When it’s time for some R&R, there’s plenty of stuff to do right in your own backyard. Allen and the surrounding areas of Collin County offer a wealth of sources for entertainment, from art to sports to special events.

Parks

Bethany Lakes Park

   This community park has the perfect ingredients for an outdoor meal—plenty of shade trees, several beautiful lakes and lots of ducks that’ll practically eat out of your hand. The more adventurous can hike or bike around the lakes, fly a kite, or fish in the stocked ponds. For a more secluded picnic spot, take the trail that runs parallel with Allen Heights north where it follows a creek through residential areas. Bethany Lakes Park features a gazebo, mature trees and lots of open grassy space. Located on the NE corner of Bethany and Allen Heights, Allen.

Celebration Park

  Located north of E. Main Street between Malone Road and Angel Parkway, this 103-acre park is the perfect setting for an enjoyable outdoor excursion for the whole family. This expansive park includes the community-built playground, “KidMania,” which spans an acre and is one of the largest handicap accessible play areas in the region. It is also home to a sprayground that will keep the kiddos cool during the hot summer months; two baseball diamonds; fifteen soccer fields; a lake with a lakeside pavilion; a multisport court; and a concrete hike-andbike trail. Celebration Park also is the site of the “Allen USA” celebration each year.

Sports

Allen Parks & Recreation

   With several locations, Allen Parks and Recreation offers adult sports leagues throughout the year, as well as tennis and golf leagues and clinics in the summer. Slow-pitch softball and indoor volleyball are offered three seasons per year and basketball leagues are played in the winter and summer season. And of course, the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium is open all year.

Culture/Entertainment

Allen Philharmonic Symphony

   The conductor, orchestra, director and chorus have prepared a season of truly spectacular music everyone can enjoy. Treat yourself to one of Allen’s secret pleasures—music at the Allen Philharmonic. Tickets are reasonably priced and offer the option to select the entire season or individual concerts.

   All concerts begin at 8 p.m. and are performed at First United Methodist Church of Allen, except for the Holiday concert, which will be performed at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church. Contact 972.359.0656 or www.allenphilharmonic.org.

Summer Sounds Series

   Located at the Amphitheater at Joe Farmer Recreation in Allen, the Summer Sounds Series is a fun way to spend otherwise uneventful Monday nights in late May and June.

   Bring the entire family, a blanket or lawn chairs, some nibbles and enjoy music under the stars. Musical acts range from jazz to variety to rock to Jimmy Buffet–style country. There’s always plenty of fun for everyone.

Spotlight Theatre

   Located at 109 N. Greenville Ave, Suite B, Allen, 972.649.6140. If you are looking for something different and entertaining in Allen, Spotlight Theatre offers live theatre productions.

Special Events

Allen USA Celebration

   In Celebration Park in Allen. This Independence Day extravaganza is one of the biggest pre-Fourth of July parties in North Texas. It is held the Saturday before the fourth of July and features attractions such as Kid Zone (with more than 20 inflatables), artisans, sampling booths, a variety of concessions, music, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.