Warming Up Today + How to Stay Cozy This Weekend
After a stretch of freezing temperatures and icy conditions, Waco is finally starting to warm up today, bringing a bit of relief across the community. While mornings may still feel chilly, daytime temperatures are climbing, roads are improving, and the weekend is shaping up to be much more manageable for getting out of the house.
Here’s what to expect — plus tips on staying warm and making the most of the days ahead.
Today:
Temperatures are rising into the low 40s, helping melt lingering ice from earlier in the week. While mornings may still be cold, conditions improve throughout the day with mostly cloudy skies and calmer winds.
Wednesday:
Another cool morning followed by partial sunshine, with highs remaining in the low 40s. Patchy fog is still possible early, especially in shaded areas.
Thursday:
A noticeable warm-up arrives, with highs reaching the 50s — a welcome shift after several days of freezing temperatures.
Friday & Weekend:
The weekend brings more stable winter weather, with daytime highs in the 40s to low 50s and cold nights continuing. While it won’t be balmy, conditions are expected to be dry and far more comfortable for errands, shopping local, and indoor events.
Earlier in the week, winter weather caused widespread closures across Waco, including schools, city services, and temporary road shutdowns — particularly on bridges and overpasses. As temperatures rise, many services and businesses are returning to normal operations, though residents should continue checking individual locations for updates.
Road conditions are steadily improving, but early mornings and evenings can still bring slick spots as temperatures dip overnight.
Even as things warm up, winter isn’t done just yet. Here are a few easy ways to stay cozy and safe:
- Layer smart: Lightweight layers keep you warm without overheating indoors
- Watch the mornings: Roads may still be slick early — take it slow
- Support local indoor spots: Coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, museums, and markets are perfect cold-weather escapes
- Check on neighbors: Especially elderly or unhoused community members
- Keep your car winter-ready: Blanket, water, phone charger — just in case
Warming centers have been available throughout the cold spell and remain an important resource for those needing shelter from low temperatures.
With improved weather conditions, this weekend is a great opportunity to get back out and support local businesses, attend indoor events, and enjoy Waco at a slower winter pace. While heavy coats may still be needed, the worst of the freeze is behind us — for now.
As always, weather conditions can change quickly, so residents are encouraged to monitor local updates and official announcements throughout the weekend.
Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of one another, Waco 🤍
For many, the turn of the calendar marks new beginnings, and the Greater Waco area, in agreement, has stepped into another year of development. Alongside the construction and traffic of infrastructure improvements, budding business adventures are opening their doors to new possibilities in Waco.
Recently, the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center celebrated its launch directly on the banks of the Brazos. The Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center provides a thriving environment for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, where Wacoans of any age can learn, play, and work in a space dedicated to their creative and educational advancements. With teaching kitchens, robotic laboratories, recording studios, and standard playgrounds, there is no dream too big to create at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center.
Dreaming big has never been a bad thing, and as we approach Black History Month, we take a necessary moment to celebrate one of the most influential dreamers in American History, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is nationally honored on the third Monday of January each year. Here in Waco, the Community Race Relations Coalition annually hosts a Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the work of Dr. King and all other Civil Rights leaders. While honoring the contributions and legacies of Rev. Dr. King, this event includes various activities aimed at reflecting on Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and peace. Community leaders, activists, and speakers often share their thoughts on Dr. King’s impact and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, while encouraging participants to engage in service projects that embody Dr. King’s belief in serving others.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
September is upon us, and our duty this Suicide Awareness Month is to start conversations regarding mental health, spread hope to those in need, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent crises of our time. World Suicide Prevention Day is Wednesday, September 10th, but all month long, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, and allied community members are uniting to promote suicide prevention.
Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. It starts with one conversation: ask someone how they’re doing and be ready to truly listen. No one has to face their battles alone. Whether you’re facing challenges, hoping to support a friend or loved one, or looking to help, your voice matters.
Here in Texas, there are three branches of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP of Central Texas is hosting an Out of the Darkness fundraiser walk in Waco on September 27, 2025. With over 350 participants already joined, this walk at Brazos Park East is the perfect way to participate in the community in a way that matters.
Help exists, and healing is possible. Inform yourself of warning signs for suicide, encourage open conversations about mental health, and connect people to proven treatments and resources.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
By Elizabeth Riley
Belly Belly- Short
“I’m obsessed with food.”
This short film production uniquely captures the daily struggle with food noise, disordered eating, and the obsessive battle with thoughts about the body. Depicting two queer femmes reconnecting over dinner, “Belly Belly” produces a tender balance of fear and excitement with disturbingly unexpected turns.
