Social calendar

The 12 glittering galas and splendid soirees all Dallas socialites must attend this spring

Dust off your stilettos and steam your ballgowns because galas, cocktail parties, and power lunches are finally back. After two years of COVID-cancellations — or pivots to virtual formats — Dallas' most glamorous fundraising events of spring have returned to the calendar.

Except, the calendar is a little topsy-turvy. Because of the recent Omicron-fueled surge, a few events have postponed further into spring (hence, a Valentine's-themed luncheon taking place in May). Beyond being fun, fancy parties to attend, these events raise crucial funds for the organizations' missions in Dallas and beyond. Note that some are nearly sold out, but waitlists are available.

Now grab your pen, circle these all-important dates in your social diary, and click the links for tables and tickets.

Turtle Creek Chorale Rhapsody, March 5
Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will headline "Rhapsody," Turtle Creek Chorale’s benefit gala at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The evening will feature opening receptions, seated dinner, open bar, live auction, a private performance by McDonald, and an after-party experience with the IDT Band and dessert. Funds raised will support the chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs. And in honor of McDonald's performance, TCC will make a donation to Black Theatre United, an organization she co-founded with other Black artists after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, which supports the work for racial equity and social justice.

Art in Bloom, March 7
This floral-infused fête is both inspiring and informative. Dallas Museum of Art League's signature fundraiser, themed "Art of the Jewel," will showcase the work of internationally renowned designer Paula Crevoshay, whose botanical collection of bespoke jewelry is inspired by flowers in nature (some of her pieces are on display at the Perot Museum now). Honorary chair Peggy Sewell, event chair Sila Grogan, and co-chair Pat McDonough are overseeing the afternoon mega-luncheon at the DMA, which benefits the museum's education and exhibition programs, as well as the League’s Floral Endowment Fund.

AWARE Affair, April 8
"Soaring to New Heights Fighting Alzheimers" is an appropriate theme for this year's lavish Affair, as it's taking place at one of Dallas’ most iconic aviation-related landmarks, Star Skyline Hangar at the Braniff Centre. Mari Epperson and Sharon Ballew are serving as event co-chairs, with (Dallas Cowboys great) Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan as honorary chairs. The semi-formal event will include a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, seated three course-dinner, and entertainment. With Karisti Julia as AWARE president and Hamilton Sneed of HAS Events orchestrating the whole event, it's sure to be a glamorous evening dedicated to fighting Alzheimer's disease.

Art Ball, April 9
Considered the most glittering gala of spring, this beautiful ball at the Dallas Museum of Art returns after a two-year absence with a nod to the museum’s first ball in 1962. Themed "TABLEAUX: 60 Years of Art Ball (1962-2022)," it will be a '60s-themed black tie event for a more intimate crowd of just 350 guests. (Fun fact: The first “Beaux Arts Ball” was held on April 27, 1962 , and themed "TABLEAU VIVANTS.") Brian Bolke will chair the ball, which supports the museum's mission to offer free admission to the more than 800,000 annual visitors.

Genesis Annual Luncheon, April 14
This annual luncheon at the Hilton Anatole always attracts a big name as its keynote speaker. For the 29th edition in 2022, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Michael Bolton will be that star. (If he doesn't croon a line or two from "When a Man Loves a Woman," will the event even exist?) The luncheon raises funds for Genesis' continuous effort to provide safety, shelter, and support for women who have experienced domestic violence.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party, April 20
Consider this your gentle reminder to get started designing your hat. The bigger the better for this posh tea party at the Dallas Arboretum. Themed simply but powerfully "Dallas," the luncheon — celebrating its 34th year — is chaired by Claire Catrino, with Laurie Sands Harrison as honorary chair and Lisa Loy Laughlin serving as president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. The afternoon will once again include a champagne reception, tea, hat contest, and Jan Strimple-produced fashion show presented by Tootsie's; former FOX 4 news reporter Calvert Collins will be the mistress of ceremonies. Funds raised benefit A Woman’s Garden.

Junior League Milestones Luncheon, April 21
For Junior League of Dallas' Centennial year, they've snagged a heavy-hitting lineup for their annual luncheon: domestic doyenne and media mogul Martha Stewart will be the keynote speaker. Led by Luncheon Chair Isabell Novakov Higginbotham and Sustaining Chair Lydia Novakov, the event will also honor Dallas resident and former first lady Laura Bush with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Veletta Forsythe Lill will be honored as Sustainer of the Year. The luncheon will take place at the Hilton Anatole and benefit Junior League's many civic causes. The luncheon will be followed two nights later by a special Centennial Gala.

UNICEF Gala, April 22
Just moved from its original date of February 4, this annual star-studded affair at the Thompson Dallas will honor local philanthropist Abigail Williams, and Poizon Ivy the DJ will perform at the after-party. The leadership committee includes Joyce Goss, Kara Goss, Claire Haidar, Jennifer Karol, Jessica Nowitzki, Selwyn Rayzor, and Alexandra Suich Bass — who no doubt are planning a magnificent and meaningful evening to raise crucial funds for UNICEF's life-saving programs worldwide.

