Family-Friendly Things to Do in Allen, TX This Weekend: September 18–20, 2026

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? There’s plenty happening around Allen, Texas, from a community garage sale and farmers markets to a dog-friendly pool party, outdoor live music and family-friendly activities.

Whether you’re looking for a free Saturday morning activity, something fun to do with the kids, or an easy way to spend Saturday evening, here are some of the family-friendly things to do in Allen this weekend, September 18–20, 2026.

2026 Collin County Fall Home & Garden Show

Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20
Credit Union of Texas Event Center | 200 E. Stacy Rd.

The 13th annual Collin County Fall Home & Garden Show is happening all weekend at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.

While the show is geared toward homeowners, there are plenty of things for families to check out, including kid-friendly crafts and hands-on activities, a marketplace featuring art and gifts, live cooking demonstrations and gardening seminars.

Admission is free, and the event features exhibitors covering everything from remodeling and landscaping to outdoor living, kitchens, baths and more.

Hours:

• Friday: 2–6 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Our pick: If you're looking for an indoor activity during the heat of the day, this is an easy option for families.

Get the full Home & Garden Show details

Community Garage Sale at Joe Farmer Recreation Center

Saturday, September 19 | 7 a.m.–12 p.m.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center | 1201 E. Bethany Dr.

Ready to hunt for some bargains?

The Community Garage Sale is taking over the parking lot at Joe Farmer Recreation Center Saturday morning, with vendors selling gently used and new-to-you treasures.

Browsing is free, so you can stop by and see what you can find without spending anything. Vendor spaces are available for people looking to sell their own items.

Our pick: Get there early if you're hoping to find the best selection—and don't forget to bring the kids if they're fans of treasure hunting!

See the City of Allen's Community Garage Sale listing

Ford Pool Pup Plunge

Saturday, September 19 | 9–11:30 a.m.
Ford Pool | 724 Whitman Dr.

This one is for the dog lovers!

The Ford Pool Pup Plunge gives local dogs a chance to swim, play and cool off before the pool closes for the season.

The event is split into two sessions:

• Small dogs: 9–10 a.m.

• Big dogs: 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Admission is $5 for Allen recreation members and $7 for non-members. Dogs must be vaccinated, and owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination. Registration is required.

If your kids love animals, this could be a particularly fun Saturday morning stop—even if you don't have a dog of your own!

See the Pup Plunge details and registration information

The Market at The Village at Allen

Saturday, September 19
The Grove at The Village at Allen

Start your Saturday morning with a visit to The Market at The Village at Allen.

The weekly open-air market features fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted goods and local vendors from around North Texas. Admission is free, making it an easy family outing if you want to browse, grab breakfast or coffee and enjoy some time outside.

The market is a particularly easy option for families because you can make it a quick stop or spend more time exploring the vendors.

Cottage Farmers Market

Saturday, September 19
Allen Heritage Village

The Cottage Farmers Market returns to Allen Heritage Village Saturday, bringing artisans and local vendors together for an open-air shopping experience.

It's a nice way to spend a Saturday morning browsing handmade goods and locally sourced finds while enjoying the historic setting of Allen Heritage Village.

Our pick: This is a good option if you're looking for something a little slower-paced than a large event.

Parents' Night Out with Camp TREC

Saturday, September 19 | 3–6:30 p.m.
Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center | 1680 W. Exchange Pkwy.

Parents, here's your chance to get a few hours to yourself!

Parents' Night Out with Camp TREC gives kids ages 5–12 an afternoon filled with games, crafts, movies, pizza and more while parents get some time away.

The cost is $30 per child, and registration is required.

Whether you use the time for a date, errands, dinner or simply enjoying a quiet house, it's a nice option for families with elementary-age kids.

See the City of Allen's Parents' Night Out listing

Seasonal Sounds: Just South of Nowhere

Saturday, September 19 | 6–9 p.m.
Bethany Lakes Park Amphitheater | 745 S. Allen Heights Dr.

Grab a blanket and head outside for Seasonal Sounds at Bethany Lakes Park.

Dallas-based alt-country/rock band Just South of Nowhere will perform a mix of original songs and covers influenced by artists including Tom Petty, the Eagles, Turnpike Troubadours and other Texas and Americana favorites.

The concert is free and family-friendly, with food trucks available on site. Music begins at 7 p.m.

Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs, grab some food from the trucks and let the kids enjoy an evening outside.

Our pick: This is one of our favorite types of family outings—easy, inexpensive and no need to keep the kids perfectly still at a restaurant!

Get the Seasonal Sounds details from the City of Allen

Live Music: The 8tracks at Watters Creek

Saturday, September 19
Watters Creek Village

Another option for Saturday night is The 8tracks at Watters Creek Village.

The free outdoor concert takes place on the Village Green, where families can grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy live music outside.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Allen Philharmonic Presents Six String Symphony and More!

Saturday, September 19 | 7–9 p.m.
Lowery Auditorium

For families with older kids and teens who enjoy music, the Allen Philharmonic is presenting Six String Symphony and More! Saturday evening.

The performance combines classical, jazz and contemporary sounds. The program includes a world premiere by David Das, performances by Grammy-nominated pianist Benjamin Loeb and award-winning pianist Joel Martin, followed by A Six String Odyssey featuring Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists.

This is a ticketed event, so check availability before heading out.

See the full program and ticket information

A Few Ideas for Your Weekend

If you're trying to squeeze several activities into one weekend, here's one possible itinerary:

Saturday morning:
Start with the Community Garage Sale at Joe Farmer Rec Center, then head to the Pup Plunge at Ford Pool if you have a dog.

Saturday late morning:
Browse one of Allen's two markets—the Market at The Village at Allen or the Cottage Farmers Market.

Saturday afternoon:
Check out the Home & Garden Show, or let the kids enjoy Parent's Night Out while you take a few hours for yourself.

Saturday evening:
Spread out a blanket at Bethany Lakes Park for Seasonal Sounds, or head to Watters Creek for The 8tracks.

There's a little bit of everything happening around Allen this weekend, whether you're looking for free family activities, shopping, outdoor entertainment or something fun to do with the kids.

Know about another family-friendly event happening in Allen this weekend? Drop it in the comments so we can add it to the list!

Event details can change, so we recommend confirming times, admission and other details with the event organizer before heading out.