For decades, the vibrant communities of Plano and Collin County have been a beacon of exciting activities, cultural richness, and family-friendly entertainment in North Texas. As someone who has long chronicled the local scene, from neighborhood happenings to grand social affairs, I’ve always been captivated by the dynamic energy that defines this region. While my days of penning a weekly “What We’re Drinking” column exploring Plano’s unique culinary and cocktail landscape are a nostalgic memory, my passion for uncovering the best local experiences remains as strong as ever. This weekend, Daltxrealestate.com is thrilled to guide you through an array of spectacular events, ensuring you make the most of your time in Plano and the broader Collin County area. Get ready to discover everything from immersive artistic adventures to lively music festivals and bountiful farmers’ markets – plus, a special giveaway that promises a splash of color for one lucky reader!
Unleash Your Inner Artist at Crayola Experience Plano
Remember the childhood wonder of crayons, those magical sticks of color that brought imagination to life? Imagine an entire world dedicated to that joy, and you have the Crayola Experience at Shops at Willow Bend in Plano. Opening its doors this Friday, March 23rd, this massive 60,000-square-foot attraction is poised to become a cornerstone for family entertainment in North Texas. It’s not just a museum; it’s an interactive wonderland designed to spark creativity in visitors of all ages.
The Plano location marks the fourth Crayola Experience in the U.S., joining popular destinations in Orlando, Florida; Bloomington, Minnesota (Mall of America); and Easton, Pennsylvania. Its arrival signifies a significant revitalization for the West Plano mall, breathing new life into a retail hub and solidifying Plano’s reputation as a premier destination for unique family outings. Families seeking things to do in Plano will find this attraction to be an unparalleled adventure.
At Crayola Experience Plano, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Guests can immerse themselves in over 20 hands-on attractions, each offering a distinct way to engage with color. Ever wanted to design your own Crayola crayon? The “Wrap It Up!” station allows you to name and personalize your very own crayon. Step into the spotlight at “Be a Star” where you can star in your own coloring page. For those fascinated by digital magic, “Color Magic” brings your art to life in stunning 4-D animations. Pinterest enthusiasts, prepare your boards for “Drip Art,” an mesmerizing experience where you can create unique spin-art masterpieces using melted crayon wax. And for a truly educational and fascinating insight, don’t miss the live “Factory Show,” which reveals the secrets behind how Crayola crayons are made. This comprehensive exploration of color makes it one of the top family fun activities in Collin County.
Win Tickets to Crayola Experience Plano!
Thanks to the generous folks at Crayola, Daltxrealestate.com is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of general admission tickets to the Crayola Experience, a $42 value! To enter, simply answer our trivia question correctly. This is your opportunity to explore one of Plano’s newest and most exciting attractions for free.
To win, email your answer to [email protected]. Please include your name, address, and phone number in the email. Official rules can be found at the end of this article.
Test Your Crayola Knowledge:
What Crayola crayon color was officially retired in 2017?
The Crayola Experience in Plano is open seven days a week, making it a flexible option for your weekend plans or a fun weekday outing. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. General admission tickets start at $19, offering excellent value for an unforgettable experience.
Explore Local Flavors at Plano & Collin County Farmers Markets
If the excitement at Willow Bend proves to be a bit overwhelming, or if you simply prefer a more relaxed, community-focused shopping experience, Plano and Collin County offer fantastic farmers markets brimming with local charm and fresh produce. These markets are not just places to shop; they’re vibrant community hubs where you can connect with local farmers, artisans, and fellow residents.
Start your Saturday mornings at the Willow Bend Farmers Market, conveniently located at the northwest corner of The Shops at Willow Bend, near Macy’s. Hosted by Red Tent Markets, this weekly event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features an impressive array of over 30 vendors. Shoppers can find everything from seasonal local produce and freshly baked goods to handcrafted artisan items, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs, golden honey, homemade salsa, vibrant plants, and an assortment of sweet treats. It’s an ideal spot to support local businesses and stock up on wholesome ingredients for your kitchen.
Then, on Sundays, shift your focus eastward to the charming streets of historic downtown Plano. Located at 916 E. 15th Street, directly across from the picturesque Haggard Park, another Red Tent farmer and artisanal market awaits. This market continues the tradition of showcasing homegrown fruits and vegetables, local honey, and unique handmade goods, providing a perfect complement to your weekend culinary adventures. The atmosphere in downtown Plano adds a delightful historical backdrop to your market visit, making it a pleasant outing for the whole family.
These markets perfectly tide you over until the much-anticipated seasonal openings of other beloved Collin County markets. The popular McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square typically opens its gates in April, drawing crowds with its diverse offerings and historic setting. Following shortly after, the downtown Frisco Rotary Farmers Market kicks off its season in May, further expanding your options for fresh, local goods. Exploring these farmers markets is a wonderful way to experience the local culture and find unique items while enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
Embrace Creativity at Frisco’s Arts in the Square
As spring blossoms across North Texas, outdoor arts festivals become a highlight of the local events calendar, and none shines brighter than the 8th annual Arts in the Square in Frisco Square. This highly anticipated event has grown into a premier juried fine arts and crafts festival, drawing talented artists and enthusiastic art lovers from across the region and beyond. For those seeking vibrant cultural activities in Collin County, this festival is a must-visit.
