Updated: 8/14/2024

Named one of the top 10 best downtowns in America by Livability.com, downtown Plano offers a charming setting for a simple stroll, an afternoon of shopping, or an evening’s entertainment.

Walk along authentic brick streets to discover an eclectic collection of antique shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade jewelry to home décor to pottery. Or catch a show at McCall Plaza, the Courtyard Theater, or the Cox Building Playhouse, and see the artists in residence. View more than a dozen restored historic homes, and the Interurban Railway Museum, a railroad car turned urban museum offering a microcosm of North Texas railroad history right in Haggard Park.

There is plenty of parking available in downtown Plano, but if you would rather travel to downtown via rail line, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stops at Downtown Plano station, just steps away from all the shopping and dining available.

There is so much to do and discover in Downtown Plano. Make it a must-stop on your next visit!

DINING

Calling all foodies! Downtown Plano has some of Plano’s most unique restaurants and eateries. From Austrian to Italian and burgers, there’s something for every palate.

For a complete listing of Downtown Plano restaurants, click here.

SHOPPING

Shop along the charming brick-lined streets with boutiques and shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and handmade pottery.

ATTRACTIONS

Explore Plano Tours
Explore downtown Plano with a guided walking tour! This walking tour starts at the Interurban Railway Museum winding through current downtown and by buildings holding intriguing chapters of Plano’s past. Discover Downtown Plano’s charm of brick-lined streets and historic buildings today occupied by boutiques, unique restaurants, and businesses. Read more here.

Georgia’s Farmers Market
Georgia’s is a local family-owned produce market specializing in homegrown produce and locally made jams, salsa, candles and more.

Haggard Park
Featuring a beautiful gazebo, pond, and jungle gym play area, Haggard Park sits adjacent to the Interurban Railway Museum and the DART Downtown Plano station.

Interurban Railway Museum
This museum brings Plano transportation history back to life. Once a vital part of the Texas Electric Railway that ran between Denison to Waco from 1908 to 1948, the Interurban is one of the original electric cars that ran on the tracks through Plano. Next to the station is car 360, one of the original cars that carried mail and passengers. This is the only station remaining between Sherman and Dallas. The facility also houses exhibits on science, electricity and Plano history. Learn more here.

McCall Plaza
McCall Plaza is an outdoor performance space located in the heart of the Downtown Plano Arts District. Great exposure from this open air stage will allow you to share your event with everyone in the area. This is the perfect venue for intimate outdoor concerts in the vibrant downtown setting. See a list below of ongoing events in the plaza.

Lone Star Food Tours
Join Lone Star Food Tours as they highlight the flavors and sights of historic downtown Plano. Enjoy diverse food from three locally owned restaurants, cocktails, and shopping while you discover your new favorite spots. Public tours run Wednesdays-Saturdays; tours start at 10:45am and end by 1:15pm, and group sizes range from 4-10 guests (tours are not available on holidays or during festivals). Lone Star Food Tours works to create memorable experiences for their guests and to support local restaurants and retail establishments. Book your ticket now!

ART

Plano is making a name for itself in the art community. With the recent additions of 10 public art pieces in the Downtown Plano Arts District, Plano has a colorful new look! Read more about the city’s recent additions and sculptures that represent a part of our land’s history.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Downtown Plano is home to many iconic Plano events throughout the year. From our traditional holiday festival, Dickins, to cultural festivals like Asiafest and the Plano International Festival, there is a great variety of events to draw people downtown.

For more events in Plano, see our online event calendar.

VENUES

Courtyard Theater
Plano’s beautiful Courtyard Theater is a 321 seat facility with a proscenium-style theater. With a large stage and spacious lobby, the venue is the perfect place for any event that you may be planning. Receptions, recitals, stage plays, musicals, concerts, meetings, and private parties are all common occurrences in this beautiful venue.

Cox Building Playhouse
Also located in the Heritage Park Historic District, the playhouse is a fully customizable blackbox theater and hosts various theater companies and events. With seating, lighting, and sound setup to your specification, this venue is the perfect place to bring your vision to life. Receptions, recitals, stage plays, rehearsals, banquets, meetings, and private parties are all common occurrences in this unique venue.

Event 1013
Event1013 is a stylish, award-winning, Texas State Landmark venue. The original and premier gathering spot in Historic Downtown Plano Arts District, Event1013 blends authentic architecture, vintage charm, warm character with technology and sustainable modern conveniences and finishes. The venue that was selected as one of the Top 20 Totally Unique Venues in all of Texas is ready to serve your special event needs. At event1013, you’ll find an alternative, urban and upscale setting to hold a successful business meeting, create wonderful memories, mark a milestone and celebrate!

Rooftop Event Spot
Rooftop Event Spot is an event facility offering 4,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space on the fourth floor of the original Plano ice house in Historic Downtown Plano. With panoramic sunset views, a unique layout and exclusive catering from award-winning restaurants, Urban Crust and Urban Rio, Rooftop Event Spot offers an event experience unlike any other.

For more meeting and event venues in Plano, use our Meeting Facilities Guide to help sort the right venues for your event.
For more about the Downtown Plano Arts District, click here. Find a Plano hotel here.