EVEN Hotel Waco - University Area Local area

Catch live entertainment at The Backyard Waco this fall with performances from Josh Meloy (Oct. 3), Tripping Daisy (Oct. 9), Creed Fisher (Oct. 10), Gannon Fremin & CCREV (Oct. 16), Def Leggend: Def Leppard Tribute (Oct. 23), Council Hill: Dad Rock Night (Oct. 24), Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen (Nov. 6), That Arena Rock Show (Nov. 7), Tanner Usrey (Nov. 13), Midland (Nov. 14), Bowling for Soup (Nov. 19), and Eli Young Band (Nov. 20).

Located in Waco, Texas, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is the official state-designated historical center dedicated to the renowned Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. The campus includes the Homer Garrison Jr. Gallery, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Ranger Research Center, and the headquarters of Texas Rangers Company "F." The City of Waco serves as trustee on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Legislature.

One of the most popular Waco attractions is Magnolia Market at the Silos. This 20,000 sq ft retail complex is owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of Fixer Upper on HGTV. The site features two stately 120 ft silos, a big lawn for games, food trucks, a bakery, and shops. Whether you're a fan of the Gaineses and their rustic-chic aesthetic or just a fan of good food, shopping, and décor, Magnolia is a must-see when you visit Waco.

The Waco Convention Center is Central Texas' leading destination for meetings, conventions, and special events. Originally opened in 1972, the facility expanded in the late 1980s with the addition of the 15,000-square-foot McLennan Hall. A major renovation completed in 2012 added more than 25,000 square feet, bringing the center's total event space to 144,000 square feet.

Nestled along the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, Cameron Park Zoo spans 52 acres of natural habitat within Cameron Park. Since opening in 1993, the zoo has showcased native landscaping, scenic waterfalls, lakes, and ponds. Visitors can discover more than 1,700 animals representing approximately 300 species from around the globe.

Formerly known as the Heart O' Texas Fair Complex, the Extraco Events Center is Central Texas' premier venue for entertainment, exhibitions, and large-scale events. Located on a 300-acre campus with 10,000 parking spaces, the property features three distinct facilities: the Extraco Show Pavilion, Extraco Coliseum, and BASE at Extraco Events Center. The site also previously served as Baylor University's primary basketball venue.

Opened in 2024 on the Baylor University campus, Foster Pavilion is a modern multi-purpose arena that serves as the home court for Baylor Bears men's and women's basketball. Overlooking the Brazos River near Interstate 35, the venue seats more than 7,000 fans and is designed to bring spectators closer to the action, creating an energetic game-day atmosphere.

Just one mile from our hotel, Baylor University blends rich history with vibrant energy as the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. Set along the scenic Brazos River, its campus wows with stately redbrick buildings, lush landscaping, and iconic towers. Stroll the grounds, soak up the collegiate charm, and if you're visiting during the school year, catch the excitement of a Baylor Bears game and experience school spirit like no other!

If you're a fan of science and ancient wonders, don't miss this incredible site while staying in Waco, just 5 miles from our hotel. The Waco Mammoth National Monument is home to the nation's only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene-era Columbian mammoths. Explore in-situ fossil remains inside a climate-controlled dig shelter and join a guided tour across the 100-acre site to uncover Texas' fascinating Ice Age history.

Whether you're traveling with adventurous kids or chasing your own thrill, Waco Surf is a must-visit. One of the largest inland surfing and water sports parks in the U.S., it features a PerfectSwell surf lagoon, a wakeboarding cable park with jumps, and giant water slides that plunge into a lazy river. With rental gear available, Waco Surf delivers endless waves of fun—no ocean required.

Just 0.9 miles from our hotel, the Dr. Pepper Museum celebrates America's oldest major soft drink, invented right here in Waco in 1885. Housed in a historic 1906-era bottling plant, this unique museum offers a fascinating look at the machinery that brought Dr. Pepper to life, including 20th-century bottling-line equipment. Be sure to stop by the gift shop and soda fountain to top off this sweet experience.

Just two blocks from our hotel, the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center is a modern community hub dedicated to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, offering everything from interactive exhibits and coding labs to creative arts spaces and even an immersive playground. Whether you’re traveling with family or just curious, it provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages.

Magnolia Silobration transforms the Magnolia Silos into a lively celebration of shopping, live music, local food, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can browse artisan vendors, enjoy seasonal activities, sample local flavors, and experience one of Waco's most anticipated community events in the heart of the city.

Out on the Brazos is Waco's annual Pride celebration, traditionally held along the city’s riverfront. The festival features live entertainment, community organizations, local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with residents and visitors from across Central Texas. Guests can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere while celebrating diversity, inclusion, and community spirit in a scenic downtown setting.

The Prosper Waco Summit is a biennial gathering of community leaders, nonprofit organizations, educators, business professionals, and civic partners focused on shaping the future of Waco and McLennan County. Attendees can participate in keynote presentations, collaborative discussions, and breakout sessions exploring education, workforce development, health, housing, and economic opportunity. The event promotes meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions for the community.

Celebrate one of Waco’s most vibrant cultural traditions at the Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival. This free community event features a colorful parade, live music, dance performances, local artists, food vendors, family activities, and traditional tributes honoring loved ones. The 2026 theme, "Talavera: The Blue That Unites Us," highlights culture, creativity, and community while welcoming visitors of all ages.

Cheer on the Baylor Bears as the Men's Basketball team opens its home season against Northwestern State on November 2 at Foster Pavilion. Women's Soccer concludes its regular season home schedule against Houston on November 5 at Betty Lou Mays Field. These exciting Baylor sporting events bring spirited competition, enthusiastic crowds, and an electric game-day atmosphere to Waco.

Baylor Homecoming is one of Waco’s most anticipated annual traditions and is recognized as home to the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate homecoming parade. The week includes the famous parade, pep rally and bonfire, Pigskin Revue performances, alumni gatherings, and Baylor Football festivities. Thousands of alumni and visitors return to Waco each year to celebrate Baylor spirit throughout the city.

Discover the flavors of Central Texas during Waco Restaurant Week. This citywide culinary celebration features exclusive menu specials, chef creations, food events, and unique dining experiences at participating restaurants across Waco. Guests can explore local favorites while supporting community initiatives and experiencing the area's growing food scene and hospitality culture.

Hosted by the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, Together at the Table 2026 brings nonprofit leaders, educators, policymakers, and community advocates together to address food insecurity and hunger solutions. The conference focuses on collaboration, innovation, and actionable strategies that improve access to healthy food and strengthen communities nationwide.

Join Cameron Park Zoo for Orangutan Caring Day, a family-friendly conservation event celebrating one of the world’s most fascinating primates. Visitors can enjoy educational keeper chats, interactive games, crafts, and activities that highlight orangutan behavior, habitat conservation, and the importance of protecting endangered wildlife. Admission to the event is included with regular zoo entry.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Lights of West, a festive drive-through and walk-through Christmas light park located just north of Waco. Featuring more than a million lights, themed displays, seasonal entertainment, photos with Santa, live music, holiday treats, and family-friendly attractions, this holiday tradition offers a memorable way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Enjoy live entertainment at the historic Waco Hippodrome Theatre, a downtown favorite for concerts, comedy, and special performances. This fall's lineup includes Henry Cho (Oct. 2 & Oct. 3), John O'Hurley (Oct. 13), Walking the Line: A Tribute to Johnny Cash & June Carter (Oct. 24), We Are Messengers & Allison Eide (Oct. 31), A Holiday Tribute to Elton and Cher (Nov. 14), and Jim Brickman (Nov. 21).