
This week in What's On McKinney: drink coffee with cops, paint your own flower pot, get inspired by a CEO talk, a new needlepoint shop coming soon, McKinney’s massive sports complex plans move forward, and this newsletter hits 2,000+ subscribers 🎉 Let’s go! →
🏟️ McKinney Moves Forward With Massive Sports Complex
McKinney is getting closer to building its large destination sports complex on roughly 300 acres near Erwin Park. City leaders have now selected a design team and approved a letter of intent to begin negotiations, marking a key step toward turning the project into reality.
The complex is expected to include tournament-ready fields for sports like soccer and baseball, with a focus on attracting regional and national events. The project will likely involve a public-private partnership, meaning outside partners could help fund and operate parts of the facility.
This is shaping up to be one of McKinney’s biggest future projects - designed to bring visitors, tournaments, and long-term growth.
(Source: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, April 9)
🔥 New In Town
🧵 Stitch on the Square Needlepoint Shop Coming Soon
A new needlepoint shop, Stitch on the Square, is opening in the former Jasper & Petals space, bringing a cozy, community-focused spot for stitchers to gather, learn, and create. Jasper & Petals will reportedly continue selling their products, just without a physical storefront for now.
Opening date TBA | Historic Downtown McKinney
✂️ New Free Community Meeting Space
First United Bank has opened its new Redbud Community Room, a 48-seat space available completely free for local groups, businesses, and events to meet, connect, and collaborate. The space officially opened on April 2 and was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, adding another solid hub for community gatherings.
Opened April 2 | 1700 Redbud Blvd, Suite 180
🏛️ The Square
🌳 McKinney Has 22 Park Projects Active Right Now
The city is currently working on 22 park and trail projects, with another 12 projects set to start this year. Projects range from playground upgrades to new parks and trail connections, as the city tries to catch up on years of growth.
(Source: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, April 9)
🧭 New Rec Center Planned on 110-Acre Site
McKinney is planning a new multi-use recreation center as part of a larger 110-acre civic campus in the north part of the city. The project is still in early planning, with feasibility studies now underway.
(Source: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, April 9)
What’s On McKinney
(Mon 13 - Thurs 16)
Monday April 13
🎉 New to McKinney? Get Your Welcome Bag
New residents receive curated welcome bags filled with local info, services, and discount vouchers to help you settle in faster. A nice intro to what McKinney has to offer.
McKinney Chamber of Commerce, 7300 State Hwy 121, 11:45AM–1PM (Free)
⏳ Parent Cafe: Reclaiming Your Time
Practical session for parents on managing time, energy, and daily overwhelm. A helpful reset if life’s been feeling a bit too full lately.
Arthur H. McNeil Elementary School, 3650 S Hardin Blvd, 5:30–7PM (Free)
Tuesday April 14
💼 CEO Series: Uma Muthu at the Chamber
Learn how businesses are using automation, data, and smarter systems to save time and cut costs. A sharp, practical talk for anyone thinking about the future of work.
McKinney Chamber of Commerce, 207 E Virginia St, 8–9:30AM (networking 8-8:30AM, $35 members / $45 non-members - register here)
🌿 Sip, Paint & Plant Workshop
Paint your own flower pot, plant seeds, and take home a little piece of spring. Easy, creative, and paired with a glass of wine if you want it.
Landon Winery, 101 N Kentucky St, 6:30–8:30PM (Supplies included, wine for purchase)
🎸 Paul Renna Live
Soulful Texas blues and Americana with raw vocals and storytelling that hits you right in the chest. A seasoned songwriter delivering the real thing.
Harvest at the Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St, 6:30–9:30PM (Free)
🍷 Wine & Cheese + Charcuterie Pairing Class
Sip five premium wines paired with curated cheeses and charcuterie while learning what actually works together (and why). A classy night that pairs well with… everything.
Lone Star Winery, 103 E Virginia St Ste 100, 7–8:30PM ($47)
🎶 The Musical Improv Jamboree
Musical improv with a live accompanist where anything can happen. Jump in or just watch as scenes turn into songs on the spot.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 7–9PM (Mature audiences)
Wednesday April 15
🚨 City 101: Emergency Management
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how McKinney prepares for storms, emergencies, and unexpected situations. A surprisingly useful session that might come in handy one day.
