What’s Happening in Waco: Clean Cars, New Stores, & Family Fun!

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that’s like finding the perfect parking spot right when you need it.

• Today’s Weather: ☁️Cloudy and in the 50’s

• Waco Chamber of Commerce Hiring

• Natural Grocers Opening Date

• Live Music and Events Lineup for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 🎶

Let’s get to it!

Buzzworthy News

Waco's Car Wash Boom: A Clean Trend on the Rise

Waco’s car wash scene is getting a serious upgrade. Once dominated by Genie Car Wash, Valley Mills Dr is now home to a new fleet of washes, with Club Car Wash, Whitewater Express, and Watershed Car Wash popping up on nearly every block. It’s no surprise—across the U.S., car washes are booming, thanks to a blend of convenience, customer loyalty programs, and that sweet, shiny finish we all crave.

Waco’s seeing the effects firsthand as the competition heats up and these washes polish up the local landscape. Whether you're a regular at Genie or cruising by a new spot, it's clear that Waco is embracing this fresh trend—and your ride’s looking better than ever. To dive deeper into this car wash boom, check out the full article here: Bloomberg: Car Washes Are Taking Over the U.S.

Natural Grocers Opening in Waco February 19

Natural Grocers is set to open its Waco store on February 19 at the former CVS space on New Road and Valley Mills Drive. The grand opening starts at 8:27 AM with the first 500 customers receiving a free lunch bag and gift cards for the first 150 in line. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 8:25 AM, followed by a donation to Shepherd’s Heart, a local food pantry. Read more in the Waco Tribune.

Who’s ready to clean up the river? 🌊🚮

The Trash Dash & Bash is back for round two, hosted by Keep Waco Beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to give back while having a blast with your team. Gather up to 10 teammates for a fun and friendly river cleanup competition, and see who can collect the most litter while talking some serious trash. There are great prizes for best team name, most trash talked, most litter collected, and even a river gator sighting. Plus, everyone gets free Helberg BBQ, drinks from Balcones, a t-shirt, and a swag bag. Spots are limited—sign up now and help make Waco a cleaner, better place! Register here!

Trivia

Here for Family presented by Hewitt Kids Dental 

Looking for family-friendly activities this season? The newly renovated Doris Miller Community Pool is making a splash in Waco! After 15 years without a public pool, we are excited to see this open. With four competitive lanes, year-round access, and options for lap swimming, aquatic fitness, and private events, it will be a hub for family fun and swimming lessons.

Speaking of family, don’t forget about your child’s dental health! Hewitt Kids Dental is here to keep those smiles bright and healthy. Led by Dr. Alex Piedra, their team makes dental visits stress-free and fun for kids of all ages. Schedule an appointment today to give your little ones the confidence to flash their best smile!

Make this week a win for both fun and wellness—visit Doris Miller Community Pool and Hewitt Kids Dental!

Learn More About the Pool | Book a Dental Appointment

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Waco Buzz? Reply to this email.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Tuesday
- New Year, New Career Hiring Fair 11:00 AM | Waco Convention Center
- Guest Recital: Bronwen Forbay & Christian Bester 4:00 PM | Waco Hall
- Break-Even Bottle Night with WhistlePig 4:00 PM | Barnett’s Whiskey House
- Stroll Networking Event 5:00 PM | Marie’s Wine Bar
- Cocktails with Jen 5:00 PM | Hemingway’s Watering Hole
- Light on the Legislature 5:30 PM | Performing Arts Cultural Center
- 2025 Central TX Cattle Baron's Ball Volunteer Interest Meeting 5:30 PM | JRBT
- Beer Garden Yoga 6:30 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Booze Clues Tuesday Trivia 7:00 PM | Dancing Bear Pub
- Vinyl Night 7:00 PM | Hemingway's Watering Hole
- Smarty Pints Trivia 7:00 PM | Southern Roots Brewing Co.
- Adult Pick-Up Roller Hockey 7:00 PM | Skate Waco Bellmead
- Slap Stix Trivia Tuesday 7:30 PM | Freight Bar
- Guest Recital: Evan Wong 7:30 PM | Waco Hall

Wednesday
- The Meetup 9:00 AM | Startup Waco
- Story Time 10:30 AM | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe
- Rural Health Book Club: The Price We Pay 12:00 PM | Texas AHEC East | Register here
- One HOT Reining - WINTER SLIDE 12:00 PM | Extraco Event Center
- Giacosa Wine Dinner 6:00 PM | Di Campli's Italian Ristorante
- Wine Wednesday with Stan Wilfong 6:00 PM | Segovia Wine Bar
- A Burns Night with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society 7:00 PM | Balcones Distilling | Tickets here
- Music Bingo 7:00 PM | Brotherwell Brewing
- Vinyl Listening Night 7:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.

Thursday

- Bloom & Grow Pop-Up Event: Dance @ Refit 5:30 PM | REFIT, 1522 Washington Ave
- Create Better Health Class 5:30 PM | Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
- Ten Healthy Tips Class 5:30 PM | East Waco Library
- 30th Anniversary Wine Dinner 6:00 PM | DiamondBack's
- Versus Series Wine Tasting 6:00 PM | Segovia Wine Bar
- Music Bingo and Karaoke 6:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Glass Giveaway 6:00 PM | Dancing Bear Pub
- KRIS with a K Music Bingo 7:00 PM | Waco Ale Co.
- Bingo Night 7:00 PM | The Will House
- Slap Stix Music Bingo 7:30 PM | Freight Bar
- Name That Tune Bingo 7:30 PM | Freight Bar
- Thursday Pool Tournament 8:00 PM | Clicks Billiards

Sports🐻🐻

Men’s Basketball:
The Bears got their roadtrip off to a great start against Utah winning, 76–61!

Women’s Basketball:
The Lady Bears lost a nail bitter to TCU in Ft. Worth 75-80.

Upcoming Baylor Games & Matches:

🏀 Men's Basketball: Tuesday, Jan. 28 @ BYU | 8 PM | ESPN2

🏀 Women's Basketball: Wednesday, Jan. 29 @ UCF | 6 PM | ESPN+

@Waco.Buzz

Loved seeing the responses from various people around Waco to this post over the weekend. My two favorite…..”Home” and “Revived”. Jump over to the post to add which word you would use to describe Waco.
P.S. Tag @Waco.Buzz to get your photos in the Buzz!

Jobs

Waco Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Development
Lead business growth for the Greater Waco Chamber, attracting companies, creating jobs, and managing partnerships. Requires 10+ years’ experience. More information here.

Waco Chamber of Commerce Director of Workforce and Talent
Plan workforce programs for Waco, working with schools and businesses to fill jobs and grow industries. Experience required. More information here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with someone still is unsure how to drive around the Circle.