In “Belly Belly,” witness the fear of food impacting body image and mental wellbeing. The internal struggle with eating disorders is typically seen as an individual suffering. However, screenwriter Loren Hayes portrays an interesting situation in which food affects more than oneself.
Amidst dinner, you can’t help but expect recovery and found-love, but are our darkest urges easy to resist?
The director, Gabriel Carnick, alongside producers Aurora Perrineau, Loren Hayes, Kaeleigh Morrison, and Thea Touchton, capture magnificently beautiful foods, reminiscent of imagery in the television series “The Bear.” This short film is downright delicious.
With conversations that highlight the impact of dieting culture on our abilities to connect, to fuel ourselves, and to love the bodies we’ve been given, “Belly Belly” is recommended to those who are familiar with the horrific capabilities of human nature.
Catch the short film “Belly Belly” at Waco Indie Film Fest’s Shriek Show on Saturday, July 19th, at the Grand Lodge of Texas. Starting at 4:30 pm, this block is packed with horror shorts that’ll have you screaming, squirming, and laughing nervously in your seat.
Waco Indie Film Fest presents a variety of underground short films and full length movies across creative spaces in the city. This festival presents films of various genres from artists across the world at beloved locations in Waco. The schedule is absolutely packed with screenings, panels, and live screenplay readings. Don’t forget about the after parties and award ceremonies!
Friday JULY 18th
- Bloodlines & Fault Lines 10:30 am @ Performing Arts Community Center
- 924 Austin Ave Suite 150, Waco, TX 76701
- The Work is Mysterious and Important 10:45 am @ Texas Music Cafe
- 110 S 6th St, Waco, TX 76701
- It’s Complicated 11:00 am @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- 715 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701
- The Pantone Guy 1:00 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
- Solitaire 1:30 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Hereafter 2:30 pm @ PACC
- World Without Cows 3:45 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
- The Strange Dark 5:00 pm @ PACC
- WTF: Weird, Twisted, Fantastic 5:30 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Peeping Todd & For Pete’s Sake 8:00 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- What Do We Owe Each Other 8:00 pm @ PACC
- North Shore 8:00 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
SATURDAY JULY 19th
- Shorts and Spurs 10:00 am @ PACC
- Ultimate Citizens 10:15 am @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- Where the Horses Heal the Soul 10:30 am @ Texas Music Cafe
- All Ages, All Heart 1:00 pm @ PACC
- Sex and Consequences 1:15 pm @ Grand Lodge of Texas
- On Firm Ground 1:30 pm @ Texas Music Cafe
By: Elizabeth Riley
This July, we are striving to find ways that reinvigorate the Christmas spirit of lighting the world through giving at the halfway point of the year. Perhaps you’ve been bogged down with mid-year reviews at work, anxious over the outcome of assessments, or tired from wrangling children all summer long. Get outside, get involved, and enjoy the miraculous lives we live.
Waco GoodFellas to Host ‘Christmas in July’ at Extraco Center
The Waco GoodFellas will host Christmas in July on July 19 at the Extraco Events Center, bringing holiday cheer to the summer season. The event will include food, an open bar, live and silent auctions, mini raffles and more. All proceeds raised will stay within the surrounding communities.
The Waco GoodFellas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Keep Waco Beautiful Hosts Summer Sustainability Pop-Ups
Looking to get outside this July? Keep Waco Beautiful will host the Summer Sustainability Passport Pop-Up on July 10 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Heart of Texas Goodwill on New Road. The event is part of the Junior Sustainability Advocate outreach program, which offers children educational programming, STEM/STEAM activities, and community engagement opportunities.
A second pop-up event will be held Aug. 12 at the East Waco Goodwill, also from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Gatesville Hosts ‘Jingle in July’ Shopping Event
For those up for a short drive, Jingle in July will take place Saturday, July 12, in Gatesville. The vendor market will be held at Pennoli Bed and Breakfast and will run throughout the day.
Attendees can take photos with “Santa on Vacation” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and shop while enjoying beverages at these local vendors and storefronts:
- Spur Nutrition: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Green Rooster: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 1854 Mercantile: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring Prickly Diamond, Lawson’s and Gypsy Rooster
- The Salty Señorita: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Pink Pearl: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Spaghetti Western
- Sassi’s Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- L&M Clothing Boutique: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Maverick Exchange: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Gussied Up
Whether you’re giving back, learning something new or shopping small, Central Texas has plenty of ways to celebrate the season—no snow required.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
WACO, Texas – RESCHEDULED – Brazos Nights returns this summer with a season of free concerts along the Brazos River, offering live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities.The popular concert series begins Friday, April 25th, at Indian Spring Park, just off University Parks Drive. This year’s opening act is Bowling for Soup, a Texas-based band known for hits such as “1985,” “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “High School Never Ends.”Concertgoers can enjoy the riverfront amphitheater’s scenic views while sampling local cuisine and participating in community events. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the summer, including a special Independence Day celebration on July 4 at McLane Stadium.For a full schedule of events, performers and vendor details, visit the official Brazos Nights website.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
If you are searching for the perfect holiday activities to entertain family and friends, look no further. This is a comprehensive list of available shows and events catering to the holiday season, the spread of Christmas joy, and the interests of all in our community.
