EVEN Hotel Waco - University Area Local area

Catch top-tier entertainment at The Backyard Waco. With upcoming performances by big names in music like Bayker Blankenship (Nov 7), Chris Low/Sul Ross (Nov 8), Project Pat (Nov 13), William Beckmann (Nov 14), Giovannie and the Hired Guns (Nov 15), Mexican OT (Nov 21), and many more. This venue offers a vibrant atmosphere for unforgettable concerts under the stars. Join us for an evening of live music and camaraderie in the heart of Waco.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas, is the state-designated official historical center of the famed Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. It consists of the Homer Garrison Jr. museum 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 the appointed 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 serves as the premier meeting and event facility for Central Texas. The Center was built in 1972 and expanded in the late 1980s to include the 15,000 sq. ft. McLennan Hall. In July 2012, the Waco Convention Center completed a three-year, $17.5 million renovation, adding over 25,000 sq. ft. and increasing the total square footage to 144,000 sq. ft.

Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre (21 ha) natural habitat zoo located within Cameron Park in the city of Waco, Texas, United States, next to the Brazos River. Established in July 1993, Cameron Park Zoo has native vegetation that surrounds waterfalls, a lake, and ponds. The zoo features a diverse collection that includes over 1731 animals, representing 300 species from around the world.

The Heart O' Texas Fair Complex, now known as the Extraco Events Center, is located in Waco, Texas, United States. It was once the prime basketball facility for Baylor University. Extraco Events Center is the premier and most-versatile event & entertainment complex in Central Texas. The 300-acre complex with 10,000 parking spaces is uniquely comprised of three separate facilities: Extraco Show Pavilion, Extraco Coliseum, and BASE at Extraco Events Center.

Foster Pavilion is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Completed in 2024, the arena hosts the Baylor Bears men's and women's basketball teams. The Pavilion is a state-of-the-art contemporary fieldhouse seating 7,000+ fans, located along the banks of the Brazos River on the west side of Interstate 35. Inside, fans will be closer to the court to create a true home court advantage.

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.

Head to Waco, TX, for Chip and Joanna Gaines' huge annual celebration! Stroll the 5.4-acre Silos grounds, shop the massive Vendor Fair with 80+ artisans and makers, enjoy live music all day, and savor delicious treats from food trucks. Don't miss out on special tours and lively evening concerts—it's the must-see celebration of community and design!

Waco Wonderland is Downtown Waco's free, three-day celebration of holiday fun and cheer held at Heritage Square. The festival features a spectacular calendar of events, including the grand tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Attendees can enjoy thrilling attractions like a three-lane snow tube hill, a Ferris wheel, and a trackless train. The celebration is complete with visits and free photos with Santa at The Santa House.

Christmas at the Silos is Magnolia Market’s annual holiday experience, transforming the grounds into a festive destination. The event offers extended shopping hours and is free to enter, featuring seasonal decorations and special activities. Key attractions include free photos with Santa, opportunities to mail letters to the North Pole, and shopping for holiday-themed home decor and gifts at the market and the special Holiday Shop.

Welcome family and friends traveling to Waco for Baylor University's Fall 2025 Commencement! Mark your calendars for December 19-20, 2025, as we celebrate the accomplishments of December degree candidates. The Truett Seminary Commencement is on Friday, and the main university ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.