Robert Earl Keen has long been the Texas music scene’s patron saint of slackers with songs such as “Merry Christmas from the Family” and “Dreadful Selfish Crime” that take a bemused, self-deprecating look at how time and life keep rolling along. While his watershed album Gringo Honeymoon came out over 25 years ago, Keen’s shows continue to deliver the goods, and his Thursday night appearance at the Backyard is a must-see for the uninitiated.
If you need a good laugh, Saturday night brings the monthly Improv Comedy Show at the Brazos Theatre. Or if you need to excise all those ephemeral facts kicking around in your head, the Dancing Bear’s Beer for Brains summer trivia tournament continues on Tuesday.
In our recommended reads and podcasts section, get all your need-to-know facts about the return of the City of Waco’s July 4 celebration. Plus, check out a list of don’t-miss brunch spots, and listen to an update on creative endeavors in Waco.
Upcoming Events
Events subject to change. Visit The Waco Insider for complete event details, venue info, and newly added/updated listings.
Thursday, June 3
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night | Truelove Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Midsummer Nights Concert Series: Breaking Southwest | Carleen Bright Arboretum | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Waco Famous Trivia Night | Brotherwell Brewing | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Open Mic Comedy | Freight Bar | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Robert Earl Keen | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday, June 4
First Friday Art Exhibition | Susan L. Sistrunk Fine Art Gallery | 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Friday Mom’s Night Out | The Black Daisy - Downtown | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Volunteer Information Session | Cameron Park Zoo | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Clean Slate | Fuzzy's Taco Shop (Hewitt) | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Another Band of Gypsies | The Minnow at Lake Waco Marina | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday Night Dinner | Lighthouse Coffee & Wine | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sami Brown | Blue Dog Wine & Martini Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lil Jon DJ Set with DJ Magnum | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Randy Rogers with Brady Black & Geoffrey Hill | Lee Lockwood Library & Museum | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The Roomsounds | Freight Bar | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The 05’ers | Last Chance Bar | 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sip ‘n’ Skate Summer Kick-Off Beach Party | Skate World Waco | Tickets | 10:30 pm – 1:30 am
Saturday, June 5
Cans For Critters | Cameron Park Zoo | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Waco Downtown Farmers Market | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
World Oceans Day Scavenger Hunt | Cameron Park Zoo | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Storytime with Devin | Waco Cha | 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Edison Marketplace | The Edison at Castle Heights | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
SWAGA Central Texas Amputee Golf Tournament | Cottonwood Creek Golf Course | Tickets | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fortnite Win Race | Nexus Esports | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Michael Hix | Waco Hippodrome Theatre | Tickets | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Improv Comedy Show | Brazos Theatre | Tickets | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Triston Marez | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
’90s Party | Putters | 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sunday, June 6
SWAGA Central Texas Amputee Golf Tournament | Cottonwood Creek Golf Course | Tickets | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brazos Market | Brazos Theatre | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Camp Hope Benefit Bash | Backyard Bar Stage and Grill | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ed Leonard | Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Heart of Smash #50 | Nexus Esports | 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Monday, June 7
Open Mic Night with Keep Waco Loud | Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday, June 8
Beer For Brains Trivia Night | Dancing Bear Pub | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, June 9
Geeks Who Drink: Wednesday Edition | Route 77 Food Park | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Recommended Reads & Podcasts
“Waco’s ‘4th on the Brazos’ returning this year”
After a year off due to COVID-19, Waco’s annual “4th on the Brazos” celebration returns to Touchdown Alley, next to Baylor University’s McLane Stadium. Admission is free, and you’ll enjoy the festivities with food trucks, live music, family fun, and fireworks.
Read the complete article at Act Locally Waco.
“Popular Brunch Spots in Waco”
Whether it’s Sunday morning migas with mimosas on the Hecho in Waco patio or waffles, biscuits and gravy, and avocado toast at Slow Rise Slice House, Camille Wilder covers your weekend brunch options.
Read the full post at Waco Moms.
Conversations with Creative Waco: “Ashley Stone & Braden Braziel”
Host Kennedy Sam host talks with Ashley Stone about this year's Juneteenth celebration in Waco and Brayden Braziel, who has created a brand new local drama troupe.
Listen to the podcast.
Coming in the next newsletter
Stars Over Texas Jamboree, Analog, and The Elephants Band.