
This weekend in What's On McKinney: McKinney City Council adopted the FY2026-27 budget Tuesday - new tax rate, water rate study, and updated tree code all signed. On the fun side: Chaz Marie Band headlines Harvest tonight, The Comedy Arena is stacked all weekend, Goat Yoga at TUPPS Saturday morning, and a book-and-artisan market Sunday. Get the full breakdown →
💰 McKinney Adopts FY2026-27 Budget
McKinney City Council formally adopted the FY2026-27 operating budget at its September 1 regular meeting, following a public hearing held the same evening. The new budget takes effect October 1, 2026, setting the city's spending framework for services, staffing, and capital projects through September 2027.
The budget package includes two companion ordinances required under Texas law: one ratifying the property tax revenue increase, and one adopting the new tax rate for FY2027. Together, they lock in the city's revenue floor and rate structure for the coming year. Updated service rates and fees were also adopted as part of the same package.
Notable addition: council approved a ten-year water rate study prepared by Willdan Financial Services that sets the long-range financial plan for McKinney's water utility. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, McKinney has been under pressure to fund major infrastructure ahead of demand - this study provides the framework for doing that without sudden rate spikes.
Council also adopted updates to the city's Reforestation Plan under the Unified Development Code's Tree Preservation article, setting new standards for how developers must remove and replace trees on city land. A productive night for the city's long-range planning calendar. (Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, September 1, 2026)
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🏛️ The Square
🗳️ Vote for McKinney Farmers Market by Sep 30
The McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square has been nominated for America's Farmers Market Celebration - a national recognition program. Voting is free and takes about 30 seconds. Cast yours at markets.farmland.org by Sept. 30. (Source: City of McKinney)
✈️ Airport Terminal Project Advances
McKinney City Council approved multiple contract amendments for the McKinney National Airport commercial terminal project on September 1 - covering architecture, commissioning services, and materials testing. The approvals represent another step toward commercial service at McKinney's growing airport.
(Source: City Council Regular Meeting, September 1, 2026)
🌳 McKinney Updates Tree Preservation Requirements
Council adopted an updated Reforestation Plan under Article 4 of the Unified Development Code on September 1, modernizing the rules developers must follow when removing and replacing trees on city land. The change sets clearer standards for a city managing rapid development.
(Source: City Council Regular Meeting, September 1, 2026)
🔥 New In Town
🎮 Valhallan Esports Training
McKinney's first dedicated youth esports training center just opened at Collin McKinney Pkwy - coaching, competitions, and career-ready skills for players ages 7-17. This weekend's grand opening features free play, giveaways, facility tours, and a chance to meet the coaches. Everyone is welcome.
(Source: Valhallan Esports Training)
Open now | 6541 Collin McKinney Pkwy Suite 104, McKinney
📅 Save The Date
🎉 Mexican Independence Day Celebration at TUPPS - Sep 12
TUPPS is throwing a full celebration for Mexican Independence Day - festive food, drinks, and that signature Mill District outdoor energy. Free to attend, easy to love. Mark the calendar and start planning.
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson St, Sat Sep 12, 12-3PM (Free)
📅 What's On McKinney
Friday, September 4
🎨 Wildflower Watercolor with Spark Wonder Studio
No experience needed - just show up, pick up a brush, and paint a wildflower garden inspired by whatever you want more of in your life. Supplies included, stress optional.
MillHouse McKinney, 610 Elm St Suite 1000, 1-3PM ($35, all supplies included)
☕ Matcha Mad About? - Interactive Stand Up Comedy
Audience-driven, opinion-fueled stand-up where your hottest takes become the material. Free pizza from Sauce Bros, matcha from Green Hour, and laughs that don't need a set list.
Concept House, 8430 W University Dr Suite 211, 8-10PM ($36.64)
🎤 Karaoke at The Common Table McKinney
The mic is yours, the drinks are cold, and the crowd is ready. All genres welcome, sign-ups fill fast - get there early.
The Common Table McKinney, 6721 Alma Rd, 10:30PM-1:30AM (Free)
Saturday, September 5
🌿 Guided Trails
A naturalist-led walk through the Heard's 289-acre sanctuary - butterflies, birds, and whatever Texas September sends out. Great for families and anyone who wants to feel smarter about the local ecosystem.
Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Place, 9:30-11:30AM (General admission)
🐐 Goat Yoga
Goats. Yoga. TUPPS outdoor lawn. The goats will step on you, nibble at you, and occasionally ignore you - and you'll love every second. Sells out fast, bring your own mat.
