North Texans have a new reason to head west. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park officially opened March 1, becoming the first new state park in the region in more than 25 years. The 4,871-acre park sits between DFW and Abilene - close enough for a spontaneous Saturday, but far enough to feel like an actual escape.

The landscape looks very different from Collin County’s flat stretches. Think rolling hills, Cross Timbers forests, and 16+ miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. At the center is 90-acre Tucker Lake, where visitors can fish, paddle, and swim. Motorboats are not allowed, keeping the setting quiet and low-key. RV sites, tent camping, equestrian campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds make overnight trips easy.

With Spring Break around the corner, heavy crowds are expected - so reserving a day pass in advance is a smart move. Official grand opening fest TBA. (Source: Local Profile)

🎪 Crazy Days in May Quilt Expo
One of the nation’s largest collections of Crazy Quilts - bold, intricate masterpieces crafted between the 1870s and 1920s, each stitched with history and storytelling.

🧵 VIP Preview & Private Reception - May 22, 6-8PM ($50)
Private reception with cocktails, rare quilts not shown in the main exhibit, and first opportunity to purchase select pieces.

🪡 Public Expo - May 23-24, 10AM-4PM ($25).*

Location: Chestnut Square.

Voice your opinion on McKinney’s growth and design in this conference focused on smart growth and strengthening the local economy. Open to residents, HOAs, and neighborhood associations. Registration required.
MISD Community Event Center (4201 S Hardin Blvd), Saturday 9:45AM-1PM (Free).

McKinney City Council passed a new rule saying that homes rented out for short stays (like on Airbnb or Vrbo) must register with the city every year. The goal is to help the city know which homes are being used as short-term rentals and make sure they are paying the required hotel taxes. City leaders also say the system will make it easier to deal with issues like noise, trash, or too many cars in residential neighborhoods. (Source: McKinney City Council Regular Meeting, March 3)

🎨 Public Art Tour
Free guided walking tour through Historic Downtown exploring murals, sculptures, and other public art while learning the stories behind the artists and the pieces.
Visit McKinney Visitor Center (200 W Virginia), 11AM-12PM (Free).

🔥 Campfire Night - RCTL
Learn how to start a campfire, then roast hot dogs and s’mores while enjoying yard games, board games, and music in a relaxed family-friendly setting.
Recreation Center at Towne Lake, 6-8PM ($5 residents / $10 non-residents).

🛍️ First Friday Market & Music
Browse local vendors and handmade goods while enjoying live ’80s hits from The Last Stand Band in a lively outdoor market setting. Food and snacks available from The Common Table.
District 121 (6731 Alma Rd), 7:30-9:30PM (Free).

♟️ Intro to Chess
USCF Candidate Master Vishnu Warrier leads a beginner-friendly workshop covering chess rules, opening principles, tactics, and strategy, with hands-on practice and time for questions.
John and Judy Gay Library, 10-11AM (Registration required).

🐐 Goat Yoga
Stretch, balance, and laugh your way through a yoga session alongside friendly goats in a relaxed brewery setting. Expect plenty of “baaahs,” photo moments, and good vibes.
TUPPS Brewery, 10:30AM.

🎨 Dallas Festival of Colors - Holi Mela (16th Annual)
A full day of color blasts, cultural dance performances, live DJ and dhol, street food, vendor bazaar, and nonstop dancing as the Festival of Colors moves to its new home in McKinney. Kids under 10 enter free.
Myers Park & Event Center, 11AM-5PM (Parking $10, ticketed event).

🎉 Small Business Silos Grand Opening Celebration
TUPPS Brewery unveils its new silo spaces featuring local makers including Rolling Cigars, Peridot Plant Co., Hotel Ugly Metal, Fields of Fidelis, and more - handcrafted goods, plants, skincare, and small-batch favorites all in one spot.
TUPPS Brewery (402 E Louisiana St), 12-7PM.

🐸 Frog Night Hike
Learn fun frog facts, hear local breeding calls, and head out on the trail to listen for real frog and toad activity at the Heard. Great for curious kids and adults alike.
Heard Natural Science Museum, 6:30PM ($12 members / $14 non-members, ages 3+).

🪴 Plant Bingo
A cozy afternoon of bingo, plants, and good vibes where every guest goes home with a plant. Drinks and food available for purchase, with prize plants throughout the event.
TUPPS Brewery, 1-3PM (Ticketed).

🎸 Patrick Pombuena Band
Arlington-based multi-instrumentalist and sax powerhouse leading a high-energy live set - expect everything from soulful grooves to dance-ready crowd favorites. Frontman of the Patrick Pombuena Community Orchestra and active across the DFW scene.
Harvest at the Masonic, 7-10PM.

🎸 Zin Zen Live Music Featuring The Skinny Bishop
McKinney-based band covering favorite hits from the 60s to today - rich three-part harmonies, electric guitar solos, and a mix of modern and classic pop.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 8-11PM (Reservations + open seating).

🎷 McKinney Jazz Showcase
An afternoon of live jazz on the CUTX Outdoor Stage with food, beer, wine, and cocktails - plus the Small Business Silos Grand Opening happening during the event. Family-friendly and free to attend.
TUPPS Brewery, 4-7PM (Free).

🎸 Wade Bowen, Songbird Jones & Zach Pohl Live
Texas country favorite Wade Bowen headlines a night of live music joined by Songbird Jones and Pohl Blanco, blending originals, covers, and classic Texas storytelling.
The Rook, 7PM.

🎷 Barry & The Soulflakes
A band that adds soul to whatever they play - old school, new school, groove-heavy classics and feel-good favorites.
Harvest at the Masonic, 7-10PM.

🎸 The Rose Boys
High-energy rock covers and sing-along classics from The Rose Boys. Expect a lively Saturday night of familiar hits and crowd favorites.
The Brass Tap, 8PM.

🎸 Love Handle’s Debut at The Celt Irish PubN
High-energy cover band debuting at The Celt with a packed set of sing-along favorites, crowd banter, and a dance-floor-ready night of music.
The Celt Irish Pub, 9PM-12AM.

Fri: ⛈️ Storms likely with heavy rain possible, high 75°F
Sat: 🌧️ Periods of rain, some heavy, cooler, high 66°F
Sun: ☁️ Mostly cloudy with a chance of a morning shower, high 68°F

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