McKinney, Texas, hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, especially in the spring. When the weather warms up and you’re ready to hop in your new car and have some fun, check out a few of these exciting springtime events happening around McKinney.
Arts in Bloom
Arts in Bloom is one of the most popular springtime events in McKinney. This annual event is produced by McKinney Main Street and takes place in historic downtown McKinney from April 9-11. As you stroll along the tree-lined streets around the McKinney Performing Arts Center, you’ll get to view the work of 150 juried artists. The event also showcases McKinney Independent School District children’s art at the Student Art Tent and the Local Artist Village. While the event is free to attend, you’ll still want to bring your wallet in case you see some artwork you want to take home.
You’ll also find a variety of other interesting activities worth exploring. The streets will come alive with music, dancing, and performances from other artists. If you get hungry while you’re viewing all of the beautiful art, you can check out what the food vendors are offering. Numerous Texas wineries will also be in attendance and selling some of their most popular wines. Even kids will have a great time when they swing by the Kids’ Creation Station to check out the hands-on activities, learn about the art process, and create some of their own unique masterpieces.
Krewe of Barkus
If you’re looking for an event your four-legged family members will enjoy just as much as you do, check out Krewe of Barkus. This annual dog parade is held the Sunday before Mardi Gras and was established to help abused and abandoned dogs. In previous years, more than 250 dogs have shown off their owners’ creativity as they strut their stuff in front of more than 4,500 spectators. The parade is free to attend. It starts at 2 p.m. and winds through the streets of historic downtown McKinney.
Each year, the theme of the event is something different. Previous themes have included A Barkus Salute to Popular Music: Puppies Go Pop Star, A Barkus Salute to Reality TV, The Bark-a-Palooza Tour Around the World, and Barkus Gone Bad: A Salute to Our Favorite Villains. Since the 2021 event will occur on Sunday, February 14, the theme will be Valentines from Barkus: All We Need Is Love.
In addition to a parade, the festival also offers a variety of other enjoyable activities in Mitchell Park, including vendor booths and interactive exhibits.
McKinney St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Shamrock Run
You can have some fun celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year when you attend the McKinney St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Shamrock Run. Tupps Brewery puts the event together, and it promises to offer something for everyone to enjoy. Get your day started at 9 a.m. with the Shamrock Run 5K. The out-and-back racecourse begins and ends in front of Tupps Brewery. Once the race is over, it’s time to have some fun.
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without green beer. Since the festival takes place in front of one of the best breweries in North Texas, you’ll have no problem finding your favorite type of drink. If all of that running worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of vendors offering classic Irish cuisine, such as corned beef and cabbage. Other local McKinney restaurants will also have booths set up selling some of their popular menu items. Plus, thanks to two stages at the event, you’ll get to enjoy everything from Irish rock and Irish dancers to string bands and pub bands.
The festival is free to attend, but other events like the Shamrock Run do have a registration fee. If you plan on having some drinks at the festival, you can also consider picking up a beer pass. The beer pass includes three beer tickets that you can use at any bar at the festival.
Chestnut Square Historic Village
Spring is a lovely time to visit Chestnut Square Historic Village and check out the unique events. One of the most popular events is the McKinney Farmers Market, which is held every first and third Saturday from December to March. You’ll find all types of specialty items at the market, including fresh produce, local beef and chicken, eggs, pastries, teas, jerky, locally made goat milk soap, and more.
Dinosaurs Live!
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk among dinosaurs? Then head to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary for the Dinosaurs Live! event, which runs until February 15, 2021. Stand at the feet of the 46-foot Tyrannosaurus rex and marvel at its gigantic teeth and claws. Or check out the amazingly long neck of the Brachiosaurus. Other dinosaurs featured include dilophosaurus, megalosaurus, stegoceras, and allosaurus. Some of the life-size animatronic dinosaurs even seem to come to life as they move and roar.
Along with unique photo opportunities in front of these prehistoric giants, the event also features an outdoor fossil dig and dinosaur sandbox for the kids. Admission to Dinosaurs Live! is included with general admission to the museum.
Third Monday Trade Days
Third Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest monthly trade day in North Texas. It can trace its beginnings back to a countywide market from the 1870s. Today, the event occurs once a month on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the third Monday. During the event, more than 450 vendors will be available and selling almost everything you can imagine. You can shop for unique gifts, home decor, antiques and collectibles, clothing and accessories, sporting goods, pet supplies, health and beauty products, and more.
Parking at Third Monday Trade Days is $5 on Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m. After 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and all-day Friday, parking is free.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, these are some of our favorite springtime events happening in the area. Do you know about an event we missed? Then be sure to contact us so we can add it to our list!
Image via ArtsinBloom.com