What to do Friday through Sunday, [August 7–9], across Collin County and nearby cities
This weekend, North Texas offers no shortage of ways to fill your calendar, whether you’re the type to map out plans in advance or decide on the fly.
The lineup spans everything from high-energy live performances and festivals to seasonal attractions and one-of-a-kind local events. No matter your interests or how late you start planning, there’s a wide mix of experiences happening across the region to help you make the most of the weekend.
Friday Night Market
Aug. 7 | The Boardwalk at Granite Park, Plano
Spend a relaxed summer evening browsing local artisan goods, enjoying live entertainment and discovering handmade finds at The Boardwalk’s Friday Night Market. Guests can grab dinner or drinks from nearby restaurants before strolling the market and soaking in the open-air atmosphere.
Date Night at Kaleidoscope Park
Aug. 7 | Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco
Spend a Friday evening with live music, lawn games and creative activities during Date Night at Kaleidoscope Park. Bring your favorite beverage and enjoy wine tastings, crafts and other interactive experiences designed for a fun and relaxed night out.
Summer Funshine Carnival
Aug. 7 | 14050 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch
Celebrate the end of summer with a family-friendly carnival featuring fun, games and community activities. The event supports the Youth Scholarship Fund, with proceeds helping provide opportunities for local youth.
Sounds of Summer: Vandell Andrew and Friends
Aug. 7 | Grandscape, The Colony
Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars as Vandell Andrew and Friends take the stage at Grandscape’s Corona Stage & Lawn. Part of the Sounds of Summer series, the family-friendly concert offers a laid-back night of entertainment, open-air seating and summer fun.
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball
Aug. 7–8 | Comerica Center, Frisco
Watch the nation’s top beach volleyball players compete as the AVP League returns to Frisco. The two-day event brings world-class men’s and women’s athletes together for high-energy matches showcasing elite talent, fierce competition and plenty of action on the sand.
Ben Bankas
Aug. 6–8 | Mic Drop Comedy, Plano
Canadian-born comedian Ben Bankas brings his sharp, energetic stand-up to Plano. Now based in Austin, where he performs regularly at Comedy Mothership, Bankas has built a global following with sold-out shows across Canada and the United States.
NTPA Presents Disney’s Frozen
Aug. 7–16 | NTPA Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Plano
The beloved Disney story comes to life on stage in this Broadway adaptation. Join Anna, Elsa and Olaf for a magical adventure filled with unforgettable songs and spectacular performances.
The Pong Masters
Aug. 8 | Legacy Food Hall, Plano
Grab a partner and compete in The Pong Masters, a lively beer pong tournament taking over the Lexus Box Garden. Teams will battle through tournament brackets while enjoying cold drinks, with winners taking home a filled growler, a covered bar tab and ultimate bragging rights.
So Long Sweet Summer
Aug. 8 | Frisco Athletic Center Water Park, Frisco
Celebrate the final days of summer with an evening of water-filled fun at Frisco Water Park. Guests can enjoy cool inflatables, snacks, live music from a DJ and activities for all ages during one last splash before the season ends.
Champions on Ice
Aug. 9 | StarsCenter, Frisco
The special event, presented in collaboration with the Dallas Japanese Association, welcomes Olympian Fumie Suguri for an experience featuring ice skating, family-friendly entertainment and inspiration for skating fans of all ages.
ONGOING & EXTENDED-RUN THINGS TO DO
Photo: Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Texas Sculpts V
July 11–Aug. 29 | ArtCentre of Plano
Explore the diverse world of Texas sculpture during Texas Sculpts V, a signature exhibition showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and range of artists working across the state. The fifth annual showcase highlights contemporary sculptural works in a variety of styles and mediums.
America 250: Texas Trailblazing Wonder Women Exhibition
June 15–Aug. 30 | Millhouse, McKinney
This juried exhibition debuts the Atrium Gallery and features 25 large-scale works by Texas artists honoring influential Texas women who shaped history. The walk-through installation highlights bold, contemporary interpretations in a new cultural space within the McKinney Cotton Mill Arts District.
Soccer: More Than a Game
Mar. 7–Sept. 7 | Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
As North Texas prepares for the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup, the Perot is kicking off the excitement with Soccer: More Than a Game. The 10,000-square-foot interactive exhibition explores the science behind the world’s most popular sport, from the physics of a perfectly curved free kick to the strategy behind championship teams. Through hands-on experiences and STEM-focused displays, visitors of all ages can discover the science, skill and spirit that power the game.
Road Trip Across America
July 1–Sept. 18 | Frisco Discovery Center, Frisco
Take a photographic journey through America’s landscapes, landmarks and travel traditions during Road Trip Across America. The exhibit celebrates 250 years of exploration with images highlighting national parks, scenic destinations and the people who experience them, along with a historic 1915 Ford Model T Roadster.
Stories from the Archives
June 16–Sept. 30 | Frisco Heritage Museum, Frisco
Discover how ordinary objects can become extraordinary through the power of storytelling in Stories from the Archives. Inspired by the Significant Objects Project, the exhibit pairs items from the Frisco Heritage Center archives with imaginative narratives created by local writers, transforming forgotten pieces into stories of mystery, adventure and meaning.
Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies
April 20–Sept. 30 | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
Internationally recognized neo-expressionist artist Hunt Slonem brings large-scale sculptures and colorful installations to the Dallas Arboretum for an immersive outdoor exhibition. Set throughout the gardens, Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies transforms familiar pathways with monumental works inspired by nature, movement and color.
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