Grab those social diaries, young professionals of Dallas. It's time to fill in some dates.
The future of Dallas philanthropy is in good hands, if the excitement about these fabulous fêtes of fall is any indication.
From bubbly-fueled cocktail parties to high-energy galas that last well into the night, these are the seven top events every Dallas YP should plan to attend this fall.
BubblyQ, October 3
Charitable Dallasites have been toasting to this sparkling, must-attend event for over a decade, and it's contributed more than $1 million to cancer support and research through Young Texans Against Cancer since its inception in 2008. This year's BubblyQ, at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, will be led by chef-chair Dean Fearing along with event chairs Leila Bergquist and Melanie Carroll. Guests will sample bites, bubbles and cocktails from the likes of Beverley’s, Bisou Bisou, The Charles, Fearings, Five Sixty, Hudson House, Imoto, Nobu, Parigi, Roxor Gin, Salum, Bullion, Jalisco Norte, and more. Eddie “Lucky” Campbell will provide craft cocktails. DJ Jose and Douglas Adams will provide the tunes, and the famous silent auction promises to have some of the hottest items of the year.
Dallas Opera First Night Gala with After Party, October 18
The glittering Dallas Opera First Night Gala brings together Dallas' fashion lovers and opera lovers like no other event of the year. After the final curtain call of Mozart's The Magic Flute, YPs (and any other night owls with tickets) will jet to a tent outside of the Winspear Opera House for the official After Party until about 1:30 am. Event chairs Carol and Don Glendenning plan sweets and treats by Wolfgang Puck Catering, an open bar, and dancing to Professor D. There is no separate ticket to the After Party; it’s wrapped up into the $1,000 First Night ticket that includes the reception, dinner, and After Party. But consider it a taste of what Dallas Opera has to offer for YPs. In the months following First Night, Dallas Opera will hold "young professionals night" performances of each mainstage production.
CultureMap It's Fall Y'all Social, October 24
Each season, CultureMap throws a can't-miss party at one of the hottest venues in Dallas. Once again we're teaming up with West Village to produce It's Fall Y'all, a chic and experiential outdoor block party for young professionals in one of Dallas' premier retail centers. Sample bites from favorite West Village restaurants; savor refreshing beverages from Patrón Tequila, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, and Topo Chico; check out fresh fall looks from the center's retailers; plus tunes, games, and more. The best part? It all benefits the North Texas Food Bank.
Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon, November 1
If you can wrestle yourself away from work for one luncheon this season, make it this one. The featured speaker is Keri Russell, who will forever be "Felicity Porter" to many of us but was most recently on the critically acclaimed FX series The Americans, and upcoming, she will star in Star Wars: Episode IX. The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund and recognizes the impact and achievements of its volunteers. Bess Enloe is being honored as Sustainer of the Year. Co-chairs are Alli Eagan and Connie O’Neill.
Dallas Autumn Ball, November 8
This high-energy, black-tie dance party is the must-attend party of fall. DAB welcomes young professionals donning their glitzy best to Hotel ZaZa for a fun night benefiting Reading Partners, which helps improve education in the city. Guests will arrive to the seventh annual event, chaired by Adam Kraus, ready to dine on heavy hors d'oeuvres, drink champagne and premium cocktails, and dance the night away to Emerald City Band and DJ Souljah. Since its inception in 2013, DAB has donated more than $200,000 to Dallas education organizations. Each year it has sold out, and it will this year, too.
Rhapsody in Red Charity Gala, November 9
This festive dinner and dance, taking place at Belo Mansion for the second year, gives young philanthropists a chance to support Bryan’s House, an organization that serves children who have special needs. Patrons can paint the town red — literally — as red attire is encouraged. Besides enjoying top-notch bites and sips, guests can prepare to dance to the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and bid on custom auction packages. The sold-out event raised more than $150,000 in 2018 with over 400 attendees, and event chairs Zach Sherwood, Austin Eudaly, Darian Thomas, Tara Stevenson, Molly Rasmussen, Michael Miller, Sam Mills, and Wendy Newberg are planning another night to remember.
Dallas Millennial Gala, December 14
The fourth annual Dallas Millennial Gala, benefiting the Millennials for STEM Foundation, is moving to the historic Statler Hotel downtown. The 2019 gala is themed “STEM, Space & Beyond.” Guests can match their fashion to the theme of the event, or just come dressed to impress: it's black-tie attire for men and formal gowns and dresses for women at this glamorous gala. The Dallas Millennial Club, founded by Christiana Yebra, Noble Madu, and Broadrick Umeh, aims to gather young professionals to be leaders, philanthropists, and influencers in the community, and raises money for underserved students pursuing S.T.E.M. education.
Dallas Autumn Ball is the be-seen party of fall.
The central foyer was transformed into a South-of-France villa, and harpists played on terraces.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The prettiest seaside "shrimp boat" you'll ever see.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Ball chair Mary Martha Pickens in a vibrant green and blue Michael Faircloth gown (with Dr. John Pickens).Photo by Tamytha Cameron
Dancers from Bruce Wood Dance Dallas and electric violin players from Dallas Live Orchestra entertained before dinner.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The ball was attended by 1,540 guests.Photo by Ashley Gongora