get involved
community events
Looking for ways to connect with others and support children, youth, and families in our community? From family nights and resource fairs to trainings and opportunities for collaboration, we share events that bring people together and strengthen our shared work.
See something you're interested in? Reach out to the event organizer listed in the details—we’re glad to help you get connected.
share an event
Hosting an event that supports children, youth, families, or the professionals who serve them? We’d love to help spread the word. OCOF welcomes submissions for community events, resource fairs, trainings, and other opportunities that align with our mission of building a stronger, more connected community.
Use the link below to submit your event details. Once reviewed, approved events will be added to our calendar.
2025 Fall Hiring Fair
Don’t miss the BIGGEST Hiring Fair of the year! Swing by the Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions Fall Hiring Fair to connect with recruiters and hiring managers from over 60 businesses, apply to jobs onsite, and even interview during the event with select employers, only at the Fall Hiring Fair!
New Ground - September 2025
Hosted by the Families & Foster Care Coalition, this is a supportive space for youth ages 17-23 (roughly) who are in care, have been in care, or who have aged out. The gatherings will start with DINNER and a community organization will present about supportive resources available to youth aging out of foster care and what is available to those who have already aged out. We always have time for discussion and peer support.
Boos on the Brazos
Join the Arc of McLennan County for an unforgettable adults-only dinner and dance, costume party and haunted library under the eerie moonlight of Halloween!
NeuroSpicy Connections - October 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
Diwali Festival
Join the Asian Leaders Network (ALN) and Waco Downtown Farmers Market (WDFM) for our second annual Waco Diwali Festival! Experience the vibrancy of Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated across India and South Asia, right here in Waco, TX. Enjoy free family-friendly festivities, vibrant performers and local vendors, arts and crafts, and much more community fun!
New Ground - October 2025
Hosted by the Families & Foster Care Coalition, this is a supportive space for youth ages 17-23 (roughly) who are in care, have been in care, or who have aged out. The gatherings will start with DINNER and a community organization will present about supportive resources available to youth aging out of foster care and what is available to those who have already aged out. We always have time for discussion and peer support.
Waco Housing Authority Trunk or Treat
Join Waco Housing Authority and Antioch Baptist Church for a free, family-friendly trunk or treat event. Enjoy free food, games, and a free cash prize raffle!
Waco PD & Waco ISD PD Trunk or Treat
Join us and the Waco ISD Police Department as we host our annual Trunk or Treat! Meet all your local first responders and amazing community organizations as we celebrate this spooky season!
NeuroSpicy Connections - November 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
NeuroSpicy Connections - December 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
NeuroSpicy Connections - September 2025
Hosted by Neurodivergent Friends of McLennan County, NeuroSpicy Connections is a free monthly hangout where neurodivergent people can be themselves, connect over shared interests, and form real friendships. Dinner is provided, RSVP requested.
Baby Social Play Hour
Bring your little one (0–24 months) for nursery rhymes, sensory play, and caregiver connection! Hosted by Baylor University’s Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Mexia Family Fun Day
Join the Advocacy Center’s Prevention and Education team for our first Family Fun Day in Mexia! This is a completely free event open to everyone. No registration or RSVP needed, just show up ready for fun!
Waco Family Fun Day
Join the Advocacy Center’s Prevention and Education team for family-friendly fun, food, and games! This is a completely free event open to everyone. No registration or RSVP needed, just show up ready for fun!
Children's Mental Health Awareness Walk
About the event
Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network’s Klaras Center for Families (KCF) will be hosting their FIRST annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
This event will be held at Brazos Park East from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. There will be beverages, snacks, games, music, community resources, and more! We hope to see you there!
Boys to Men Conference
See attached for the fliers for both the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department Boys' Conference (April 19th from 9 AM to 1 PM), which will be held at the Doris Miller Community Center on 1020 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704.
Please contact Ms. Jones at juliettj@wacotx.gov or 254-749-0153 if you have any questions about these highly educational programs.
GAPS - April 18th
We’re super excited to announce that our next GAPS (Gang Awareness, Prevention, and Safety) community event will be on Tuesday, April 8th held at the Waco Multi-purpose Facility location!
This event is geared towards youth/young adults that are in 4th-12th grade and caregivers as well as for all community members where there will be a presentation and an amazing lived experienced speaker that will share their powerful impactful testimonies, free dinner and childcare for the younger children, and chances to win some awesome prizes 😊
Girls Girls Girls Conference
See attached for the fliers for both the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department Girls' Conference (April 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM), which will be held at the Doris Miller Community Center on 1020 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704.
Please contact Ms. Jones at juliettj@wacotx.gov or 254-749-0153 if you have any questions about these highly educational programs.
Spring Bling Car Show
A car, truck and bike show benefiting Father's and kids in the community. Run by I-35 Legends Car and Truck Club. Check out their Facebook page for more details and contacts.
Location: Waco High School
No one eats alone
Communities in Schools with Superior Healthplan and the Community Youth Development Program are hosting, No One Eats Alone. An evening of community and friendship.
Location: East Waco Library, 901 Elm Avenue
Relax, relate, and reset
A vision board party. Come have an evening with Communities in Schools for a light meal and plan for a successful family year.
Location: East Waco Library, 901 Elm Avenue
Gang Awareness, Prevention, and Safety
Gang Awareness, Prevention and Safety Program is hold its second anniversary this November at South Waco Community Center.
4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat
Join us for a spooktacular evening of fun and community connection at the 4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat! The Waco Police Department is partnering with Waco ISD Police Department to bring this exciting event to our community.
Waco Housing Authority Trunk or Treat
Join Waco Housing Authority and partners for their 2024 Trunk or Treat.
Location: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2814 S 12th Street, Waco
Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024
Time: 5pm to 6.30pm
Gils Taylor Behavioral Health Series
Join us as we will be Navigating Wellness Together through Lifesaving Conversations!
Gang Awareness, Prevention, and Safety: Fostering Positive Relationships In Our Community
Join us as we hear from both professionals and people with lived experience about gang prevention, risky related behaviors, and developing healthy relationship skills!
STARRY Fatherhood- Dads on the Go
Join us for a transformative 6-part virtual lunch series for fathers and father-figures of Bell & McLennan County.
Healing through Cinema:
Mental Health Matters! Join us where we will heal through Cinema (confronting PTSD & Trauma in Black communities)