Social Planner

5 solid reasons Dallasites should attend the next CultureMap Social

Emma golden, aquia Francisco, choni James, CultureMap Social

Look how much fun these girls are having at CultureMap Social.

Photo by Desiree Espada

Our CultureMap Social series returns Monday, October 3, and we agree, it’s been too long since we’ve hosted a young professionals happy hour. This one takes place at Fearing’s, and ours is one of the first events to be held at the Ritz-Carlton restaurant since its refresh. Exciting.

Tickets are normally $25, but if you use the code SOCIAL5, you can save $5. Read on for five more reasons to attend the CultureMap Social.

1. You get to meet the Top Texans Under 30.
This is the first year for our Top Texans Under 30 program, in which we celebrate the twentysomething trailblazers making stuff happen across the state — and, in some cases, the world. We can’t wait to introduce you to Dallasites Adam Kraus, Hunter Pond, Jon Alsup, Nick Marino Jr., and Matt Alexander — five of the 26 winners. Worth noting: You don’t have to be under 30 to attend this shindig. Which is a good thing, because I’m not.

2. You can partake in fancy food and drink.
In addition to bites provided by celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s team, there is an interactive drink station from sponsor Patron tequila, as well as two beers from Deep Ellum Brewing at the main bar, and a sampling station with more. This would be enough, but we did not stop there. For dessert, there are pairings of Patron XO liqueur — Cafe (coffee) and Incendio (spicy) — and treats from Miss Naughty Brownie.

3. You get to experience our famous party tricks.
We could just dial it in, serve some good food and drink, and call it an evening. But that is not our style. We like to keep our guests entertained and engaged. This round, that means a succulent bar from Jade & Clover, tarot card readings, and a pop-up performance by Red Bull Flying Bach.

4. You could take home some serious swag.
We also have become kind of famous for our swag bags. This time, the first 50 attendees get their pick from loot by Foot Cardigan, Jack Black Skin Care, Plum Yoga, Read Between The Lines, and Susie Cakes. Please, people. Keep it civilized.

5. You contribute to charity just by attending.
All ticket sales go to charities selected by our Top Texans Under 30. So you get all of the above, and the following nonprofits reap the rewards:

Alzheimer’s Association, selected by Matt Alexander
Behind Every Door, selected by Hunter Pond
Dallas Autumn Ball, selected by Adam Kraus
Project Ladybug, selected by Jon Alsup
Union Coffee, selected by Nick Marino Jr.

Round up your friends, and RSVP now. We’ll see you there.

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Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

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Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas