Waco Insider #77
Roller Derby National Championships, Acoolstic Happy Hour, and Mayborn Tax-Free Weekend
If you’re a fan of roller derby, you’re likely to be camped out at Skate Waco Bellmead this weekend when the USA Roller Sports Roller Derby National Championships come to town. From Friday through Saturday, see 10 of the best roller derby teams in the country battle for supremacy. Plus, Waco’s own roller derby team will have an exhibition match on Saturday night.
It’s no secret: The daily forecast stretching out into the foreseeable future calls for highs of a kajillion degrees. Thanks to the Backyard Bar Stage & Grill, however, you can get a break during the week at its new Acoolstic Happy Hours. On Thursday, acoustic duo Twelve12 is playing, and next Wednesday you can see The Union Revival. Even better, there’s no cover.
With school fast approaching, tax-free shopping for school supplies and eligible clothing is happening this weekend. While hitting big box stores and malls is the norm, consider stopping by the Mayborn Museum’s store on Saturday or Sunday to choose from what they have to offer.
Other events of note:
On Thursday, celebrate National IPA Day 2022 by choosing from the many options on tap and in cans/bottles at the Dancing Bear Pub.
‘90s hard rock cover band Strix has been a staple at Stay Classy Waco, but they’re branching out to other venues, including BIG’s Mayberry Tavern on Friday and Last Chance Bar on Saturday.
Things have been quiet on the music front at Common Grounds by Baylor over the summer, but that changes on Wednesday night when Levi the Poet brings an eclectic mix of spoken word, music, and more to the outdoor stage.
Now Hear & Watch This!
“Moment of Truth” by The Red Clay Strays
Hailing from Alabama, The Red Clays Strays bring a heady mix of outlaw country and Southern rock to the Backyard Bar Stage & Grill on Friday night. Powered by the plaintive voice of lead singer Brandon Coleman, the band has deftly carved out a spot all its own, elevating it above a sea of Americana and Red Dirt rivals. Known for raucous live shows, you owe it to yourself to see them perform while you have the chance.
Listen to more music by The Red Clay Strays on Spotify.
Pivovar: We Are Waco
At first blush, a Czech brewery-restaurant-hotel in downtown Waco might seem like a crass attempt to cash in on West’s Czech culture. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. From the management to its beers, brewers, and menu, Pivovar is hands-down authentic. And even if you’re not ready for a beer bath just yet, there’s plenty to enjoy that’ll make a visit more than worthwhile.
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Upcoming Events
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Thursday, August 4
Acoolstic Happy Hour with Twelve12 | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
National IPA Day 2022 | Dancing Bear Pub | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bobby Dean & The Timeless Country Band | Sul Ross Boot Scootin’ Dance Club | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday Night Ride: Cameron Park Hills | Bicycle World Waco | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tiki Night | One Day Waco | 6:00 pm – midnight
Acrylic Painting on Canvas Workshop | Maker's Edge Makerspace | Tickets | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cornhole Tournament | Sunday’s Caribbean Oasis Sports Bar & Grill | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
David Johnson | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night | Truelove Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jacob Augustine | Pivovar | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Waco Famous Trivia Night | Brotherwell Brewing | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Madstone | Old Chicago | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday, August 5
USA Roller Sports Roller Derby National Championships | Skate Waco Bellmead | Tickets | 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
What We Baked | Pinewood Coffee Bar | 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Café y Pan Dulce | Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home | 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Middle School Improv Comedy Camp | Brazos Theatre | Tickets | 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Music on the Patio | Magnolia Press | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spider-Man Meet & Greet | Union Hall | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Great American Outdoors Day | Brotherwell Brewing | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Friday | Susan L. Sistrunk Fine Art Gallery | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Friday Market: Back to School | Cultivate 7twelve | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Anchor News Ladies Night Out | Waco Lions Den | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Crystals, Cocktails, Tarot & Runes | Skellington Curiosities | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Poppins Jr. | Art Center Waco | Tickets | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Joel Wood | Sunday’s Caribbean Oasis Sports Bar & Grill | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Brazos Brothers | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday Night Dinner | Lighthouse Coffee & Wine | Tickets | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Greg Bashura & Evan Klaras | Hilton Waco | 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Morgan Lee Powers | Camp Fimfo Waco | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Max, Lynnette, Shawna & Steven | Blue Dog Wine & Martini Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Renegade Roadshow | Papa Joe's Texas Saloon | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Strix | BIG’s Mayberry Tavern | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The May Brothers | Tokio Store | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Joel & Deon Q | Stay Classy Waco | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The Red Clay Strays | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Gringo Soul | Freight Bar | 9:00 pm – midnight
