🗞️Weekend Edition: August 9-11 news and events happening this weekend around Waco!

Good morning, Waco. This is the Waco Buzz. Like John Cena on Shark Week, we guide you through a sea of thrilling local news to the best bites from around Waco.

In today’s issue:

• Tax Free Weekend⚡

• Restaurant Spotlight: Casa De Castillo🍽️

• Weekend Events and Live Music🎸

• Jobs at Baylor 🐻

Let’s get to it.

Brought to you by Baskin Robbins Waco

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BUZZWORTHY NEWS

• ✏️ TAX FREE Weekend: It’s back-to-school time, and Texas Tax Free weekend couldn’t come at a better time. This weekend, shoppers won’t pay the sales tax on qualifying items. Save on clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks under $100. Items like computers, textbooks, and accessories don't qualify. Shop in-store or online from Texas businesses. Remember, total item costs including delivery must be under $100 to qualify. Visit here for more information and view the numerous back to school giveaways happening around Waco this weekend in the Events section of today’s Buzz.
  Pro Shopping Tip: Consignment stores are also included, offering a chance to get gently-used (or sometimes new) items at an even better price.

• 🐧Penguin Shores is OPEN: The state-of-the-art exhibit opened on Thursday after being initially announced five years ago. It offers underwater views and aims to protect the endangered species. Zoo Director Brendan Wiley calls it a significant community initiative. The exhibit also includes Smidgeon, a black-footed cat. Visitors are encouraged to support ocean conservation efforts, making this opening a milestone for Waco and the region.

• 🐶Waco Animal Shelter: Built in the 1950s and renovated in 2016, is expanding due to inadequate medical space. The city cares for 800 dogs, with 600 in foster care. The expansion includes a new clinic, surgical suites, and more parking. Despite failed contract negotiations with the Humane Society, the city aims to continue partnerships with local animal care groups to manage the increasing number of animals.

• Next Week’s $1.75 Family Movie at Cinemark: Paddington 2

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT….CASA DE CASTILLO

Casa De Castillo, a Waco staple since 1922, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cherished part of the community. Founded by Antonio P. Castillo Sn. and now run by his grandchildren, Tony, Richard Mary Lou Castillo, Baylor Tennis Alumna, this family-run establishment has been serving authentic Mexican food for over a century.

What truly sets Casa De Castillo apart is the warm, personal touch Mary Lou and her team bring. They know many customers by name, creating a welcoming atmosphere where relationships are built over delicious enchiladas. The restaurant is a gathering place for locals and newcomers alike, offering not just great food, but a sense of belonging.

Casa De Castillo’s longevity is a testament to its deep roots in Waco, where it continues to be a beloved spot for generations. Here, community is celebrated, and every meal is a reminder of the strong connections that define this special place.

Mary Lou and team are supporters of initiatives across the entire city, championing Waco and lifting others up with any opportunity given, especially children and schools exemplified by Casa De Castillo being the top fundraiser for the Great Duck Race in 2023 raising money for the Imagination Library of Waco.

@Waco.Buzz

Where are we? 📸
Each Friday this month, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Waco. Where are we? Only a true Wacoan will know. Tell us your guess on Instagram.
And don’t forget! Tag @Waco.Buzz to get your photos in the Buzz!

WEEKEND EVENT LOWDOWN:

Friday

- Wheel-Throwing Workshop 6:00 PM | Black Oak Art | $80 | Tickets Here
- Darrel Ray in Concert 6:00 PM | Slow Rise on the Brazos
- Dave Innis 6:30 PM | Cambria Hotel
- Live Music Night 7:00 PM | Union Grove Woodway
- Friday Night Game Night 7:00 PM | Lighthouse Coffee & Wine
- Texas Country Dance Night 8:00 PM | Barnett’s Whiskey House
- BYOP Dive In Movie 8:30 PM | Southern Roots Brewing | 50 First dates | $20
- EDM Night 9:00 PM | Tandem Rooftop Bar

Saturday

- Waco Farmers Market 9:00 AM | 500 Washington Ave
- China Spring Farmers & Craft Market 9:00 AM | 301 Illinois Ave
- Back 2 School Bash 10:00 AM | Express ER
- 5 Year Anniversary Party 11:00 AM | Waco Ale Co
- Waco Ukulele Orchestra in Concert 1:00 PM | Richland Mall
- Hops & Hot Rods 6:00 PM | Bare Arms Brewing
- Open Mic Night 6:00 PM | Lighthouse Coffee
- Back to School Bash 6:00 PM | Southern Roots Brewery
- Motown Caravan 7:00 PM | The Hippodrome | $25 | Tickets Here
- Josh Carson in Concert 8:00 PM | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar
- Paranormal Experience 8:00 PM | Dr. Pepper Museum | $35 | Tickets Here

Sunday
- Waco Life Drawing 1:00 PM | Cultivate 7Twelve | 18+
- Brisket 101 Class 4:00 PM | Helberg Barbecue | $200 | Tickets Here
- Acoustic Open Mic Night 6:00 PM | Lakeside Bar
- Yoga Class! 7:00 PM | Cultivate 7Twelve | $15

WEATHER

Friday
79🌡️ 98⛅ | HEAT INDEX UP TO 105

Saturday
78🌡️ 96⛅

Sunday
77🌡️ 97☀️
Sunrise at 6:51 AM | Sunset at 8:18 PM

REAL ESTATE

This Lorena ISD property offers a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on over 2.3 acres with stunning countryside views. The 2,546 sq/ft home features a private pool, abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a central living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The open kitchen includes a gas range and granite countertops. Also included are an attached 2-car garage and a 672 sq/ft detached garage. Asking $694,900.
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JOBS 🐻🐻

• The Associate Director of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity at Baylor University Press leads sales, marketing, and publicity efforts. Responsibilities include overseeing sales, analyzing revenues, forecasting new titles, managing marketing campaigns, and coordinating events. A Bachelor’s Degree with 5-7 years of experience is required; a Master’s and 7-10 years of experience are preferred. Candidates with publishing experience in religious studies are prioritized. Apply Here.

• The Assistant Director of Fan Engagement at Baylor University builds and executes marketing campaigns to promote athletic programs, enhancing fan experiences and game day excitement. Requires a Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience. Responsibilities include managing game functions, coordinating promotions, and collaborating with internal teams. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Full-time. Baylor offers comprehensive benefits and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply Here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone else to help Waco become a community of insiders.

Feel free to reply to this email letting me know if there is anything you’d like to see more or less of.

Have a great weekend!

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