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson St, 10:30-11:30AM ($25-36)
🧘 Free Meditation Classes
A free guided Sahaja Yoga meditation session - beginner-friendly, drop-in, no RSVP needed. A genuine hour of quiet in the middle of a 100-degree Saturday.
McKinney SY Center, 8951 Collin McKinney Pkwy Suite 1104, 4-5PM (Free)
🏆 ComedySportz: Dallas Laughricks VS San Francisco Treats
Improv teams compete for crowd approval and you're the judge. All-ages, ridiculously fun, and the Treats are making the trip from the Bay Area. Home crowd advantage? Let's go.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 7-8PM (price varies)
Sunday, September 6
🩹 Red Cross BLS CPR and AED Class
Hands-on American Red Cross certification - the kind employers require. Walk out with your card same day, walk out more useful at a cookout than you were before.
6401 Eldorado Pkwy Suite 103, 10AM-12PM ($59.95)
📚 Beyond the Bookshelf
Authors, artisans, and local makers take over TUPPS' outdoor stage and lawn - books, jewelry, clothing, custom pens, cross stitch, and more. Brunch available until 2:30PM. Rain or shine, cold drink in hand.
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson St, 12-4PM (Free)
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🎵 Live Music This Weekend
Friday, September 4
🎵 Chaz Marie Band Live at Harvest
Nashville roots, a Republic Records chapter, and stages alongside Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd - Chaz Marie brings country soul and real vocal power to Harvest's intimate space tonight.
Harvest at The Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St, 7:30-11PM (see website)
🎸 Traveller - Chris Stapleton Tribute
A full tribute to one of modern country's most powerful voices - expect the whole catalog, played with the grit and soul the originals deserve. Free show at District 121.
District 121, 5800 Town and Country Blvd, 8-10PM (Free)
🎹 Texas Flood & the Maylee Thomas Band Live at The Sanctuary
A double-bill night at one of McKinney's most intimate seated venues - two acts, one stage, full bar and food service. Tables, individual seats, or standing room available.
The Sanctuary Events Center, 6633 Virginia Pkwy, 8-11PM ($20-$40)
🎤 Magic Mouth Band
Funk, soul, and good vibes at the Lion and Crown McKinney. Show up early for a good spot - this one fills up.
The Lion & Crown McKinney, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy #1600, 8PM-late (No cover)
Saturday, September 5
🎸 Live on the Lawn: Late Night Wish
An outdoor stage, cold TUPPS beer, and Late Night Wish doing what they do best on a September Saturday night.
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson St, 7-10PM (Free)
🎵 Brian Lambert Live at Lone Star
90s alternative rock with indie edge and singer-songwriter soul. Saturday at the winery, wine flowing freely, and a great crowd to match.
Lone Star Winery, 103 E Virginia St, 7-10PM (Free)
🎷 Zin Zen Live Music featuring Matthew Banks
Matthew leads a jazz ensemble through jazz, blues, and pop on an array of woodwinds - exactly the right soundtrack for a glass of wine on a Saturday night.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy, 8-11PM (Free)
🎤 Razzmatazz Band
High-energy rock with powerhouse vocals - Razzmatazz keeps the crowd locked in from first note to last call.
The Lion & Crown McKinney, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy #1600, 8PM-12AM (No cover)
Sunday, September 6
🎵 Tony Bakly Live at Lone Star - 60s and 70s Hits
Classic hits from the golden era of music, a glass of award-winning Texas wine, and a Sunday afternoon that actually slows down.
Lone Star Winery, 103 E Virginia St, 3-6PM (Free)
🎸 Live on the Lawn: The Flannel Pajamas
TUPPS closes out the Labor Day weekend the right way - live music under open skies on the outdoor lawn. Grab a pint.
TUPPS Brewery, 721 Anderson St, 7-10PM (Free)
See what the neighbors are up to👇
🌳 Park of the Week: Towne Lake Park
Towne Lake Park is one of McKinney's best-kept outdoor secrets - a lakeside green space off Wilson Creek Pkwy with a fishing pier, kayak launch, walking trails, and a playground. The lake itself is the draw: calm water, shade along the banks, and enough open space to actually feel like you've escaped the city. Perfect for an early morning walk before the heat hits this weekend, or a Friday evening wind-down by the water.
📍 Towne Lake Park, 1401 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75071
☀️ This Weekend's Weather in McKinney
Fri Sep 4: ☀️ Sunny and hot, high 100°F
Sat Sep 5: ☀️ Sunny and hot, high 100°F
Sun Sep 6: ☀️ Sunny and hot, high 101°F
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That's it for now. See you Sunday with the week's picks!
Cheers,
Sebastian
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