CALLING ALL SHUTTERBUGS!

Here at Visit McKinney, we're in the process of developing a new website and for that, we need some awesome new photos. Where better to turn than to the amazing photographers we have living in our community ... and those who have traveled here and think McKinney is as photogenic as we do? We encourage you to submit photos to our "McKinney Love" photo contest showing your family and friends enjoying time in McKinney - dining out, exploring the great outdoors, shopping, and more, making sure to use masks when social distancing isn't possible. (Photos with masks are encouraged.) What'll you win? You'll get bragging rights on our website photos and some fun McKinney swag, too! We'll also use photos from the contest for other marketing efforts promoting our city. Please visit our contest page for details and for the Terms & Conditions. 

LIVE MUSIC BY THE KINGSMEN

Presented by Legacy Keepers of East McKinney

McKINNEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 111 N. Tennessee

In celebration of Black History Month, enjoy a live band in downtown McKinney on the grounds of the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The Kingsmen, along with friends, will perform gospel, jazz, and blues! This program is presented by Legacy Keepers of East McKinney.

FREE | SATURDAY, 2-4 p.m.

NATURE WALK & NIGHT HIKE

ERWIN PARK | 4300 CR 1006

Join the Parks and Recreation staff on two different guided nature trail walks - one in the morning and one at night when attendees will be looking for nocturnal critters. Attendees 10 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Register online for both the morning walk and the night hike.

FREE | Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Bakery Shoppe

THE TREEHOUSE AT CRAIG RANCH | 7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy.
Treat your kids to hands-on pasty decorating plus an "Aladdin" movie night at this week's sweet, baking-themed Parents' Night Out. Dinner is included. Register online. Members and non-members welcome. Reservations required by noon Friday, Feb. 26. Call 214-383-1030 or send an email to youthcenter@craigranchfitness.com to register!

$30-40 | Friday, 5-9 p.m.

MILLHOUSE WINTER ARTFEST

McKINNEY COTTON MILL | 610 Elm St.
Explore juried art by local artisans showcased against the grandeur of century-old architecture. Featured artists offer acrylic, oil, watercolor, pottery, jewelry, and more. Enjoy food and drinks by Rye McKinney, Pit Pals BBQ, Crunchies, and Empanada Cookhouse. Masks are required and the venue is big enough to allow for social distancing. Proceeds benefit the MillHouse Foundation to support small business women in creative fields. 

FREE | Saturday-Sunday, Noon-6 p.m.

CIAO BELLA

Exhibit by Artist Robin Maria Pedrero

THE COVE McKINNEY | 402 N. Tennessee
The beautiful abstracts of Robin Maria Pedrero carry hints of her Italian heritage with emotive colors and captivating texture. Pedrero creates artworks using oil, acrylic, mixed media, and collage. Kindly wear your mask, use hand hygiene products provided, and observe social distancing from patrons who are not in your party.

FREE | Friday-Saturday, 5-8 p.m.

HERITAGE VILLAGE TOURS

CHESTNUT SQUARE HERITAGE VILLAGE | 315 S. Chestnut St.

If you haven't toured Chestnut Square, it is a "must" to add to your list of things to see and do in McKinney. There is so much rich history in this collection of homes that hold many fascinating stories of the area's early families and give a glimpse into how they lived. Stroll the lovely grounds and tour the interior of four of the historic sites with a guided docent. Tours are suitable for school-aged children and adults and can be modified to pique the interest of those in your group. Tours are approximately one hour long. All tours start at the Chestnut Square Visitors Center on the south end of the village. 

$7-10 | Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m.

THE WILDER BLUE DINNER & CONCERT

LOCAL YOCAL EVENT VENUE | 207 E. Davis St.

This dinner and concert event feature live music by The Wilder Blue. Tickets are available for tables for two and four people and include dinner, open bar, dessert, and gratuity along with the concert as you dine. Reserve tables online.

$120 per person | Friday-Saturday, 6-11 p.m.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Presented by Jeff Jensen

THE LAST ART GALLERY | 105 W. Louisiana

Jeffrey K. Jensen, president of the Southwestern Watercolor Society and a 38-year veteran of the design industry, has a passion for architecture and the built environment has fueled his 45-year love affair of trying to capture the very essence and mood of a “place” on paper or canvas. During this two-day workshop, he will share his process, materials, and painting techniques. If time and weather permits, a plein air demonstration/outing is planned in Historic Downtown McKinney. Participation is limited to 10 students of all levels. Register and find required supplies online.

