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This weekend in What’s On McKinney: making meals for the homeless, plant bingo, goat yoga, BOHO market at TUPPS Brewery, McKinney wins a prize, a sunrise kayak tour in Towne Lake Park, a big annual plant sale, a longhorn show and 60% off truly healthy dog food. Weekend plans →

🌱 McKinney Earns National Clean Energy Recognition

McKinney just earned a SolSmart Bronze designation, recognizing efforts to make solar energy more accessible and future-proof the city’s power game. Add in new EV charging stations and a greener city fleet, and it’s clear McKinney is plugging into a more sustainable future.

The SolSmart designation is awarded through the Energy Ready program, which is led by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). It’s basically a “your city made it easier to go solar” badge - not just PR fluff, but tied to real policy and permitting improvements. Source: City of McKinney

🎪 Save The Date - May 9th

🛶 Sunrise Kayak Tour at Towne Lake
Paddle into the sunrise at one of McKinney’s most picturesque park lakes. Push your skills on the water with a more challenging paddle designed for weekend warriors. A solid workout with a sunrise payoff. This one sells out fast!
Towne Lake Park, 1401 Wilson Creek Pkwy, 7–9AM ($25 residents / $30 non-residents, register here)

🏛️ The Square

🏭 New Industrial + Retail Area Planned Near McKinney Airport

A new development is moving forward that would bring light industrial buildings and local businesses to land near the future FM 546 corridor, just east of McKinney National Airport.

The plan splits the site in two: warehouse-style buildings on one side, and smaller commercial spaces (like shops or services) on the other to serve nearby neighborhoods.

City planners say the project fits long-term plans for the area, which is expected to grow as a business hub tied to the airport. (Source: Planning & Zoning Commission, April 14)

🏠 New 160-Home Neighborhood Approved Near Honey Creek

A new residential development is moving forward near FM 543 and Lantana Drive. The project will add around 160 single-family homes on a 38-acre site, replacing agricultural land. Some nearby residents raised concerns about traffic on FM 543, which is still a two-lane road, but the project was approved and now moves to City Council for final approval. (Source: Planning & Zoning Commission, April 14)

What’s On McKinney

Fri April 10 - Sun April 12

🌱 Heard Native Plant Sale (Spring Edition)
One of the best plant sales of the year with native plants, rare herbs, and pollinator-friendly picks you won’t find at big stores. Gardeners, this is your Super Bowl.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Friday & Saturday 9AM–5PM & Sunday 1–5PM (free admission)

🐂 Chisholm Trail Longhorn Show (Spring Fling)
Get up close with Texas longhorns at this showcase featuring some seriously impressive horns and classic ranch heritage. A niche event, but very Texas.
Myers Park & Event Center (Show & Stall Barns), 7117 County Rd 166, (mornings Fri–Sun)

Friday, April 17

🔥 Glow Metalworks: Metal Casting Workshop
Pour molten metal, shape your own design, and leave with a custom piece you actually made yourself. It’s creative… with a little heat behind it.
McKinney Art House, 502 N Kentucky St, 6:30–8:30PM ($75)

🎶 That Sound’s Made-Up at The Comedy Arena
Audience suggestions turn into full-on songs and sketches in this fast, musical improv show. With live keys by Louie Espinosa, expect chaos, catchy tunes, and big laughs.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 7:30–8:30PM ($20, mature audiences)

🎤 Karaoke Night at The Brass Tap
Grab the mic, pick your song, and see if you’ve got main character energy (or at least backup singer confidence). No cover, just vibes.
The Brass Tap, 4030 W University Dr Ste 100, 8–11PM (Free)

Saturday, April 18

🥪 Feed The City: Meal Packing Event
Roll up your sleeves and help assemble meals for people in need. Simple, hands-on volunteering where a few sandwiches go a long way. Don’t have time? Just drop off some food ingredients then. Find more info here.
Union Bear Brewing Co., 2308 W Virginia St, 8:30–10:30AM (Monthly, bring supplies)

🏡 Wealth-Building Community Day (100-City Tour)
Free event with industry experts sharing real estate and financial insights to help you build long-term wealth. Come curious, leave smarter.
Old Settlers Recreation Center, 1201 E Louisiana St, 9AM–3PM (Free)

🧘 Yoga in the Beer Hall at TUPPS
Start your day with a relaxed outdoor yoga session, then stick around for a post-flow drink when the taproom opens. Stretch first, sip later.
TUPPS Brewery (Outdoor Beer Hall), 402 E Louisiana St, 10–11AM (Free)

🐂 Chisholm Trail Longhorn Show (Spring Fling)
Get up close with Texas longhorns at this showcase featuring some seriously impressive horns and classic ranch heritage. A niche event, but very Texas.
Myers Park & Event Center (Show & Stall Barns), 7117 County Rd 166

🧵 Reimagine, Revamp, Reinvent Upcycling Fashion Workshop at MillHouse
Turn old clothes into something new in this hands-on workshop led by a local fashion entrepreneur and hosted by the Art Club of McKinney. Sustainable, creative, and you might even end up on a runway.
MillHouse Studio, 610 Elm St, 1–4PM ($25, ages 13+, registration required)

🛍️ Boho Market + Live Music at TUPPS
Shop handmade goods, sip craft beer, and catch live music from Hankins while you browse. Easy weekend vibes with plenty to discover.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St, 1–6PM (Free, family & dog friendly)