Côtes du Coeur, April 30
The American Heart Association’s 31st annual Côtes du Coeur will get the wine flowing at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This black-tie gala, fine wine and celebrity chef experience is the largest event of its kind and the top fundraising gala in the nation for the AHA. Co-chaired by Joe Brayton, founder of Paragon Healthcare, Inc., and his wife, Patti, the evening will include a wine auction, celebrity chef dinner, live bid board, and silent auctions for rare wines, hard-to-find vintages, culinary experiences, exclusive trips, and more. The event will celebrate progress toward equitable health and honor survivors of heart disease and stroke.

House of DIFFA, May 7
Themed "Extravaganza" and happening at the Omni Dallas Hotel, May's most colorful black-tie gala — this one, two years in the making — always features a one-of-a-kind runway show and killer silent auction. The 2022 event will celebrate 30 years of raising funds to aid organizations that help raise awareness, advocate for individuals, and fight HIV/AIDS in the Dallas community. Tickets are not available, but to join a waitlist, contact House of DIFFA tables chair Shane Allen.

Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show, May 16
No, Valentine's Day itself hasn't moved to May. But this big-hearted luncheon, normally tied to Valentine's Day, has been postponed to later this spring. Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the 2022 mega-luncheon is chaired by (a very busy) Lisa Loy Laughlin and will feature champagne, lunch, inspiring speakers, and a fashion show of looks from Highland Park Village, produced by (a very busy) Jan Strimple. Serving as advisory chairs for the event, themed "Make a Statement," are Nancy Gopez, Maggie Kipp, and Melinda Knowles. It will be held at the Meyerson Symphony Center, and funds raised will help fight blood cancers.

Equest Blue Ribbon Ball, June 4
Equest's 41st annual gala: "Blue Ribbon Ball," will be an outdoors event at the Al Hill, Jr. Arena at Equest at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas. Leslie and Hawkins Golden are honorary chairs; and Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood are the co-chairs of the event, which raises funds for equine-assisted therapies and other services. With the festivities taking place in an open-air arena, partygoers can ditch their stilettos and tuxes, and don summery cocktail chic with sandals or boots. (And don't worry, they kindly supply mosquito repellant.) The night will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, and photo ops with Equest’s horses.

Michael and Rebkah Finley, and Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki at the 2020 UNICEF Gala.

Michael Finley, Rebekah Finley, Jessica Nowitzki and Dirk Nowitzki

Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for UNICEF USA

Michael and Rebkah Finley, and Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki at the 2020 UNICEF Gala.

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Dallas' biggest party

Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball '25 fires on all cylinders with Post Malone

Photo by Nate Rehlander

Mike O'Malley, Madison Sieli

A weekend deluge tried its best to bring the 2025 Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball to a screeching halt. But co-chairs Nina Sachse, Courtney Derderian, and their pit crew of hundreds had been working with the theme “All Cylinders” for over a year. Rain wasn’t going to slow them down now.

Neither were guests’ spirits dampened as they arrived on Saturday, October 25 to find much of the Southfork Ranch event grounds tented. Volunteers helpfully pointed out on maps which features had moved under cover. Well-defined walkways helped avoid the deepest mud puddles.

Like magic, a golden sunset peeked out in time for evening selfies in front of the iconic Cattle Baron’s Ball Ferris wheel. Not a single raindrop fell after the party began.

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball 2025 The rain stopped in time for a perfect sunset behind the iconic Ferris wheel.Photo by Nate Rehlander

Cattle Baron’s Ball is known officially as the world's largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and unofficially as Dallas’ biggest party of the year. The 52nd edition welcomed 3,500 guests - a sell-out crowd that was noticeably younger than in years past.

That was, no doubt, in part to the 2025 featured entertainer, Post Malone. The rapper-rock ‘n roller - a global superstar but a relative country music newcomer - brought a distinctly edgier vibe to the traditionally Western-glam hootenanny. (Back to him in a sec.)

Mistress of ceremonies Deborah Ferguson welcomed early arrivals to a VIP party presented by Anne Davidson inside the Southfork Ranch Event and Conference Center. Singer-songwriter Chandler Walters entertained while VIPs noshed on sliders, quesadillas, and Dr Pepper short ribs, and got their first sips of Grey Goose Blackberry Lemonade - the hit signature drink of the night. (Although those who really knew what they were doing zoomed first to the White Rhino Espresso Martini bar in the casino before the long lines formed.)

At 6:30 pm, the masses arrived and the event revved up to full throttle. One reason Cattle Baron’s Ball is such a bucket-list ticket is that it’s a mega-night with so much to do in so many places. You could spend six hours there and miss entire rooms. Pacing and exploring are important.

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Linger too long in the Champagne & Caviar lounge inside the Mary Kay Glam & Swag room and you see later on Instagram that you missed the Neiman Marcus Elevator Gallery (featuring a replica of the iconic Neiman’s Downtown elevator). Stay loyal to the Hugo Spritz bar - your favorite last year - and find out you’ve missed out entirely on an Irish Coffee bar.

