This week on Act Locally Waco, Ashley Bean Thornthon and Brodie Bashaw share details for fundraisers, concerts, and more!
Fundraisers, Benefits, etc.
Fri Aug. 23 – Sock Hop Rally for Refugees
We’ve got lots of opportunities this week for you to have some fun while supporting causes and organizations that are important to you! Tonight Lake Shore Baptist Church on Bishop Drive is hosting a sock hop and Rally for Refugees. Live music for dancing will be provided by local favorite cover band “After Midnight.” Food and drinks will be plentiful and all are invited to bid on items at the silent auction! The event will be from 7 to 10. Suggested donation is $10. All proceeds will be donated to Semillas and American Gateways – two organizations that provide support, shelter, trauma relief, and legal services for immigrants and asylum-seeking refugees.
Sat Aug 24 - The Margarita & Salsa Festival (HOT Fair & Rodeo Scholarship Fund)
Tomorrow evening is the 24th Annual Margarita & Salsa Festival at the Extraco Events Center. Dance and sing the night away with four of the hottest acts in Texas country music: Shinyribs, William Clark Green, Wade Bowen and Josh Abbott Band. Before the live music begins, check out all of the entries in the Margarita & Salsa Contests. Gates open at 6 PM. The music starts at 7. Tickets are $30. Proceeds benefit the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo scholarship fund.
Sun Aug 25 - Sundown Sunday shopping & Live music Supporting CASA!
On Sunday, Red Barn Bargains on Primrose Drive presents internationally renowned pop music artist, Melissa Crispo. Shop the Red Barn for furniture, antiques, jewelry, decor and more while you enjoy the show. A percentage of all sales will be donated to CASA of McLennan County. CASA representatives will be available to answer questions about how you can volunteer for the Court Appointed Special Advocates program help children who find themselves trying to navigate the legal system. The music and fun will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.
Wed Aug 28 - Veterans appreciation luncheon
On Wednesday the Stan Parker Foundation hosts their 9th annual Veterans Appreciation luncheon. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Allen West will be the guest speaker. Lunch will be from 11 to 1 PM. The meal will be smoked brisket with all the trimmings. There is no cost, but RSVPs are required. Contact stanparkerfoundation@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Arts & Entertainment
Fri Aug 23 - Duel on the Brazos
Lots of other fun entertainment on the schedule for the week. The Sourthern Drag Boat Association “Duel on the Brazos” Drag Boat races kick off today and run through Sunday at Brazos Park East on Martin Luther King Blvd. Gates open at 8 am each day. Racing starts at 9. Tickets start as low as $15.
Fri Aug 23 -Mickey Gilley live at the Hippodrome
We’ve got some good old country music tonight at the Hippodrome. Legendary country singer Mickey Gilley is in town. Enjoy dinner while listening to some of your favorites such as “You don’t know me,” “Lonely Nights,” and of course, “Stand by me.” The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased on-line.
Fri Aug 23 - Sweet Spawn
You may not realize that our very own Cameron Park Zoo is an active supporter of Ocean Exploration and coral reefs. If you love the ocean and especially coral you are invited to the zoo tonight from 8 to 10 for a free event called “Sweet Spawn. ” The folks at the zoo will be showing live footage of coral spawning. There will also be activities for all ages, and a chance to win some great prizes all in the name of conservation. Sweet treats and drinks will be available for purchase.
Sat Aug 24 - All aboard for murder
Tomorrow you can join the crew and guests aboard the Royal Atlantic Cruise Line for some dinner, with a side of murder! The Brazos Theatre presents “All Aboard for Murder” an actor led murder mystery dinner event, full of intrigue and betrayal. The show starts at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $28.50.
Sun Aug 25 - Floating Mercado
Sunday Afternoon the Floating Mercado returns! The Mercado is a unique vendor market that moves from place to place in town exploring various neighborhoods and celebrating the diversity of culture throughout Waco. On Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5 PM the Mercado will be at the Cen-tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 915 Lasalle Avenue. Stop by for some afternoon shopping and to get to know some of your neighbors.
Wed Aug. 28 - Waco music friendly community workshop & local music showcase
Whether you are a musician or just someone who loves the Waco music scene, you are invited to the Music Friendly Community Workshop on Wednesday. The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the new Texas Music Office, a program that seeks to foster music business economic development in Texas cities and communities. It starts at 7 p.m. at Brotherwell Brewing which is located on Bridge Street in East Waco. After the workshop, stay to enjoy a Waco music showcase! Food trucks will be on site for food and drink purchases.
