Upcoming Events
Fall Lecture 2025
Join Historic Waco for a night of reminiscing as we listen to longtime residents of East Waco reflect on their families’ stories both past and present.
Tickets are $5 for non-members and free for members. Purchase tickets here.
Texas Comedies: Crash at Crush
Have you ever wondered what would happen if two locomotives collided into each other? Come watch Texas Comedies perform a brand new musical production on the infamous “Crash at Crush.” Shows are 6:00pm - 9:00 pm on Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th. Buy your tickets here!
Cotton King's Demise Murder Mystery
Historic Waco is proud to announce our newest Murder Mystery: Cotton King’s Demise! Set in 1893, guests are invited to the Earle-Harrison house for a birthday celebration that turns sour. Between disgruntled employees, suspicious competitors, and a resentful daughter, will you be able to uncover what led to the Cotton King’s Demise? Costumes are encouraged! Click here to buy tickets.
Deaths and Legends of Waco
In this popular recurring event, guests will explore the McCulloch Historic House and hear of Waco deaths and legends which are famous, infamous, curious, and strange! Featuring The Crash at Crush, hidden household killers, Telephus A. Johnson, and more!
Attic Treasures
Attic Treasures is back! This rummage sale is a great way to find great deals on a variety of items while supporting two local nonprofits. Historic Waco is excited to be partnering with The Shepherd’s Heart and will be using their secondary building for the event. The building is located at 205 S 26th St Waco, TX 76710.
The Attic Treasures rummage sale will be held on the following dates:
Sat, June 14 - 10 am-5 pm
Sun, June 15 - 12-5 pm
Attic Treasures Drop-Offs
Attic Treasures is back! This rummage sale is a great way to donate unwanted items to these in need. Historic Waco is excited to be partnering with The Shepherd’s Heart and will be using their secondary building for the event.
Drop-off dates start Monday, April 14th and will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. The last drop-off date is Wednesday, June 11th.
Drop-offs will be closed May 10th for Mother’s Day weekend.
The following categories will be accepted for donations:
Art
Boutique - Jewelry and purses only
Clothing - Will be donated directly to Shepherd’s Heart
Florals
Furniture - Must be delivered and in good condition
Houseware - Not accepting full china sets
Kid’s - Toys and books
Linens - Beddings, rugs, and towels only
Seasonal - Summer and Fall items only
2025 Spring Lecture
Have you ever wondered what kinds of objects are in the collections of your favorite museums? You can find out at the Historic Waco 2025 Spring Lecture: Museum Collections! Join us at the Mayborn Museum on Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm as guest speakers from the Dr Pepper Museum, Mayborn Museum, The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, and The Texas Collection discuss the fascinating world of museum collections. Admission is free for HW members and students with ID and $5 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the gate and gates open at 6:00 pm.
Granny Basketball
Come watch a rousing game of basketball with The Granny Basketball(R) League. a non-profit organization that provides fun, competitive exercise for women aged 50 and older playing six-on-six basketball with 1920s-era basketball rules. Buy your tickets here!
Candlelight Tour at ENK
Join us as Historic Waco celebrates the holidays with the return of our Candlelight Tours! The Earle-Napier-Kinnard house will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Saturday, December 7th. Each ticket is $10 for non-members or $8 if you are a member of Historic Waco and light refreshments will be served.
Click HERE to buy tickets online! Tickets may also be purchases at the event.
Christmas on the Brazos: Festival of Wreaths
Christmas on the Brazos: Festival of Wreaths is an exciting brand-new event. On Friday, a ticketed Preview Party will give 100 guests exclusive access to a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, free house tours, and live music.
On Saturday, guests will have full access to the grounds and may purchase fully- decorated wreaths and centerpieces, shop with a variety of vendors, and even take a photo with Santa! The Saturday event is free!
Colcord Parade of Historic Homes
Waco has many historic homes owned by individuals, and for the first time ever guests will get to experience the interior of those privately owned homes! Join us as we explore four historic houses owned by passionate Wacoans. Guests will arrive at the Good Neighbor House at 1:30 and tours begin at 2.
