Looking for something to do in McKinney, Texas, this fall? Fortunately, our city’s moderate autumn weather allows for plenty of community events to happen throughout the season. Everywhere you look, there are festivals and other activities that allow you to get outdoors and mingle with fellow residents.
Here at Huffines Kia McKinney, we’ve served the area for years and know all the activities worth checking out. Read on for the best community fall events in McKinney. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or an event for the big kids, we’ve got you covered.
Pumpkin Dunk at the Apex Center
Pumpkins by Liji Jinaraj is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
The Apex Center hosts its annual Pumpkin Dunk event, which features a floating pumpkin patch. Guests can jump in the indoor pool, take the pumpkin of their choice, and bring it to the decorating stations. You can customize your pumpkin using the provided art supplies and indulge in Halloween goodies. The event takes place on Oct. 22 this year and starts at 9 a.m., though there are time slots for each age group to keep things moving along swimmingly. There’s also a time slot for children with special needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this family-friendly event.
Emerald City Band Concert & Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament
Stonebridge Ranch Country Club is hosting its Emerald City Band Concert and Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament on Sept. 16. Starting at 7:30 a.m., the golf tournament will allow hundreds of participants to compete in a friendly game. Other events, ranging from tennis and pickleball to foot golf tournaments, will take place throughout the day.
You can enjoy a live performance by the Emerald City Band in the evening. This cover band is based out of Dallas but has performed on stages across the world. Best of all, you can feel good about supporting this event. Ticket proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels in Collin County and the country club’s Employee Partners Care Foundation.
Oktoberfest
McKinney has been home to its own Oktoberfest festival since 2007, so you know it has to have something going for it. Join the public for the 15th annual three-day event from Friday, Sept. 23, to Sunday, Sept. 25. Historic downtown McKinney will transform into a lively German community featuring authentic food, domestic and imported beer, games, and wiener dog races. Lots of other activities take place throughout the weekend, including a facial hair competition and German crafts tables. Tune into live music acts that help create a lively atmosphere, like strolling accordion musicians Chett Warzusen & Greg Klugiewicz.
McKinney Día de los Muertos
Our city is proud to host its McKinney Día de los Muertos on Saturday, Oct. 15. This festival honors the Latin American custom of celebrating the lives of the deceased. You can join the community in recognizing the natural part of death by learning about and participating in Día de los Muertos traditions. A memory tree and monarch messages will help you honor those who’ve passed. Other activities include face painting, live music and dancing, food trucks, costume contests, and more.
McKinney Wine & Music Festival
Head down to Towne Lake Park on Oct. 15 to experience the sixth annual McKinney Wine & Music Festival. From noon to 6 p.m., there will be live music acts ranging from Downtown Fever and the Maylee Thomas Band to the Justin Wade Band and Bennie Wheels & Walkin’ The Line. Explore the local vendor market and eat delicious food from 15 of the best local restaurants in between acts. Of course, there will also be over 100 award-winning wines to try.
Visitors will also get a kick out of the grape stomp competition that awards the winning team of each competition with a bottle of wine. Flexible ticket options make it easy to enjoy the festival on your terms. You can opt for a food-tasting-only pass, a wine-tasting-only pass, or a pass that lets you experience the best of both worlds. If you want access to a VIP bar and an exclusive alcohol menu, consider paying a little extra for the VIP ticket.
Halloween at the Heard
Experience Halloween at the Heard at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary on Oct. 22. The museum closes to the public at 3 p.m. and doesn’t open for its Halloween event until three hours later. As families trick or treat, they’ll walk down the dinosaur trail and experience life-size animatronic creatures. While all costumes are welcome, it’ll be particularly memorable to snap a pic of your kids in their best dinosaur outfits as they stand next to the “real” things. The evening will consist of tons of fun activities, including a family-friendly movie in the outdoor amphitheater.
Trick or Treat Trail
The Trick or Treat Trail is an annual event in McKinney that traditionally occurs the weekend before Halloween. This year, plan to join fellow families on Oct. 22 at Towne Lake where kids can trick or treat around the park. They’ll have the chance to show off their costumes early and get plenty of candy in a safe environment. If you don’t fill up on sweets, visit one of the several onsite food trucks to satisfy your appetite.
Other activities include music, crafts, and costume contests. You can even enter your dog in these contests, so be sure to dress your pups in their best outfits. The kids’ zone will also include inflatables and rides that promise surefire thrills. Yet another highlight of the Trick or Treat Trail is the pumpkin derby race, where kids can get creative with their ability to fashion a gourd vessel. Make sure you stay until dusk, as the community center will feature an outdoor showing of “Hocus Pocus.”
As this guide has demonstrated, McKinney has community fall events for everyone. You’re sure to find activities that are perfect for you and your companions, whether you want to bring your family or friends out for some fall fun. If you know of other events that deserve to be on our list, feel free to let us know here at Huffines Kia McKinney.