This weekend in What’s On McKinney: McKinney’s going full throwback this weekend - and honestly, we’re not mad about it. From a 90s party to a Led Zeppelin tribute, it’s a weekend built for loud sing-alongs and easy nights out. Not your scene? You’ve got comedy shows, candle-making, a public art tour, and even a moth-watching experience (yes, really). Also, event details are clickable now to get you to the original event pages. Get the full breakdown →

McKinney National Airport is calling on Texas artists to design two large murals for the new terminal, with a total budget of $60,000 (plus $500 for each of the 10 finalists) - a $25K interior baggage claim wall (44’ x 15’) and a $35K exterior screening wall (44’ x 24’).

The theme: “Heritage Modern”, blending local history with a clean, contemporary look - giving artists a chance to leave a lasting first impression on travelers at McKinney’s future front door.
Apply by May 19 - McKinney National Airport

Learn Salsa step-by-step over 5 weeks in a fun, beginner-friendly class focused on rhythm, movement, and meeting new people. A smooth move for your Saturday routine.
Recreation Center at Towne Lake, 2001 S Central Expy, Saturdays May 2–30, 1–2PM ($65 for residents, $70 for non-residents)

The McKinney ISD board of trustees approved raising teacher and staff salaries by 3.5% for the 2026-27 school year at its April 20 meeting. The starting salary for certified teachers will increase to $64,700. Worth noting at a time when teacher retention is a real issue across the state.

Thinking about joining the fire service? The McKinney Fire Department is opening firefighter applications May 1–31, including testing. A chance to step into a role that’s equal parts courage, fitness, and community impact.
Source: McKinney Fire Department

Got old meds collecting dust? McKinney Police Department is hosting a safe, anonymous drop-off for unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs - no needles or sharps accepted. A simple way to clear space and keep meds out of the wrong hands. No questions asked.
Public Safety Building, 2200 Taylor Burk Dr - Apr 25, 10AM–2PM - Free

💖 Mommy & Me Bracelet Banner Workshop
Create a colorful bracelet-style banner together in this hands-on workshop focused on creativity and connection. A keepsake you’ll actually want to hang up.
APEX Centre, 5:30–8:30PM (members $28, non-members $39)

🛍️ Hops & Shops Market at TUPPS Local vendors, craft beer, food from The Grain Room Kitchen - the kind of Friday night that fixes whatever kind of week you had.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St., 6-9PM (Free)

🏕️ Family Campout at the Heard
Spend the night outdoors with wildlife encounters, team activities, and s’mores under the stars. It’s part adventure, part sleepover, and a core memory in the making.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, 6:30PM–10AM next day (children $24, adults $29)

🔫 NERF ATTCK (6th-12th Grade) at John & Judy Gay Library
Capture the flag with Nerf blasters, fast moves, and full-on chaos. High energy, low stakes - dart it out.
John & Judy Gay Library, 6:30–7:30PM (Free, registration required)

😂 Stand Up Showdown at The Comedy Arena
Five comedians, three minutes each, and the crowd decides who moves on. Fast-paced, ruthless, and surprisingly competitive - laugh or get voted off. Last comic standing takes it all.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, (tickets $17–$23, 2-item minimum consumption)

🌿 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale at Myers Park
Thousands of locally grown, drought-tolerant plants you won’t find at big box stores, plus expert advice on what actually works in North Texas. Come early - the good stuff goes fast.
Myers Park & Event Center, 7117 Co Rd 166, 9AM–12PM (Free)

🌱 Last Saturday Workday at McKinney Green Gardens
Monthly volunteer morning at the community garden - pull weeds, spread mulch, and learn about native, drought-friendly plants. Get your hands dirty for a good cause.
McKinney Green Gardens (Gabe Nesbitt Park, near the water tower), 3339 Alma Rd, 9–11AM (Free)

🎨 Guided Public Art Tour
Explore murals, sculptures, and hidden gems around Downtown while learning the stories behind the art and artists. A walk with a little extra color.
Visit McKinney Visitor Center, 200 W Virginia St, 11AM–12PM (Free)

☀️ JETSET Summer Kickoff: Sun, Sculpt and Social at District 121
Pilates-style sculpt workout meets social hangout with matcha, giveaways, and good vibes. Sweat now, sip later.
District 121, 6731 Alma Rd, 12–2PM ($28.52)

🐶 Saving Pyrs in Need Dog Adoptions at The Stix
Meet adoptable pups and maybe find your new best friend. No pressure, just wagging tails and good vibes. Paws-itively worth a stop.
The Stix Icehouse, 12–2:30PM (Free, no signup required)

🎮 Esports Games & Tournament at Towne Lake
Play everything from retro classics to modern hits, then compete for the top spot in a final tournament. Game on - may the best player win.
Recreation Center at Towne Lake, 2001 Central Expy, 1–3PM (residents $25, non-residents $30)

🕯️ Sip & Pour Candle Making Workshop at Landon Winery
Pour your own custom candle, sip some wine, and hang out while it cures. Creative, relaxed, and you leave with something that actually smells like a good decision.
Landon Winery, 101 N Kentucky St, 8–9:30PM ($56)

