If you are a fan of philanthropic eating, this is your spirit week. Plano is also debuting a food and wine festival that is sure to be a smash. So grab your boo and bask in the beauty that is Dallas' food scene in October.

Thursday, October 4

Grand Opening Chefs' Tasting at The Shops at Willow Bend
The Shops at Willow Bend celebrates the opening of its first five new restaurants and helps support the important work of the Junior League of Collin County. Guests can enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a progressive dining experience by Mexican Bar Co. Cocina, Whistle Britches, Knife, Terra Mediterranean, and Ascension. The evening will also feature desserts, coffee, and music by Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra, and more. Tickets are $125 and the event starts at 5 pm.

Opus One Wine Dinner at Abacus
Chef Chris Patrick has created a menu to pair with this superior California wine. The evening begins with passed appetizers, and then there is a seated meal featuring slow-smoked veal breast ragout, coriander seared Rohan duck breast, and whole roasted A Bar N Ranch beef tenderloin. Tickets are $350, and the event starts at 6:30 pm.

Friday, October 5

TACA Lexus Party on the Green at Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park
Enjoy signature dishes by local chefs such as Stephan Pyles of Flora Street Café, Janice Provost of Parigi Restaurant, and Sebastien Archambault of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek — plus creative cocktails and wine by local mixologists — at this food-centric fundraiser for the North Texas arts and cultural community. Expect a silent auction, wine cork pull, entertainment by Lucy Wrubel, and live performances by some of TACA's 2018 grant recipients. Tickets are $350, and the events starts at 6:30 pm.

Artful Pairings at Dallas Museum of Art
This new program is a series of exclusive tastings with local distilleries, breweries, and wineries followed by a tour of the DMA collection connected to the history of the alcohol. This particular event focuses on Crooked Fox bourbon. Tickets start at $55, and the event begins at 7 pm.

Burgers & Burgundy at The Eye at The Joule
Terri Provencal and chef John Tesar bring DIFFA's culinary fundraiser to The Eye at The Joule for a night of, you guessed it, burgers and burgundy. Participating burger makers for the 10th anniversary edition include Coner Seargeant (Wheelhouse), Blaine Staniford (Grace), and Bruno Davaillon (Bullion). Tickets are $150, and the event starts at 7 pm.

Saturday, October 6

Plano Food and Wine Festival at The Shops at Willow Bend
This inaugural food festival at The Shops at Willow Bend will showcase more than 100 wines, food from 20 different restaurants, and food trucks in a lively environment. There will also be live music, local artists, culinary demonstrations, a play zone for kids, and even grape-stomping competitions. Tickets start at $20, and all proceeds benefit North Texas Performing Arts.