Stop everything and have Siri clear your calendar. It's time for Dallas young professionals to get the best philanthropic fêtes of fall on the books.
The next generation of civic-minded Dallasites is proving, time and again, that they not only throw parties just as fab as their parents' soirees, but that they care deeply for the people and nonprofits in the community who benefit from their generosity.
From artsy gala after-parties to high-energy dinner-dances, these are seven favorite events every Dallas YP should plan to attend this fall.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Concert and After Party
September 15, Meyerson Symphony Center
This social season starts with a two-fer, which could be a three-fer. The DSO Gala Concert stars Broadway favorite Kristin Chenoweth, who joins the orchestra for an evening of her favorite Broadway show tunes, love songs, and classical repertoire. But the party will keep singing and swinging after the last notes are played, when young professionals retreat to the 10 pm After Party right there at the Meyerson. A $79 ticket gets you the concert and the party (tickets to the party alone will not be sold). New this year: An upgrade to the $200 "VIP Experience" includes an After Midnight Party from midnight-2 am at Dallas hot spot The Tipsy Alchemist. Event co-chairs Courtney and Andrew Nall promise a one-of-a-kind black-tie evening for YPs.
BubblyQ
October 4, Fearing's at the Ritz-Carlton
Charitable Dallasites have been raising a glass to this sparkling, must-attend event for a decade now, 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 will be led by chef-chair Dean Fearing along with event chairs Heather Winn and Vodi Cook. Guests will sample dishes from the best chefs around Dallas and enjoy an exclusive bubbles bar and craft cocktails. Partygoers should arrive prepared to shop, too, as the famous silent auction always has some of the hottest items of the year. Think beauty treatments, sports tickets, travel getaways, and liquor tastings for 20 close friends.
CultureMap It's Fall Y'all Social
October 11, West Village
Each season, CultureMap throws a can't-miss party at one of the hottest venues in Dallas. This time 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. Organizers promise amazing food, drinks, art, and pop-up shops from the center's retailers. Stay tuned for more details on the party with the catchiest name of the season.
Dallas Opera First Night Gala After Party
October 12, Winspear Opera House
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 Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, YPs (and any other night owls with tickets) will jet to a tent outside for the official After Party until about 1:30 am. Event chairs Shelle and Michael Sills plan sweets and treats by Wolfgang Puck Catering, an open bar, and dancing to the 11-piece Downtown Fever band. There is no separate ticket to the After Party this year; 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 weeks following First Night, it will hold "young professionals night" performances of The Flying Dutchman and Carmen.
Dallas Autumn Ball
November 9, Hotel ZaZa
This high-energy, black-tie dance party has become the be-seen party of fall. DAB welcomes young professionals dressed to impress to Hotel ZaZa for a fun night benefiting Reading Partners, which helps improve education in the city. Guests will arrive to the sixth annual event, chaired by Adam Kraus, ready to dine, drink, and dance. This year, Goldfish, an electronic duo from South Africa that has played festivals such as ACL and Bonnaroo, will headline DAB; the Emerald City Band open for them. Since its inception in 2013, DAB has donated more than $120,000 to Dallas education organizations. Each year it has sold out, and this year's is expected to, also.
Rhapsody in Red Charity Gala
November 10, Belo Mansion
This festive dinner and dance, moving to the Belo Mansion this year, gives young philanthropists a chance to support the One Heart Project, an organization that helps to improve the lives of incarcerated and at-risk youth. It's also a great chance to paint the town red — literally — as red attire is encouraged (and makes for stunning photographs worthy of holiday cards). And although this gala is only in its third year, its success the last two years makes it a can't-miss event for 2018.
Dallas Millennial Gala
December 8, Omni Dallas Hotel
The third annual Dallas Millennial Gala, benefiting Millennials for STEM, is moving to the Omni Dallas Hotel. It's also taking place in the middle of the holiday season, which means it gets the distinction of closing out the social calendar for 2018. This year's event will offer two ticket options: one includes a full dinner, as well as keynote speakers, silent auction, and entertainment. Another ticket is for the party only. The Dallas Millennial Club aims to gather young professionals to be leaders, philanthropists, and influencers in the community. About 3,000 YPs are expected to attend, making it one of the biggest YP events of the year.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Millennial Gala 2017.
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