Summertime in McKinney is filled with memory-making opportunities to help you unwind and relax including a Texas music festival, a mural event, date night art classes, and a hometown patriotic parade and street fest, to name a few. Combine these with multiple Instagrammable murals, dining patios, hiking and biking spots, and other intriguing places to explore, and you have the perfect summer getaway destination for all ages.
McKinney: A Texas Music Friendly Community
27th Annual Texas Music Revolution (June 2–3) – More than 90 bands will perform during KHYI Radio’s 27th Annual Texas Music Revolution in Historic Downtown McKinney. Among this year’s headliners are Charlie Robison, Micky & The Motorcars, Two Tons of Steel, and others, including a special appearance by Texas music legend Robert Earl Keen! Ticket holders have full access to main stages featuring a combination of established Texas musicians and emerging artists. Stages can also be found in front of and inside more than 20 shops and eateries/wineries throughout McKinney’s downtown square, many of which are accessible to non-ticket holders.
Other outdoor concerts abound all summer at Hub 121 in McKinney’s Craig Ranch. Pick a place on the lawn or sit under the covered amphitheater to rock out on Friday and Saturday nights to some of the best bands in the area. You can also enjoy the live music while indulging in the delicious menu offerings at eateries adjacent to the amphitheater.
McKinney restaurants, wineries, and breweries throughout the city also offer weekly opportunities to enjoy a variety of live music.
Annual MillHouse MuralFest
Watch mural artists at work while enjoying live music, drinks, food, and children’s activities at the 2nd Annual MillHouse McKinney MuralFest June 3–4 at the Historic McKinney Cotton Mill. Bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch to enjoy a relaxed day watching and visiting with local artists at work. For the full experience, purchase a VIP ticket that includes a pre-event artists’ reception, commemorative swag, and 20 food/beverage tickets. Children will enjoy creating their own art in the kids’ tent, too.
MillHouse also hosts an Indoor ArtFest of juried pieces by local artists the weekend of August 26–27.
Create your own works of art during date night classes at multiple art studios in McKinney including Jump Into Art Studios, Glaze Ceramic Studio, The LAST Art Gallery, or Mila Delfin.
Red, White, & Boom – July 4
McKinney’s July 4th parade is one of the largest in the area, bringing young and old alike to the Historic Downtown square for an all-American celebration. Come early for breakfast at one of the square’s eateries, then stay after the parade for the Yankee Doodle Block Party featuring games and other family-friendly fun.
Outdoor Summer Fun in McKinney
Commune with nature as you explore almost seven miles of nature trails through various habitats at the 289-acre Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Take part in guided bird walks, night hikes, canoe adventures, and a zip-line, and visit the kid-sized pioneer village and the Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden, opening for the summer on May 27.
Unwind at McKinney’s many parks including Bonnie Wenk Park with its playgrounds and dog park or Towne Lake Recreation Park with its nature trail, kayaking area, and disc golf. If you’re into extreme biking, try out the skills area and trails at Erwin Park. And if you’re crazy about pickleball, drop in for a game or two at The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park or the courts at Finch Park.
McKinney’s Cultural District
Indulge in retail therapy during a shopping excursion in Historic Downtown McKinney’s Cultural District. Then satisfy your craving for a tasty treat (popcorn, handmade chocolate, or ice cream, anyone?) or some of the best locally-sourced cuisine in the area at more than 20 eateries, pubs, coffee shops, and wineries. If you’re seeking laughs and other amusements, check out Arcade 92 for games from the 1970s to today, a show at the Comedy Arena, or test your axe throwing skills at Horse’s Axe (opening this summer).
McKinney’s Cultural District is also home to three museums including Chestnut Square Heritage Village with its Saturday morning farmers market and tours of the village’s buildings; a just-launched new exhibit at the Collin County History Museum; and the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts with tours of the beautiful house and its vast art collection. Free historic and public art walking tours are also available a few times each month.
Check out these McKinney activities and more when planning your summer getaway with our website trip planner!