$180 | Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

I WANT THE WIDE AMERICAN EARTH

A Smithsonian Exhibit

CHESTNUT SQUARE | 315 S. Chestnut

To complement the Heard-Craig Center for the Art's Asian Collection and in commemoration of Asian Pacific-American heritage, “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” will be exhibited free to the public through April 23, 2021. The exhibit tells the rich and complex stories of the very first Asian immigrants, including participation in key moments in American history. Exhibit visitors receive a free downloadable e-book that was produced in collaboration with the creators of the first-ever Asian Pacific-American comics anthology. Featuring work by seven comic artists, the book is an illustrated adaptation of the exhibition. Reserve tickets and time slots online to assist in limiting the number of attendees at one time in the house. Masks are required while inside the house.

FREE | Tour Times Vary

BINGO NIGHT

In the Taproom

TUPPS BREWERY | 721 Anderson
Bring your family and friends to play BINGO in the taproom at TUPPS Brewery! All ages welcome. Free to play with TUPPS swag for the lucky winners.

FREE | Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

ZIPLINE DAY

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM | 1 Nature Place
Join us for an exciting outdoor adventure on the Heard Museum's Ropes Course! During Zipline Days, guests climb a 23-foot tree to a zip platform then proceed to a 487-foot zipline. Purchase one ticket per time you want to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required; reserve your space online. Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts over the age of 10. 

$12 per zip line trip | Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

FOUNDING FIVE EXHIBIT

The Presidents Who Brought Forth a New Nation

THE MARTIN PLACE | 1799 N. Graves St.
In celebrations of President's Day this month, visit The Martin Place to view Brian J. Magnuson's newest exhibition of exquisite large graphite and colored pencil portraits of the five founding fathers who became presidents of our great nation, leading the original 13 colonies into becoming the United States of America. This show follows Magnuson's highly successful "Eight Dark Days: The Presidents Who Died in Office." 

FREE | Monday-Saturday, 1-3 p.m. or by appointment

WEEKEND FULL OF LAUGHS!

THE COMEDY ARENA | 305 E. Virginia

The Comedy Arena has several events scheduled this week. Reserve your table for two or four people online. 

• Billy McFarland (Thurs.-Sat., 8-9 p.m.):  $20-30.
• The Unprecedented Improv Comedy Show (Fri.-Sat., 7-8 p.m.):  $40-60.
• The Family-Friendly Matinee Comedy Show (Sat.-Sun., 2-3 p.m.): $20-30.
• Live Music with Rory Payne (Sat., 10 p.m.): Free.

Admission price based on table size | Thursday-Sunday, times vary

CULTURAL DISTRICT EVENTS

DOWNTOWN McKINNEY | Various Locations

If you're looking for fun things to do in Downtown McKinney's Cultural District - live music, classes, show auditions, special in-store events, and more, check out the district's special calendar website where downtown merchants and business owners submit events they are holding for locals and guests. Upcoming events this week include live music and a special exhibit at the beautiful Heard-Craig Center for the Arts. (Click the image at left to access the calendar.)

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Check with your favorite spot to find out who is performing and when. Please check out the McKinney Music Live and McKinney Musician Relief Fund Facebook pages for live and virtual performances. Below are locations offering live music. Check their websites and Facebook pages for details.

• Barn Hill Vineyards: Two Tons of Steel with Ryan Glenn, $19-40 (shown, Fri.); American Petty - Tom Petty Tribute Band (Sat.)
• Cadillac Pizza Pub: Ashmore Acoustic Duo (Fri.); Zack King Band (Sat.)
• Cocktail Creamery: Live music weekend nights
• E.J. Wills Gastropub: Open Mic Night Every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.; live music Wednesdays 7-10 p.m. 
• Guitars & Growlers: Singer/Songwriter Night (Tues.)
• Lone Star Wine Cellars: Mike Allyn (Fri.); Roger Escobedo (Sat.); John Pecoraro (Sun.)
• TUPPS Brewery: Duane Bates (Fri.,7 p.m.); Todd Stewart (Sat., 1-4 p.m.); Blake Burrow (Sat., 7-10 p.m.)
• Zin Zen Wine Bistro: Luqman Rashada (Thurs., 7 p.m.); The 3 Amigos (Fri., 8 p.m.); Darwin Martin (Sat., 8 p.m.)

Other Nightlife at Downtown McKinney's Chestnut Commons Area on East Virginia St.

• Arcade 92
• En Fuego Cigar Bar & Lounge
• Amore Lounge Cafe' & Hookah Bar