McKinney TX 2011 Social Calendar | What is there to DO in McKinney?

I'm Relocating to the Dallas DFW Metroplex - Why Should I Choose McKinney? What is there to DO in McKinney? Isn't DALLAS where it's all happening, anyway?

Glad you asked! The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex certainly does not lack great places to live and call home. Each city has its own feel, housing choices in different price ranges, entertainment and schools. Yes, Dallas is home to the American Airlines Center, art museums, NorthPark and Galleria Mall, Dallas World Aquarium and a mulitude of things to do. But so does each and every other 'burb! Don't hate the 'burbs!

So how is a person to decide WHERE to live? Well, you need to do your research, drive through the neighborhoods near to the major employment centers and talk to a REALTOR that specializes in that city. You'll also want to check out the "social calendar"!

When considering moving to McKinney TX, keep the following facts in mind:

• #5 "Best Place to Live" as listed in Money Magazine (2010)

• Top 75 "Safe Cities" as quoted by CQ Press (2008)

• Top 100 "Best Places to Raise a Family" as seen on MSNBC.com (2008)

• Top 10 "Best Places to Move" from Forbes Magazine (2009)

Now enough with the bragging, and on to what awaits you for 2011! If you're wondering what to do in McKinney, here's a yearly list with our nine most popular events:

• Walk Down the Aisle of History Bridal Show - if you recently got engaged over the holidays, then you won't want to miss this Collin County/McKinney Bridal Show! McKinney brides and brides-to-be will love learning about all the great venues and vendors that are so appealing and unique to McKinney. January 22, 2011.

•Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade - held the Sunday before Mardi Gras on the Historic Downtown Square. Kids LOVE seeing the costumed dogs in this family friendly parade. Each year's theme is different...you don't want to miss this if you love your four-legged friends. The event raises money for abused and abandoned dogs. March 6, 2011.

•In April, look for the Relay for Life at the Ballfields in Craig Ranch. Come join over 4,000 neighbors as we team up to fight cancer. Benefits the American Cancer Society. April 29-30, 2011.

•Memorial Day weekend offers the Smiles for Habitat funding the North Collin County Habitat for Humanity. In 2010 singer Gavin DeGraw headlined the FREE concert in Adriatica near Dr. Buchanan's office! I can't wait to see what Dr. Jennifer Buchanan has in store for this year's event!

•Bike the Bricks - Holy Spandex, Batman! McKinney VELO and McKinney Main Street tem up to put on this criterium (crit) race around the historic downtown square. May 27, 2011.

•Red, White & Boom! All of the iconic 4^th of July festivities can be found here in McKinney - parades, fireworks, CAR SHOW and a FREE concert for the public! Held in Craig Ranch. July 4, 2011.

•Oktoberfest - Drawing on the colorful tradition that began in Munich, Germany in 1810, the McKinney Oktoberfest will represent many things to many people. We will celebrate our diversity with a cultural event that reflects the many contributions of German immigrants who settled in Texas. There will be authentic German music, food & drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children's activities and more! September 23 - 24 2011

•Scare on the Squre! One of my company's favorite events that kicks off the holiday season on the historic square. This FREE event sees trick-or-treaters gather to collect goodies from local business owners. A fun and safe family-friendly activity. The date for 2011 will be Monday, 10/31 from 4:00 to 6:00. Come early - candy goes quickly!!

• Dickens of a Christmas - Where? You guessed it - Downtown McKinney's premier festival, the 31th Annual Dickens of a Christmas...Home for the Holidays. An old fashioned, Christmas atmosphere with horse drawn carriages, traveling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, the Christmas tree lighting and activities for all ages. Seasonal music, food, children's activities provided by local non-profit organizations will take center stage during the event. Spend the weekend enjoying all the activities and take advantage of the many great shops, restaurants and entertainment. The event will be November 25, 26, and 27, 2011.

Getting plugged into our community here in McKinney TX is EASY!
You won't have to worry about finding enough things for your whole family to do...because there's something going on every month.

Other McKinney TX events you should explore: Third Monday Trade Days, Downtown Farmers Market, Kellis Melton Ice Cream Crank-off, Taste of Collin County and Second Saturdays on the Square.