Jan. 17 Go to an improv show: The Almost Legendary Improv Jam at the Sanctuary Music & Events features a mix of live music and comedy. Rick’s Chophouse will offer a full bar and food at the event. There is a two-drink minimum for attendees. 7 p.m (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $18 (advance), $20 (door). The Sanctuary Music & Events, 6633 Virginia Parkway, McKinney. 972-540-9293. www.thesanctuarymckinney.com.
Jan. 18 Attend a bridal show: McKinney Bridal Show will have vendors for everything from wedding cakes to venues. There will be 45 exhibitors at the event, and there will be a bridal fashion show at noon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 (advance), $10 (door). McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. 972-547-2650. www.mckinneytexas.org/1781/Bridal-Show
Jan. 18 Enjoy a five-course meal: The Wintry Tuscan Favorites pop-up dinner brings unique Italian food to McKinney. The ticket price includes an appetizer, soup, salad, main course and dessert. Email [email protected] for reservations. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $75. Hugs Cafe, 224 E. Virginia St., McKinney. 469-301-6900. No website available.
Jan. 18 Learn to cook a gourmet meal: Join the folks at KitchenWares to learn to cook a seafood dish. The class includes a cocktail. $55 (per person). 6:30-8 p.m. KitchenWares, 213 E. Louisiana St., McKinney. 469-919-2433. www.facebook.com/events/1036234460052029/
Jan. 19 and 28 Make a bowl from scratch: Learn from local artists how to create bowls from clay for the Empty Bowls McKinney 2020 event, which raises money for Community Lifeline Center of McKinney hunger programs. Children 12 and older are welcome but must be accompanied by parent or guardian. 6:30-8 p.m. $20. Jan. 19: Jump into Art, 404 N. Church St., McKinney. Jan. 28: Cornerstone Ranch, 3933 CR 317, McKinney. 469-424-1887. www.emptybowlsmckinney.com
Jan. 21 Paint a portrait of your pet: Painting with a Twist is holding a special Paint Your Pet class, benefiting the no-kill animal shelter Operation Kindness. Half of all proceeds from the event will go to the shelter. Participants will send a photo of their pet before the event, and artists will sketch the photo for the participant to paint. Participants 21 and older may bring alcohol. Price includes art supplies and a canvas. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $60. Painting with a Twist, 3201 S. Hardin Blvd., Ste. 204, McKinney. 972-542-1883. www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/mckinney
Jan. 25 Learn to garden: Interested in gardening? Join experts at the fourth annual Newcomers Guide to Gardening in North Texas event to learn how to start a garden. Participants are asked to register online before the event. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. McKinney ISD Community Event Center, 4201 Hardin Blvd., McKinney. 972-547-7335. www.mckinneytexas.org/1859/Newcomer-Gardening
Jan. 30 Enjoy live jazz music: James Morrison, a jazz musician, will perform at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The Texins Jazz Band and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Jazz Band join Morrison to put on the concert. 8-9:30 p.m. $28 (adults), $25 (seniors), $20 (children and students). McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. 972-547-2650. www.mckinneytexas.org
Jan. 31 Watch a Sinatra tribute: Dave Halston brings Frank Sinatra’s hits to McKinney. Sit back and enjoy Halston’s take on some of Sinatra’s most iconic songs. 8-9:30 p.m. $33 (adults), $28 (seniors and students). McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. 972-547-2650. www.mckinneytexas.org
Feb. 1 Make a one-of-a-kind Valentine: Local animal artist Leslee Ortega will teach a class on how to make unique Valentines from art supplies and everyday pantry items, featuring the Ursus americanus, an endangered type of black bear, on the card. Participants have to be 12 years old or older and must preregister. 3-5 p.m. $45 (nonmembers), $40 (members). 972-562-5566. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. 972-562-5566. www.heardmuseum.org/artscience#valentine
