Score Big

Sporty Dallasites eat and drink their way to The Tailgate's finish line

Footballs were tossed, cocktails were consumed, and Dallas' biggest sports fans partied overtime at CultureMap's newest signature event, The Tailgate.

Held both indoors and out at The Empire Room on October 13, the celebration of all things sports attracted a crowd ready to have some game day fun.

And they certainly didn't go hungry. Past Tastemaker Awards winners and nominees brought snacks galore, from sliders to pizza to wings and more.

Guests could vote for their favorite munchies via QR code, leading to One 90 Smoked Meats taking home the trophy for their smoked pork belly. TLC Vegan Kitchen was also popular for its Better Balance chicken arrabbiata. Drool over a full list of the snacks here.

Those looking to scoop up ideas for their next watch party could sample catering from Whole Foods Market, then walk away with a stadium-approved clear backpack filled with snacks, samples, and coupons for future purchases.

No one's cup ran dry, thanks to bars stocked with Deep Ellum Brewing Co. beers, Austin Cocktails, and specialty drinks featuring Dripping Springs Vodka and 1800 Tequila.

In between bites and sips, guests could watch Thursday Night Football while browsing a silent auction stuffed with valuable sports memorabilia, with a portion of proceeds benefitting our nonprofit partners. The first bidder for each item scored a special reward: a glittering replica of a championship ring (which we can confirm were appropriately heavy).

Attendees could also learn more about and donate to each of the event's nonprofit partners. There representing The Sandlot were Rangers pitcher Taylor Hearn and former MLB pitcher-turned-sports broadcaster Mike Bacsik.

Former Dallas Cowboys player Tyler Patmon is the founder of Camp Exposure, and he was joined by Cowboys mascot — and keen yard games challenger — Rowdy.

Former NFL player Spencer Drango was also ready to take on anyone who wanted to test their skills, drawing crowds to the Merging Vets & Players tent. Former Cowbows defensive tackle Russell Maryland also made an appearance.

Spotted among the sea of jerseys were Larry McFarlin, Laura George, Elizabeth Morrow, Evelyn Adgate, Denver Morris, Claire Richardson, Amanda Valdez, Jeff Florey, Brandon Beville, Nick Schenkel, Monica Sales, Dalton Stegich, Kevin Lamel, Arun Lammata, Beau Blankenship, Stephanie Craig, Crystal Medina, Lula Said, Irene Alexander, Megan Sikes, Lula Said, Gosai Busoui, Alyssa and Patrick Donlan, Stephanie Ceniza, Natalie Mayoral, Skylar Cheff, and Kat Tabora.

The Tailgate is also happening in Houston on October 27 and Austin on November 3 — we hope to see you there!

Photo by Ashley Gongora

Sports fans got their fill at The Tailgate.

sports celebrities promoted

Movie lineup

USA Film Festival returns to Dallas for 2026 with free films and big stars

Molly Belle Wright and Aaron Eckhart in Deep Water

Photo by Jen Raoult

undefined

The Dallas-based USA Film Festival returns for its 56th edition April 22-26, presenting 22 narrative features, documentaries, and short films.

All screenings and events will be held at the Angelika Film Center Dallas, with most of the programming offered for free as part of the Festival's community outreach programming.

Among the notable programs will be a salute to celebrated fashion photographer Arthur Elgort, who will be in attendance for a screening of Warren Elgort's new documentary, Arthur Elgort: Models & Muses.

In the film, Warren Elgort as he turns the camera on his father, whose candid, movement-driven style transformed the pages of Vogue and redefined the look of modern fashion photography.

The Centerpiece Selection of the festival will be Renny Harlin’s new disaster thriller, Deep Water, which will be presented as part of a salute to the filmmaker’s career. Both Harlin and executive producer - and music legend - Gene Simmons will be in attendance.

The film, starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley, is about a flight that goes down in the middle of the Pacific, where survivors soon discover they’re not alone and must survive the shark infested waters.

The Spotlight Screening will be Guy Jacobson’s madcap legal comedy, Out Of Order. Brandon Routh stars as a young New York lawyer who ends up working for two opposing law firms, inexplicably representing both sides of the same case.

Jacobson will be in attendance to present the film - which also stars Brooke Shields, Sam Huntington, Sandra Bernhard, Luis Guzman, and Krysta Rodriguez - and participate in a post-screening Q&A.

The Closing Night lineup will be led by Matthew Thayer’s No Limbs No Limits, with the film’s inspirational subject, Nick Vujicic, presenting the film.

Born without arms or legs, Vujicic defied every expectation the world placed on him - surviving childhood depression and a suicide attempt at age eight to eventually reaching millions of people with his message of faith and perseverance.

Other notable programs will include a salute to Oscar nominee Lesley Ann Warren, a special 75th Anniversary screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (1951); and Jay Duplass’ See You When I See You, starring Cooper Raiff, David Duchovny, Kaitlyn Dever, and Hope Davis.

“We are pleased to once again celebrate Dallas Arts Month with our annual Spring Festival,” USAFF Managing Director Ann Alexander said in a statement. “This year's program celebrates some very independent and inspirational artists, and includes programs ranging from important documentary topics and classic films, to pure entertainment fare."

Advance tickets are now available online at eventbrite.com/cc/56th-annual-usa-film-festival-4827625.

Any unsold/unreserved tickets will be made available at the Angelika Film Center upstairs Sales Desk beginning one hour prior to each showtime.

movies festivals film