Get your Shark Tank pitch ready, because the McKinney Economic Development Corporation is launching the McKinney Innovation Exchange, a new 6,000-sqft hub designed to help startups grow, attract investment, and scale right here in North Texas. The space, located in District 121, is expected to open later this year.

Since 2020, McKinney’s Innovation Fund has supported more than 50 startups. Collectively, local startups have raised over $40 million in capital and now carry a combined valuation north of $455 million.

The new Innovation Exchange expands that model beyond grants. It will bring founders, investors, corporate partners, and mentors together under one roof - creating a connected ecosystem from early-stage ideas to scale-up companies.

(Sources: Dallas Business Journal; Expansion Solutions Magazine)

🎨 Arts in Bloom Festival
A three-day spring celebration of wine, art, live music, and downtown charm - featuring 120+ juried artists, Texas wineries, and performances from jazz to country.
Historic Downtown McKinney, April 10 - April 12 (Free).

⛳ THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
The PGA Tour returns to McKinney for a full week of championship golf and big-tournament energy. Day passes available too.
TPC Craig Ranch, May 18 - May 24 (Grounds tickets from $50).

City Council approved the extension Collin McKinney Parkway between Hardin Blvd and McKinney Ranch Pkwy/SH-121, with construction expected in early 2026. The project is to prevent future traffic headaches by improving east-west flow in McKinney’s fast-growing areas. Source: Community Impact / City of McKinney

McKinney’s total budget for FY2025-26 increased to $942.4M - up 6.1% from last year. Property tax revenue is also rising, but the overall property tax rate actually dropped to 0.412284 per $100 valuation, marking a third straight year of decreases. Growth is driving revenue, not higher rates. Source: City of McKinney

McKinney’s Home Recognition Program (est. 2008) honors 12 homes each year for standout exterior improvements, and the 2027 calendar will spotlight Legacy Neighborhoods east of Highway 5, highlighting historic Black and Hispanic communities in East McKinney. Nominations close March 15. Source: City of McKinney

🎨 Come Clay With Me - One-Time Pottery Wheel Class
Try your hand at wheel throwing in this beginner-friendly pottery session where you’ll create two clay pieces and choose your own glaze.
McKinney Art House, 4:30PM - 6:30PM ($80 per person).

🔥 Family Campout
Experience Texas wildlife after hours with team activities, s’mores, and an overnight adventure at the Heard.
Heard Natural Science Museum, 5PM - 8:30AM ($24 child / $29 adult, reservations required).

🥕 McKinney Farmers Market - Winter Hours
Shop local produce, grass-fed meats, tamales, pastries, woodwork and candles at Texas’ #1 farmers market. Knife sharpening is happening too!
Chestnut Square, 9AM - 12PM (Free).

🎉 Stretch Zone McKinney Grand Opening
Meet the team, tour the studio, and learn how practitioner-assisted stretching can help you move better every day.
Stretch Zone McKinney, 10AM - 1PM (Free).

🛍️ Downtown McKinney Sidewalk Sale
Local vendors line the sidewalks of Historic Downtown with deals, gifts, fashion, and treats.
Historic Downtown McKinney, 11AM - 5PM (Free).

♟️ Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages)
Meet fellow chess lovers for casual play in a relaxed, all-skill-level environment.
John and Judy Gay Library, 11AM - 1PM (Free).

🧸 Downtown McKinney Onesie Bar Crawl
Start at TUPPS and make your way through downtown bars that serve TUPPS, in your best onesie - prizes and giveaways included.
TUPPS Brewery & downtown bars, 1PM - 6PM (your own tab, 21+).

🖼️ Glass & Mosaics Workshop
Learn to design, cut, and grout your own glass mosaic piece in this hands-on studio class.
Jump Into Art Studios, 10AM - 4PM ($88, ages 14+)

🏊 Peak Triathlon - Race to the Peak
Bike, run, and swim your way through this indoor triathlon challenge and walk away with a medal - or a sweaty shirt & burned calories.
APEX Centre, 11AM - 1PM ($30 members / $42 non-members, ages 13+)

🍹 National Margarita Day at Stix Icehouse
Celebrate with $5 frozen margaritas and half-price chili all day long.
The Stix Icehouse, (Drink specials all day)

🎷 Jazz & The Great American Songbook
Tony Stride and Matthew Banks bring classic jazz standards to life in this evening of swing and songbook favorites.
Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, 6PM - 8PM.

🎸 The Mixtape Memoirs
High-energy throwback hits live at one of McKinney’s favorite breweries.
TUPPS Brewery, 7PM.

🎤 Love Handle Live at Harvest at the Masonic
A four-piece rock band playing classic hits from Billy Joel to ZZ Top with downtown skyline views.
Harvest at the Masonic, 7:30PM - 11PM.

🎶 The Day Job Refugees - Live at Barons Creek Vineyards
Enjoy 70s soft rock and more while sipping Texas wine in Historic Downtown.
Barons Creek Vineyards Tasting Room McKinney, 5:30PM.

🎤 Isaac Hoskins - Live at The Rook
Texas singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins blends small-town storytelling with big-stage experience. Original songs and live shows that carry a rugged, lived-in energy.
The Rook, 7PM.

🎸 Nick Knirk Trio - Live at Zin Zen
Jazz and gypsy jazz guitar in the Adriatica Village setting with an accomplished DFW guitarist.
Zin Zen Wine Bistro, 8PM - 11PM.

Fri: 🌤️ Pleasant with sun & clouds, high 66°F
Sat: 🌬️ Mostly sunny & windier, high 63°F
Sun: 🌤️ Partly sunny & cooler, high 59°F

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