Officer Chance Graves and the Allen Police Department are inviting residents to grab a partner and throw some bags for a good cause this Sunday.

The department's fourth annual Bags for Gold Cornhole Tournament returns Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Courtyard Marriott Allen Ballroom, 210 E. Stacy Rd. Doors open at noon and competition starts at 1 p.m. Registration is $60 per team through the Scoreholio app.

Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Texas athletes through the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run. APD has supported the program for more than 20 years and has raised an estimated $150,000 through events including Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge and the annual cornhole tournament, according to a city recognition earlier this year. The department earned a Silver Torch award for raising over $40,000 in 2024 alone.

Police Chief Steve Dye credited Graves and Sergeant Michelle Peel for growing APD's Special Olympics involvement during that April recognition.

Non-competitors are welcome. The afternoon includes raffle tickets, vendors and additional games. Credit Union of Texas is the Gold Medal sponsor, with Andrews Distributing Company and Armor Brewing Co. as Silver Medal sponsors.

Free music Friday and Saturday

The weekend kicks off Friday, Aug. 14, with the SaxoGram Band performing a free concert at the Allen Public Library. The Dallas-based group, led by saxophonist Tevin Williams, plays R&B, jazz, soul, country, reggae and gospel.

Saturday, Aug. 15, North Texas band Travelin' Jed brings blues, soul and rock 'n' roll to the Village Green at Watters Creek Village as part of the free Concerts by the Creek series. The McKinney-born group is known for standout guitar work. Seating is first-come, first-served; bring a blanket or lawn chair and grab dinner from nearby restaurants.

Sunday: yoga, gardening and the farmers market

Mindful Mermaid, a wellness studio at 604 W. Bethany Dr., Suite 108, hosts a QiYoga workshop Sunday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m. The class pairs Qigong healing movements with Yin yoga. All ages and experience levels are welcome; bring a mat.

Also Sunday, the Allen Public Library and the Collin County Master Gardeners present Know & Grow: Shade Gardening, a free session on growing healthy plants in low-light spaces, according to the city's August events calendar.

The Market at The Village at Allen rounds out the weekend at The Grove with fresh produce and handmade goods from local artisans. The farmers market is family-friendly and dogs are welcome.

Weekend calendar at a glance

  • Friday, Aug. 14: SaxoGram Band, Allen Public Library (free)
  • Saturday, Aug. 15: Travelin' Jed, Concerts by the Creek, Watters Creek Village Green (free)
  • This weekend: The Market at The Village at Allen, The Grove (free admission)
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: QiYoga, Mindful Mermaid, 10:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Bags for Gold Cornhole Tournament, Courtyard Marriott Allen Ballroom, noon doors / 1 p.m. start ($60/team)
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Know & Grow: Shade Gardening, Allen Public Library (free)