Have you been stuck inside waiting out the cold? Winter in Texas can be unpredictable, but one thing you can count on is downtown Waco! With plenty of indoor experiences, restaurants and classes this winter, you can escape the house (and your boredom) with the help of Waco’s local businesses in the heart of our city. Check out some ideas below for weekend inspo.

Union Hall

You may have been to Union Hall, but have you truly taken advantage of the benefits of more than 20 food vendors in one place? Next time you need a weeknight plan, gather your friends and family for a multi-course meal thanks to Union Hall. Assign each person in your group a course to plan and spend the evening ordering different dishes, from appetizers to desserts, from the vendors of their choice at the food hall. 

Pignetti’s Waco

With delicious Italian food, a high-end ambiance and an abundance of parking, Pignetti’s has stolen a pizza of Waco’s heart. If you haven’t made it out to the new restaurant yet, you need to. Dress up and head downtown for a night of fine dining at Pignetti’s!

Late-Night Activities

Once 8 p.m. rolls around, it can be hard to find options for things to do in Waco. That’s where Stumpy’s Hatchet House and Waco Escape Rooms come in. If you’re craving a weekend adrenaline rush, team building activity or just want to get out of the house after dark, these venues are the place to go. At Stumpy’s, you can bring your own food and drinks and spend hours tossing axes with friends, playing giant board games and enjoying the free wifi. Waco Escape Rooms tests your quick thinking and riddle-solving abilities with their themed escape rooms, including “Saloon” and “Hall of Fame.”

Embrace the Arts

There are plenty of DIY classes in downtown Waco that are worth adding to your winter weekend itinerary. At Hammer and Stain Waco, you can build your own home decor in public or private workshops, or even host an event at the venue. If you’re looking to entertain friends or family this winter, consider renting out Artist-N-U. The company hosts painting parties for visitors, providing canvases, paint, brushes and more. They also specialize in face and body painting! 

If you’d rather enjoy someone else’s art, you can watch a show at the Hippodrome Theatre. With comedy specials, plays and movie viewings, there are constantly new things on the lineup at Waco’s oldest theatre. 

There’s no need to stay at home just because it’s cold. Head to downtown Waco where you’ll stay warm and have fun. Check out some weekly events happening this winter on our website.