Name: Fright at the Museum
Start: 2026-10-16
End: 2026-10-16

The goal of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is to connect our visitors with nature in hopes of inspiring within each person a deeper appreciation for the environment. Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to carrying out this vision through providing a variety of events and programs in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.

Heard Natural Science Museum

This 289-acre nature preserve made up of a variety of habitats and miles of nature trails also features bird blinds, an Animals of the World Exhibit, educational pioneer village, butterfly gardens and a variety of indoor exhibits. Bring a picnic basket for enjoying lunch in the picnic area. Most trails are stroller friendly. Check their website for a variety of classes, special events and visiting exhibits. Venue Space: Laughlin Hall - up to 78, 72 if seated Outdoor Amphitheater - up to 525 Science Resource Center - 100, or 92 for seated/dining event

Custom Cuisine Catering can accommodate virtually any culinary or ethnic cuisine paired with the services you require. Close communication and a personal touch ensures your next event will exceed your expectations. Their menus and pricing are based on exactly what your preferences are.

Custom Cuisine Catering

With 10 years of experience, Petals Couture offers the expertise and creativity to execute memorable floral designs with bold, classic style.

Petals Couture

The Stix is a full-service restaurant and bar with great parking and open seating. Offering your favorite comfort food, more than two dozen ice cold beers on tap, live music, sports, an event hall, and old-fashioned fun that includes pool, corn hole, wiffleball, volleyball or badminton, and disc golf on the 9-hole course! You'll find burgers, loaded nachos, wings and fries, and a few salads too. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, a difference you can TASTE, locally sourced when we can, and always delicious.

The Stix Icehouse

This sports bar offers great pub-style food, bottle beers, draft beers, and a full bar in addition to pool tables! It's a great place to hang out with friends or to bring a group for some relaxation and play!

2 Crazy Guys Sports Bar

Specializing in made-to-order sub sandwiches with the meat and cheese sliced in front of you! And grab some ice cream before you head home.

Great Outdoors Sub Shop

Hydeout Cafe is a popular spot in McKinney for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Enjoy fresh, delicious meals in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Hydeout Cafe

One of the oldest cemeteries in North Texas, Pecan Grove is the final resting place for many early Texas pioneers, from Governors to gunslingers. Heroes of the Texas Revolution are interred here, as are veterans of the Mexican War, the War for Southern Independence, and every war thereafter. You will also see many old McKinney family names for which streets, schools, parks and other city amenities are named to memorialize them. Tours here are self-guided or fill out the online "Contact Us" form for assistance. Each Memorial Day, the cemetery is the site of a county-wide ceremony honoring our fallen; it is attended by state, county and local officials and hundreds of veterans and community members.

Pecan Grove Historic Cemetery

Accident Rental Rates: When your car is in the shop for repairs. Insurance/Body Shop and Dealership/Service Center replacement rentals available at this location. Available equipment/services: Child Seat, Booster Seats, Infant Seat, Hand Controls Gold Choice Pickup/Return Service: Available with one-hour advance notice and within 15 minutes from the Hertz Local Edition location. Once your reservation is booked, the location will call or email you at the phone number or email address provided to confirm pick-up service. Airport concession agreements do not permit Hertz to offer Pick Up and Return Service at airport locations. Hertz is prohibited from providing Pick Up and Return Service if you arrive at an airport- either from the Hertz airport location or from any Hertz off-airport location. Any reservations made for pick-up service at an airport location cannot be honored for pick-up.

Hertz Rental Car

Serving authentic Mexican food in Mckinney, Texas - on Industrial Road near McKinney National Airport.

Tacos Los Chanos

Ogi’s European Bakery and Deli is built around Quality, Responsibility, and Community. Using classic and time-tested recipes that echo perfected European flavors, Ogi’s offers fresh-baked breads, homemade sausages, sandwiches, soups, pastries, and cakes. All of the products made at Ogi’s are pure, balanced, and contain no preservatives. Many breakfast items will be offered in the morning. Lunch and Dinner offerings are available all day which include European sandwiches with chicken, turkey, beef, and our signature fresh, in-house-made, sausages. For dessert, we offer beautifully decorated and addictively tasty cakes, cookies, and pastries. We even offer a Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake! Eat-in or take it to-go, Ogi’s European Bakery and Deli is your local authentic choice for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner!

