🐝 Spring Wins You'll Love This Week

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz— the local newsletter that’s like snagging the closest parking spot to the door at HEB.

In today’s edition:

• City of Waco releases Annual Report

• Baylor Football Blitz Event

• Business Openings: Alpha Omega, Bambino’s, and a new Chik Fil A

• Multiple events and live music this week 🎶

— Sam Harper

Buzzworthy News

📊 State of the City: Waco's 2024 Report Highlights

The City of Waco just shared its 2024 Annual Report, and it’s packed with progress from our city’s 175th anniversary year. Waco streets are safer than ever, with crime down 11%, water systems and streets are getting upgrades, and we’ve got a new regional animal shelter thanks to Pet Circle. Big wins like the “Live from Waco” solar eclipse event and the Penguin Shores exhibit at Cameron Park Zoo made headlines, while the city also launched a massive Downtown Redevelopment Project along the Brazos. With over $508 million in revenue and strong momentum in housing, infrastructure, and public safety, Waco’s laying the groundwork for a bright future.

Baylor Blitz: Family Football Fun at McLane Stadium

Calling all Bears fans! On Saturday, April 26, McLane Stadium transforms into a football fiesta with the Baylor Blitz.. Kids in grades 3-8 can channel their inner quarterback at a free skills challenge starting at 10 a.m. (first-come, first-served, so don’t snooze!). At noon, catch an open practice packed with drills and 1-on-1 showdowns. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., and the Baylor Bookstore’s Surplus Sale will have team gear at steal prices. Grab your green and gold and make it a family day to remember!

Your Spring Waco Hidden Gem
What’s your favorite Spring in Waco hidden gem that shocks you more folks don’t know? Reply to today’s newsletter and let us know.. We’ll shout out the best finds in a future Buzz! To get the juices flowing, my favorite part of Spring is Bosqueville Baseball. Little league baseball across Waco marks the final couple months of school, warmer temps, and taking advantage of being outside before the heat becomes a bit much.

Local Business 💼

Blaine’s Restaurant is open
Waco’s fine dining scene just got a fresh addition. Blaine’s Restaurant is now open and already turning heads with its upscale yet welcoming vibe. Chef Blaine makes it clear that this is your neighborhood restaurant where your favorite dish and drink are remembered along with your name every time you walk in. Whether you're celebrating something special or just in the mood to treat yourself, check out the menu, make a reservation at blaineswaco.com, or pop in at 1101 Richland Dr.

Family-style Greek hits Hewitt this week
Last week, we mentioned Alpha Omega is opening their second location in Hewitt—now there’s even more to love. They’re teaming up with Bambino’s Baby Food to offer Mediterranean meals for the whole family, from babies to adults. It’s the Texas debut for Bambino’s, founded by a Baylor alum who started the company after working at Hillcrest Hospital. The grand opening is Wednesday, April 23, 4–6 PM at 1501 Hewitt Dr., Suite #1.

Chik-fil-A #5 is officially open
The fifth Chik-fil-A in Waco opened last week near Topgolf, and the drive-thru’s already buzzing like a Baylor game day. Swing by for that first crispy nugget and wave to the local teens slinging sandwiches. It’s Waco’s newest spot to satisfy your chicken cravings.
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Midweek Events
Spring’s in full swing, Waco, and we’ve handpicked the best midweek events to make your week sparkle—whether you’re flying solo, on a date, or wrangling kids. From art and music to carnival fun, here’s your Tuesday-to-Thursday lineup.

Tuesday

• Spirit Of Waco: An Exclusive Evening of Art, Flavor & Craft 5:00 PM | Milo All Day | Tickets here 🌮🥃

• Meet the Candidates Forum 5:30 PM | A&J Venue | Tickets here 🏫

• Emily Henry: Great Big Beautiful Life Virtual Book Launch 7:00 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Tickets here 📕

• MCC Student Rock Bands 7:00 PM | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill 🎸

• Forrest Frank with Claire Leslie 7:00 PM | Foster Pavilion | Tickets here🎶 

• Epic: The Music of Hans Zimmer 7:30 PM | Ball Performing Arts Center 🎶 

Wednesday

• The Meetup 9:00 AM | Startup Waco 🍵

• Fabled Story-Time 10:30 AM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe 🔖

• Care for Waco Carnival & Night Market 5:00 PM | Bridge Street Farmers Market🎉

• Wild Wednesdays Hikes 5:45 PM | Northern Gateway in Cameron Park 🌲

• Chamber Ensemble & VPA Student Awards 7:30 PM | Ball Performing Arts Center 🎶 

Thursday

• Wedding Industry Night Open House 5:00 PM | Anthem Stories 👰

• Creating Green Neighborhoods 5:30 PM | Ted & Sue Getterman Wellness Center | Register here 💚

• Cruz N Chill 6:00 PM | So-Cal Speed Shop 🚙

• Tyler Davis: God of the Whirlwind 7:00 PM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Tickets here 🎤

• Songwriter Showcase 7:00 PM | Texas Music Cafe 🎶 

Looking Ahead

• Brazos Nights: Bowling for Soup on Friday 9:00 PM | Indian Springs Park 🎸

Waco Appraisals Are Hitting Mailboxes—Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

Home appraisal notices are arriving in mailboxes across McLennan County, and for many homeowners, it means property values are holding steady—or in some cases, ticking up slightly. While some areas like Hewitt and Woodway saw stable appraisals, many homeowners may notice increases, potentially leading to higher property taxes.

If your appraisal seems off, don’t stress—you have the option to appeal. And with Ownwell Property Tax Relief, the process is simple, and they’ll handle it for you. Click here to start your appeal with Ownwell and see how much you could save.*
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Sports🐻🐻

Baylor Games & Matches:

⚾ Baylor Baseball:
Baylor vs. Houston Christian (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.): Swing by for homers and hot dogs.
Tickets

🥎 Baylor Softball:
Baylor vs. Texas State (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.) & BYU (Thursday-Saturday): Catch the Lady Bears in a triple-header week. Tickets

Looking Ahead:

🏀 Baylor Basketball: Starting from Scratch

If you loved this year’s Baylor team, brace yourself—every player is gone. The entire roster has entered the transfer portal or moved on, leaving Coach Scott Drew (year 19!) with a blank slate for next season.

The shakeup has folks questioning the NCAA’s transfer rules and NIL money, but one thing’s clear: no familiar faces are coming back. Baylor’s already signing (and paying for) new talent, but it’s a full rebuild in Waco going into next season.

THANKS!

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Stay tuned for the best of your Waco weekend coming to you on Friday morning. Until then, follow the Waco Buzz on Instagram and tag us in your pictures as you live, work, and play in our amazing city.