As we say goodbye to summer, we welcome the start of fall social season in Dallas. Events range from luncheons to concerts to black-tie affairs, and they all raise much-needed funds for philanthropic causes of all kinds.
Mark your calendars for these 10, which no social butterfly in Dallas would miss.
Crystal Charity Ball Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon, September 18
This beloved luncheon marks the official beginning of fall social season in Dallas. Luncheon chair Mary Clare Finney and honorary chair Ruth Altshuler welcome guests to Neiman Marcus Downtown, where honorees — Katherine Coker, Janie Condon, Heather Esping, Margaret Hancock, Pat Harloe, Julie Hawes, Ashley Hunt, Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Patty Leyendecker and Christi Urschel — rock the 2016 Oscar de la Renta Resort Collection designed by Peter Copping. Sarah Perot is the 2015 Hall of Fame honoree.
TACA Custom Auction Gala, September 25
This elegant black-tie gala honoring the culinary excellence of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek executive chef Bruno Davaillon always is a night to remember. Chaired by Barbara and Don Daseke, the evening includes cocktails and a seated dinner, plus an exciting live auction filled with items such as travel packages, fine dining experiences and access to the Grammy Awards. Enjoy more drinking, dancing and live entertainment at the after-party. Funds raised support TACA's mission of championing artistic excellence in performing arts organizations.
Dallas Symphony AT&T Gala, September 26
For 2015, legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and music director Jaap van Zweden for this musical treat. Post dinner and concert, the Meyerson Symphony Center's bottom floor transforms into a lively after-party with decadent treats, handcrafted cocktails and impressive dance tunes spun by DJ Lucy Wrubel. Jennifer and Coley Clark and Katherine and Key Coker serve as this year's co-chairs, with help from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and his wife, Dara.
Cattle Baron's Ball, October 3
Cattle Baron's Ball brings in big-time country music stars in an effort to give cancer the boot. This year, co-chairs Mary Martha Pickens and Tia Wynne have tapped superstar Tim McGraw, and once again the event is going down at Gilley's. In addition to the main entertainment, guests flock to this jeans-and-boots-friendly affair for the food, live auction and fair-like atmosphere. This event is what people around the country picture when they think of Texas, and knowing how much good it does for the American Cancer Society, we are proud of that.
Two x Two for AIDS and Art, October 24
Every year Cindy and Howard Rachofsky host this highly anticipated art auction and party at their incredible home. Silent and live auctions featuring an impressive array of contemporary art help fill the coffers of the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR. The 2015 honored artist is Ellsworth Kelly, and the incomparable Nancy Rogers serves as chairwoman.
Neiman Marcus and NorthPark Celebrate 50 Years Black Tie Dinner, October 28
This invitation-only, black-tie event celebrates 50 years of shopping domination in Dallas. With dinner, entertainment and a fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus' Ken Downing, the affair benefits youth arts education programs at the Nasher Sculpture Center.
First Sight Dallas Opera Luncheon and First Night Dallas Opera, October 29-30
This is a one-two punch on the Dallas social scene. The festivities start with a First Sight luncheon, chaired by Micki Rawlings, showcasing the latest from Mulberry and an exquisite lunch by Wolfgang Puck. Event chairs Ellen and Don Winspear and honorary chairs Mayor Mike and Micki Rawlings then welcome the opera-loving crowd to First Night, featuring both a pre-performance dinner and an after-party at the Winspear Opera House.
Dallas Women's Foundation Luncheon, October 30
This luncheon is one of the largest of the year, with more than 1,5000 women dedicated to furthering DWF's mission of investing in women and girls to build a better world. Co-chairs Jane and Michael Hurst, Paula and Ron Parker, and Stacey and John Relton recruited Eva Longoria as the special guest speaker. Longoria — actress, director, producer and activist — is dedicated to helping Latinas build better futures for themselves through education and entrepreneurship.
Black Tie Dinner, November 14
Black Tie Dinner always attracts a long list of celebrity guests who help raise funds for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) supportive organizations serving North Texas. Jim Obergefell, plaintiff in the historic U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality case, is one of the speakers at the 34th annual event themed "Ignite," which takes place at the Sheraton Dallas hotel downtown.
Crystal Charity Ball, December 5
In terms of social hierarchy, members of the Crystal Charity Ball are at the top. Michal Powell chairs this year's gala, when the city's most generous philanthropist descend on the Hilton Anatole to benefit 11 local charities. Themed "An Evening of Celestial Radiance," the soiree is sure to be out of this world. It's only fitting that, just as the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon kicks off society season, this serves as its grand finale.
Dean Fearing, Wanda Gierhart, Becky Young and Nancy Carlson at TACA Custom Auction Gala 2014.