Waco Wonderland will be hosted December 6th through the 8th in downtown Waco. This three-day day celebration, brought about by the City of Waco, the Downtown Public Improvement District, City Center Waco, and other sponsors, kicks off the holiday fun and cheer.
With a tree lighting, a firework show, a snow tube slide, a ferris wheel, and visits with Santa, this community-wide spectacle is a fantastic attraction for all ages. Be sure not to miss the Christmas Parade and Grouchy Santa Experience happening on Saturday night!
Cha Community x Designs with Jamie are overseeing the BIPOC Holiday Market on December 7th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This market will feature 15+ Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) small businesses, handmade vendors, and local artists. Cha Community is also providing a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) sale on boba drinks with the event, so sip and shop with the community at 1001 Franklin Avenue!
Waco Civic Theater is performing It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical throughout the start of December. With shows from the 5th to the 8th, the 12th through 15th with varying start times, there are plenty of opportunities to see this classic Christmas narrative performed through song! Later in the month, join the Civic Theater for the Royce Montgomery Rat Pack Christmas and Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Show dates, times, and tickets are available on their website.
Waco Symphony Orchestra will be performing The Nutcracker, a treasured holiday tradition, on Saturday, December 14th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15th at 2 p.m. These shows will take place at the beautiful Waco Hall on Baylor University’s campus. After the Sunday matinee, meet and take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince in Roxy Grove Hall.
The Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour is a ninety minute tour of the greater Waco area, displaying the greatest Christmas light assortments in our community. This particular tour will be hosted from November 29th through December 28th, with plenty of opportunities to snag tickets to this cherished event! The Trolley Tour takes the stress out of finding the best light displays, navigating through the slow vehicles, and crafting the delicious hot cocoa.
Cameron Park Zoo is inviting you to Wild Lights! This event will take place from November 29th through December 31st, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. Experience the Cameron Park Zoo from a different light, with Christmas spirit floating through the park.
The Mayborn Museum will be recreating the holiday season in the historic village, with Christmas Lights in the Village starting on December 13th through the 15th. They will have a second opportunity to attend from the 20th through the 22nd. The Christmas Village will occur from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m each night, with creative storytelling and the beloved Christmas Train.
Last weekend, on October 19th, Waco hosted two vibrant events: Out on the Brazos and the 13th Annual Brew at the Zoo, both celebrating community and connection.
Out on the Brazos is an annual celebration hosted by the Waco Pride Network that brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a day of festivity, connectivity, and empowerment. Cars spread across the fields at Brazos Park East. Washes of color splashed across the greenery of the Brazos, with a rainbow arch guiding the brilliantly dressed patrons to a sea of tents. Vendor booths at Out on the Brazos featured immaculate, hand-made artwork, jewelry, and baked goods from Queer and allied creators.
Competitors gathered around cornhole boards, children flooded the bouncy houses, and live musicians rocked the outdoor stage. Alongside the local crafters, informational tents provided vital resources, knowledge, and necessary goods, with Planned Parenthood and the Animal Birth Control Center both present as sponsors. Everyone present fostered the sense of solidarity and support. Veterans for Equality served as security for the event, emphasizing their role in allyship and activism. Food trucks circled the event while dozens of folks shopped and danced, beaming along the Brazos.
The party continued after a quick trip to the Cameron Park Zoo, where multiple local breweries were stationed around the Zoo for craft beer tasting and animal viewing. The event attracted beer enthusiasts and animal lovers alike, cultivating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, great conversations, and exceptional brews. Attendees enjoyed samples from well loved local breweries like Brotherwell, Southern Roots, and Waco Ale. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, the selections were diverse and delicious, allowing any palette to discover a new favorite.
Beyond the beer, the zoo showcased their incredible animal residents. Guests had the chance to stroll through beautifully lit pathways, taking in the sights and sounds of the zoo at night. Special animal encounters and educational talks added an engaging touch, highlighting the zoo’s commitment to conservation and the importance of protecting our planet’s wildlife. As the night came to a close, attendees left with smiles, new memories, and a renewed appreciation for both great beer and wildlife.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
Lights dancing atop the entrance of the Hippodrome guided my path to the Cultivate 7Twelve storefront swarmed with chatting, huddled groups. Smiling faces waved me through the threshold into a stunning scene of artisanal colors, textures, and compositions. The Cultivate 7Twelve gallery features artwork that is rotated monthly to showcase the talent of many local artists.
