limited number of sites with electricity, water and pens are offered for $25 per night. Confirm an RV site before registering. Payment can be made online, by mail or on site, with checks preferred for on site registration. If plans change, cancellations receive a credit toward a future ride, and refunds are available with a 10 percent administrative fee. Guided rides are scheduled in the mornings, with an additional afternoon option, and riders may also head out on their own. Dogs must stay leashed at camp and are not allowed on the trails. A silent auction will be held and will close after the potluck dinner, and donated items are welcome. Please do not rely on GPS for directions. If you are feeling ill, please stay home.

Held in a modern classroom at Republic Gun Club, this hunter safety course is designed for ages 9 to 17, and adults may attend. The fee is $20 per student, paid directly to the instructor by cash, Venmo, or PayPal. The instructor will submit payment to TPWD on the student’s behalf, so do not pay through the TPWD registration website. Students younger than 12 are encouraged to have a parent or guardian present for the classroom portion. Parents or guardians who accompany a student do not need to register unless they also need the certification, and anyone seeking certification, including minors, must register individually. A lunch break is included, and participants may bring snacks, drinks, and a meal or visit nearby dining options. Some activities occur outdoors, so please bring weather appropriate clothing. For additional information, contact Ray Bottenfield at Republic Gun Club at (254) 307-4867 or Training@RepublicGunClub.com.

Experience the thrill of the H-E-B Cameron Park Zoo Stampede at Cameron Park Zoo, where the jaguar takes center stage as the featured animal representative. Known for explosive bursts of speed that can reach up to 50 mph, this powerful big cat inspires runners to channel strength, agility, and speed while tackling the course. Jaguars are the only members of the Panthera genus native to the Americas and are the third-largest big cats in the world, behind tigers and lions. Often mistaken for leopards, they can be distinguished by larger, more complex rosette-shaped spots that frequently include a dot in the center. Their range stretches from the Southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, deep into the Amazon rainforest, and as far south as Paraguay and northern Argentina. Excellent swimmers and skilled ambush predators, they embody speed, stealth, and strength. Registration is limited to 875 runners. Early registration guarantees a race spot and includes a commemorative race t-shirt and finisher medal.

McLennan County Master Gardeners host an educational community booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month. The booth provides a welcoming place to ask gardening questions and receive guidance on any garden-related topic.

Presented by the Anna Cheri Foundation, Cowboys, Cowgirls & Casino Night brings an evening of entertainment to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. The event features BBQ, games, giveaways and more, with the goal of raising funds for adoptions.

Gain essential hunter education in a classroom at Republic Gun Club. The course is intended for ages 9 to 17, and adults are welcome to attend. For participants younger than twelve, a parent or guardian is encouraged to sit in on the academic portion, as the material may be challenging for younger learners. Parents or guardians accompanying a student do not need to register unless they also require certification. Anyone who needs certification, including minors, must register individually. The fee is $20 per student, payable directly to the instructor by cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Please do not submit payment through the TPWD registration website, as the instructor will handle payment to TPWD on each student's behalf. There will be a lunch break. Students may bring snacks, drinks, and lunch, or visit nearby eateries. Part of the instruction takes place outdoors, so bring clothing suited to the weather. For additional information, contact Ray Bottenfield at Republic Gun Club at (254) 307-4867 or Training@RepublicGunClub.com.

Hosted by Bigfoot Running Company, this festive fall run at Indian Springs Park celebrates the season with courses that wind through local parks and greenbelts as the leaves change and the air cools. Participants can choose from a Kids Dash, a 1 mile option, a 5K, or a 10K, making it welcoming for a wide range of ages and experience levels. Dress in your best Thanksgiving themed costume for a chance to earn the Biggest Turkey Trophy and a prize bundle that includes two entries to future races, a gift card, and a Bigfoot Running Company swag pack. Expect event staples such as medals, tees, enthusiastic staff, live awards, music from a DJ, and a lively finish line celebration. Youth pricing is available, with children 12 and under able to run the 5K or 10K for $15. Referral rewards are offered with a $20 refund when five friends register using your referral, and group discounts are available with greater savings for larger groups. Packet pickup takes place before the start, the Kids Dash leads into the national anthem and the main race kickoff, and awards and results are available at the registration tent.

Marking fifteen years of Food + Farming, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market presents a celebration that honors the growers, artisans, and supporters who have gathered since 2011. The day features an expanded slate of vendors, seasonal harvest favorites, and handcrafted goods rooted in Central Texas. Anniversary activities include tastings of local fare, vendor highlights, and commemorative giveaways. A sponsorship celebration shares how community support strengthens Food Access Programs, infrastructure, and the market's mission for the years ahead. Alongside the festivities, it remains the familiar market experience of shopping local, picking up fresh produce and meats, meeting neighbors, and enjoying a welcoming community spirit. The story of "15 Years of Food + Farming" is revisited while looking ahead to the market's future.

Celebrate the season at Camp Fimfo Waco with festive weekend activities for all ages. Enjoy a Christmas party full of fun and laughter. Deck out your ride for a golf cart decorating contest followed by a parade through the park. Show your creativity in a site decorating contest, then cap it off with a special visit from Santa that brings extra magic to the whole family. Activities are held on weekends only, so be sure to check the schedule before booking.

Hosted in a modern classroom at Republic Gun Club, this Texas Youth Hunter Safety Course provides instruction for young participants while welcoming adults as well. The fee is 20 dollars per student and is paid directly to the instructor by cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Do not submit payment through the TPWD registration site, as the instructor forwards the TPWD fee for each student. The course is geared toward ages 9 to 17, with adults invited to attend. Learners under twelve are strongly encouraged to have a parent or guardian present for the classroom portion. Parents or guardians who accompany a student do not need to register unless they also need certification, and anyone seeking certification, including minors, must register individually. A lunch break is included. Participants may bring snacks, drinks, and a packed lunch or visit nearby eateries. Plan for changing conditions by wearing weather appropriate clothing, since part of the class takes place outdoors.

Jake Worthington performs live at the Backyard in Waco, TX as part of his Intent to Tonk Tour.

The Texas Elvis Festival returns to the Waco Convention Center for five days dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of Elvis Presley. The lineup features 15 Elvis Tribute Artists, including Donny Edwards, Cody Slaughter, Cote Deonath, Jimmy Holmes, Vic Trevino, Bill Cherry, Moses Snow, Emilio Santoro, Vince King, Riley Jenkins, Alex Mitchell, Al Joslin, Kraig Parker, Finley Watkins, and Braxton Sykes. Performances are backed by the Infinit-E Band and hosted by Tom Brown. The festival includes six stage productions, special guests, and late-night events, with more announcements to come.