And just like that, it’s February! Black History Month. Valentine’s Day. Mardi Gras. So many things to celebrate. Let’s have a look and see how we can honor all these occasions. Stay warm!
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
Black History Month Art Show
This month-long art exhibit at the McKinney Performing Arts Center celebrates the work of emerging and established BIPOC artists from the McKinney and Collin County areas and features an interactive NFT/virtual reality experience. Opening night details at the link. Free!
Dinosaurs Live!
Until February 20
Last few weeks to see the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Remember, the dinos aren’t turned on if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free.
Open Farm Days
Weekends
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
Theme Backpacks
Reminder that Plano libraries have backpacks that you can check out on all sorts of subjects: rain, friends, pets, dinosaurs, colors, etc. Each pack has books and an activity. Check the link for availabilities before you go. Free!
February 3 – 4
How to Eat Like a Child
A funny musical romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child (based on the book of the same name). The youth cast gives lessons in subjects like how to beg for a dog, how to torture your sister, how to act after being sent to your room, and how to laugh hysterically. Tickets from $18.
February 3 – 12, select dates
Little Women: The Broadway Musical
Fairview Youth Theatre presents this musical version of the classic (with a cast of 6th – 12th graders). The show is appropriate for all ages. Afternoon and evening showtimes available. Tickets $14, $20 for front row.
Note: NTPA has a whole bunch of productions this month. Browse the list to see if any others appeal to you!
February 4 – 5
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic!
See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more in a sensory adventure live on stage at The Star in Frisco. See link for bag policy. Tickets from $41.
February 11
Duck Derby
Duck Derby time at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium in Allen. Purchase your racing duck — a rubber ducky — from the Nat, decorate it, and return it for judging by February 10. Race takes place in the lazy river, and awards will be given to the fastest and best decorated ducks. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $10 per duck for members, $14 for non-members.
February 11
Plano Half Marathon
Run through the winding trails of the Oak Point Nature Preserve (5K, 10K, or half marathon). After your run, kick back and relax at Oak Point Ampitheater. Register at the link. 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
February 11
Trick-a-Trout
Introduce kids to fishing this morning in Frisco! Exclusively for ages 16 and under. Bring your own gear to the lake at Warren Sports Complex, which will be stocked with approximately 4,500 rainbow trout. Tips and additional info at the link. 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
February 11
Valentine Floral Arranging for Kids
Old Settler’s Rec Center in McKinney will host a workshop for ages six – 12 today. Kids will learn about seasonal flowers and construct their own arrangements. Register at the link. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents.
February 14 and 16
DINOStory Time
Kids of all ages are invited for dinosaur tales (plus stories about bugs and other critters) along with fun activity stations at The Dinosaur Company in Allen. See additional details at the link. Be sure to register in advance because these fill up. 10:00 a.m. Free!
February 17 – 19
Third Monday Trade Days
Every month, Southfork Ranch hosts more than 300 different vendors selling everything from clothing, antiques, hand-crafted items, furniture, foods, and more. Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free on Friday! $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Bring a pet-related donation for the local animal shelter to get free parking.
February 18
Mardi Pardi
Grandscape will host a Mardi Gras event for the whole family today with performances, crafts, pop-ups, Cajun food, a crawfish eating contest, and beads galore. See link for details on crawfish contest and VIP passes. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Prosper Fishing Derby
Come out to Frontier Park Pond in Prosper for the annual Prosper Fishing Derby. All you need is a pole, bait, and cooler. Prizes will be awarded in several categories by age group up to 14. No registration required. See link for all the fine print. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
February 18
Towne Lake Trout Derby
Fishing is HUGE this month. This annual McKinney fishing event has free hot dogs and refreshments, prizes for biggest fish and smallest fish, and a casting contest. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your own poles and bait for this one. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Zip Line Day
Visit the Heard to see their cool Magic Planet exhibit and hit up the zip line while you’re at it! Climb a 23-foot tree and zip down a 487-foot line. Purchase one ticket ($12 each) for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required.
February 19
Krewe of Barkus
The beloved annual dog parade returns to Historic Downtown McKinney. See the link for more details on prize categories, entering, and watching the show. This year’s theme is “Barkus Salutes the Good Dogs: Unleash Your Superheroes.” 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Parade at 2:00 p.m.). Free!
February 21
Mardi Gras in The Star District
Come out for the first ever Mardi Gras party at The Star. Don your beads and enjoy live music, all-day Fat Tuesday specials from participating restaurants, live music, photo ops with your krewe, and more. All day. Free!
February 22
Black History Month Movie Night
One more from The Star (in partnership with the Frisco Inclusion Committee): Come watch Soul outside in Tostitos Championship Plaza. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates! The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. with a jazz performance, soul-inspired bites, activations, and more. Showtime at 7:00 p.m. Free!
February 26 – 28
Divine Consign Spring 2022 Kids & Maternity Consignment Sale
Shop clothing, books, toys, baby equipment, and more. Check the link for hours and discount levels by day. NO KIDS on day one except infants in a body carrier and/or teens. Parking and admission are free!
Related: For tips on consigning your own stuff, check out 5 Steps to Prepping for a Consignment Sale Without Losing Your Mind.