Arts in the Square is a showcase of incredible talent, featuring artists who compete in a wide array of categories. Visitors can admire and purchase exquisite pieces in Fine Arts/Graphics, intricate Pottery, delicate Textiles, stunning Glasswork, unique Jewelry, rich Leather creations, innovative Metal art, captivating Photography, masterful Woodcraft, and a diverse “Miscellaneous” category that promises delightful surprises. With over 120 local and regional artists displaying and selling their handmade creations, you’ll want to come prepared to shop and discover your next cherished art piece or a unique gift. The festival provides a fantastic opportunity to directly support independent artists and bring home a piece of original artistry.
A special commendation goes to the talented students of Frisco ISD who participate in a competition to design the annual festival poster. This year, the honor was bestowed upon Josh Reynoso, a graphic design student at the Frisco Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, whose work beautifully captures the spirit of the event. This initiative highlights the festival’s commitment to fostering local talent and engaging the community.
Admission to Arts in the Square is completely free, making it an accessible and enjoyable cultural outing for everyone. Spend the day strolling through Frisco Square, appreciating the diverse artistic expressions, enjoying live demonstrations, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of Frisco’s most beloved annual events.
Feel the Beat at the Toyota Texas Music Revolution in Plano
Music lovers, prepare for an unforgettable weekend as Plano’s Oak Point Park plays host to the 22nd Toyota Texas Music Revolution. This iconic festival, presented by Toyota, the independently-owned music station KHYI 95.3 – The Range, and the City of Plano, is a cornerstone of the Texas music scene, celebrated for showcasing a diverse lineup of established legends and rising stars. If you’re searching for live music events in Plano or the best Texas country music festivals, this is where you need to be.
This year’s festival boasts an incredible roster of talent, including the dynamic Honky Tonk queen Margo Price, the soulful singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham, and the truly legendary Ray Wylie Hubbard. Hubbard himself, known for his uniquely captivating social media presence, expressed his excitement in a characteristic tweet (minus the capitalization): “this is it! i am returning to the khyi TTMR! the prodigal son..er, well the prodigal old country blues folk cat returns! come have the time of your life!!!!!! (That should be enough exclamation points to get the idea across that its gonna be exciting..well, maybe one more) !” His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear this festival is a special one for both artists and fans.
Beyond these headliners, the musical lineup promises continuous entertainment. Attendees can also look forward to performances by the critically acclaimed Texas Gentlemen, the high-energy Two Tons of Steel, the captivating Austin Cunningham, the evocative Drew Kennedy, the rootsy Buffalo Ruckus, the gritty Jesse Dayton, the harmonizing O’s, and even The Ticket sports radio’s George Dunham and the Bird Dogs. This diverse range of artists ensures that there’s something for every fan of Texas country, Americana, and roots music. Set in the beautiful outdoor environment of Oak Point Park, the festival offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and incredible sound. With tickets starting at just $15, the Toyota Texas Music Revolution presents an incredible value for an entire weekend of top-tier live music.
A Blast from the Past: Dallas’ 40th Year Reunion
For those who grew up captivated by the dramatic sagas of the Ewing family, the late 1970s and 1980s television phenomenon DALLAS holds a special place in their hearts. This upcoming event isn’t strictly in Collin County, but its cultural significance and proximity make it a worthwhile bonus tip for next weekend. If you know who shot J.R., then you’ll undoubtedly want to mark your calendar for DALLAS’ 40th Year Reunion fan day, an extraordinary trip down memory lane. This special two-day event celebrates the enduring legacy of one of television’s most iconic shows, offering fans a unique opportunity to revisit the world of Southfork Ranch.
The reunion kicks off from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 30, at the legendary Southfork Ranch. This is your chance to step onto the hallowed grounds where so much drama unfolded. Memorabilia from the show will be on grand display, including the infamous gun that shot J.R., Lucy Ewing’s elegant wedding dress, the elaborate DALLAS family tree, and even Jock Ewing’s iconic Lincoln Continental. For those who might be new to the world of the Ewings, don’t worry – the knowledgeable Southfork tour guides will be on hand to catch you up on all the intricate family dynamics and legendary plot twists. It’s an immersive experience that brings the show’s rich history to life.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, March 31, with DALLAS’ fan party and concert from 6-10 p.m. at the Longhorn Ballroom. This exciting evening will feature a lively cast Q&A session, hosted by KVIL’s Jody Dean, offering fans a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories and insights directly from their favorite stars. The night will also include a special performance by Texas-native country music star Neal McCoy, ensuring a festive atmosphere perfect for dancing and reminiscing. Fans are encouraged to display their best 80s Dallas attire, adding to the nostalgic ambiance. Tickets for this exclusive two-day package are $125, offering incredible value for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion experience that captures the essence of a television era.
P.S. On a personal note, if you were among the many Plano residents who, a thousand years ago, might have been slightly annoyed by a certain newspaper (perhaps Plano Insider) landing on your front yard every Sunday, I genuinely apologize. Believe me, I understand the sentiment. Just last weekend, I found myself fishing an old, almost-pulp-ready newspaper out of my own yard. Karma, I suppose, has a subtle way of reminding us of past deeds. But on a brighter note, I hope this guide helps you unearth some truly wonderful experiences this weekend and beyond!
Crayola Experience Plano Contest Rules
Enter to win a pair of general admission tickets to the Crayola Experience in Plano. To participate, email your correct answer to the trivia question to [email protected], along with your full name, mailing address, and phone number. The contest closes promptly at 11:59 p.m. CT on March 26, 2018. All eligible entries received during the submission period will be gathered, and one winner will be chosen at random. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Only one qualifier per household will be permitted. This contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!