Unique North Texas events this weekend: March 11-12

Train-A-Palooza – Grapevine

Hop aboard and ride to Grapevine for this model train convention hosted by The Lonestar Hi-Railers Model Train Association. The convention attracts enthusiasts and exhibitors from across the South to the Grapevine Convention Center, according to a recent release. Attendees can buy model trains and accessories from a variety of sellers as well as view some unique and exciting attractions such as a working Lego train display from the Texas Brick Railroad Club in Houston and the Hi-Railers own three-rail model railroad located within an actual 65-foot-long baggage train. The show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on March 11 and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for attendees 11-18 years of age at the convention center. Children under 10 are free. Check out the full release about the event, available via the city of Grapevine’s website, to learn more.

2023 Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival – Dallas

Dallas’ Lower Greenville Avenue hosts this storied St. Patrick’s Day celebration, returning for its 42nd year on March 11. The free parade will feature more than 100 entries and 2,000 marchers, including 2023 Grand Marshal Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, according to the celebration’s executive producer Mauricio Navarro. The Collin-Denton Spotlighter recently spoke with Navarro for a preview of this year’s parade festivities, which readers can find here.

McKinney Shamrock Run 5K and Beer Walk

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations also take center stage throughout the rest of DFW this weekend, including this Shamrock Run and Beer Walk starting at TUPPS Brewery in McKinney. For racers, the 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. on March 11, with registration open through March 9 for $40 before fees. Festivities for the event include Irish music and dance, costume contests, a photo booth and green beer from TUPPS. After the race, organizers SBG Hospitality also host a 20-stop beer stroll through Downtown McKinney beginning at 11:00 a.m. and running in a trio of separate three-hour sessions through 6:00 p.m. Tickets for each session are $30 before fees, with more information about all of the day’s St. Patrick’s events available at https://www.mckinneystpatricksday.com/.

St. Pawtrick’s Day Celebration – The Colony

Not to be left out, man’s best friend can get in on the St. Patrick’s Day fun at this celebration at The Shacks at Austin Ranch in The Colony. The Shacks are a collection of six delicious restaurants that share a patio near a one-acre public dog park, complete with specialized areas for small and large breeds as well as benches and play equipment. The Shacks’ St. Pawtrick’s Day Celebration includes a community market, live music by popular singer/songwriter Kris Luv and a number of local animal shelters like Paws of Love Rescue Group, The Great Pyrenees Rescue Society and more. The celebration runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 11, with additional information available at https://www.shacksaustinranch.com/.

Texas Storytelling Festival – Denton

The story of your fun-filled time at the 38th Annual Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton could just be beginning this week. From March 9 through March 12, the festival will feature live storytelling from nationally and internationally renowned storytellers as well as interactive workshops designed to develop your own storytelling skills. There will also be a story slam, liars contest, ghost story sharing and more throughout the festival. The Collin-Denton Spotlighter spoke with featured guest and accomplished storyteller Elizabeth Ellis for a feature previewing the festival that you can find here. Keep an eye on the Spotlighter for continuing coverage of the festival in the coming days.

Academy Award Watch Parties – Various

Its Hollywood’s biggest night on March 12 for the 95th edition of the Oscars. Several area watch parties are getting in on the glitz and glam this weekend at places like Legacy Hall in Plano and the Texas Theatre in Dallas. Find out more in this recent Collin-Denton Spotlighter story.