This weekend in Waco, TX

A bustling market celebrates skilled Nova Scotian artisans in the charm of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with live music, outdoor tents, and plenty of local flavor. Explore more than 150 vendors across multiple buildings, including a newly added building for 2026, and discover handmade creations and specialty products. Find pottery, woodwork, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and more from local makers. Savor baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, beverages, local wines, and options from on site food trucks. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet. Only service dogs are allowed inside buildings. Cash is recommended to make shopping easier. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

At McLennan Community College, registered Scouts from across the area gather for a one-day program focused on learning, leadership, and advancement. Participants work with experienced merit badge counselors while exploring a wide range of badges, including Eagle-required options as well as subjects that can inspire future career interests or new hobbies. Registration is open, and some classes have limited space. The fee is $25. Attendees should wear a Class A uniform and bring blue cards signed by their Scoutmaster, plus a notebook, pen, and a water bottle. For questions or to volunteer as a counselor, contact Lane Downs at lmdowns@sbcglobal.net.

This youth hunter education course takes place in a modern classroom at Republic Gun Club and covers essential safety knowledge for new hunters. The fee is $20 per student, paid directly to the instructor by Cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Do not submit payment through TPWD’s online registration, as the instructor will handle the remittance to TPWD on each student’s behalf. The class is geared toward ages 9 to 17, and adults may attend as well. Learners younger than twelve are strongly encouraged to have a parent or guardian present for the classroom segment, since the material can be challenging for that age group. Parents or guardians who accompany a student do not need to register unless they also require certification. Anyone seeking certification, including minors, must register individually. A lunch break is included. Participants may bring snacks, drinks, and a packed lunch, or step out to nearby dining options. Part of the training occurs outdoors, so bring weather-appropriate clothing. For details, contact Ray Bottenfield at Republic Gun Club by phone at (254) 307-4867 or by email at Training@RepublicGunClub.com.

A community food distribution at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Downsville offers fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf stable groceries, and other essentials to neighbors who need them. No personal details are collected. Please bring your own bags or boxes to carry items safely. Supplies are limited and will be handed out in the order that people arrive, helping ensure access to nutritious food for the community.

McLennan County Master Gardeners host a community education booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Visitors can bring any gardening questions and speak with the Master Gardeners for guidance.

This back-to-school giveaway features 1,000 clear backpacks packed with supplies, along with shoes, haircuts, braids, hygiene kits, and immediate community resources that continue providing support beyond the first day of school.

Gear up for the new school year at the Waco Back To School Craft & Vendor Market at Richland Mall. This two-day marketplace brings together local vendors offering handmade goods, unique finds, school essentials, treats, and other back-to-school must-haves for families. Shoppers can discover practical picks, thoughtful gifts, and fun surprises for students, teachers, and parents. Vendor registration is open with limited spots, providing a chance to connect with families, educators, and community members who are actively preparing for the year ahead.

Take a break for a night out, whether that means dinner and a movie or time on the town. Little Land offers an evening program where children stay engaged and supervised in a fun, safe setting. It is available on select evenings throughout the month, and capacity is limited, so advance registration is recommended to secure a spot. While the program is in session, the facility is closed to the general public.

Enjoy a fun, throwback evening with live music, great food, and a purpose. Retro Rockstar 2026 includes an open bar all evening, a full dinner buffet, live entertainment, a retro challenge, plus silent and live auctions, and a best-dressed competition. Ticket purchases help support families navigating grief and loss. The event runs for about five hours.

Celebrate Tax-Free Weekend with a back to school themed market that showcases local vendors and small businesses. Browse a wide range of goods, enjoy meals from food trucks, and spend time in a welcoming, family friendly setting. Vendor and food truck inquiries are accepted by direct message or at 254-235-1353.

Dash for the Daisies brings a monthly dachshund derby and dog centered day to The Will in partnership with Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels. Held every second Sunday, the event offers splash pools, treats, and fun activities for dogs throughout the day, along with free microchipping provided by the rescue. A dachshund race is the centerpiece, and the winning pup receives a care package and a flower scrunchie courtesy of Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels. Brunch and cold drinks are available, families are welcome, and donations are encouraged to support the rescue’s work for dogs in the community.

Enjoy brunch at The Will with options such as avocado toast topped with two eggs on flatbread, chicken and waffles with crispy chicken, syrup, and powdered sugar, and three breakfast tacos filled with bacon, ham, cheese, and eggs served with homemade and mango habanero salsas. New dishes may be available, so ask a server about current specials. Pair your meal with drink specials like $4 mimosas and $5 Bloody Marys. Performances by local and regional musicians add to the experience, and on many dates a vendor market showcases locally made goods from Central Texas vendors. This setting works well for meeting friends, bringing family, or celebrating a special occasion.

At The Will, the Dash For Daisies Dachshund Derby spotlights weenie dog races and a friendly gathering of dog lovers from across Central Texas. All dogs are welcome for a dog friendly day that includes live music from Markus Miller, also known as ALone Wolf, brunch and drink specials, and the HomeGrown Sundays Vendor Market. BARK Rescue Kennels is sponsoring free microchipping and providing special goodies for visiting dogs, creating a relaxed celebration of four legged friends.