VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS IN McKINNEY

Are you looking for something romantic to do with your Valentine? Do you want to treat that special someone to a mini-getaway with a great meal and a shopping trip? Check out this week's blog for all kinds of ideas including spa specials, ballroom dance classes, a chocolatier experience, and more! (We'll add to the blog as we find more.)

CARRIE: THE MUSICAL

McKINNEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 111 N. Tennessee

This teenage rock musical, derived from Stephen King's novel, Carrie, is being presented by McKinney's Ovation Academy of Performing Arts. Teenage outcast Carrie White longs to fit in, is bullied by the popular crowd, and is virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's dominated by her loving but cruelly-controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. Thursday-Friday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

$13-17 | Thursday-Saturday, See times above

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: SLIME TIME

THE TREEHOUSE AT CRAIG RANCH | 7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy.
This week's Parents' Night Out gets gooey with slime crafts! Besides squishy crafts, kids will share dinner and watch Disney's "Mulan" together! RSVP online. Members and non-members are welcome. Reservations required by noon Friday, Jan. 29. Contact 214-383-1030 or treehouse@craigranchfitness.com for more information!

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

DINOSAURS LIVE!

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY | 1 Nature Place

Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the nature trails at the 15th Annual Dinosaurs Live! The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! Photo op and play area dinosaurs will be available as well. This year, the exhibit also features an outdoor fossil dig. The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller-friendly; it is not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs. Through February 15. (Photo courtesy of andy1hcky.)

Please note that The Heard is unable to animate the dinosaurs when temperatures are below 35 degrees.

Included w/admission | Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

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 include lots of live music, an Intro to Knitting class at McKinney Knittery, a collaborative art exhibit/discussion, and an art history talk about Egypt's Queen Nefertari. (Click the image at left to access website calendar.)

CROSSROADS ART SERIES

McKINNEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 111 N. Tennessee

Flourish Community-Based Initiatives presents an evening Where Art Interacts with the Community. An art exhibit from local artists is paired with dialogue and discussion to help bridge the gap.

$5 | Friday, 7-10 p.m.

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: Heart & Soul Huey Lewis cover band (Fri.-Sat.); get tickets online - starting at $19
• Cadillac Pizza Pub: Mark Alan Unplugged (Fri.); 380 Acoustics (shown, Sat.)
• Cocktail Creamery: Buzz Andrews Band (Fri.)
• 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: Roger Escobedo (Fri.); Tony Bakly (Sat.); Eunice Choi (Sun.)
• TUPPS Brewery: Live Music (Fri./Sat., 7-10 p.m. and Sat., 1-4 p.m.)
• Zin Zen Wine Bistro:  (7-10 p.m.):  Acoustically Speaking (Thur.); The 3 Amigos (Fri.); Darwin Martin (Sat.)

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

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