Ogi's European Bakery and Deli

McKinney is quickly becoming the destination for sporting events in the metroplex. Each year, thousands of people come to town to participate in or cheer for a wide range of sporting events. Watch high school or collegiate football games at the McKinney ISD Stadium & Community Event Center. Cheer for your favorite lacrosse, soccer, baseball, or softball youth or adult game at various facilities around town. Or meet at The Courts Tennis Facility for a game of tennis or even a pickleball tournament. And of course, enjoy some time on the greens of a local public course or watch the pros at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch each May each year. No matter what your sporting event interest, Visit McKinney is here ready to assist you. 



Visit McKinney

**Calling all 21+ ghouls, goblins, and adults who love Halloween! This year, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is thrilled to announce a spine-tingling new event just for you: Fright at the Museum! It’s set to take place on the day before our annual, always sold-out, family-friendly “Halloween at the Heard” event. This is your chance to enjoy Heard Halloween fun with a grown-up twist.**

**We’ll show the cinematic classic Halloween in the Heard’s amphitheater under the stars, a mini trick-or-treat trail (along our Dinosaurs Live trail) before the movie, a haunted forest (available after the movie), and more! Food will also be available for purchase.**

**Each event ticket includes (2) two complimentary refreshing beverages, including a selection from Tupps Beer, wine, soda, or water. Tickets are limited. Once they are sold out, additional tickets will not be available at the door.**

Fright at the Museum

McKinney, Texas, offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination. Its historic downtown is a vibrant hub filled with boutique shops, unique restaurants, and local art galleries, providing an authentic Texas experience. Nature lovers can explore serene trails and scenic landscapes at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary or Towne Lake Park. McKinney's thriving culinary scene, paired with live music and community events, ensures there's always something exciting happening. Whether you're drawn to its rich history, welcoming community, or dynamic attractions, McKinney promises an unforgettable visit for all ages.

McKinney Leisure Travel 

Ratrodtober Fest celebrates a decade of automotive culture at TUPPS Brewery in McKinney, Texas, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This iconic festival brings together rat rods, hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars, and motorcycles alongside live music, local vendors, craft beer, and mouthwatering food. Whether you're showcasing your ride, browsing unique crafts, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this 10-year milestone event offers an unforgettable day of community, creativity, and celebration in the heart of historic downtown McKinney.

Ratrodtober Fest

Join McKinney’s vibrant Día de los Muertos festival on October 17, 2026, for a heartfelt celebration honoring loved ones with cultural traditions. Enjoy marigold-adorned altars, face painting, a La Catrina costume contest, and family-friendly activities like the Chancla Toss and butterfly memorial station. Explore local artisan crafts and authentic cuisine while supporting student scholarships and community vendors. This free, all-day event culminates in lively performances and a grand finale, offering a meaningful way to connect with heritage and celebrate life.

McKinney Día de los Muertos

Get ready for an electrifying showdown at the NCAA Division II Football Championship in the heart of McKinney, TX! On December 19, 2026, the gridiron at 4201 S. Hardin Blvd. will come alive as two teams face off in a high-stakes battle for the national title.

Experience the thrill of live football action and cheer for your favorite team as they strive to etch their name in history. Hosted by the prestigious NCAA, this marquee event promises to deliver unforgettable moments and pulse-pounding excitement for fans of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular event. Tickets go on sale November 1—secure your seat to the pinnacle of college football glory!

NCAA DII Football Championship

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.  More than 500,000 college athletes across all three divisions compete for about 1,100 member schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and even Canada. Regardless of where they start, student-athletes strive to end each season at one of the NCAA’s 90 championships in 24 sports.  

Fright at the Museum

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