Pandemic party pivot

7 snazzy Dallas-Fort Worth galas and parties going virtual in May

Dallas Mavs Ball goes virtual this year.

Photo courtesy of Dallas Mavericks

While life is certainly starting to feel "normal" again as more Dallas-Fort Worth residents get COVID-19 vaccinations, things are not yet "normal" enough for big, crowded gatherings to happen in ballrooms and event venues. So, for at least one more month, local nonprofits are holding pandemic-safer events to raise funds that are more vital than ever for their operations and services. Below are a handful of galas, luncheons, and parties that are going virtual (or at least offering a virtual option) in May. You'll find more here, here, here, and here. Click to join in the fun they have planned for good causes.

Mayfest @ Home, now-May 2
For the second year in a row, Fort Worth will miss the festival food, live music, and entertainment at Mayfest. But even though the in-person event was canceled due to the pandemic, the folks in charge have launched Mayfest @ Home on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Like their pages now through May 2, and join them virtually as they share pictures and videos of favorite features of the event — confetti eggs, dance contests, music, food, giveaways, and more. (Then look forward to the event's return May 5-8, 2022.) Mayfest annually raises funds to enhance the Trinity River, surrounding parks, and community programs. Visit www.mayfest.org for more information.

TACA Silver Cup Luncheon, May 4
Presented annually, the TACA Silver Cup Award recognizes two individuals for their outstanding volunteer leadership and contributions to the arts in North Texas; this year's luncheon will honor Donna Wilhelm and Sam Self. The entire luncheon, beginning at 12 pm, will take place outdoors at AT&T Performing Arts Center's Annette Strauss Square and will adhere to COVID-19 safety and social-distance protocols. New this year, there's also an option to attend virtually and purchase raffle tickets online (no need to be present to win). Virtual tickets are $50, and a $200 virtual ticket also includes a wine and cheese pairing for two. Virtual event and raffle tickets are available online; to inquire about in-person seats, call 214-520-3930.

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer presents Buddy Bag Bash, May 4
Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer will host the Buddy Bag Bash, presented by Dallas Magnolias, virtually this year. Broadcaster and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Babe Laufenberg will share his late son Luke’s personal journey with childhood cancer in conversation with CBS 11 anchor Karen Borta. Fellow Dallas Cowboys stars Troy Aikman, Daryl Johnston, and Jason Garrett will also make special virtual appearances. The virtual event benefits the Dallas-based pediatric cancer charity, with each ticket specifically funding a WOKC Buddy Bag, a rolling suitcase filled with special entertainment and practical items for children admitted for cancer treatment at WOKC’s partnering hospitals. All WOKC Buddy Bag Bash attendees will receive a $10 digital gift certificate to Jersey Mike’s when they register. Tickets for the 7 pm event start at $250 on the website.

Arlington Charities Help and Hope Celebrity Chef Showcase, May 6
Benefiting the nonprofit food pantry Arlington Charities, the Help and Hope Celebrity Chef Showcase will be livestreamed from Urban Alchemy Coffee Shop and Wine Bar beginning at 7 pm. Virtual attendees can connect via Facebook Live, where longtime Arlington crusader OK Carter will chat with restaurant owners Aziz Kobty of Prince Lebanese Grill and Randy Ford of J. Gilligans — both of past Food Network fame. The event is free, but registration is requested. A live raffle drawing for four fabulous dining packages will also take place; purchase $25 tickets here. All proceeds will benefit Arlington Charities.

The Dallas Opera presents Viva Opera!, May 7-June 4
The Dallas Opera’s annual glittering spring gala has been reimagined as a special virtual fundraising event this year, streaming on TDO’s website beginning May 7 at 7 pm. This year’s event, which will be available for on-demand viewing through June 4, stars mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, soprano Ailyn Pérez, countertenor John Holiday, and baritone Lucas Meacham in selections from The Barber of Seville and Great Scott, and in recital. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Funds raised benefit The Dallas Opera’s artistic and learning programs.

Dallas Mavericks present Mavs Ball: House Party Edition, May 8
The Dallas Mavericks will present the sixth annual, and first-ever virtual, Mavs Ball, a unique experience guest can enjoy from the comfort of home, 7-9 pm. It will include entertainment and appearances from the entire team, including Dallas Mavericks players, CEO Cynt Marshall, head coach Rick Carlisle, and owner Mark Cuban. Presented by AT&T, the Virtual House Party will be hosted at Dallas Virtual Events in Deep Ellum in support of the Mavs Foundation, which helps build a stronger community by empowering youth, women, and families in need. Attendees of the virtual event will be able to bid on meet and greets, experiences, as well as legendary autographed collectibles, custom art pieces, and shoes designed by Mavericks players. In addition, they will enjoy music and performances by DJ She Real, Ghost-Note, and more. Beginning Monday, May 3, exclusive auction items will be up for bid. Virtual tickets and packages, starting at $125, are available at Mavs.com/MavsBall.