- All Month
-
Black History Month Art Show
This month-long art exhibit at the McKinney Performing Arts Center celebrates the work of emerging and established BIPOC artists from the McKinney and Collin County areas and features an interactive NFT/virtual reality experience. Opening night details at the link. Free!
Dinosaurs Live!
Until February 20Last few weeks to see the animatronic dinosaurs at the Heard in McKinney. Remember, the dinos aren’t turned on if temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $12/adults, $9/ages three – 12. Kids ages two and under are free.
Open Farm Days
WeekendsCathy’s Critters in Princeton is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, outback tours, and more. Check the link for “know before you go” info and weather policy. Tickets $12 – $17, ages two and under free. Cups of feed are $4 each.
Theme Backpacks
Reminder that Plano libraries have backpacks that you can check out on all sorts of subjects: rain, friends, pets, dinosaurs, colors, etc. Each pack has books and an activity. Check the link for availabilities before you go. Free!
- February 1 – 5
-
February 3 – 4
How to Eat Like a ChildA funny musical romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child (based on the book of the same name). The youth cast gives lessons in subjects like how to beg for a dog, how to torture your sister, how to act after being sent to your room, and how to laugh hysterically. Tickets from $18.
February 3 – 12, select dates
Little Women: The Broadway MusicalFairview Youth Theatre presents this musical version of the classic (with a cast of 6th – 12th graders). The show is appropriate for all ages. Afternoon and evening showtimes available. Tickets $14, $20 for front row.
Note: NTPA has a whole bunch of productions this month. Browse the list to see if any others appeal to you!
February 4 – 5
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic!See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more in a sensory adventure live on stage at The Star in Frisco. See link for bag policy. Tickets from $41.
- February 6 – 12
-
February 11
Duck DerbyDuck Derby time at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium in Allen. Purchase your racing duck — a rubber ducky — from the Nat, decorate it, and return it for judging by February 10. Race takes place in the lazy river, and awards will be given to the fastest and best decorated ducks. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $10 per duck for members, $14 for non-members.
February 11
Plano Half MarathonRun through the winding trails of the Oak Point Nature Preserve (5K, 10K, or half marathon). After your run, kick back and relax at Oak Point Ampitheater. Register at the link. 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
February 11
Trick-a-TroutIntroduce kids to fishing this morning in Frisco! Exclusively for ages 16 and under. Bring your own gear to the lake at Warren Sports Complex, which will be stocked with approximately 4,500 rainbow trout. Tips and additional info at the link. 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
February 11
Valentine Floral Arranging for KidsOld Settler’s Rec Center in McKinney will host a workshop for ages six – 12 today. Kids will learn about seasonal flowers and construct their own arrangements. Register at the link. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents.
- February 13 – 19
-
February 14 and 16
DINOStory TimeKids of all ages are invited for dinosaur tales (plus stories about bugs and other critters) along with fun activity stations at The Dinosaur Company in Allen. See additional details at the link. Be sure to register in advance because these fill up. 10:00 a.m. Free!
February 17 – 19
Third Monday Trade DaysEvery month, Southfork Ranch hosts more than 300 different vendors selling everything from clothing, antiques, hand-crafted items, furniture, foods, and more. Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free on Friday! $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Bring a pet-related donation for the local animal shelter to get free parking.
February 18
Mardi PardiGrandscape will host a Mardi Gras event for the whole family today with performances, crafts, pop-ups, Cajun food, a crawfish eating contest, and beads galore. See link for details on crawfish contest and VIP passes. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Prosper Fishing DerbyCome out to Frontier Park Pond in Prosper for the annual Prosper Fishing Derby. All you need is a pole, bait, and cooler. Prizes will be awarded in several categories by age group up to 14. No registration required. See link for all the fine print. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!
February 18
Towne Lake Trout DerbyFishing is HUGE this month. This annual McKinney fishing event has free hot dogs and refreshments, prizes for biggest fish and smallest fish, and a casting contest. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your own poles and bait for this one. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free!
February 18
Zip Line DayVisit the Heard to see their cool Magic Planet exhibit and hit up the zip line while you’re at it! Climb a 23-foot tree and zip down a 487-foot line. Purchase one ticket ($12 each) for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required.
February 19
Krewe of BarkusThe beloved annual dog parade returns to Historic Downtown McKinney. See the link for more details on prize categories, entering, and watching the show. This year’s theme is “Barkus Salutes the Good Dogs: Unleash Your Superheroes.” 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Parade at 2:00 p.m.). Free!
- February 20 – 28
-
February 21
Mardi Gras in The Star DistrictCome out for the first ever Mardi Gras party at The Star. Don your beads and enjoy live music, all-day Fat Tuesday specials from participating restaurants, live music, photo ops with your krewe, and more. All day. Free!
February 22
Black History Month Movie NightOne more from The Star (in partnership with the Frisco Inclusion Committee): Come watch Soul outside in Tostitos Championship Plaza. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates! The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. with a jazz performance, soul-inspired bites, activations, and more. Showtime at 7:00 p.m. Free!
February 26 – 28
Divine Consign Spring 2022 Kids & Maternity Consignment SaleShop clothing, books, toys, baby equipment, and more. Check the link for hours and discount levels by day. NO KIDS on day one except infants in a body carrier and/or teens. Parking and admission are free!
Related: For tips on consigning your own stuff, check out 5 Steps to Prepping for a Consignment Sale Without Losing Your Mind.
