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!

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

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!

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.

For the Grayson County Historical Society's second meeting of the new year, February 10 at 6:30 p.m., we have invited Mr. Bert Garcia to give the program on Cynthia Ann Parker, who was kidnapped at the age of 9 by the Comanche Indians. In later life she married Chief Pete Nocona, bearing three children.

You are invited to attend a Harmony House Concert on Sunday, February 8, '26, 3:00-5:00 p.m., featuring one of the most authentic female singer-songwriters ever, Bernice Lewis. Your hosts, Faye Wedell and Scott Lipsett, were fortunate to go on a rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon for ten days with Bernice ten years ago. Bernice is known for her many songs about the Grand Canyon, and her voice resonated off the Canyon walls during this memorable trip.

Join us for a morning of writing instruction and discussion - Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

It's time again for the annual I Love Bonham Valentine Shopping Spree, and this year, the fun has been extended to two days of shopping shenanigans! Come out and shop local on Friday February 6 and Saturday February 7 to find a special gift for your special someone.

Help us celebrate 100 years of Black History Month! Make plans to join us for a special opening reception on Friday, February 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Artwork is due February 5.

Early confirmed performers include Tripping Daisy, Low Cut Connie, and Catie Turner, with the full lineup to be announced in January. The 2026 festival builds on JAMBALOO’s foundation of free, accessible live music while expanding its role as a cultural and community platform.