Good news for locals and anyone thinking of moving here: McKinney just landed #20 on a national ranking of best small cities for career growth, according to a new study by Coworking Cafe.

The city is doing more than holding its own. Median household income sits around $124k, wages have grown 34% since 2019, and workforce participation is a strong 72%. In simple terms: more people working, earning more, and finding real opportunities.

Even better, it’s not just McKinney. Frisco (#11) and Flower Mound (#15) also made the list, putting Collin County firmly on the map as one of the country’s rising career hotspots. Big careers, strong incomes, and a great quality of life - turns out you can have all three right here. Source: Coworking Cafe

Laughs in Bloom Comedy Festival 😂🌸
McKinney’s Arts in Bloom gets a funny sidekick as The Comedy Arena packs one night with improv, stand-up, and musical comedy on one stage - basically a full bloom of laughs in one go.
The Comedy Arena - Apr 10 - 7:30–10:30PM ($17.75 + 2-item minimum)

New U.S. Census data published today shows Collin County ranked #2 nationwide for population growth, adding nearly 43,000 residents in just one year — while nearby Dallas County ranked #9 for population decline, losing about 2,580 residents from July 2024 to July 2025. The takeaway for McKinney: more people are choosing this area, bringing new energy, businesses, and opportunities as the city continues to grow.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Free health screenings, blood donations, and live safety demos all in one place. Swing by, check in on your health, and pick up some useful tips along the way.
McKinney Campus Conference Center, Friday 9AM–2PM (Free, open to public)

A major funding request could accelerate development near downtown. A proposal seeks over $13.6 million in support for infrastructure tied to the Cotton Mill District project, covering a large share of total costs. If approved, this could fast-track one of the more significant redevelopment areas near the city center.(Source: MCDC Agenda* )

🏡 Wealth-Building Community Day Meet & Greet
Thinking about buying a home or leveling up financially? Meet local experts, get real advice on mortgages and credit, and connect with resources that actually move the needle.
McKinney City Hall, 401 E Virginia St 4–6PM (Free, registration encouraged)

🎨 Art Club of McKinney Spring Show
Local artists take the spotlight with this year’s “Seeing Red” theme. Two nights to mingle, meet artists, and see what’s making the scene red-hot.
Collin County History Museum, 300 E Virginia St, Fri 5–7PM (Mixer) + Sat 5–7PM (Reception & Awards)

🥩 Friday Night Steak 101 Class
Learn all things beef from Local Yocal’s founder while tasting your way through steak samples and scratch-made sides. Come hungry and raise the steaks on your cooking game.
Local Yocal BBQ & Grill, 350 E Louisiana St 6:30PM (Doors 6PM, adult beverages available)

😂 Lost In The Sauce
Fast, chaotic improv where one audience suggestion sends the whole show off the rails. Blink and you might miss it… or just get lost in the sauce.
The Comedy Arena, 305 E Virginia St, 9:30PM (mature audiences, tickets from $15 + 2-item minimum consumption)

🏃 McKinney Historic Half Marathon
Run (or walk) through downtown, neighborhoods, and parks in this citywide race with distances for everyone. Finish strong and head straight to the TUPPS after-party.
TUPPS Brewery / 401 E Virginia St, 7AM (Half $99, 5K $44, Youth $10, Kids Dash free)

🚙 Jeeps n Java
Coffee, tacos, and a parking lot full of Jeeps. Swing by, meet fellow Jeepers, and get your morning started in gear.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 75 & Eldorado Pkwy 8:30–10:30AM (Free)

🍳 Heat & Sweet: Cajun Cooking Class
Spice meets sweet in this rooftop cooking class with Chef Johnson. Learn bold Cajun flavors, cook along, and leave full and fired up.
The Comedy Arena Training Center, 1PM-2:30PM (all levels welcome)

🌸 Pressed Flower Lantern Workshop
Create a glowing lantern using real dried flowers and fairy lights. A relaxing, hands-on craft that’s perfect for unwinding or making a gift that lights up someone’s day.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii (McKinney), 2:30-4PM (all ages, registration required)

