The McKinney National Airport (DTX) terminal opens on November 11, and the city is now locking in the final pieces. At the October 5 City Council regular meeting, council took action on three significant airport items that bring the passenger experience into focus.

First: a concession and lease agreement with Creative Hospitality Solutions, LLC for food and beverage operations inside the commercial terminal. When you land at DTX or wait for a departure, there’s now a confirmed operator handling what you eat and drink.

Second: a rental car concession agreement with Enterprise Holdings, LLC - operating as Enterprise Mobility - to provide rental cars at the airport. Enterprise is the largest rental car company in the world, and their presence at DTX from day one signals that the airport is being set up as a real, fully-serviced option and not a stripped-down experience.

Third: a contract amendment with Swinerton Builders for Construction Manager at Risk services covering ATO offices, concession build-out, and the support building - meaning the interior finishing work is on a defined construction contract heading into the final weeks.

The terminal opens November 11 - Veterans Day - with Avelo Airlines launching flights to Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, and New Orleans by December. Book at flydtx.com or aveloair.com.
(Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, October 5, 2026)

McKinney just got a luxury cat boarding lounge. The Purrrfect Lounge opens today with a proper grand opening event at 11AM - 101 people have already RSVP’d on Facebook. If you’ve ever felt guilty about your cat’s accommodations while you’re away, this is the answer.
5601 Virginia Pkwy STE 1, McKinney · Grand Opening: Sat Oct 10, 11AM

A brand-new family and cosmetic dental practice led by Dr. Alekhya Patagarla, with a full suite of services under one roof: general dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, traditional braces, root canals, and periodontal treatments. Early patients highlight the anxiety-reducing environment and modern equipment. Ribbon cutting was yesterday.
1925 Prestwick Hollow Dr, Suite 800, McKinney

The upscale apartment community formerly known as Aura 3Twenty had its ribbon cutting last week. One-, two-, and three-bedroom homes with granite countertops and wood-style flooring, plus resort-style amenities: multi-level fitness center with yoga and spin studio, infinity-edge pool, co-working spaces, and a conference center.
7201 Stacy Rd, McKinney

Council authorized the city to apply for an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program grant from the National Park Service for Old Settler’s Park improvements. The ORLP program funds acquisition and development of parks in underserved communities - competitive grant, not guaranteed, but worth watching. Old Settler’s is one of McKinney’s most-used parks and could use the attention.
(Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, October 5, 2026)

Council approved amendments to two agreements with TxDOT to fund improvements along State Highway 5 between Spur 399 and McMakin Street. The project adds continuous illumination, upgraded drainage systems, improved median treatments, and a new right-turn lane. The matching budget ordinance was adopted at the same meeting. If you drive SH 5 regularly, this is your project.
(Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, October 5, 2026)

Council approved a new Galvanized Service Line Replacement Program with up to $210,000 authorized to replace private galvanized service lines in McKinney. These are the old metal lines on the resident side of the meter - lead contamination risk if they corrode. McKinney is proactively replacing them. More at mckinneytexas.org.
(Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, October 5, 2026)

🎃 Trick or Treat Trail - Sat Oct 17 at Bonnie Wenk Park (New Location)
McKinney’s annual Trick or Treat Trail moves to Bonnie Wenk Park this year. Registration and details at mckinneytexas.org.
(Source: City of McKinney, September 23, 2026)

🥢 McKinney Asian Art and Food Festival 2026
Two evenings of Asian art, food, and cultural celebration at McKinney City Hall. Original artwork from talented creators, mouth-watering dishes, and live energy. Runs both Friday and Saturday 5-8PM. Free entry.
401 E Virginia St, McKinney · Fri-Sat Oct 9-10, 5-8PM (Free)

🎤 Big Tex & Friends
In celebration of the Texas State Fair, The Comedy Arena presents Big Tex & Friends - larger-than-life comedians poking fun at Texas stereotypes and delivering observations on everything from barbecue to big hair. Texas-sized fun.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E. Virginia St. · 9:30PM ($20-$26)

🎧 R&B Night at Cubana Grille
Every Friday night: smooth R&B, Afrobeats, great food, and cocktails - live DJ keeping the energy going all night. No cover, no debate about what the move is.
Cubana Grille, McKinney · Every Friday (Free)

🎤 Night Shift: Live Band Karaoke at TUPPS
Karaoke backed by a live band. A Friday night that ends better than it starts.
TUPPS Outdoor Beer Hall, 402 E. Louisiana St. · 9PM-midnight (Free)

🥦 Healthy Meal Prep Class
A practical Saturday morning class on how to plan and prep healthy meals for the week ahead - with lunch included. Covers strategies, variety, and a 4-week recipe booklet to take home. Never answer “what’s for dinner?” with panic again.
3440 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 4, McKinney · 10AM-12PM (from $7.18)

