By Emma Weidmann | Arts and Life Editor
As temperatures drop this weekend, it’s the perfect time to get out into Waco and explore all there is to offer — from autumn festivals to rubber duck races.
Western Belle Pumpkin Festival | Sept. 23 – Nov. 5 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Western Belle Farm | $16 admission; free admission on Farm Fridays | Welcome spooky season with pumpkin carving, apple cannons, cattle drive train rides and more.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market | Oct. 7 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 500 Washington Ave. | This weekly event hosts local vendors, artisans and craftsmen in the heart of downtown Waco, accompanied by live music.
Dr Pepper Paranormal Experience | Oct. 7 | 7 p.m. | Dr Pepper Museum, 300 S Fifth St. | $35 tickets | Experience a guided tour of the Dr Pepper Museum. Some have seen glowing orbs and mysterious figures haunt this Waco landmark.
The Great Waco Duck Race | Oct. 8 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Indian Spring Park, 101 North University Parks Drive | Support the Imagination Library of Waco and see thousands of rubber ducks float the Brazos River.
Monday Night Lights Mountain Bike Ride | Oct. 9 | 7:15 p.m. | Bicycle World Waco, 112 Mary Ave. | Experience Waco’s trails at night on a group ride from Bicycle World to Cameron Park. Helmets and lights are required for safety.
Texas Elvis Weekend | Oct. 5 – 7 | 1 p.m. | Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave. | Admissions prices vary | The King of Rock comes alive with performances by tribute artists as well as live productions that take you through Presley’s life.
Hermès in the Heart of Texas: The Art of Kermit Oliver | Aug. 4 – Oct. 14 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Art Center Waco, 701 S Eighth St. | Art Center Waco presents a collection of art from Texas artist Kermit Oliver in collaboration with the iconic Hermès fashion house.
Texas, Your Texas: Celebrating 100 Years of The Texas Collection at Baylor | Starting Aug. 8 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Carroll Library, 1429 S Fifth St. | Carroll Library is showcasing rare pieces of Texas history and holding special events to celebrate the collection’s centennial year at Baylor.