Fort Inglish Village in Bonham has officially opened its doors! So, come on out and visit Fort Inglish and discover the fascinating history of one of the oldest towns in Texas! You will go back in time to 1836 and learn how the town of Bonham begin!

Several new things are happening at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham in the new year.

A world premiere by a Grammy Award-winning composer along with piano soloist Aaron Kurz anchor the Lone Star Wind Orchestra’s 20th Anniversary Season Celebration concert on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the Dallas Arts District (2301 Flora St., Dallas). The milestone performance marks two decades of music-making and community impact while honoring the orchestra’s past and looking boldly toward the future in the spirit of its mission of “music changing lives.”

Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta (Spanish, 1841–1920), Birthday Wishes (Felicitación de cumpleaños), c. 1880. Oil on canvas, 31 7/8 × 25 5/8 in. (81 x 65 cm). Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, P006995. © Archivo Fotográfico del Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

Mary Karl and John Burnett

Carmen Reisdorf ’27 created an online citizen science project that has drawn more than 900 volunteers to identify bird calls from the Edwards Plateau, supporting research on how land-management practices influence wildlife. (Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Jean Siméon Chardin, The Cut Melon, 1760, oil on canvas. The Kimbell Art Museum announced the acquisition of The Cut Melon by Jean Siméon Chardin. Dated 1760, The Cut Melon has long been recognized as one of the artist’s most remarkable paintings—rare in its oval shape and exemplifying Chardin’s mastery at its peak. The painting went on view beginning Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the Kimbell’s Louis I. Kahn Building.

Butterfly season is almost here! Butterflies in the Garden will take place March 1 through April 30, allowing guests to experience thousands of breathtaking butterflies from around the world as they flutter and dance through the lush tropical paradise of the Garden’s Rainforest Conservatory. This beloved seasonal favorite returns with exotic and native species creating a living kaleidoscope of color and movement among vibrant foliage and tropical blooms.

The City of Plano is turning up the heat for the 2026 Lunar New Year, officially welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse on February 17, 2026. Known for its legendary speed, charisma, and "main character energy," the Fire Horse is setting the stage for Plano’s most vibrant celebration yet.

Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) are thrilled to announce that tickets for the North American tour of the smash hit Broadway musical and global sensation, The Great Gatsby, based on the beloved novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, will go on sale Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. The party to end all parties will play Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park from February 17 to March 1, 2026, as part of the 2025/2026 Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas. Samantha Pauly (center) & cast in the Broadway production of The Great Gatsby. © Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The scholarship will be awarded to a woman who declares her major as education and is enrolled as a junior or beyond in college. An applicant must be a graduate of a Fannin County high school or be a Fannin County resident.

Open to the public Monday - Friday! Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Lunch is served from 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Don't miss downtown McKinney's 24th annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It's a free, family friendly event with vendors, a costume contest for dogs and their owners, and a Mardi Gras parade for the dogs. This year's theme is "Dogs Going Overboard - Barkus Sails the Seven Seas". You must register online prior to the event at mckinneytexas.org. The cost is $5 per dog, if you want to be in the parade.

Dogs Going Overboard: Barkus Sails the Seven Seas brings a nautical flair to Downtown McKinney. This year’s theme invites four-legged revelers and their humans to don their best nautical, pirate, and ocean inspired costumes for an afternoon of family friendly fun. photos by Allen Rich

ArtFest transforms the historic McKinney Cotton Mill into a destination for art lovers, gift seekers, and weekend explorers. Visitors can browse a thoughtfully curated lineup of artists, offering fine art, handcrafted silver and gold jewelry, studio ceramics, fiber art, woodwork, photography, and more—all handmade, all original.

Texas nonprofits, animal shelters, and local governments can now apply for funding through the state’s newly launched $13 million Texas Spay and Neuter Pilot Program (TXSNP). Administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the pilot program provides direct grant funding to help communities reduce pet overpopulation and protect public health by supporting spay, neuter, and vaccination services for dogs and cats across the state.

Repticon, a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, is coming to Grapevine on February 14 and February 15 with an outstanding mixture of vendors and breeders. This family-oriented, fun-filled event offers guests the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores. Breeder-vendors are always willing to teach in their field of herpetology.

Auditions for this Newberry Award-winning story, Sarah, Plain and Tall, will be held Monday and Tuesday, February 23 and 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cast includes: 3 Men, 4 Women, 1 Boy, and 3 Girls, plus a few minor characters for example--a paperboy, a farmer, a salesman, etc. We are also thinking about the possibility of a double cast. Set in the early 1900s, this play brings to life the charming, heartwarming story of a Kansas farmer, Jacob Witting, a widower with two children—Anna and Caleb, who places an ad in the newspapers seeking a wife.

The staff at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site invites everyone to join us February 14, 2026, for Presidents’ Day at the Eisenhower Birthplace. Learn about, and take part in, the hobbies of some of your favorite presidents.

Mardi Gras! Galveston is back with a bigger beat, bolder sound, and double the star power for 2026. The 115th Mardi Gras celebration returns February 6-17, 2026, with headliners Logan Ryan, Wade Bowen, GymClassHeroes, and Lil’ Keke to rock out the island!

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) invites audiences to experience the power of cultural legacy and artistic excellence with Kaleidoscope, February 13-15, 2026, at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. Perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day weekend and Black History Month, this year’s Cultural Awareness series offers a meaningful way to celebrate love, resilience, and the rich tapestry of Black American history. ("The Nina Simone Project" - photo by Amitava Sarkar)

This Valentine’s Day eve, friends and significant others alike can enjoy a laid-back evening of art, music, and connection at the Kimbell Art Museum. During Happy Hour in the Kimbell Café, guests will enjoy live music by Allegro Guitar Society. Beer, wine, nonalcoholic drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase. Members receive a 10% discount on beverages during Happy Hours.

Plano’s premier lifestyle destination celebrates Valentine’s Day Weekend 2026 with immersive installations, precious pop-ups, live music and delicious dining experiences!

The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special guided tour, “Romance in the Gilded Age”, on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This Valentine’s-themed tour explores the romantic lives of the Maxey and Long families and offers visitors a glimpse into courtship during the late 19th century.

Activities for kids, teens and adults!

The Carleton House Bed & Breakfast will be Hosting Special Valentine’s Dinners Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, May 8 and May 9 in Paris, Texas - booths and corners spaces available for vendors!

Do you enjoy working outside, mowing, sprucing up hiking trails, trimming and removing brush and general cleanup? Join the Outdoor Crew at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The Outdoor Crew meets on the First Tuesday and Fourth Saturday of every month. Please email friendsofhagerman@gmail.com for details and to join our team. Scouts welcome!