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McKinney, Plano gear up for 2 wine festivals

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01/mckinney-plano-gear-up-for-2-wine-festivals.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 7:56 GMT by Dallas Morning News

Fall Flavor Festivities in North Texas: A Seasonal Guide to Plano, McKinney, and Beyond

As the leaves turn amber and the temperature drops, the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex’s northern suburbs are alive with a cornucopia of food‑centric celebrations. The Dallas Morning News’ October 1, 2025 feature pulls together a snapshot of the most anticipated fall festivals in Plano, McKinney, and the broader North Texas region, offering locals and visitors alike a mouth‑watering itinerary of seasonal delights. Below is a distilled rundown of what to expect, including dates, key attractions, and the culinary stars that will be on hand.

1. Plano Food & Wine Festival (October 6‑8)

Overview

Hosted by the City of Plano in partnership with the Plano Chamber of Commerce, the three‑day Food & Wine Festival has become the go‑to destination for gourmands looking to sample local and regional fare. The festival is held at the Plano Convention Center, which boasts ample space for tasting stations, live cooking demonstrations, and a craft‑beer garden.

Highlights

• Culinary Stars: Chef Mara Lopez of Gusto Mexican presents a “Farm‑to‑Fork” taco night, while the renowned pastry chef Jules Hernandez of La Petite offers a “S’mores & Soufflé” tasting session.
• Local Food Trucks: A curated line‑up of food trucks—ranging from Korean BBQ to vegan donuts—rotates through the venue, each offering a seasonal twist on classic comfort foods.
• Wine & Spirits Tastings: Over 30 Texas‑based wineries and distilleries provide a guided tasting experience, featuring limited‑edition releases such as the “Autumn Harvest Riesling” from the Hill Country and the “Bourbon Barrel‑Aged” from the Lone Star Distillery.

Tickets & Logistics

Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children (under 12), with a family pack of 4 for $50. Early‑bird tickets (purchased by September 25) are currently sold out. The festival is free to attend outside of the tasting booths.

2. McKinney Harvest Festival (October 12)

Overview

McKinney’s Harvest Festival is the oldest fall celebration in the area, tracing its roots back to 1926. The festival takes place at the historic McKinney City Hall and surrounding parks, offering a blend of food, music, and community activities.

Highlights

• Seasonal Food Stalls: Stalls like Pumpkin Spice & Co. (artisan pumpkin pies), Maple Leaf Café (Maple‑infused bourbon cocktails), and Sweet Harvest Bakery (apple cinnamon pastries) dominate the market.
• Cooking Competition: The “McKinney Chili Cook‑Off” pits local chefs against one another in a fiery, late‑night showdown.
• Live Entertainment: The McKinney Band performs a mix of country and classic hits, while local artists showcase fall-themed art installations.

Tickets & Logistics

Attendance is free. The festival runs from 10 am to 8 pm, and parking is available in the adjacent parking lot of the McKinney High School, with a $5 fee.

3. North Texas Food Fest (October 21‑22)

Overview

A newer addition to the regional festival calendar, the North Texas Food Fest takes place in downtown Denton, which is within a short drive of Plano and McKinney. The event focuses on the farm‑to‑fork movement, showcasing Texas farmers, chefs, and producers.

Highlights

• Interactive Workshops: Participants can learn how to make “Sourdough Starter” or “Cider Pressing 101.”
• Vendor Variety: From the “Texas Grape Collective” (locally‑grown grapes) to Mason’s Home‑grown Tomatoes (artisan salsa), vendors represent a wide array of produce.
• Kids Corner: A “Build Your Own Taco” station encourages young foodies to assemble their own creations, complete with fun toppings like rainbow seaweed flakes.

Tickets & Logistics

General admission is $20, while the VIP pass ($45) offers priority seating at the food courts and a private cooking demo with Chef Riley. The festival is held at the Denton County Expo Center, with free parking at the entrance.

4. Seasonal Side‑Sheds: Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking, and More

While food festivals dominate the calendar, a host of smaller, family‑friendly activities complement the culinary experience:

• Baker’s Hill Pumpkin Patch (Plano): Offers “Pumpkin Painting” and a “Pumpkin Carving Contest.”
• St. Paul’s Orchard (McKinney): Provides apple picking, a hayride, and a cider‑tasting station.
• Blue‑Ribbon Corn Maze (Saginaw): Known for its intricate design and seasonal photo opportunities.

These outings are typically free or low‑cost (most sites charge a small fee for the produce). Families are encouraged to pair a visit with a festival ticket to maximize the fall experience.

5. How to Stay Updated

The article links to several external resources that are essential for planning:

• Plano Convention Center – for the official Food & Wine Festival schedule and ticketing.
• McKinney City Hall – for Harvest Festival details, vendor lists, and parking maps.
• Denton County Expo Center – for North Texas Food Fest’s layout and workshop times.
• Local Food Truck Aggregator – provides a real‑time map of participating food trucks and their menu specials.

Readers are advised to visit these links regularly, as festival line‑ups can change in response to weather, vendor availability, or public health guidelines.

Bottom Line

With a blend of high‑profile chefs, local producers, and community‑spun traditions, North Texas’s fall festivals offer a comprehensive taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample Texas‑grown wines or a family looking for a wholesome weekend adventure, the lineup from Plano to McKinney ensures that the season’s flavors are plentiful and accessible. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and dive into the autumnal bounty that these festivals proudly present.