From Dad jokes to childrens theatre... a Waco walking tour, Juneteenth celebrations and an icons 75th birthday celebration, there's plenty happening in and around Waco this week.
On Friday June 14, a children's production of Disney's The Aristocats begins at the Waco Civi Theatre and will run until Sunday, June 16. This will be an exciting performance where you will get to watch a Disney classic. You can also find out more through the Waco Civi Theatre's Facebook page about upcoming performances and opportunities for your child to participate in ommunity theatre!
There is another free public event on Saturday June 15 with Waco Walks. From 8:30 to 11 a.m., community members will meet together in front of the steps of the McLennan County Courthouse, and urban planning enthusiast Adam Tate, will guide us through some familiar downtown streets pointing out details that make our city more and less conducive for walking. He will also discuss why walkability is an important consideration for a growing and prosperous downtown. If you are advocate for walking and community building, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
John Schneider Live at the Hippodrome
On Saturday June 15, from 7 to 10 p.m., country music artist, performer, actor and jack of all trades, John Schneider will be performing live at the Waco Hippodrome. He has made an impact in the film community, gracing the screen with both his acting skills and musical talent. It will be an entertaining night—perhaps a great night to take your dad to in honor of father’s day as a pre-Sunday celebration.
Smokey the Bear's 75th Birthday
Saturday ALSO happens to be your favorite bear’s birthday. Yes, Smokey the Bear’s 75th birthday is on Saturday June 15, and will be celebrated at the Mother Neff State Park. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Texas A&M Forest Service will host a celebratory event in Smokey’s honor. It is part of a national campaign celebrating Smokey’s legacy. There will be fun and games, a piñata, stories, food and giveaways. It will be a ton of fun for the whole family.
Juneteenth Parade and Cook Out
Juneteenth is a festival held annually on June 15 to commemorate emancipation from slavery in Texas on that day in 1865. This year, Grass Roots Waco and the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Juneteenth Parade! The parade will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. You are welcome to watch the parade from any of the vantage points along the route. The route begins on Elm Ave. to Taylor St. There is a community cookout following the parade at Wilbert Austin Park. There will also be a vendor market and artist showcase following the parade from 12-4 pm at the City of Waco Multi-Purpose Center.
Father’s Day!
June 16, Sunday is Father’s Day! And in honor of all of the dads out there, Waco has some fun events to keep an eye out for.
Keep Waco Loud Presents: Dad Jokes & Beer Comedy Show (Brotherwell Brewing)
At Brotherwell Brewing at East Bridge Street, from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 16, there is a Dad Jokes and Beer Comedy show celebrating “dad’s who don’t get enough credit!” Hosted by Wess Dewayne, there will be four stand-up comedians performing. Tickets are 10 dollars in advance and 15 at the door. This should be a hilarious way to celebrate that dad who loves to laugh.
Father’s Day Brunch at the Hippodrome
Also on Sunday June 16, there is a Father’s Day Brunch at the Waco Hippodrome from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be a delicious country style breakfast spread including biscuits and sausage gravy, steak for breakfast and all of those great things.
On Tuesday June 18, Waco Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Small Business Power Hour from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity to connect and network, and you will also get to learn about how to use LinkedIn to it’s full potential for your small business. Donny Hunter will be the speaker and coach at the event, known as the go-to small business guy.
Mayborn Museum Volunteer Interest Meeting
Also on Tuesday June 18, there is a Volunteer Interest Meeting at the Mayborn Museum. You can learn about how to join the Mayborn team, and more about opportunities to volunteer with them from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Move East Waco is a free, community driven initiative offering free fitness and health education classes for the entire family. See live fitness demonstrations that you can practice at home every Tuesday and Thursday evening in June from 6:30-7:30 pm at Carver Park.