🚗 Ratrodtober Fest - 10th Anniversary at TUPPS
Ten years of rat rods, custom cars, and cold beer at TUPPS. If you’ve never seen a rat rod in person - welded-together, deliberately rough, maximally interesting - this is the event. Free to attend.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St. · 10AM-1PM (Free)

♟ Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages)
Drop-in chess at the Gay Library - all ages, all skill levels. A genuinely good use of a Saturday morning before the OU/TX game kicks off.
John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 W Eldorado Pkwy · 11AM-1PM (Free)

🍷 Art & Wine Stroll benefitting MillHouse McKinney
Sip, stroll, and shop - fifteen 1oz wine tastes at participating merchants around the Square, stunning local artwork throughout downtown, and a Millhouse Art Reception inside Landon Winery. Proceeds support women in creative arts and entrepreneurship. VIP early access at 11AM includes bottomless mimosas and charcuterie.
Landon Winery McKinney · 12-6PM ($35 GA / $45 VIP)

🏈 TX/OU TUPPS Tailgate
OU vs. Texas at 2:30PM, and TUPPS is turning the Outdoor Beer Hall into the full fan zone. Stick around after for The Party Crowd live on the Outdoor Stage starting at 6:30PM - 90s country covers, free show, dog friendly.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St. · 2:30PM-late (Free)

😆 Pavlov’s Dogs + Funderdome at The Comedy Arena
Saturday night improv at the Comedy Arena: Pavlov’s Dogs brings longform improv with unexpected twists (8:30PM), followed by Funderdome where the audience decides everything (9:30PM).
The Comedy Arena, 305 E. Virginia St. · 8:30PM (check thecomedyarena.com for tickets)

🎙️ Live From Downtown McKinney!
Some of the best stand-ups from the DFW area take the stage. A guaranteed good time to close out Saturday night.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E. Virginia St. · 10:30PM ($17-$23)

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🎸 Ross Redmond Trio at Harvest
Jazz piano, pop, and rock across five decades - Ross Redmond brings a fresh, upbeat take on classics and contemporary hits alike. Third floor of the Masonic Lounge, views over the square, full dinner menu.
Harvest at The Masonic, 215 N. Kentucky St. · 7:30-11PM (Free)

🎸 High Octane Band at The Lion & Crown
A premier tribute to arena rock - big vocals, killer riffs, and nonstop energy. The official High Octane Experience live at McKinney’s British pub.
The Lion & Crown, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy APT 1600 · 8PM-midnight (Free)

🎸 Barry & The Soulflakes at Harvest
Led by singer and pianist Barry “B-Keys” Martin, The Soulflakes bring old-school soul, R&B, jazz, country, and modern hits - covers of everything from My Girl to Have You Ever Seen the Rain.
Harvest at The Masonic, 215 N. Kentucky St. · 7:30-11PM (Free)

🎷 Joey Love Trio at Zin Zen
Joey Love has been performing live for 35+ years, sharing stages with Eddie Money, Blue Öyster Cult, and Etta James. His trio blends Blues, Rock, Reggae, R&B, and Country.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 6841 Virginia Pkwy · 8-11PM (Free)

🤠 The Party Crowd at TUPPS - TX/OU Afterparty
Post-game 90s country covers on the Outdoor Stage. Win or lose, this is where the night goes next. Free, family friendly, dog friendly. Bring a lawn chair.
TUPPS Outdoor Stage & Lawn, 402 E. Louisiana St. · 6:30-9:30PM (Free)

🎧 Night Shift: DJ Dance Party at TUPPS
The Outdoor Beer Hall goes late Saturday. DJ set from 10PM, open until midnight.
TUPPS Outdoor Beer Hall, 402 E. Louisiana St. · 10PM-midnight (Free)

Old Settler’s is one of McKinney’s most quietly beloved parks - a large green space at 1201 E. Louisiana St. with a fishing pond, picnic pavilions, open fields, and a trail network that’s good for a morning walk or a post-coffee run. The park sits adjacent to Old Settler’s Recreation Center, so you can combine a workout with outdoor time in one trip. It’s named after the founding families of this part of Collin County, and has been a gathering spot for McKinney residents for generations.

With fall temperatures finally breaking into the mid-80s, this weekend is a great time to rediscover it. Council also just authorized an application for a federal grant to fund improvements to the park - worth watching.

📍 Old Settler’s Park, 1201 E. Louisiana St., McKinney, TX 75069 | Open sunrise to sunset | Free

Fri Oct 9: ☀️ Very warm with sunshine, high 91°F
Sat Oct 10: ☀️ Sunny and very warm, high 89°F
Sun Oct 11: ☀️ Mostly sunny, high 88°F

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