Celebrating 175 Years of Waco
In honor of Waco’s 175 Anniversary Celebration, Historic Waco will be hosting a vendor fair event at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Our vendors will have an emphasis on Waco and represent different historical aspects from Waco’s past. Guests can also complete a historical passport activity that will involve reenactors and door prizes upon completion! This event is free so be sure to stop by!
Silent House Theatre Presents: House of Dracula
Step into the eerie and enchanting world of the House of Dracula, where your deepest fears and wildest imaginations come to life in an immersive interactive theatre experience. As you traverse the dimly lit halls of Count Dracula's opulent mansion, you’ll become an integral part of the chilling narrative, where every creak and shadow heightens the suspense. Encounter enigmatic characters, uncover sinister secrets, and witness the world’s most famous vampire as he embarks on his next ghastly pursuit. Will you escape the clutches of the dark prince, or will you fall prey to his eternal thirst? In the House of Dracula, every twist and turn brings you closer to the heart of the horror—dare you enter and find out?
VIP Experience Ticket: Very Important Victims
Elevate your "House of Dracula" experience to the next level with our VIP Experience Ticket, designed for those who crave an unforgettable night of immersive theater and exclusive perks. As a Very Important Victim, you'll step beyond the ordinary and into the heart of the macabre, enjoying a selection of extraordinary benefits:
Personal Interactions with the Cast: Become a part of the story as actors will engage with you mid show! Help move the story along as a part of show!
Special Photo Opportunity: Capture the night with a unique photo opportunity alongside the show's enigmatic cast. Pose with your favorite characters in a setting that’s as chilling as it is captivating, and take home a memento of your immersive adventure.
Exclusive Alcoholic Beverage: Sip on a specially crafted cocktail or drink inspired by the eerie atmosphere of the show. This exclusive concoction is available only to our VIPs and promises to add a touch of sinister sophistication to your evening.
Indulge in the ultimate "House of Dracula" experience where you are the center of attention and every moment is tailored to delight. Secure your Very Important Victim ticket and prepare for a night of intrigue, interaction, and unforgettable memories.
Location
East Terrace Museum, 100 Mill St, Waco, TX 76704
2024 Fall Lecture
Historic Waco is proud to announce the 2024 Fall Lecture: William Brann: The Troll Apostle! Join us at the Lee Lockwood Library on Thursday, October 17th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm as guest speaker Bradley Turner discusses one of Waco’s most notorious individuals. Admission is free for HW members and students with ID and $5 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
East Terrace Birthday Party
The East Terrace Historic House Museum is turning 150! Help us celebrate one of Waco’s grandest houses with a birthday party. House tours will be available from 10 am - 4pm and a free dedication of a memorial garden honoring Billie Brownfield will start at 5:30 and will end at 6. After the dedication, guests may travel to the Nell Pape Garden Center for a concert featuring local legendary band The Morticians! From 7-9, enjoy an indoor concert and plenty of birthday cake.
Bonnie and Clyde Murder Mystery
Join us at the Bonnie and Clyde Murder mystery at East Terrace House Museum. Dress up in your best 1930’s clothing and help solve a murder at a historic Waco location!
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or at the Historic Waco office.
Waco's 175 Anniversary Scavenger Hunt
Embark on a family-friendly scavenger hunt! Use our Waco History App to decipher clues, complete missions, and learn more about Waco’s early history! The top three winners receive a prize basket from local businesses! Start your journey at the Downtown Waco Farmer’s Market between 8:30-10:00 am. Register today by clicking this link!
Walking Food Tour: Pat Neff
Historic Waco and The Texas Collection at Baylor University are proud to announce a new Walking Food Tour! Enjoy a culinary experience based on the life of Pat Neff, former Texas Governor and Baylor University President.
Guests will stroll through the grounds of the Pape Gardens and learn about the life of one of Waco’s most famous residents, all while enjoying small bites prepared by the University High School Academy of Culinary Arts using historic recipes. Click HERE to buy your tickets today!
Tale as Old as Time Tea Party
Historic Waco is excited to host the Tale as Old as Time Tea Party! Join us in the spectacular East Terrace historic house ballroom for a tea party complete with story time and pictures with the princess. Guests will also enjoy live music and the opportunity to shop from local vendors. The first party begins at 10:30 AM and the second begins at 1:30 PM. We hope to see you soon!
