January
Jan.-March | Shop local
Head downtown every Saturday to McKinney’s Chestnut Square Farmers Market and browse vendors selling homemade items, artisan baked goods, fresh foods and more.
- Free entry. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Chestnut Square, 315 S. Chestnut St., McKinney.
- 972-562-8790. www.chestnutsquare.org/about-farmers
Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite drink in ice cream form at Cocktail Creamery while listening to live music performances every Friday.
- 7 p.m. Free admission.
- Cocktail Creamery, 214 E. Louisiana St., McKinney.
- 508-446-7103. https://cocktailcreamery.com/.
Jump Into Art Studios will guide participants through creating their own Junque Journal from scratch, down to the paper and binding the pages. Supplies are provided, but attendees can bring anything they want to include in the journal.
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $125.
- Jump into Art Studios, 404 N. Church St., McKinney.
- 214-937-9153. www.visitmckinney.com/events.
Feb. 3 | Support local art
Kick off Black History Month by supporting artists from the McKinney and North Texas area at The McKinney Black History Month Art Show and Exhibit. Winning artists will receive a cash prize.
- 7-9 p.m. Free.
- McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
- 972-547-2650. www.mckinneybhm.com/art-show.html.
Attend the Greater Frisco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America’s Black History Celebration, and learn about the contributions from young Black Americans of history and today. The event includes a living history interactive museum and a presentation on the importance of dance in African American culture. Suited for all ages.
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
- Collin College McKinney Campus, 2400 Community Ave., McKinney.
- 972-548-6790. https://tinyurl.com/mrvwm2n514.
Take a special someone to Lone Star Wine’s Premium Wine and Chocolate Tasting event. Go on a guided tour of several wine and chocolate pairings.
- 7-8:30 p.m. $42 (per person).
- Lone Star Wine Cellars, 103 E. Virginia St., McKinney.
- 972-547-9463. https://tinyurl.com/yv8t6wh8.
Children ages 3-5 can learn ways to understand the world around them through storytelling at a Little Explorers event every Tuesday morning at the John and Judy Gay Library. By using interactive stories and songs, children can learn about STEM concepts in a storybook setting.
- 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free.
- 6861 W. Eldorado Parkway, McKinney.
- https://tinyurl.com/377u9wdv.
Party people 21 years old or older can head to The Sanctuary for the 1970s Soul Train Party to celebrate Black history and culture. Dress in a classic ‘70s dance outfit, and enjoy photos and food.
- 7-10 p.m. $50.
- The Sanctuary, 6633 Virginia Parkway, Ste. 102, McKinney.
- 972-540-9293. https://tinyurl.com/bdcvuyv8.
Dog lovers can attend the 21st annual Krewe of Barkus, a downtown McKinney Mardi Gras dog parade. Dress your dog up for this year’s theme, “Unleash your Superhero,” and see if they win one of the best costume categories.
- 12:30 p.m. (check-in), 2-4 p.m. (parade). Free.
- Dr. Glen Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St., McKinney.
- 972-547-2660. https://tinyurl.com/barkusmck
Bring home a homemade bowl after attending an Empty Bowls McKinney ceramic class hosted at Jump into Art Studios.
- Times vary. $40.
- Jump Into Art Studios, 404 N. Church St., McKinney.
- 214-937-9153. https://tinyurl.com/mckbowls.
