One of the best parts of the season is getting to attend all of the different fall festivals in McKinney, Texas. Each one is unique!
So, whether you live in the heart of McKinney, the greater DFW area, or you’re visiting from out of town, it’s one of the happiest places to welcome the new season and have some fun, too.
These are the best fall festivals in McKinney Texas:
McKinney Oktoberfest
Held right in the downtown area, McKinney Oktoberfest is all about bringing the culture of Germany to Texas.
You’ll find authentic German food along with beer, music, and games to keep everyone entertained for the entire day. It’s a great outing for families and is also free, which makes it one of the top fall festivals in McKinney.
Highlights:
- Authentic German Food: You can try authentic German foods like bratwurst, pretzels, apple strudel, and schnitzel. Each of these dishes is prepared by locals who specialize in German cuisine.
- Live Music and Performances: Listen to polka music and live yodeling, then watch traditional German dances from performers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Show your kids how it’s done in family-friendly activities like wiener dog races, stein-holding contests, and even keg rolling competitions.
Details
- When: September 27 – 29, 2024
- Where: 111 North Tennessee Street McKinney, TX 75069 (Downtown McKinney)
- Cost: Free Admission
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McKinney Sip and Stroll
McKinney Sip and Stroll takes place in downtown McKinney, offering a fun Halloween-themed event for those who love getting to sample different kinds of beer.
As one of the best fall festivals in McKinney, you’ll be encouraged to come dressed in your best costume.
Rest assured, you won’t stand out too much, as the town will also be covered in spooky Halloween decorations. Whether you participate because you love Halloween, beer, or both, you’re sure to have a great time celebrating the season with the entire community.
Highlights:
- Costume Contest: Wear your most creative costume for a chance to win the costume contest and receive prizes like beer-tasting experiences, gift cards, and so much more.
- Beer Sampling: As you make your way through the streets of McKinney, taste a wide variety of local craft beers.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from different local musicians with downtown McKinney as your backdrop.
Details
- When: October 26, 2024
- Where: 111 North Tennessee Street McKinney, TX 75069 (Downtown McKinney)
- Cost: $30 Per Person
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McKinney Wine & Music Festival
Historic Downtown is the perfect location for the McKinney Wine & Music Festival, which features wine tastings and live music from local bands.
Enjoy sampling award-winning wines while listening to some of the city’s most talented musicians on center stage. You can spend the day with friends or family members, making the event even more memorable.
Highlights:
- Wine Tastings: Learn about local wineries and out-of-state vineyards while sampling different types of wine, from reds and whites to hard ciders.
- Live Music: Your background music will feature live performances from local bands, who will play everything from jazz to rock.
- Artisan Market: Local vendors will be selling their handcrafted goods, which you’re welcome to browse and buy. From handmade jewelry to gourmet foods, find the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season.
Details
- When: October 12, 2024
- Where: 6731 Alma Road McKinney, TX 75070
- Cost: $35- $85 depending on package purchased
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Mckinney Día de Los Muertos
One is McKinney Día de Los Muertos, which celebrates the Mexican tradition known as the Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos is a Latin American custom celebrating the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. On Día de los Muertos, the dead are also a part of the community, believed to join in the celebrations with their loved ones.
At this year’s fall festival, expect food trucks, costume contests, face painters, Monarch messages, a Memory Tree, and other arts and crafts for all ages!
Highlights:
- Spanish Heritage: The stage on Church Street will be filled with entertainers exploring Hispanic heritage from different cultures.
- Unique Costume Contest: Costumes that represent the traditions and elements of Día de los Muertos are encouraged. Check out all the details here.
- Sugar Skulls Galore: These popular symbols of Día de los Muertos, skulls (calaveras), are usually made from chocolate or sugar, give them their fun name.
Details
- When: TBD
- Where: 300 W Louisiana St, McKinney, TX 75069 (Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park)
- Cost: TBD
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Bonus: The Best Fall Festival Near McKinney
Just a short half-hour drive from McKinney, the DFW Fall Fest in Frisco is an event you won’t want to miss.
This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Frisco Fresh Market. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall, especially with Halloween right around the corner.
You can bring whoever you’d like, whether your friends, family members, or neighbors. Go ahead and grab your crew because there’s room for everyone!
Highlights:
- Free Admission: Enjoy the DFW Fall Fest with the whole family and all your friends without having to pay to get in so that one has to miss out on the fun.
- Fun Activities: DFW Fall Fest is loaded with activities like face painting, arts and crafts, carnival games, a petting zoo, a costume contest, and so much more. This means everyone will be able to find something to enjoy.
- Something for Everyone: With live music, delicious fall treats and dishes from food trucks, and lots of entertainment to choose from, DFW Fall Fest is built with the entire family in mind.
Details
- When: October 19, 2024
- Where: 9215 John W. Elliott Dr. Frisco, TX, 75033 (Frisco Fresh Market)
- Cost: Free Admission
Get Your Free Tickets to Fall Fest
Are there any free fall festivals in McKinney?
McKinney is home to several exciting fall festivals that are free to attend and catered to all ages, making them perfect for families.
One is McKinney Día de Los Muertos, which celebrates the Mexican tradition known as the Day of the Dead. You’ll be able to watch a parade, complete with costumes, dances, and traditional music.
Other free fall festivals in McKinney include the Oktoberfest and the McKinney Wine and Music Festival.
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What are the best McKinney fall festivals for adults?
The McKinney Wine and Music Festival is another free fall event that brings together wine enthusiasts and music lovers—making it ideal for an older audience. McKinney Spectacular Brews and Boos is another adult-oriented festival that combines Halloween and craft beer to create a fun night out.
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Get Ready For Fall Fun
With so many fall festivals in McKinney to choose from, you and your entire family will be able to stay entertained throughout the whole autumn season.
Be sure to check out our other blog posts, where we showcase the best fall activities in the DFW area. That way, you can take advantage of every activity, festival, and event for an unforgettable fall season.