Runway for Rise Virtual Event, May 18
The Ashford Rise School of Dallas will host the fourth annual Runway for Rise, a fun fashion show, from 7:30-8:30 pm. The entire event will be held virtually, with attendees able to tune in to view at RunwayForRise.org or on YouTube or Facebook. The event will be emceed by Katy Blakey of NBC 5, and Sherry and Barry Rosenberg will be honored with this year’s “Heart and Soul Award.” Runway for Rise allows the school to introduce its students with and without developmental disabilities through an exciting — and very cute — runway show starring the Rise School students. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature a raffle. It's free to tune in, and donations are encouraged. All proceeds from the event will go toward financial aid for the children who attend the Rise School. To register, donate, and view the raffle items, visit RunwayforRise.org.

galas fundraisers

Tastemaker Awards

Tastemaker Awards party salutes the best in Dallas restaurants in 2025

Ashley Gongora

Dallas Tastemaker Awards

Foodies from all across Dallas showed up for the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, celebrating Dallas' top restaurants, bars, and chefs who've led the local dining scene most in the past year.

After months of buildup, the winners were revealed at an awards ceremony and tasting event on on Thursday, May 1 at the Astoria Event Venue in Irving.

The presentation of the awards was the pinnacle in a night of food and drink, in which more than a dozen nominated chefs and restaurants served up delicious bites, while bartenders crafted cocktails incorporating spirits from event sponsors including: Still Austin Whiskey and Hornitos Tequila, along with Pennsyvania-based Yuengling Beer, who served their traditional lager as well as Flight, their light lager.

There were specialty cocktails from Silent Pool Gin (English G&T), Hornitos Tequila (Hornitos Paloma, ranch water, and neat), Reyka Vodka (Reyka espresso martini and cucumber martini), and Still Austin Whiskey (Still Austin old fashioned, plus neat pours of Straight and Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye Whiskey).

Alcohol-free options included the Honey Berry Fizz from Punch Bowl Social, the Cucumber Garden mocktail from Seedlip, and an irresistible pistachio espresso martini from Ritual Zero Proof.

Saratoga Spring Water kept everyone hydrated, and also dispensed goody bags containing a box of chocolates, notepad & pen, wine key, key chain, and bottle of water to the nominees. Brioche Gourmet handed out rich bread items to all attendees.

The tastiest plates of the night included Chicken kofta meatballs from Goodwins, Peking duck wraps and spicy tuna cones from Komodo, Salmon bowl box and sesame rice noodles from Loro (served in a cool take-out box), rigatoni Genovese from Perch Bistro, pimento cheese and Benton's country ham sandwiches from The Porch, and pineapple char siu pulled pork baos from Scout at the Statler.

Favorite sweet options included strawberry matcha and pink champagne macarons from Ollio Patisserie, and a medley of treats from LA 57 that included mini almond croissants, mini cannoli, and mini cajeta empanadas. Caffeine fans were rewarded with honey lavender cold brew from Well Grounded Coffee and iced coffee from Whataburger.

After all that eating and drinking, it was time for the awards, delivered by charming emcee Mark Schechtman. For weeks leading up to the event, we published a special editorial series that highlighted nominees in nine categories. Winners were chosen by a panel of local food and beverage experts — except for the category of Best New Restaurant, which was voted on by readers in a bracket-style competition online.

Ashley Gongora

Dallas Tastemaker Awards

These winners were announced and presented with glass trophies, as the crowd enthusiastically cheered for each one:

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Roman Murphy, Perch Bistro
Pastry Chef of the Year: Ryan Stipp, Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: The Porch
Bar of the Year: Columbian Country Club
Best Coffee Shop: Merit Coffee
Best Eatertainment: Chicken N Pickle
Best New Restaurant: Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge
Chef of the Year: Jeff Bekavac, Goodwins
Restaurant of the Year: Mister Charles

A portion of the proceeds benefited Harvest Project Food Rescue, an indigenous led environmental nonprofit fighting food insecurity by redirecting surplus produce to DFW communities each week.

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Hungry to be a part of it all next year? You can read about all the winners here, and we'll see you in 2026. The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Brioche Gourmet, Still Austin Whiskey, Hornitos, Whataburger, Reyka Vodka, Silent Pool Gin, and PicMe Events. A portion of the proceeds benefitted our nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue.

awards bests tastemaker awards