McKinney is moving forward with plans for a huge 230-acre regional sports complex on the north side of town near Lake Forest.

The city is now narrowing down developers and plans to enter exclusive negotiations soon, with the goal of building a destination for large-scale tournaments like baseball, soccer, pickleball, and even cricket.

If approved, the complex would sit near the future bypass, making it easily accessible for regional and national events.

Bottom line: this isn’t just for locals - it’s designed to bring major tournaments, visitors, and hotel demand into McKinney. (Source: Visit McKinney Board Meeting, March 31)

Empty Bowls McKinney 🍲
A feel-good night where art meets community - pick your favorite handcrafted bowl, enjoy gourmet soups from local chefs, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece while supporting the fight against hunger. This is the S(o)uper Bowl of events in McKinney this month ;)
McKinney, Apr 23 - 6–8PM

McKinney is hosting an Affordable Housing Summit on April 13, bringing together business leaders and developers to explore solutions for workforce housing, including incentives and partnerships. The goal: make it easier for local employees to live closer to work and strengthen long-term community growth.
MISD Community Event Center, 8AM-1PM ($50 registration fee)

Local organizations have until April 3 to apply for McKinney’s FY 2026–2027 Community Grants, including Community Development Block Grants and other funding opportunities. Last chance to get help from staff is today before 4PM.
Source: City of McKinney

🎨 1st Friday Late Night Paint Night
Paint pottery, fuse glass, or pour candles in a laid-back studio vibe. Walk in until 9PM (although a reservation is recommended) and get creative - it’s time to brush up on your skills.
Walls of Clay, 211 N Kentucky St, 11AM–10PM (must be seated by 9PM, free entry + cost of project)

🎤 Karaoke at The Garage: Grab the Mic
Sing your heart out or hype up your friends every Friday night. From power ballads to guilty pleasures, this is your time to steal the spotlight.
The Garage (at Spoons), 100 E Louisiana St, 6:30PM (Free)

🦉 Owl Prowl Night Hike
Meet real owls, learn fun facts, then head out on the trails to see if you can spot some in the wild. An amazing night for nature lovers.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 7PM ($14, pre-registration required)

🎩 Leave Your Hat On: Teachers Charity Event w/ the Maylee Thomas Band
Dress to impress in your best hat for a night of live music, auctions, and giving back. Includes buffet dinner, drinks, and a performance by the Maylee Thomas Band supporting local teachers.
The Sanctuary Music & Events Center, 6633 Virginia Pkwy #102, 7–10PM ($75 individual, $400 table for 4)

🤠 Houlihan Ranch Rodeo
Full day of rodeo action with competitions, finals, and live music after dark. Plus kids’ carnival, Easter egg hunt, and family events all day - talk about a rootin’-tootin’ good time.
WES Arena, 5920 Co Rd 500 Blue Ridge (20 minute drive from downtown McKinney), 8AM (Events throughout the day, adults from $25, kids from $13)

🥾 Guided Trails Hike
Explore the Heard Sanctuary with a guide as you learn about local wildlife, plants, and geology. A great way to step outside and get grounded in nature.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 9:30–10:30AM (Registration required)

🏛️ Living History Day
Step inside an 1800s home and meet costumed docents sharing what life in early McKinney was really like. History comes alive in a way that actually sticks.
Chestnut Square Historic Village, 315 S Chestnut St, 10AM–12PM (First Saturdays, free)

🐣 Sheraton Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
Brunch buffet, easter egg hunt, photos with the easter bunny, and face painting all in one festive morning. Bring the whole family and get ready for an egg-stra fun celebration.
Sheraton McKinney Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 Gateway Blvd, 10:30AM–1:30PM ($79 adults, $39 kids, free under 5, $25 egg hunt only)

🐰 Stix Annual Easter Egg Hunt (Kids + Adults)
15,000 eggs across 14 acres, plus face painting, balloon animals, a DJ, and the Easter Bunny for the daytime crowd. Then after sunset, adults get their turn hunting 10 golden eggs in the dark with big prizes on the line.
The Stix Icehouse, 11AM (Kids Hunt) & Sunset (Adults Hunt) - free, no signup required

😂 Comedy Night at The Comedy Arena
Three totally different shows in one night: a family-friendly magic show with Dal Sanders (Comedy Central, 40+ years of sleight-of-hand), fast-paced improv battles where the crowd picks the winner, and a Hunger Games-style comedy showdown where performers get eliminated round by round.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 5PM, 7PM & 9PM (Tickets required)

🔥 Taste N Groove: Easter Family BBQ
BBQ meets Afro beats with DJs, games, and a full-on Southern African vibe. Come hungry, bring the crew, and let the good times braai.
Hoshi Ranch Japanese BBQ CoffeeHouse, 3222 Co Rd 168, 3–10PM (From $13.54, kids free)

🎸 Mollie Danel Live at TUPPS
Local artist bringing laid-back live tunes to the Beer Hall. Grab a craft beer, settle in, and enjoy the night comfortably at McKinney’s famous brewery.
TUPPS Brewery (Outdoor Beer Hall), 7–10PM (Free)

🎶 Y2K Live at District 121: First Friday Market & Music
Shop local vendors, grab a drink, and throw it back with early 2000s pop and rock hits. It’s giving flip phones, sing-alongs, and Black Eyed Peas energy.
District 121, 6731 Alma Rd, 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎸 Divebar Boombox Live at the Lion & Crown
Banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and big vocals turning classics into rowdy Americana anthems. High-energy, foot-stomping fun that hits all the right notes in this new English pub.
The Lion & Crown, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy, 9PM–1AM (Free)

🎸 Roger Esco Live at Barons Creek
Acoustic set in the heart of downtown with easygoing tunes and wine-in-hand vibes. A smooth early evening pour with live music to match.
Barons Creek Winery, Downtown McKinney, 5:30–8PM (Free)

🤠 Don Stalling + Max & Heather Stalling Live at The Rook
Kick off with Don Stalling, then settle in for Max & Heather Stalling bringing Texas country storytelling and family harmonies to the stage. Three-of-a-kind?
The Rook, 6952 Mediterranean Dr, 6PM Don Stalling) & 7PM Max & Heather

🎸 Last Stand Live at TUPPS
McKinney’s own 80s band bringing throwback hits and big energy to the lawn. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and get ready to rewind the night.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St, 7-10PM (free, family & dog friendly)

🎙️ Mark Flatt Live at Lone Star
Acoustic classics with smooth vocals and a laid-back style that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. A mellow night that strikes the right chord.
Lone Star Winery, 7–10PM (Free)

Fri: ⛈️ Storms likely, severe weather possible at night, high 81°F
Sat: 🌧️ Periods of heavy rain & storms, cooler, high 68°F
Sun: 🌤️ Clouds early, then sunny, high 70°F

Liked this? Know someone who’s always asking “What’s going on this week?”

Refer 2 friends → Get a shoutout in the newsletter
Refer 5 → Get our McKinney Restaurant Guide

Here’s the deal: I make this newsletter for free and you share it with your neighbor, friend and cousin’s cousin!