🌙 Moonlight Crawlers: Crawl + Hike
Night hike meets RC crawler meetup. Bring your rig, lights, and gear for a 2–3 mile trek through Erwin Park with a crew that knows how to roll after dark. More about Erwin Park in the Park of the Week section below.
Erwin Park (Pecan Grove Pavilion), 7PM (Hike starts 8PM, free)

🚗 Wheels & Reels: Drive-In Movie Night
Classic drive-in vibes with hot rods, custom builds, and a fan-favorite movie on the big screen. Bring your ride or a lawn chair and enjoy the reel deal.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St 9PM–12AM (Free, all welcome)

🐰 Hop & Shop Market
Spring market vibes with local vendors, sweets, face painting, and fun for the whole family. Come browse, snack, and (s)hop till you drop.
The Stix Icehouse, 11AM–5PM (Free, all ages)

🦞 TUPPS Crawfish Boil Kickoff
It’s annual. It sells out. It’s The Boil. Mudbugs, live music, cold drinks, and a full day of Cajun crawfish. Grab a plate and come hang for the crawesome vibes.
TUPPS Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St 12–7PM (Tickets for food, entry free)

🎨 Puff & Tie-Dye Class
Design your own tie-dye piece while sipping infused drinks and getting creative. Everything’s provided, so just show up.
Leaf Cafe, 405 N McDonald St Ste E, 1–6PM ($25, includes materials + infused drink)

🎸 80s Last Stand Live at District 121
All your favorite 80s hits, big energy, and glow batons for the kids. Bring a chair, bring the crew, and get ready to rock like it’s 1985.
District 121, 6731 Alma Rd 7:30–9:30PM (Free)

🎙️ Scott Sean White Live at The Rook
An intimate night of songs and stories with Scott Sean White, joined by guitarist Rocky Gribble and opening set from Grayson Laster. One of those sit-down-and-listen kind of shows.
The Rook, 7:30PM (Free)

🎸 The Rockmollys Live at the Masonic
Classic rock and pop hits from seasoned pros who’ve shared stages with Don Henley, The Jacksons, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Big repertoire, tight sound, and crowd-pleasing energy all night.
Harvest at the Masonic, 215 N Kentucky St 7:30–11PM (Free)

🎶 The Coveralls Live at The Lion & Crown
High-energy cover band playing crowd favorites and party hits all night. Expect a packed dance floor and a weekend kickoff that covers all the bases.
The Lion & Crown McKinney, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy 9PM–1AM (Free)

🤠 Dallas Country Music & Arts Festival
Big-name country artists, a full arts & crafts market, farmers market, and Texas food & drinks all in one spot. Come for the vibes, stay for the live music.
Myers Park, McKinney, March 28–29 | Free entry & parking | Concert tickets from $7

🎸 Joey Love Live at Zin Zen
Blues, rock, reggae, and soul from a Texas scene veteran with 35+ years on stage. Shared bills with legends like Etta James and brings that same seasoned energy to every set.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro 8–11PM (Free)

🎸 High Octane Live at The Lion & Crown
Arena rock vibes with big vocals, killer riffs, and nonstop energy. This one goes loud, late, and all-out - ready to rock and roll all night in McKinney’s newest English pub that just opened last week.
The Lion & Crown McKinney, 7951 Collin McKinney Pkwy 8PM–1AM (Free)

🤠 Dallas Country Music & Arts Festival
Big-name country artists, a full arts & crafts market, farmers market, and Texas food & drinks all in one spot. Come for the vibes, stay for the live music.
Myers Park, McKinney, March 28–29 | Free entry & parking | Concert tickets from $7

Fri: 🌥️ Cooler with clouds & a spotty shower, high 70°F
Sat: 🌤️ Partly sunny & cooler, high 63°F
Sun: ☀️ Sunny, warmer & breezy, high 84°F

Good job Joan K.! Already referred 2 friends to the newsletter - major shoutout.

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!