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Events in McGregor, Texas

McGregor hosts a full calendar of events throughout the year, with various community organizations contributing to a lively and engaging atmosphere. From seasonal festivals to fundraisers and holiday celebrations, there is always something happening in McGregor.

Major Annual Festivals & Events

  • Founders Day: A major community celebration traditionally held on the third Saturday in September, hosted by the McGregor Movement. Celebrates the city's history with a parade, BBQ cook-off, live music, car show, vendors, and street dance. The 2025 event was held September 20, 2025.

    • 2026 STATUS: CANCELLED — The traditional Founders' Day festival and parade will NOT take place in 2026 due to a shortage of volunteers. A smaller, business-focused replacement event is being planned for 2026, with organizers aiming to return with a full festival in 2027. (Source: Waco Tribune-Herald, February 2026)
    • Source: McGregor Founders Day — Official Site, City of McGregor - Visit McGregor

  • Down on the Bayou: A fundraising event for Youth Connection held in September, bringing the community together for a good cause.

  • Harvest Festival: A two-day festival in early November celebrating the fall season and local harvest.

  • McGregor Annual Car Show: A downtown car show featuring classic and custom cars, contests, music, food, and awards. The 2025 edition was held Friday, June 6, 2025 (5:00–8:00 PM). Registration: $20/vehicle.

Seasonal & Holiday Events

  • Annual Christmas Parade: A festive holiday parade hosted by the McGregor Movement on the second Saturday in December.

  • Texas Country Christmas: A week-long celebration leading up to Christmas, filled with holiday-themed activities.

  • Annual Christmas Bazaar: Held in November and hosted by the McGregor Downtown Exchange, this event is a great opportunity for holiday shopping from local vendors.

  • Hay Barn Halloween Trick or Treating: A safe and fun Halloween event for children on October 31st, hosted by the McGregor Downtown Exchange.

  • Easter Egg Hunt: A community Easter celebration hosted by the McGregor Movement in April.

Community Gatherings

Civic Meetings (Regular)

  • City Council: 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 PM — City Hall, 302 S. Madison
  • Planning & Zoning: 1st Monday of each month, 6:00 PM — City Hall
  • EDC Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM — McGregor Chamber of Commerce, 303 N. Main

The Exchange Event Center

The Exchange Event Center (300 S. Jefferson Ave, McGregor) is a 3.5-acre venue with a 600-seat Main Hall, a 65-seat Scale House, and an open-air pavilion. It hosts many of the city's recurring annual events including Hay Barn Halloween, the Annual Christmas Bazaar, the Christmas Parade, and Founders' Day.

Harris Creek Baptist Church

Harris Creek Baptist Church (401 Stageline Dr, McGregor, TX 76657) is one of the fastest-growing churches in the Waco area and a significant community anchor. - Pastor: Jonathan "JP" Pokluda — nationally known speaker, author, and podcaster; previously led The Porch at Watermark Community Church in Dallas (largest young adult gathering of its kind in the U.S.) - Services: Sundays at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM - $30 Million Expansion (2025): In September 2025, Harris Creek announced a $29–30 million capital campaign to build a new 3,000-seat worship auditorium — nearly tripling current capacity (~1,100 seats). Groundbreaking planned for 2026; target completion December 2027. The church launched a "Save a Seat" campaign ($7,000/seat). The growth is directly tied to the McGregor/Waco area population boom driven by SpaceX and industrial expansion. - Website: harriscreek.org | Phone: (254) 848-4953

This information is based on publicly available data from the City of McGregor's official website, McGregor Chamber, and local news sources. Event details and schedules are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, consult cityofmcgregor.com and mcgregorchamber.com.