Once the holidays rolled around this year, Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits transformed into a whimsical festive display complete with life-sized “gingerbread” details, floating presents, Whoville-style décor and this year, an igloo home to plush penguins.

Who needs studying when there are all these fun holiday events in Waco this weekend? Just kidding — don’t neglect hitting the books, but sneak a little fun into your study breaks by exploring all that downtown has to offer.

For many out-of-state Baylor families, the hardest part of sending a student to college isn’t the distance — it’s the feeling of being completely on their own in a new place. That gap is exactly what Becky DeGracia, founder of Mama Bear College Mom, set out to bridge.

From holiday festivities to typical Waco events, here’s what’s up in town.

With the holidays on the way, perhaps you’re looking to do some early gift shopping for friends and family. Get that bookworm in your life their fill of good reads at the annual library book fair, or browse local artisan goods at the farmers’ market. And don’t forget about All-University Thanksgiving!

The Bryants moved into a house on 11th Street in 1966. Now, the neighborhood looks different. The old houses have been torn down, replaced by student rentals and boxy apartments built fast and cheap. But the Bryants’ home remains.

Now that the Halloween and homecoming excitement is dying down, things are starting to get quiet in Waco. However, if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, here are a few things happening around town.

From Pigskin to the pep rally and finally the game, here is the complete guide to this year’s homecoming events, which a few extras thrown in.

It’s getting spooky in Waco! Enjoy a weekend full of trick-or-treat outings, haunted houses, scary movies and more, all in and around the city.

Whether you’ve already had your midterms and need to wind down, or need to work in a study break into a long week of studying, Waco has plenty to offer in terms of recreational activities. Support the Baylor Theatre by attending their production of “Little Women,” or venture into downtown for Out on the Brazos or the farmers market Diwali Festival.

According to the current owner of the greenhouse, Ashli Robken, Bonnie was a born-and-raised Wacoan and plant lover. Bonnie had originally started the greenhouse as a casual neighborhood shop, later growing her passion into a blooming business and local Waco staple.

While many may be heading out of town for Fall Break, there is still plenty to do in Waco for those who choose to hang around. Whether you’re down for a haunted kayaking escapade or a chill day with the sloths at Cameron Park Zoo, there’s something for everyone this weekend.

The fair is finally back and a famous alumni comedian is swinging through town for a show to remember! Spend your weekend walking the grounds, watching bucking broncos, listening to live country music and riding the carnival rides.

There is a lot happening in Waco this weekend… almost so much that it’s hard to decide what to do. If you need help narrowing down your weekend plans, peruse this variety of events below, from a theatre festival to a live hip hop show, and so much more.

What began as an entrepreneurial dream for owners Kayla and Ismael Olvera has flourished into a thriving reality known as Mila Café, Waco’s first official Mexican coffee shop.

From musicals to comedies and live soul music, these events are sure to entertain and capture the hearts of Wacoans. So if you’ve got nothing on your weekend agenda, take some time to support the local arts.

The abandoned Regal Jewel Theater on Woodway Drive is being renovated into a sports complex, giving the building a new purpose. The facility will be called the Waco Warriors Fieldhouse, where Wacoans and sports fanatics can hone their skills.

Now that it’s the second week into classes and students are settling in, there’s plenty of weekend fun to be had. Explore more of the Waco arts scene by seeing a play or attending a live music show, or immerse yourself in campus culture by attending a cookout. Adventure awaits!

On the corner of Washington Ave. and 8th St., next to Tecovas, sits Studio Grocery, a local downtown Waco vintage store run by Baylor alumni Colton Dearing and Michael Davidson.

Swifties are celebrating, skeptics are rolling their eyes and some Baylor students say they just don’t care. The engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce — the internet’s most-watched couple — has the Baylor community divided.

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means things will be slowing down a bit after a crazy first week of classes. If you’re looking to be a little lazy but still keep yourself occupied, here are some happenings around town to fuel your fun.

For Waco Salon Asylum owners, Jesse and Meagan Kruse, hairstyling is not just about a good cut and color: it’s about curating a welcoming environment dedicated to client connections and fostering a nurturing learning space for stylists.

With Baylor Bears back in Waco, the city is bustling with activities once again. If you’re in need of an event or two to fill in the gaps between the first week fun, or if you ever want to know what’s going on in Waco, feel free to reference this weekly column.

There’s plenty to do in Waco this weekend, from crystal hunting to kayaking to free concerts. So, if you’re able to check all your finals prep off your to-do list and have some time to spare, join in the fun.

In a fast-moving world of mass production and synthetic fixes, three Waco small businesses — Penelope Pickers Vintage, Cottontail Jones and Granddaddy Willow — are choosing a more mindful path. Centered on sustainability, healing and the power of community, these businesses also highlight the value of recycled and resold goods, encouraging customers to reconnect with the earth, their well-being and more intentional ways of living.

If you’re in Waco for the Easter break and are looking for some fun, here is your ultimate guide. Spice up your weekend by grabbing a friend and enjoying some night hiking, an Earth Day carnival and an Easter egg hunt in Seley Park.

For florists at Baylor Flowers and Bloomingal’s Floral Boutique, Easter brings an uptick in demand for flowers that embody joy, family gatherings and the fresh start that spring represents. From lilies to tulips, these seasonal staples play a key role in holiday decor and gift giving.

What initially started as a “Hercules” watch party for the Baylor Men’s Choir soon became the beginning of a multi-million-viewed Instagram video and recognition from LeBron James.

Easter is fastly approaching, but before you head out of town for the long weekend, check out these festive Waco events. Tea parties, theatre and dancing are just a few fun happenings on the docket.

If you haven’t already filled up your schedule for next week with Diadeloso fun, here are some more to add to the calendar. Embrace the nostalgia by attending a show featuring one of the most iconic Y2K bands, Bowling for Soup, try rooftop yoga or indulge in some delicious dishes at the Texas Food Truck Showdown.