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Looking for things to do in Collin County this fall?
From now through mid-October, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco are hosting free festivals, markets, and seasonal celebrations, starting with McKinney Oktoberfest this weekend. Here’s what’s on the calendar.
Cooler mornings are finally here, and North Texas is making the most of them. Whether you’ve called Collin County home for years or you’re getting to know the area before a move, fall events are one of the best ways to see a community up close: its downtown, its parks, and the local businesses that give each city its character.
This Weekend: McKinney Oktoberfest (Sept. 25–27)
McKinney’s signature fall festival is happening right now. The festival is organized by the City of McKinney’s Main Street program, and admission is free all weekend. The festival runs Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The festival grounds stretch across 14 blocks of McKinney’s Historic Downtown square, so there’s plenty of room to wander.
Expect polka music, folk dancing, German food, local and imported beers, and artisan shopping, plus crowd favorites like the Weenie Dog races, a beard and mustache competition, and a stein-holding contest. Parking is free, and a complimentary shuttle is available.
→ Festival info, schedule & parking
Fall Events in Allen, TX
Allen Parks and Recreation has a full fall lineup, and three events stand out.
Allen Cottage Farmers Market
The market runs on the first and third Saturdays from September through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Allen Heritage Village. The next two dates are October 3 and October 17. It’s an easy Saturday-morning stop for produce, plants, and handmade goods from local vendors.
→ Allen Cottage Farmers Market dates
Heritage Haunt: Friday, Oct. 2
This one is a local favorite. From 6 to 8 p.m. at Allen Heritage Village, the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra performs an outdoor concert by candlelight, with a trick-or-treat trail and crafts also available.
→ Heritage Haunt event details
Allen Fall Fest: Saturday, Oct. 10
Allen Fall Fest takes over St. Mary Drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to attend. The morning includes live music, an outdoor Crafters Market, food trucks, lawn games, and putt-putt. This year, every vendor booth is set up outdoors for a street-fair feel.
→ Allen Fall Fest event details
Frisco: DFW Fall Fest (Saturday, Oct. 17)
Head west to Frisco Fresh Market for a day of live entertainment, pumpkin decorating, petting zoos, face painting, and balloon artists. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and both admission and parking are free.
Tips for Enjoying Fall Events in Collin County
- Check before you go. Outdoor events can shift with North Texas weather, so confirm details on the event links above the day of the event.
- Arrive early. The popular festivals fill up fast, especially on Saturdays.
- Explore beyond the event. Walk the surrounding downtown, grab lunch at a local spot, and get a feel for the area.
Getting to Know Collin County, One Weekend at a Time
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Collin County, local events are a low-pressure way to explore. You’ll see how each city’s downtown flows, what’s within a short drive, and where you might spend your own weekends. Every community here has its own rhythm, and the best way to find yours is to experience it firsthand.
The Takeaway
Fall in Collin County is packed with free and low-cost ways to get out and enjoy the season. McKinney Oktoberfest kicks things off this weekend, Allen keeps the momentum going through October, and Frisco rounds out the month with DFW Fall Fest. Pick one, or a few, and make a day of it.
Event details were sourced from city and organizer websites as of September 23, 2026. Please confirm dates and times before attending.
Thinking About a Move Within Collin County?
Whether you’re exploring Allen, McKinney, Frisco, or somewhere else in North Texas, the Walpole Realty Group team is here to help you find the right fit, at your pace. Schedule a consultation to talk through your goals, no pressure and no obligation.
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