Waco's $13.7M bet on the future of learning 🚀

Good morning, Waco! This is the Waco Buzz, the local newsletter here to help you make the most of this weekend’s weather before winter’s encore performance hits next week!

In today’s Waco Buzz:

• Three Waco Restaurant Updates 🍩

• How to get FREE streaming with a Waco library card 🔖

• MLK Day Events around Waco

• Open House Game🏠

Let’s get to it!

Buzzworthy News

Wacoans Who Go Above and Beyond 🌟

Something that makes the Waco Buzz unique is our commitment to showcasing the GOOD in Waco, hopefully offering a refreshing contrast to the negativity often found on social media. Our city is made up of great people and services, and we know great service makes all the difference. Whether it's a restaurant that wowed you with amazing food and service, or a local service provider who exceeded your expectations, we want to hear about it! If you’ve had an outstanding experience—maybe a restaurant with home run service or a local home service provider who truly went the extra mile—let us know! We love highlighting the local spots and people who make Waco even better.

Got a recommendation? Share it with us here!

🚀 Waco STEAM Center & Free Streaming?!
Waco is making strides in community enrichment with two exciting initiatives. First, the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center is set to transform the old community center into a cutting-edge facility offering programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This $13.7 million project will feature robotics labs, a teaching kitchen, a recording studio, and more, providing hands-on learning for all ages. Additionally, Waco Library cardholders now have access to free movies and TV shows through Kanopy, expanding entertainment options for residents. Need to get a library card? Here is how to do it.

🎉 LEGO Fun Awaits at the Waco Brick Convention!
The Waco Brick Convention is coming to the Waco Convention Center on March 8 and 9, offering an exciting LEGO® fan experience for all ages. This family-friendly event features massive LEGO displays, hands-on building zones, retired LEGO sets, and unique creations. Attendees can meet special guests, shop from LEGO vendors, and explore interactive exhibits. Proceeds benefit Creations for Charity, a nonprofit providing LEGO sets to underprivileged children worldwide. Check out all the details for the event here.

🍴 Waco Foodies: Exciting Updates Around Town

M Doughnuts is now a Friday & Saturday morning destination, serving creative and top-tier doughnuts from 8 AM to 2 PM at 407 S 8th Street. Their lineup includes Baylor-themed treats and fan favorites like the Homer, making it a must-visit spot for sweet lovers.

Meanwhile, Le’s Kitchen is upgrading from its food truck roots to a permanent location at 9107 Chapel Road, Suite B. The grand opening is set for Monday, offering both lunch and dinner service in their new space.

In other news, Firehouse Subs on Franklin, which closed last November, is preparing for a comeback. Now under new management, the sandwich shop is slated to reopen in early February.

A message from The Baylor Club

Looking for a vibrant community and a place to connect? The Baylor Club, Waco’s premier social club inside McLane Stadium, offers dining, social events, and workspaces—and it’s open to, not just Baylor alumni or staff, but the Waco community. On January 25, you’re invited to the Open House & Wellness Expo.

Tour the Club, enjoy live music and healthy cuisine, and connect with local wellness and beauty experts. Don’t miss this chance to recharge and discover all that The Baylor Club has to offer. More information on the event can be found here.

WEEKEND EVENT RUNDOWN

Friday

- 39th Annual wreath-laying ceremony 12 PM | Waco Multi-purpose Center
- Wheel-Throwing Workshop 6:00 PM | Black Oak Art | Tickets here
- Dave Innis in concert 6:30 PM | Cambria Hotel
- Anne of Green Gables 7:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- Karaoke 9:00 PM | Chapter 11
- EDM Night 9:00 PM | 500 Washington Avenue 

Saturday

- Waco Downtown Farmers Market 9:00 AM | Waco Downtown
- Black Rifle Coffee Company Cars & Coffee (Free, No Registration) 9:00 AM | BRCC Waco
- Health District & Library Blood Drive 10:00 AM | Waco-McLennan County Library
- Gordon Pyle 6:30 PM | Cambria Hotel
- Anne of Green Gables 2:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- Paranormal Experience 8:00 PM | Dr Pepper Museum | Tickets here
- Karaoke 9:00 PM | Chapter 11

Sunday

- Woodway Farmers Market 11:00 AM | Carleen Bright Arboretum
- Anne of Green Gables 2:00 PM | Waco Civic Theatre | Tickets here
- Seltzer Sunday 4:00 PM | Freight Bar
- Open Mic 5:00 PM | Cricket’s Grill & Draft House
- Song Swap & Open Mic Night with Michael Saldana 6:00 PM | Lakeside Bar

Monday (MLK Day)
Banks, government offices, schools, and no mail delivery today in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

- Peace March 9:30 AM | Indian Spring Park
- Gospel Extravaganza 11 AM | Doris Miller Community Center
- Candlelight Vigil 6 PM | Waco Suspension Bridge
- “Share the Dream” Worship Service 7 PM | Truett Seminary’s Powell Chapel

OPEN HOUSE🏡✨
_{We’ll give you a few facts about the listing and you guess the price.}

🛋 Spacious Living: A huge living area with large windows, natural light, and a wood-burning fireplace, plus a second living space for entertaining.

🍳 Modern Kitchen: Open-concept with brand-new appliances, sleek countertops, and all-new cabinets—a chef’s dream!

🛏 Primary Suite: A private retreat featuring a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a stunning bathtub.

🌳 Outdoor & Extras: A backyard deck, one-car garage, ample street parking, and a prime location near local amenities.

💭 Guess the Price? Scroll down to the end of this email to find out!

(Are you a realtor interested in getting your agency highlighted with each featured open house? Reply to this email to learn more)

Baylor Sports 🐻🐻

🎾 Tennis
Baylor Men’s Tennis plays host to two powerhouses at the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center:

• #4 Wake Forest on Friday at 12:30 PM – Free Chick-fil-A and Tiff’s Treats will be available while supplies last.

• #2 TCU on Monday at 6:30 PM 

🏀 Basketball

• Women’s Basketball hosts the Houston Cougars tonight (6 PM) at Foster Pavilion. Go get tickets here or stream the game on ESPN+.

• Men’s Basketball takes on TCU on Sunday at 4 PM at Foster Pavilion. It’s a Stripe Out, so wear your section’s assigned colors and cheer for the Bears! Grab tickets here.

🎤 Live Entertainment at Foster Pavilion
Baylor announced a partnership with Noise New Media, based in Nashville, to bring live entertainment events to Foster Pavilion throughout the year. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming concerts and shows!

Jobs

Fallas Automation - Graphic Designer
Work with a sales team to create multi-media materials. Ideal candidates have experience in graphic design software and a passion for creative problem-solving. This role offers a chance to develop visually engaging content that supports cutting-edge automation technology. More Info Here

Richard Karr Motors - Automotive Parts Sales
Leverage your automotive knowledge and a heart for customer service in this dynamic role. Salary Range: $60-$70,000. Successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment, helping customers find the right parts while building strong, lasting relationships. More Info Here

_{*Have a job opening you want to promote? Let us know by replying to this email}

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Waco Buzz today. If you found something helpful, please share it with the friend who would be willing to break their January diet goals for a box or two of Thin Mints.

Have a great weekend, Waco!