Need more basketball? The Waco Royals are the latest minor league sports team to make a go of it in Waco and have two games this weekend. On Friday, they take on the Lewisville Leopards, and on Saturday, they host the Houston Push.
Thanks to the Backyard Bar Stage & Grill, Waco’s getting a heavy dose of country and hip hop these days. On Saturday night, however, it’s a blast from the Southern rock past as Molly Hatchet takes the stage. Or if that’s not your thing, Let’s Taco Bout It! at Brotherwell Brewery features an eclectic mix of local bands including Zet Zero and The Dimaggios.
In our recommended reads and podcasts section, check out recently unearthed photos from LIFE magazine following the 1953 tornado that struck Waco. Plus, learn about local Americana musician Towne Adams and meet JaJa Chen, co-owner of Waco Cha.
Upcoming Events
Events subject to change. Visit The Waco Insider for complete event details, venue info, and newly added listings.
Thursday, May 27
Whitestone Brewery Pint Night | Dancing Bear Pub | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night | Truelove Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Waco Famous Trivia Night | Brotherwell Brewing | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Open Mic Comedy | Freight Bar | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, May 28
Friday Night Dinner | Lighthouse Coffee & Wine | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Going Rogue Cabaret | Rogue Media Network | Tickets | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Summer Kick-Off Late Skate | Skate World Waco | 7:00 pm – 2:00 am
The Bill & Phil Show | The Minnow at Lake Waco Marina | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Waco Royals vs. Lewisville Leopards | Destined for Greatness Basketball | Tickets | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Greg & Evan | Blue Dog Wine & Martini Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pantheon | Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon | 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Sloppy Joe Band 25th (+1) Anniversary & Reunion Show | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Mason Hays | Freight Bar | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
May Wine Club Dinner | Valley Mills Vineyards | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 12:00 am
Cooper Mohrmann | Lakeside Bar | 9:30 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday, May 29
Spring Craft & Yard Sale | South Waco Community Center | 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Farmers Market | Waco Downtown Farmers Market | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Art on Elm 2021 | ArtPlace | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Responder Heroes Bike & Car Show | VFW Post 6008 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
UEFA Champions League Final | Dancing Bear Pub | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Let’s Taco Bout It! | Brotherwell Brewing | 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Bobby Dean | The Minnow at Lake Waco Marina | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Waco Royals vs. Houston Push | Destined for Greatness Basketball | Tickets | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Molly Hatchet | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
SlapStix Improv Comedy | Rogue Media Network | Tickets | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Branded Heart | 5J Dance Hall | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Cooper Mohrmann | Freight Bar | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Steve Smith Group | BIG’s Mayberry Tavern | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Sunday, May 30
Eastside Market | Brotherwell Brewing | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Heart of Smash #49 | Nexus Esports | 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Karaoke & Service Industry Night | Freight Bar | 7:00 pm – 2:00 am
Wednesday, June 2
Waco Downtown Farmers Market | Magnolia Market at the Silos | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Geeks Who Drink: Wednesday Edition | Route 77 Food Park | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
My Chemical Wednesday (Emo Night) | Truelove Bar | 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Recommended Reads & Podcasts
“Waco, 1953: Photos From the Aftermath of a Lethal Tornado”
This May marks 68 years since a devastating tornado tore through downtown Waco, killing 114 people. LIFE magazine wrote in its aftermath: “At 4:37 p.m. the black wedge in the sky struck Fifth and Austin, gouged the earth for a block and left the heart of Waco a broken coffin for scores of schoolboys, housewives, motorists….”
See never-before-published photos and read the complete article at LIFE.
“Towne Adams”
Waco has long been a productive environment for musicians to hone their sound, and Towne Adams has done just that as a staple of the local music scene. Kevin Tankersley talks with Adams about his past as a member of punk band I Don’t Know to his current incarnation as an Americana solo act.
Read the full article at the Wacoan.
Downtown Depot: “JaJa Chen”
Host Austin Meek talks with licensed therapist and Waco Cha co-owner JaJa Chen. She discusses life in the US as an immigrant, the importance of diversity, and how "why" is more important than "what" when she and her husband make decisions at their business.
Listen to the podcast.
Coming in the next newsletter
Robert Earl Keen, the Edison Marketplace, and Lil Jon.