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Annual Events in McKinney

Looking for the best annual events in McKinney, Texas? Throughout the year, McKinney hosts award-winning festivals, live music events, sporting championships, holiday celebrations, food festivals, and family-friendly traditions that attract visitors from across North Texas and beyond. Whether you're planning a spring weekend getaway, a summer vacation, or a festive holiday trip, you'll find signature events happening in Historic Downtown McKinney and throughout the city. To view all events, visit the events calendar.

Couple kissing under the lights at a wedding

McKinney Bridal Show

Discover everything you need to plan your perfect wedding at the McKinney Bridal Show, an annual event connecting couples with some of the area's top wedding professionals. From venues and caterers to florists, photographers, DJs, beauty experts, and bridal services, the show provides inspiration, ideas, and resources for every stage of wedding planning in North Texas.

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Arts in Bloom

Celebrate creativity at Arts in Bloom, McKinney's premier fine arts festival held in Historic Downtown McKinney each spring. Visitors can browse works from talented artists across the country, enjoy live music and entertainment, experience interactive art activities for all ages, and explore local boutiques, restaurants, and cafés in one of North Texas' most charming downtown districts.

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Crowd sitting in lawn chairs in front of a stage at night listening to live music

Texas Music Revolution 

Experience one of North Texas' most celebrated music festivals at Texas Music Revolution. This annual event fills Historic Downtown McKinney with live performances from acclaimed Texas Country, Americana, Red Dirt, and emerging artists across multiple stages. Spend the weekend enjoying great music, local restaurants, unique shopping, and McKinney's vibrant downtown atmosphere.

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Drum Corps International

Experience the excitement of world-class marching music at Drum Corps International (DCI), where elite drum and bugle corps from across the country perform in an unforgettable showcase of musical excellence, precision, and athleticism. This premier summer event features breathtaking performances by talented musicians and color guard members.

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Three children dressed in Halloween costumes with trick or treat bags for candy

Trick or Treat Trail

In town for Halloween? Celebrate at the Trick or Treat Trail, one of McKinney's favorite family-friendly fall traditions held at Towne Lake Park. This annual Halloween event invites children and families to enjoy a festive trail filled with trick-or-treating stations, creative costumes, seasonal activities, entertainment, and plenty of spooky fun in a safe outdoor setting.

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McKinney Parade of Lights

Experience one of McKinney's most beloved holiday traditions at the Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights. Brightly decorated floats, marching bands, community groups, and festive performances fill Historic Downtown McKinney with holiday cheer, making this annual parade a favorite event for families throughout North Texas.

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Couple dressed up in mardi gras attire holding their two dogs

Krewe of Barkus

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a wagging tail at Krewe of Barkus, McKinney's annual dog-friendly festival and parade that brings pets, families, and the community together for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Inspired by traditional Mardi Gras festivities, this beloved event features costumed dogs, creative floats, a lively parade, pet-friendly activities, and plenty of fun.

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THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Watch world-class golf as THE CJ Cup Byron Nelson brings many of the PGA TOUR's top players to McKinney each spring. Spectators can experience championship golf, family-friendly activities, premium hospitality, and exciting tournament action while enjoying one of the region's premier sporting events. This event, held at TPC Craig Ranch is a can't-miss weekend in McKinney!

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Red, White, & BOOM!

Celebrate Independence Day at Red, White & BOOM!, McKinney's annual Fourth of July celebration. Festivities include a hometown parade, live entertainment, family activities, delicious food vendors, and an unforgettable fireworks display that lights up the North Texas sky. It's one of McKinney's favorite summer traditions for residents and visitors alike so don your festive attire and head to McKinney for this patriotic event.

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Oktoberfest

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Germany at McKinney Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown McKinney. Inspired by traditional Bavarian festivals, this annual celebration features authentic German food, craft beer, live music, dancing, family-friendly activities, and local shopping throughout the beautifully preserved downtown square.

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Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays is McKinney’s signature Thanksgiving weekend celebration, bringing festive traditions, seasonal entertainment, and small-town charm to Historic Downtown. Enjoy a walkable holiday experience filled with twinkling lights, live music, family-friendly activities, and meaningful community moments that kick off the season.

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Football players on a turf field in a stadium with cheerleaders running with flags across the field

NCAA DII Football Championship

Experience championship-level college football when McKinney hosts the NCAA Division II Football Championship, the national title game where the top two Division II teams compete for the ultimate prize. Each December, student-athletes, coaches, families, alumni, and fans from across the country gather in McKinney for an exciting weekend of football.

Learn More About the DII Football Championship