Dallas is in for a star-studded social season this fall. Music legends, Broadway luminaries, and A-list actors will be walking red carpets, presenting awards, and delivering keynote addresses at the city's most glamorous galas and lavish luncheons.
The end of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art in 2024 brings two new galas in 2025: The Collection Gala benefiting Dallas Museum of Art and the amFAR Dallas Gala, which promises to be a showstopper with involvement from Nicole Kidman, Taylor Sheridan, and Diana Ross.
Cattle Baron's Ball will rock out to Post Malone, and the Turtle Creek Chorale will rhapsodize its 45th anniversary with David Foster and Katharine McPhee.
Dallas ladies and gents who lunch will hear inspiring words from celeb-presenters Lucy Liu, Edward Norton, Christie Brinkley, and Christine Baranski.
Beyond being fun and fabulous parties, these high-ticket events raise crucial monies for local nonprofits, many of whom rely on their signature events to fund their key initiatives for the year. Dance card already full? You can support all of these organizations and many more during North Texas Giving Day on September 18.
Now, grab your date book (and your check book), and RSVP ASAP for these must-attend fall fetes:
Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon - September 11 at Neiman Marcus Downtown
The Crystal Charity Ball's fashion show and luncheon honoring the 10 most fashionable and philanthropic women of Dallas (as chosen by the organization), will kick off fall 2025 society season. The annual sell-out event - now in its 51st year - will feature a runway presentation showcasing fashions of Brunello Cucinelli. Guiding the event are Amy Hegi, fashion show chair, and Francie Moody-Dahlberg, honorary chair. This year's best-dressed honorees are Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Wendy Messmann, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, and Katherine Wyker; Aileen Pratt is the Hall of Fame honoree. Proceeds will help fund the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries (see below). Tickets are sold out, but for more information, visit the event's website.
New Friends New Life Stand for Her Luncheon - September 12 at Omni Dallas Hotel
On the heels of last year's thrilling $100,000 surprise from Matthew and Camila McConaughey, the beloved luncheon welcomes trailblazing actress Lucy Liu. An onstage conversation will highlight Liu's advocacy for human rights, including her film projects that have focused on human trafficking. Luncheon co-chairs are NFNL Board Member Lynn Dowdle and NFNL Circle of Friends Board Member Karla Smith. New Friends New Life assists trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and raises awareness of the issue. Luncheon tickets start at $250, available on the event website.
SPCA Fur Ball - September 19 at Frontiers of Flight Museum
Party animals at this annual black-tie ball raise vital funds for SPCA of Texas' mission to provide every animal with exceptional care and a loving home. Besides being a spectacular "purrrr-ty," it's known to have some cute four-legged friends show up, too. Human attendees will enjoy dinner, dancing, entertainment, a Pony Up for Paws initiative, and live and silent auctions. The 2025 gala is chaired by Kristin Hallam, along with co-chairs Julia Howard, Cindy Lindsley, and Sandra Fite, with The Dealey Family Foundation as honorary chairs and the always-fabulous Steve Kemble, event producer. Tickets (from $500) are available here.
Dallas Contemporary Gala - September 20 at Dallas Contemporary
Dallas’ only kunsthalle — non-collecting arts space — hosts its annual fundraising gala, presented by Headington Companies, under the guidance of gala artistic chairs Shayna Fontana Horowitz and Robyn Siegel, with executive director Lucia Simek. Once the main event winds down at 10 pm, the late-night action revs up with an afterparty hosted by Shyboy, the soon-to-open Dallas hi-fi bar. The party will feature a live set by Brooklyn-based DJ and producer GE-OLOGY while Shyboy serves its signature hi-balls, craft cocktails, and soft-serve ice cream into the wee hours. After-party tickets start at $150 for non-members; more information is here.
Turtle Creek Chorale Rhapsody - September 20 at The Statler
Legendary musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee - real life husband and wife - will headline the 2025 Rhapsody gala, celebrating the 45th anniversary of Turtle Creek Chorale. The glamorous evening will include a reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, and an intimate concert by Foster and McPhee. Dr. Whitney Strauss chairs the gala, which benefits the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs. Tickets start at $600, available here.