😂 The 9 Year ArenaVersary Comedy Show at The Comedy Arena
Nine years of laughs celebrated with a stacked lineup, surprise guests, and fast, fearless comedy. Anniversary shows hit different - expect chaos (the good kind).
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 9–10PM ($17-23, 2-item minimum consumption)

🧩 Glass & Mosaics Class at Jump Into Art Studios
Design, cut, and create your own glass mosaic piece in this hands-on workshop. From first snip to final design, you’ll leave with something truly one-of-a-kind. Piece by piece, it comes together.
Jump Into Art Studios, 404 N Church St, 10AM–4PM ($88)

🐾 Barks & Brews at TUPPS
The 2nd Annual Barks & Brews - dogs, vendors, cold beer, and a brewery patio. An undefeated combination for a Sunday afternoon. Needless to say this event is pet-friendly 😄
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St., 1-4PM (Free)

🌼 Bold Bows & Sunny Hellos Wreath Workshop at MillHouse Create
Make a bright, statement wreath with bold ribbons and cheerful colors in this hands-on workshop. No experience needed - just show up and create something door-worthy. Wrap it up nicely.
MillHouse Create (Suite 520), 610 Elm St, 1–4PM ($135)

🦋 Magical Moth Night at the Heard
A nighttime nature experience where light setups attract moths and other insects for up-close discovery. Part science, part wonder - you’ll never look at bugs the same way again.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 7–10PM (adults $16, children $12, seniors $14, ages 2 & under free)

🎷 McKinney Jazz Showcase at TUPPS
A full evening of live jazz on the outdoor stage - smooth sounds, open air, and one of the better ways to spend a warm Friday night. Sax appeal guaranteed.
TUPPS Outdoor Stage & Lawn, 402 E Louisiana St, 6–9PM (Free)

🎶 Will and Crystal Live at Lone Star
A husband-wife duo mixing originals, alt tunes, and familiar favorites into an easygoing set that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. Two voices, one good night.
Lone Star Winery, 103 E Virginia St Ste 100, 7–10PM (Free)

🎸 The Zeppelin Project Live at HUB 121
A full Led Zeppelin tribute set with big riffs, iconic vocals, and all the classics you actually want to hear. Stairway to a great night.
HUB 121, 7570 TX-121, 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎶 Maylee Thomas Band Live at District 121
Free outdoor show with a lively band and easygoing crowd. A solid west McKinney pick when you just want music and a good night out.
District 121, 6731 Alma Road, McKinney, TX 75070, 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎸 Missing 3 Live at the Masonic
From John Mayer to Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Beatles, this band covers it all in an intimate lounge setting. A setlist that hits every note.
Harvest at the Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St, 7:30–11PM (Free)

🎧 DJ Dance Party with DJ Art
Free outdoor dance party at District 121 - DJ Art on the decks for two hours of crowd-pleasing sets on a Saturday night. No cover, no ticket, just show up.
District 121, 7801 Collin McKinney Pkwy., 7-9PM (Free)

🎸 The Flannel Pajamas Live at TUPPS (90s Night)
Nirvana, Alanis, Pearl Jam and more - a full 90s throwback set built for singing along and reliving your best playlist era. Smells like teen spirit.
TUPPS Outdoor Stage & Lawn, 402 E Louisiana St, 7–10PM (Free)

🎸 Jeremy Bellamy Live at the Brass Tap
High-energy live set with a real-deal sound that fills the room fast. Expect loud guitars, cold beers, and a packed house kind of night. Brew ready.
The Brass Tap, 4030 W University Dr Ste 100, 8PM (Free)

🎶 Joey Love Trio Live at Zin Zen
A seasoned Texas performer blending blues, rock, reggae, R&B, and more into a smooth, genre-mixing set. Decades on stage, still bringing the groove. Love at first listen.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 8–11PM (Free)

🎸 High Octane Band Live at the Lion & Crown
Arena rock tribute with big vocals, killer riffs, and nonstop energy. Loud, lively, and built for a full night out. Turn it up.
The Lion & Crown, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy Ste 1600, 8PM–12AM (Free)

🎶 Vintage Voices on the Veranda at Heard-Craig Center
A relaxed afternoon concert with classic vocals on a charming veranda setting. Easy listening, good company, and a little old-school flair.
Heard-Craig Center for the Arts (Downtown McKinney), 2–4PM (Free, ticketed)

Tucked into west McKinney near Eldorado Pkwy and Walker Elementary, this is a quiet neighborhood spot that keeps things simple. Hill Top Park has a playground, open fields, BBQ spots, a short trail, and plenty of space to spread out.

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

Best for: low-key park days, letting kids roam, and quick outdoor resets.

📍 1850 Winding Brook Dr | Open 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Fri: ⛈️ Morning showers & a storm, then warm and humid, high 86°F
Sat: ⛈️ Afternoon storm possible, warm & humid, high 86°F
Sun: 🌩️ Severe storms possible, breezy & humid, high 88°F

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