2024 Spring Lecture: Pat Neff
History Waco is proud to announce the 2024 Spring Lecture: Pat Neff! Join us at the Lee Lockwood Library on Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm as guest speaker Alan Lefever discusses Pat Neff’s time at Baylor. Admission is free for HW members and students with ID and $5 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
Breakfast With Santa
Santa is here! Historic Waco is happy to announce their annual Breakfast With Santa event. Join us Saturday, December 9th, from 9-12 and enjoy food, activities, crafts, and a vendor market.
Pictures with Santa will be available from 10-12.
Tickets are $5 and will be available on the website or at the door. Click the above image to buy tickets!
Candlelight Tours
Join us as Historic Waco celebrates the holidays with the return of our Candlelight Tours! All three houses will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on December 8th, 2023. Each ticket is $20 or $18 if you are a member of Historic Waco and gets you access to all three houses! Light refreshments will be served at all houses. Click the picture above to purchase tickets!
Christmas on the Brazos
Join Historic Waco as we celebrate Christmas on the Brazos at the Johnson Taylor House in the Pape Gardens! Dinner will be provided by University High. Click the image above to buy tickets!
Fall Lecture: Bonnie and Clyde
Historic Waco is proud to present the 2023 Fall Lecture: Bonnie and Clyde. Join us as we learn the history behind some of history’s most notorious criminals. Admission is $5 and free for HW members or students with a valid school ID.
Tuesday, September 19th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Lee Lockwood Library 2801 West Waco Drive
Summer Nights
On June 10th, 2023 from 7pm-10pm, Historic Waco is holding its Summer Nights at Earle-Harrison event. Furniture used in historic Fort House will be sold in a silent auction, an outdoor movie will be shown, and food and drink vendors will be on the property. Tickets are $5/person, and children under the age of 12 are free. VIP tickets will be available for $40 and include 2 drink tickets and a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Earle-Harrison house.
Spring Lecture: History and Heritage of Latin American Music
Join Historic Waco for another one of our spring lectures! The event will be held at the Lee Lockwood Library (2801 W Waco Drive) on February 28th, at 6:30 pm. Our panel this year will involve professors from Baylor’s music department and Baylor Mariachi! Come learn with us and enjoy refreshments afterwards. Members and students with an active ID receive free admission, and tickets are $5 each.
Steppin' Through Time
Our first ever Valentine’s Sweetheart dance is here! Join us from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 11th, at the East Terrace House (100 Mill Street) to enjoy refreshments, learn some ballroom steps, and dance to the music of years past. The Baylor Ballroom Dance Society will be in attendance to help teach the basics , and we hope you can join us, too! The event will take place downstairs and upstairs in the East Terrace Ballroom, and vintage clothing is strongly encouraged. Admission is $10 and an RSVP is required for the event - tickets are limited! Members are entitled to their 10% discount.
Breakfast With Santa
Santa is back and better than ever! Come and visit him and his helpers on Saturday, December 10th, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Helen Marie Taylor Museum to enjoy food, a hot chocolate bar, activities, crafts, and a vendor market. And who knows, you may even catch the Grinch lurking around the corner!
Tickets are 5$ and are available on the website or at the door!
Christmas on the Brazos
Our annual Christmas dinners are back! Join us on Saturday, December 3rd, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at historic homes across Waco to enjoy this festive evening. Tickets for the catered dinners are $85 each, and can be purchase by calling our office at 254-753-5166 to reserve your seat. RSVP by November 25th.
Each historic home has a unique meal planned. Please click through the offerings below to read each menu, then select your preferred location to let us know where you would like to attend. Vegetarian options are available at each location and MUST be noted upon your booking. If you have any ADA or accessibility concerns, please let our staff know so that we can ensure a placement on the bottom floor.
History Day
Who doesn’t love a fun day full of history?! Come by East Terrace for activities, snacks, and more! Admission is free for this event, and all are welcome. There will be lots of opportunities to create and experience fun things from the past!