You don’t have to travel far from home to enjoy a great festival. The city of Allen, Texas, plays host to a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year that offer fun for the whole family.
Watters Creek hosts a range of events, and you’ll find tons of other activities to enjoy around Allen as well. Our center for child care in Allen put together this list of annual events to take the guesswork out of planning family activities. Whether your family is interested in the arts, sports, or anything else, you’re sure to find the perfect event to attend right here in Allen.
Collin County Home & Garden Show
Looking for inspiration for that gardening project? This February event at the Allen Event Center is a great place to discover helpful tips and pick up some tools for home improvement and gardening. As spring approaches, you’ll be all set to put together an easy-to-care-for garden that the kids can help with throughout the year.
NCWA National Wrestling Championship
Kids (and adults!) who are into sports will want to mark down this March event on the calendar. You’ll find the country’s best collegiate wrestlers at the national wrestling championship, which takes place right at the Allen Event Center Arena. You might even see a future Olympian before they make it big!
Concerts by the Creek
Starting in April and running through June, the Concerts by the Creek series treats Allen residents to concerts on the first Friday and every Saturday of spring and the beginning of summer. Go to Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm for free concerts performed by local artists and bands. All you need is a lawn chair or blanket and a penchant for great music. Enjoy the lush lawn and a show beneath the stars right here in our Texas city.
Allen Arts Festival
Embrace your family’s artistic side once May rolls around. The Allen Arts Festival features a range of family-friendly activities every year during the second weekend of the month. You can explore an abundance of artwork by local and regional artists, including paintings, glassworks, illustrations, and more. The fun doesn’t stop with the artwork, though. You can enjoy live music and dance at this festival while your kids engage in art activities.
Summer Sounds Concert Series
Stake out a spot on the ground at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center Amphitheater (don’t forget your blanket), then get ready to enjoy some world-class music. This concert series takes place on consecutive Monday nights, running from the middle of May through the middle of June.
No matter your music tastes, you’re sure to find a concert that keeps you entertained. From country music to pop hits to music with a tropical flair and beyond, there really is something for everyone in this list of concerts. Treat the kids to snow cones and other light concessions, then sit back on your blankets and enjoy. The series even encourages blanket seating so kids of all ages can see the performances.
Make Music Allen
Once June comes, Allen kicks off summer with plenty of fun annual events and activities. First up is Make Music Allen, an event that takes place on June 21 to celebrate the longest day of every year. If your family loves music, this is one event you’ll want to have on your calendar every year.
Allen takes part in a music celebration held worldwide on the date of the Summer Solstice. This fun celebration got its start back in 1982 in France, and today it takes place in over 700 cities across the globe. Amateur and professional musicians of all ages flock to these events to share music with neighbors and friends.
Here in our own city, you can enjoy the atmosphere of live music around Watters Creek as you soak in the summertime vibes with the kids. You can explore different locations, including plazas, parks, and restaurants, that feature free performances from musicians hailing from various places in America. The festival also includes the Mass Appeal event, where musicians come together for some fun music-making in big groups of single instruments.
Market Street Allen USA Celebration
Head over to Market Street on the last Saturday of June to enjoy a true Independence Day celebration. The big event includes plenty of quintessential summer activities. In addition to a fun-filled kids’ zone, Market Street Allen USA Celebration offers a sports zone and two live music stages, not to mention a thrilling fireworks show to close out the festivities.
You can look forward to a nationally recognized artist on the main stage while treating the family to classic festival snacks and foods. Kids will love the interactive games and inflatables, and the whole family will enjoy walking around in this festive atmosphere. With free admission and one of the biggest fireworks displays in North Texas, you can’t go wrong with a yearly trip to this event.
Oktoberfest at Watters Creek
There’s something for revelers of any age at Allen’s own Oktoberfest celebration. You’ll find over 20 beers produced by local craft breweries to sample. The event also includes vendors, live music, and a range of other activities, so anyone can enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.
Holiday Carriage Rides at Watters Creek
When the holiday season approaches, this city makes it easy to get into the seasonal spirit. Gather the whole family for a horse-drawn carriage ride in December right at Watters Creek. The cozy experience is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and it’s completely free! Kids will love taking in the festive lights during the ride, making it a perfect traditional way to welcome the holiday season.
There you have it! Crème de la Crème of Allen’s list of activities you can take part in throughout the year right here in our city.