Festival on the Brazos, formerly Waco Cotton Palace, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization.
Our Vision - Communities uniting together to celebrate Waco and to empower and inspire a legacy of connection.
Our Mission - Promote Waco tourism and economic growth by sharing Waco’s history, honoring outstanding youth, and creating community-minded connections.
Our History: Founded in 1969 as a way to bring tourists to Waco for the Historic Waco Foundation Pilgrimage and to educate young citizens about Waco's history.
In 2020, the organization celebrated its 50th Anniversary and changed its name to reflect its purpose - education and community celebration.
Community Engagement: On average 400 volunteers dedicate 13,000+ volunteer hours, annually.
Giving back to the Community: Through educational outreach, scholarships and donations to local charities, Festival on the Brazos supports our community.
Scholarships Awarded: Festival on the Brazos awards scholarships every year to Baylor, MCC, and Waco ISD students. Over $100,000 has been awarded to date.
Revenue for Waco: Over a half a million dollars is generated to the local economy during the Festival Weekend.