Husband-and-wife David Foster and Katharine McPhee will entertain at the Turtle Creek Chorale's Rhapsody Gala.Courtesy photo
Austin Street Center Humble Beginnings Luncheon - October 3 at Hilton Anatole
Austin Street Center's milestone 25th fundraising luncheon, themed "Unlocking Hope," will be headlined by award-winning actor, social entrepreneur, and long-time affordable housing advocate Edward Norton. The event is presented by Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, and will be emceed by Brittney Johnson from NBC 5. The organization will honor the Honorable Jeanne L. Phillips with the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award. Funds raised will help provide housing for those most at risk to homelessness in Dallas. Tickets (starting at $250) are available on the website.
amFAR Dallas Gala - October 4 at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby
The most star-studded gala of the season promises to be the inaugural amFAR Dallas Gala, which replaces the former TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art. North Texas-based Yellowstone, 1883, Lioness, and Landman creator Taylor Sheridan will receive amfAR’s Award of Inspiration from Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman. The legendary Diana Ross will be the headline entertainer, and the Gene and Jerry Jones family will receive amfAR's Philanthropic Leadership Award. The night will include cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and a live auction of luxury goods, one-of-a-kind experiences, and contemporary art. Proceeds benefit amfAR’s mission to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Tickets for the exclusive event start at $2,500 and are still available through the website.
Nicole Kidman (here at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival) will present the amFAR Award for Inspiration to Taylor Sheridan. Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala - October 4 at the Meyerson Symphony Center
The Dallas Symphony's mega-gala has several parts - fitting for an event that celebrates the DSO's 125th anniversary. After dinner and cocktails in the Meyerson foyer, patrons will move into the concert hall for a performance by Music Director Fabio Luisi and the DSO, with artist-in-residence Leonidas Kavakos featured in a program that honors the DSO’s 125 years. It will open with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and will culminate in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Kavakos as soloist. Afterwards, a high-energy afterparty will commence back in the foyer. This year's gala is led by co-chairs Vanessa and David Cain. The Gala is the DSO’s largest annual fundraising event, with proceeds going to education and community outreach initiatives. Tickets (starting at $52 for the concert and after-party and $1,500 for the whole evening) are available on the DSO site.
Mary Martha Pickens (right, with Tracey Kozmetsky, Beth Thoele, and Kim Quinn) is chairing the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball.
The Family Place Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon - October 10 at Fairmont Dallas
The 30th and final edition of this cherished Dallas luncheon will feature keynote speaker Christie Brinkley. The legendary "Uptown Girl" supermodel, entrepreneur, and advocate will underscore this year's theme, "Voices of Hope." The final Texas Trailblazer Award recipient is Effie Dennison, and Jan Langbein will be presented with the Paige Flink Award. The annual fundraiser benefits The Family Place, Texas’ largest family violence service agency. Kristen Cobb, Katie Samler, and Ellis Thomas are the luncheon co-chairs, with honorary chairs Katy and Kyle Miller. The event will be emceed by longtime journalist and community advocate Gloria Campos. Tickets start at $350, available on The Family Place's website.
The Collection Gala benefiting Dallas Museum of Art - October 18 at DMA
It's out with the old Art Ball and in with the new Collection Gala benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art. The Collection Gala will honor all past chairs of the DMA Art Ball, the DMA Board of Trustees, and the philanthropic work of TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art. Fusing the best of previous events under the direction of Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, the black-tie ball will include cocktails, dinner, and a live and silent auction of works generously donated by top galleries and artists from around the world. Rather the having chairs, the event is being supported by “The Collectors,” a dedicated group of patrons including Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson and William Atkinson, Christina and Sal Jafar II, Catalina Gonzalez Jorba and Santiago Jorba, Kasey and Todd Lemkin, and Amanda and Charlie Shufeldt. An after party sponsored by Kástra Elión Vodka will follow. More information and tickets (starting at $3,500) are available here.
Cattle Baron's Ball - October 25 at Southfork Ranch
Dallas' ultimate Western-glam party is going rock 'n' roll this year. Co-chairs Courtney Derderian and Nina Sachse have chosen the theme "All Cylinders" for the ball, which stars superstar singer-rapper Post Malone. Singer-songwriter Chandler Walters will open the evening at the VIP Party, then it's a whole night of boots, bling, barbecue, cocktails, Ferris wheel-riding, and cowbell-ringing as bids climb sky-high in the biggest live auction of the year. Cattle Baron's Ball is the largest single-night fundraiser in the nation for cancer research through the American Cancer Society; since 1974, the event has raised over $105 million. Information and the remaining tables and tickets (starting at $3,850 for two) can be found here.