Cattle Baron’s Day is also not a good day for an Ozempic microdose. Eating all night long is key to the experience. Vestals Catering prepared a dinner buffet of salads, jalapeno tamales, macaroni, chicken sausage, prime beef brisket, and all sorts of mini desserts. Also on offer: Frito pie-in-a-bag, smoked chicken wings, Fletcher's Corny Dogs, and so much more. Concert munchies and late-night sliders and tacos helped nourish those who’d gotten a bit too Grey-Goosey in the wee hours.

As people perused the giant silent auction, bought raffle tickets, and tried their luck in the casino, the marching band from Post Malone’s alma mater, Grapevine High School, marched through the crowd to corral everyone to the Live Auction room.

Self-described “auction-tainer” Letitia Frye got the room to quiet down for a tribute to Jacque Wynne, the co-founder of Cattle Baron’s Ball who'd recently lost her own battle with cancer. "We're gonna honor our beloved Jacque Wynne and break every record tonight," Frye announced.

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball 2025 Ethan Sanford and Nina Sanford remember their late young daughter, Ceci.Photo by Nate Relander

In another emotional moment, Dallas couple Nina and Ethan Sanford talked lovingly of their young daughter Ceci, who died of a rare spinal tumor. They inspired this year’s “paddle raise,” which brought in hundreds of thousands for ACS.

The live auction, chaired by Katy Brooks and Emily Hill, featured jaw-dropping experiences, jewelry, artwork, and many luxury trips (American Airlines donated over 3 million miles). Auctions can be tough these days; folks are holding onto their money tighter than bull riders strapped in for 8-second rides. Frye challenged the crowd to bid enthusiastically.

Some of the highest-bid items included a Givenchy experience at Paris Fashion Week (which went for $200,000) and a Carolina Herrera experience in New York City ($90,000); an excursion at Trident Ranch (two sold for $100,000 each); trips to Punta Mita ($80,000), Hawaii ($50,000), Big Sky ($55,000), and England ($40,000). A chance to play golf with Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and his fiancee nabbed $20,000; and a big dinner prepared by Dallas' top chefs, led by Kent Rathbun, sold twice - first for $100,000 and again for $75,000.

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball 2025 Kristi Leatherman and Skyler Baty drum up support for a live auction item.Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Finally it was time to head into a sprawling tent for headliner Post Malone. For about an hour-and-a-half, he ran through his hits including “Rockstar,” “Sunflower,” “Congratulations,” “Better Now,” and country bangers “Pour Me a Drink” and “I Had Some Help,” as the crowd sang and bopped along.

Between songs, he surely broke records for the number of F-bombs dropped on stage at a Cattle Baron’s Ball. While there might have been some turquoise necklace-clutching from those not familiar with his shows, it was easy to recognize the genuine sentiments underneath the colorful language.

“I f---ing love you so much,” he said of the crowd, of DFW, of Grapevine High School, of the mission of the American Cancer Society, and of his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

While Posty barely let go of his Red Solo Cup all show, to the relief of the folks from American Cancer Society, did not smoke on stage (as he is known to do).

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball 2025, Post Malone Post Malone with his Red Solo Cup on stage.Photo by Adam Degross

Those who wanted to make a late night of it trudged through mud, back to the dance floor beneath the Live Auction stage, where Emerald City Band kept the after-party going past 1 am. Outside as people waited for their ride shares, they snagged chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s truck (which happens to be one of Post Malone's well-known faves, too).

Spotted in the crowd were Kameron Westcott, Porschla Kidd, Jessica Nowitzki, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Kari Kloewer, Krystal Davis, David Gilberg, Nelson Beville, Courtney Gilberg, Eric Webber, Fallon Bock, Blake Griffin, David Nash, Lisa Zabelle, Brooke del Tufo, Miles Parker Trapp Danielson, Talley Pike, Daniel Fitzgerald, Anne Davidson, David Timmins, Dawn Estes, Deborah Metrick, Marc Metrick, Isabell Novakov Higginbottom, Andrea Cheek, Marjon Henderson, Lora Farris, Jamie Charles, Ian Charles, Jane Humphrey, Catherine Woodall, Lawrence Bock, Katy Bock, Max Clark, Sharon Lee Clark, Mike O'Malley, Madison Sieli, Nik Simon, Patricia Quirino, Mike McGuire, Sophie McGuire, Maddy McGuire, Natalie McGuire, Pete Foster, Tanya Foster, Kristi Leatherman, Skyler Baty, Ruby Sellers, Shannon Sneed, Brandy Derrick, and thousands more revelers and supporters.

Cattle Baron’s Ball is the premier fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in North Texas, and has raised more than $105 million since its inception in 1974. The 2025 totals are still being counted, but organizers say the final tally was in the millions.

Photo by Nate Rehlander

Mike O'Malley, Madison Sieli

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