The gallery also provides a retail space for artists to sell items such as stickers, pins, hair clips, and other stationary accessories. These images caught my attention first, begging me to read each hilarious tagline and design. I thought of friends and family who would absolutely adore these pieces, noting to shop here when the holiday season arrives. Alongside the stickers and journals, there are second hand clothing racks, various jewelry designs, and stacks of art prints.
The artwork on display for the celebration of 175 years highlighted some of the most illustrious, memorable landmarks in Waco. There were Lego recreations of the ALICO Building and Suspension Bridge, paintings of popular features throughout the area, and live music to accompany it all.
As I traveled around to each piece, feasting on my cheese, crackers, and wine, my breath was snatched by a depiction of the eclipse over Waco in April of this year. The large, black canvas held the sun’s corona dancing through glitter and golden specs of the darkened universe. It was gorgeous.
I was floored by the talent featured throughout the gallery, failing to wipe the smile from my face at every frame . Local artists undeniably know how to capture the radiant beauty of Waco. If interested in purchasing artwork from Cultivate 7Twelve, visit the location at 712 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
Welcome to the Autumn season!
Here are all the fall festivities needed to get in the spooky spirit.
The Great Pumpkin… Patch
Central Christian Church has been “Waco’s Pumpkin Patch Church” since 2006. Their pumpkins will be arriving at noon on September 29th, which is when they anticipate opening the patch to the public. CCC’s pumpkin patch is open every day of October from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pumpkins are priced by size, ranging from $0.75-$50, and cash and credit cards are accepted as payment. All proceeds benefit the children and youth ministries and other missions/outreach efforts. There is no admission fee to visit the Pumpkin Patch! They’re located at 4901 Lake Shore Dr, Waco, TX 76710.
The Western Belle Family Farm festivities will continue through November 2nd with interests for the whole family, including a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, animals, and live music! The Pumpkin Festival is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will be open on Fridays in October from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets range from $5.49 to $35.49. The address is 7929 Heritage Parkway, West, TX 76691.
Sancho Rancho will open every Saturday and Sunday of October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With a $30 admission per car, enjoy a hayride, ride a horse, feed the animals, bounce through inflatables, and hunt like an investigator. Make sure to test out your rodeo skills on the mechanical bull and savor flavors from numerous food trucks! The ranch is located at 981 Coyote Run in Waco, TX.
The Robinson Family Farm kicks off their Fall Festival on September 28th, opening their doors every weekend until November 10th. The $19.95 ticket will provide you access to pig races, ax throwing, corn cannons, and live music! Their new location is at 2651 Bob White Road in Temple, TX.
Cultivate12 Paint Your Own Pumpkin
Get ready for a night of fall fun at Cultivate 7Twelve Art Gallery with our Pumpkin Paint & Sip on October 10th from 6-8 PM! For just $20, you can enjoy a cozy evening painting pumpkins while sipping on your favorite drinks. No experience is required—just bring your creativity, and we’ll provide the rest. It’s the perfect way to spend time with friends, enjoy a fun date, or simply unwind in a relaxed, artistic setting. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Haunted Happenings
American Scare Grounds is a haunted house just north of Waco. Offering both fun and fright, the $25 entrance fee covers a bloody good time! The Scare Grounds are open every Friday and Saturday through the months of September and October from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. They will be operating under special hours the week of Halloween. They are located at 14656 I35 N Frontage Road, Elm Mott, TX 76640.
Waco Ghosts is touring through the city. On these nightly walks, participants are taken throughout the oldest sectors of downtown, discovering the stories of tortured souls in Waco. The tour starts at the Dr. Pepper Museum and lasts around an hour. Adults can hunt the haunt for $20. Children under 13 are covered for $12, and children under 6 can participate free of charge.
Oakwood Cemetery will be performing “Walking Tales” on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Historic interpreters will be stationed throughout Oakwood Cemetery, sharing stories of the times and lives of the renowned names buried at 2124 S 5th Street, Waco, TX.
Oktoberfest
Southern Roots Brewing Company will be celebrating their 4th annual Oktoberfest and 5th anniversary this year! From October 17th to the 19th, Southern Roots will have three fun filled days packed with activities, food, and beer. Scan the QR code on the flier below for more information. They are located at 219 N 8th Street, Waco, TX 76701.
Barnett’s Fest is happening from October 4th through the 6th. With contests, prizes, and drink deals, you do not want to miss the party! If you’re not into beer, award winning Barnett’s Pub has the largest selection of whiskey in the state of Texas. Find Barnett’s Pub at 420 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.