Saddle up and get ready for a whole lot of fun at the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo held at the Extraco Events Center in Waco operated year-round along side more than 500 active volunteers, fulfilling their mission to produce events for education, entertainment and agricultural experiences at the premier multi-use facility while giving back through youth scholarships and a positive economic impact to Central Texas.
Over the past 65 years, the Fair & Rodeo has offered Central Texas a place to come and support the community while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells that make the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo what it is today. The Fair is held annually with close to 200,000 in attendance making it a must event for your Texan social calendar every year.
One of Waco's most popular events is packed with tradition. The Homestead Fair held every November features fine arts and heirloom skills, and always boasts a full itinerary of fun activities like boot making, woodworking, pottery, metal casting and basket making, among many other demonstrations. Live music, great food, and a celebration of the various cultures in the area all make for a fun family festival event. Plus, the fact that it usually is scheduled the weekend after Thanksgiving means you can begin your Christmas shopping and find a plethora of unique gifts in the expansive arts and crafts sale area.
The Waco Cultural Arts Fest is an event designed to celebrate the diverse multicultural influences in the area through artistic expression like music, performance, food and various arts activities. The festival takes place at Indian Spring Park and features free admission, fine arts activities all day and a continuous open mic for aspiring performers. Held in the middle to latter part of September, the event draws visitors from all over the state, especially families with kids interested in art. These young festival-goers get a chance to create art in various forms during the three day event, and will come away from the festival with a deeper appreciation for the state's cultural and artistic influences.
Since 1976, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the Westfest Polka Festival, held in West, Texas, a short 15 mile drive from Waco. Visitors pay homage to the German culture in Texas with a big variety of food booths, kids' activities, a parade, baking contests, arts and crafts, a tractor pull and even a polka mass! Of course, there is also plenty of polka music and dance contests to enter and enjoy. The event is traditionally held over the Labor Day weekend, so plan to make your way out West for an unforgettable time at the Westfest Polka Festival.