📸 Romantic Picnic & Photo Session at Adriatica Village
A fully styled picnic setup with candles, cozy details, and a mini photo shoot in one of McKinney’s most scenic spots. Come for the vibes, leave with photos that actually look like a Pinterest board.
Adriatica Village, 6:30PM ($250, see limited spots here)

😂 Comedy Night at Landon Winery - McKinney Location
This event will feature some of the funniest comedians in the country, serving up punchlines as smooth as the wine. Come for the laughs, stay for the pours - it’s grape expectations all night.
Landon Winery, 101 N Kentucky St, 7–8:30PM ($18 early bird tickets)

Sunday, April 19

🐐 Goat Yoga at The Stix
Stretch, laugh, and try to stay balanced while goats climb, nudge, and steal the spotlight. Easily the most chaotic yoga class in town.
Stix Icehouse, 301 Eldorado Pkwy, 10–11AM ($25, bring your own mat)

🌿 Plant Bingo at TUPPS
Play bingo, win plants, and sip your way through a chill afternoon at the brewery. Honestly, it’s hard to leaf without something.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St, 1–3PM (Ticketed, includes a plant)

🌸 Hello Spring! Porch Party Workshop at MillHouse
Create your own custom porch sign with your choice of design and colors in this laid-back, bring-your-own-wine workshop. A front porch glow-up you can actually brag about.
MillHouse Create, 610 Elm St Ste 520, 1–4PM ($99)

🦞 All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Boil at The Stix
According to the Stix’ socials, crawfish ‘‘has more protein than a protein bar’’ and is ‘‘packed with B12 and iron’’. So come for the health and stay for the unlimited crawfish, shrimp, corn, potatoes, two drinks and live music while you peel and feast.
Lolly’s Dance Hall at The Stix Icehouse, 301 Eldorado Pkwy, 5–7PM ($65, tickets via Instagram)

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🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Friday, April 17

🎸 Justin Till Live at The Rook
Emerging Texas artist bringing a mix of country, rock, and Americana with a raw, modern edge. His debut at The Rook - always a good sign he’s one to watch.
The Rook, 6952 Mediterranean Dr, 7PM (Free)

🎸 Eli Cates Live at TUPPS
Local artist (and TUPPS regular) bringing a laid-back set to the Beer Hall. Grab a drink, some food, and settle in for an easy Friday night.
TUPPS Brewery (Outdoor Beer Hall), 402 E Louisiana St, 7–10PM (Free)

🎶 Love Handle Live at District 121
High-energy live set with danceable hits and a lively crowd vibe. The kind of night where you come for one drink and stay for the whole show.
District 121, 6731 Alma Rd, 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎸 Texas Flood (Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute) Live at HUB 121
Bluesy guitar riffs and SRV classics brought to life in this high-energy tribute show. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and let it rip.
HUB 121, 7570 TX-121 S, 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎷 Patrick Pombuena Band Live at the Masonic
Genre-blending set from a multi-instrumentalist who moves between funk, soul, and more with ease. Expect tight musicianship and a set that keeps things interesting.
Harvest at the Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St, 7:30–11PM (Free)

🎷 Matthew Banks Live at Zin Zen
Jazz, blues, and pop performed on a mix of woodwinds, creating a smooth, laid-back atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 8–11PM (Free, reservations available)

Saturday, April 18

🤠 Dallas Country, Blues & Red Dirt Festival
10 hours of live country and Red Dirt with a stacked lineup including Billie Jo Jones, Hayden Haddock, Flat River Band, and more. Add food trucks, craft drinks, and a full-on Texas vibe - this one’s a steal.
The Beach at Craig Ranch, 11AM–9:30PM ($7, free parking)

🎷 GS Jazz Live at Lone Star Winery
Smooth jazz and blues from a seasoned trio, setting the tone for a laid-back afternoon with wine and good company. Sip happens.
Lone Star Winery, 103 E Virginia St Ste 100, 4–7PM (Free)

🤠 The Real McCoys Live at TUPPS
Country hits and crowd favorites built for singing along and kicking back with a drink in hand. Easygoing, feel-good vibes all night.
TUPPS Brewery (Outdoor Stage & Lawn), 402 E Louisiana St, 7–10PM (Free)

🎸 Razzmatazz Band + Live at the Lion & Crown
Powerhouse vocals, driving guitars, and a stage presence that actually hits you in the chest. Loud, electric, and built to keep the crowd fired up all night - no mellow moments here.
The Lion & Crown, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy Ste 1600, 8PM–12AM (Free)

🌳 Park of the Week: Fitzhugh Park

Tucked into east McKinney near downtown and just off Highway 5, this small park punches above its weight. Fitzhugh Park packs in a Dream Court basketball court, playground, open fields, BBQ spots, and a short 0.15-mile loop.

There’s one pavilion, but it’s first come, first served (no reservations).

Best for: quick hoops games, short outdoor breaks, and easy neighborhood hangouts.

📍 700 Fitzhugh St | Open 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

This Weekend’s Weather

Fri: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, windy & warm, high 82°F
Sat: 🌧️ Morning showers, cloudy & cooler, high 64°F
Sun: ☀️ Pleasant with plenty of sun, high 72°F

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That’s it for now. See you in the Sunday edition full of weekday plans!

Cheers,

Sebastian

Tex-Mex enthusiast, cat person & publisher of What’s On McKinney

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Disclaimer: content in What’s On McKinney is provided for informational purposes only and may include third-party information, opinions, links, event listings, and business listings. While we aim for accuracy, details may change and errors may occur. We are not responsible for omissions, external content, schedule changes, cancellations, or actions taken based on this information. Please verify details directly with the relevant organizer, venue, business, or official source.

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