Senior Recreation Center, 1400 S College St, 11AM–12PM (Free)
🎨 Printmaking Studio Hours with Mary Hannigan
Hands-on session using a real printing press to create your own prints. Small group, plenty of guidance, and a chance to get creative (and a little messy).
MillHouse McKinney, 610 Elm St Ste 1000, 2–4PM ($50, limited spots)
🎤 Courtney Marie Live at the Lion & Crown
Singer-songwriter set with heartfelt originals and familiar favorites. A warm, easygoing night with just the right amount of soul.
The Lion & Crown, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy, 6–9PM (Free)
🎸 Buzz Andrews Live at the Masonic
60+ years of pickin’, a 1963 Gibson named “Little Red,” and a mix of rock, blues, and country with vocals in that Neil Young–Willie Nelson lane. The kind of set that feels earned, not rehearsed.
Harvest at the Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St, 6:30–9:30PM (Free)
🎤 Open Mic Night at The Brass Tap
Grab the mic or kick back and enjoy local talent taking the stage. Midweek vibes, cold beer, and anything can happen.
The Brass Tap McKinney, 4030 W University Dr Ste 100, 8PM-12AM (Free)
Thursday April 16
🦉 3rd Thursday Bird Walk
Join experienced guides to spot and identify local birds while learning tips along the way. A peaceful morning that’ll have you tweeting about it later.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 8AM (Included with admission, free for members)
☕ Coffee with Cops
Grab a coffee and chat with McKinney police officers in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Ask questions, share concerns, or just get to know the people behind the badge.
The Broken Yolk, 6651 Alma Rd Ste 250, 9–11AM (Free)
🔮 Psychic Night McKinney
Tarot, astrology, mediumship, and more with a rotating lineup of intuitive readers. Come with questions, leave with insight… or at least a good story.
Uptown Style Home Furnishings, 102 E Louisiana St, 5–9PM ($30)
🏃 Run Club at TUPPS (North Grain Patio)
Weekly social run with 1 or 3 mile routes, all paces welcome. Dogs encouraged, and there’s open mic and live music waiting after you finish.
TUPPS Brewery (North Grain Patio), 402 E Louisiana St, 6:30PM (Free)
💻 Beginner Computer Class
Get comfortable with the basics of using a computer and everyday applications. A practical session if you want to build confidence or brush up your skills.
Senior Recreation Center, 1400 S College St, 7–8PM (Free with membership/day pass, registration required)
🎷 Acoustic Mayhem Live at Zin Zen
Saxophone meets guitar in this husband-wife duo known for playful banter and unpredictable sets. Light on acoustic, heavy on mayhem, always a good time.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 7–10PM (Free, reservations available)
⌛MacTown History
On the origins of McKinney Airport✈️
Before McKinney became known for rapid growth and suburbs, it invested early in aviation. What is now McKinney National Airport was established in the late 1970s by the City of McKinney to support local business travel, flight training, and general aviation - giving Collin County its own air access instead of relying entirely on Dallas.
It originally opened as McKinney Municipal Airport, later became Collin County Regional Airport, and was renamed McKinney National Airport in 2013. Its identifier, TKI, comes from (T)exas Mc(KI)nney.
The airport wasn’t built for commercial airlines. You’ll find a steady mix of small prop planes (like Cessnas), corporate jets, charter flights, and flight schools using the runway. Local companies and executives fly in and out for regional trips, avoiding the congestion of DFW or Love Field, while student pilots train here year-round.
McKinney National Airport also plays a quiet logistics role. The airport handles time-sensitive cargo, medical flights, and specialty deliveries that don’t require a major hub but still need speed and flexibility. The combination of efficiency, access, and room to grow is why the city is now pushing to expand it into a commercial airport.
☀️ This Week’s Weather in McKinney
Mon: ☀️ Mostly sunny, breezy & very warm, high 84°F
Tue: ⛈️ Windy with sun & clouds, spotty PM storms, high 82°F
Wed: ☁️ Cloudy, breezy & very warm, high 84°F
Thu: 🌩️ Showers & a thunderstorm likely, high 82°F
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That’s it for now. See you in the Thursday edition full of weekend plans!
Cheers,
Sebastian
P.S. Wanna make new friends in McKinney? Join our Making Friends In McKinney Facebook group!
