What to do Friday through Sunday, [August 28–30], 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.
98th Annual North Texas Fair & Rodeo
Aug. 21–30 | North Texas Fairgrounds, Denton
Celebrate one of North Texas’ longest-running traditions with rodeo action, live country music, carnival rides and livestock shows. The annual fair offers something for every member of the family.
49th US Open Pool Championship
Aug. 25–30 | Embassy Suites, Frisco
Watch 256 of the world’s best nine-ball players compete for a $500,000 prize purse. This prestigious World Nineball Tour event brings elite international competition to Frisco.
Frisco Football Fest
Aug. 29 | Rollertown Beerworks, Frisco
Kick off football season with a full day of sports, music and community at Frisco Football Fest. The celebration features marching band performances, live music, photo ops, prizes and giveaways, plus fresh local beer for fans to enjoy throughout the day.
Cryptids & Cocktails: A Night at the Museum with Lyle Blackburn
Aug. 29 | North American Cryptid Museum, Plano
Spend an evening exploring Texas folklore and legendary creatures during a special Cryptids & Cocktails event with cryptid researcher, author, podcaster and musician Lyle Blackburn. The night includes a catered dinner, cash bar and presentation focused on the Lake Worth Monster, from reported sightings to the folklore that has kept the legend alive.
Downtown McKinney Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 29 | Downtown McKinney
Search for hidden details throughout downtown, from murals and sculptures to storefronts and side streets, with multiple routes available, including two hunts designed for kids. The main hunt begins at 8 a.m. with a $2,500 grand prize up for grabs.
IT in Shared Reality at Cosm
Aug. 29 | Cosm, Grandscape
Step into the terrifying world of IT during a cinematic horror experience in Shared Reality at Cosm. Created by Cosm, Warner Bros. Pictures and Little Cinema, the immersive experience takes the story beyond the screen and puts guests inside the action.
Jerry Jones Classic
Aug. 29 | Ford Center at The Star, Frisco
The sixth annual Jerry Jones Classic brings two North Texas high school football programs, Lewisville High School and Highland Park High School, to the Ford Center at The Star. Doors open at noon, with kickoff at 1 p.m.
Young Creators: Kids Business Fair
Aug. 29 | Frisco Public Library, Frisco
Support the next generation of entrepreneurs where more than 60 young business owners will showcase and sell their handmade crafts and creations. It’s a chance to shop small, encourage young talent and celebrate creativity in the community.
Summer ArtFest
Aug. 29–30 | McKinney Cotton Mill, McKinney
Browse and shop original work from local and regional artists during Summer ArtFest, a juried indoor art festival at the historic McKinney Cotton Mill. The two-day event features paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, photography, fiber art and more, with artists set up throughout the Grand Hallway and Atrium Hallway.
Yappy Hour at Legacy Hall
Aug. 30 | Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall, Plano
Bring your pup to the Lexus Box Garden for a dog-friendly afternoon with drink specials and plenty of room to roam. Four-legged guests can enjoy pup cups, organic treats and tennis balls while their humans relax and socialize.
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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