Karaoke | Chapter 11 | 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday, August 6
USA Roller Sports Roller Derby National Championships | Skate Waco Bellmead | Tickets | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Waco Downtown Farmers Market | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tax-Free Weekend | Mayborn Museum Complex | 10:00 am – 4:45 pm
Third Anniversary Party | Waco Ale Co | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cody Ellinger & Jason Kyle Wickens | Helberg Barbecue | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Native American Flute Circle | Art Center Waco | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
JD Hicks & The CenTex Band | Last Chance Bar | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Third Anniversary Celebration | January Letterpress Shop + Studio | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Mary Poppins Jr. (matinee) | Art Center Waco | Tickets | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Witch Crafts: Adult Cross Stitch Night | Skellington Curiosities | Tickets | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Anchor News 20-Year Celebration | NeighborWorks Waco | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Fenix Theory | Sunday’s Caribbean Oasis Sports Bar & Grill | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Improv Comedy Show | Brazos Theatre | Tickets | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunset Paddle | Woodway Beach | Tickets | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
DJ Matt @ Home | Stay Classy Waco | 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rude Ant Karaoke with Tony Lee | Papa Joe's Texas Saloon | 8:00 pm – 11:55 pm
Strix | Last Chance Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sundae Drivers | Twisted Sisters Patio Bar | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cameron Sacky Band | Backyard Bar Stage & Grill | Tickets | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Oxford Comma | Freight Bar | 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Karaoke | Chapter 11 | 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sunday, August 7
USA Roller Sports Roller Derby National Championships | Skate Waco Bellmead | Tickets | 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Equine First Aid Class | Brazos Bluffs Ranch | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Back to School Event & Car Show | Sugar Shack | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tax-Free Weekend | Mayborn Museum Complex | 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Eastside Evening Market | Brotherwell Brewing | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Karaoke & Service Industry Night | Freight Bar | 7:00 pm – midnight
Monday, August 8
Monday Storytime with Rachel Pate | Mayborn Museum Complex | 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Acoustic Open Mic | Taqueria Mexicano Grill 15 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday Funday with Towne Adams & Jonna Mae | Hemingway's Watering Hole | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Monday Night Lights Mountain Bike Ride | Bicycle World | 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Keep Waco Loud Open Mic Night | Stay Classy Waco | 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, August 9
Stephany Chavira | Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Beer Garden Yoga | Brotherwell Brewing | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Haunted Home, A Musical Comedy Horror! Auditions | Brazos Theatre | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fabled Book Club: Any Other Family | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | Register | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Karaoke Time! | Old Chicago | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Smarty Pints Trivia | Southern Roots Brewing Co. | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Towne Tuesday Open Mic | The Crying Shame | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Adult Skate Night | Skate Waco Bellmead | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Beer For Brains Trivia Night | Dancing Bear Pub | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday, August 10
Fabled Story-Time | Fabled Bookshop & Cafe | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Waco Fire Truck Push-In Ceremony | Waco Fire Station #2 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Acoolstic Happy Hour with The Union Revival | The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Trivia Night | Bare Arms Brewing | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Trivia Night | Old Chicago | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Music Bingo Night: FIFA Songs | Freight Bar | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Levi the Poet | Common Grounds | Tickets | 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Witty Wednesday BuzzTime Trivia | Hemingway's Watering Hole | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
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Coming Next Week
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Waco Brew Theology, and The Union Revival.