Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $184M riverfront project will reshape downtown Waco

Also check out LTD on the Waco Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 30th Patch AM
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Hey there, Waco! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $184M riverfront project will reshape downtown Waco
  • Which Waco pumpkin patches and fall festivals are worth your weekend?
  • What Waco residents are demanding about the city's stray dog problem

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Waco Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Waco Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy, humid; a p.m. t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Humid with heavy t-storms, temps: high: 82, low: 70.
  • Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Waco Breaks Ground on $184 Million Barron's Branch District (lasvegassun.com) — A massive $184 million Barron's Branch District project is officially underway in downtown Waco, promising new parks, plazas, drainage upgrades, and modernized streets without new taxes or big utility hikes. Spanning about 30 acres along the Brazos, the first phase will replace aging infrastructure, open land for future development, and kick off a 12- to 20-year, 100-acre downtown transformation.
   

2. Best Pumpkin Patches & Fall Things to Do in Waco, TX (2026) (thewacobuzz.com) — If you're planning fall in Waco, this guide rounds up the key pumpkin patches, festivals, and cozy drink spots locals love, from Central Christian Church's pumpkin patch on Lake Shore Drive to the Heart O' Texas Fair, Silobration, and Baylor Homecoming. It also highlights free weekly hikes in Cameron Park, the downtown farmers market, and standout seasonal drinks at local coffee shops.
   

3. Waco animal advocate pushes city to address stray dog crisis (kxxv.com) — Waco neighbors concerned about stray dogs, especially around Cameron Park, are being urged by local advocate Ken Willits to press city leaders for stronger action. Willits says he rescues multiple dogs weekly and wants clearer education on ordinances, while the city highlights free spay-neuter and microchipping programs and encourages prevention, enforcement, and better access to resources.
   

4. In Texas, Lake Waco drops 4 feet below normal level after hot, dry summer (thecooldown.com) — Lake Waco, the city's primary drinking water source, has dropped about four feet below its normal level after a brutally hot, dry summer, though boat ramps and recreation remain open for now. Rangers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are closely monitoring levels and weather, underscoring how evaporation and water demand can strain supplies before visible restrictions begin.
   

5. The Giving Machine is Back in Waco for a Second Year (fox44news.com) — Waco will again host the Giving Machine this winter, offering a fun way to donate items like blankets, goats, and toys to local nonprofits. Running December 9 through January 2, the vending-style machine sends 100 percent of each purchase to selected charities, and organizers hope to far exceed last year's $5,000 raised for groups like Friends for Life.
   

📸 Around Waco

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday September 30
  • LTD →
    9820 Chapel Road, Waco
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Waco Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Do you know me?
    I am at Dallas Animal Services A1300059. I was brought in on 09/28/26. Click on 24petconnect.com/DallasStrayPets to find my photograph for more… (Nextdoor )
  • Do you know us?
    We are at Dallas Animal Services A1300034 & A1300035. We were brought in on 09/28/26. Click on 24petconnect.com/DallasStrayPets to find my photograph… (Nextdoor )
  • Red Lobster posted a job opening for Bartender in Waco. Apply here.
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

Ok Waco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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