Black Tie Dinner - November 8 at Sheraton Dallas
The 44th annual Black Tie Dinner has the hopeful theme "Still We Rise." Black Tie, which has raised over $32 million since its inception in 1982, has become one of the most successful fundraising dinners in the country and one of the biggest sources of funding for many North Texas LGBTQ+ organizations. The glamorous gala (under the leadership of board co-chairs Liliana Villarreal and Deirdre Coleman) will feature a multicourse dinner, live entertainment and awards; this year's honorees include James Black, Dena Batrice, and Lizzy Gonzalez. Tickets are $500, available on the website.
Nearly 3,000 guests attended the sold-out Black Tie Dinner 2023. Photo by John "Doc" Strange
Texas Women's Foundation Luncheon - November 14 at Omni Dallas Hotel
Texas Women’s Foundation will welcome Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski as the keynote speaker for its milestone 40th anniversary luncheon. Baranski will inspire with a message of female empowerment at the event, which supports a mission to build a better world for women in Texas through research, advocacy, grantmaking, and programs. Co-chairs are leaders who represent the f oundation’s four decades: Gail Griswold and Brenda Jackson (1980s), Laura Estrada (1990s), Helen Frank (2000s), and Shonn Brown (2020s); tables and sponsorships (starting at $1,000) are available through the event website.
AT&T Performing Arts Center Bravo Gala - November 20 at Winspear Opera House
Always an ovation-worthy evening, the 2025 Arts District gala will feature a seated dinner on the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage of the Winspear, performances by Center’s five resident companies, and a featured performance of "The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John" starring Michael Cavanaugh. Hosts for the evening are Alina and Ruben Esquivel and Candice and Adam C. Wright, and Shannon and Ted Skokos will be honored. The gala raises funds to support the Center’s arts education and community programs, as well as general operations throughout the year. Information and tickets (from $1,200) are available on the event website.
TACA Masquerade - November 22 at Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum
This inaugural arty party promises "an evening of secrets, stories, and support for the arts." Purvi and Bill Albers are chairing the event, which will include food stations, craft cocktails, live entertainment, immersive art experiences, auctions, raffles, and more. It's all in support of The Arts Community Alliance's mission to provide financial support to Dallas arts organizations through grant programs. Attire is semi-formal attire and masquerade-style masks are encouraged. For more information and tickets (coming soon) visit the website.
The Crystal Charity Ball - December 6 at Hilton Anatole
Per tradition, the grand finale of society season is sure to be the most magnificent. Ball chair Mary Martha Pickens has chosen the transportive theme "Expedition d’Elegance," teasing, "We’ll keep the ‘final destination’ a secret until the ballroom doors open." The 2025 Crystal Charity Ball will fund seven Dallas beneficiaries with a collective commitment of $7,459,305: Café Momentum, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, Dallas CASA, Foundation for the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, Retina Foundation of the Southwest, The Stewpot, and West Dallas Community School. As always, the glamorous black-tie evening will take shape in the Anatole's Chantilly Ballroom. Tickets are invitation-only; inquire about underwriting and more opportunities to participate here.
Also save the date for:
- The Family Place Partners Card Seller Soiree - September 9 at LoveShackFancy
- State Fair Saddle Up - September 10 at The Rustic
- Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Art For Advocacy - September 13 at 8000 Ambassador Row
- Chi Omega Christmas Market Preview Party - September 24 at Dallas Market Hall
- KidneyTexas, Inc. Runway Report Luncheon and Fashion Show - September 26 at Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
- Hope Gala benefiting New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy - September 26 at Lucky Spur Ranch
- BubblyQ benefiting American Cancer Society - October 2 at Fearing's
- Wilkinson Center Pantry in the Park - October 3 at the Filter Building on White Rock Lake
- The Tailgate presented by CultureMap - October 5 at The Empire Room
- Change is Good benefiting Community Partners of Dallas - October 5 at NorthPark Center’s CenterPark Garden
- DIFFA Burgers & Burgundy - October 9 at The Village Dallas
- Klyde Warren Park Party in the Park - October 9 at Klyde Warren Park
- Turtle Creek Association Gala - October 17 at The Virgin Hotels Dallas
- Dallas 24 Hour Club All Star Chef Classic - October 24 at The Empire Room
- Airpower Foundation Sky Ball - October 25 at Globe Life Field
- Farrah Fawcett Foundation Tex-Mex Fiesta - October 30 at The Rustic
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Black Tie Ball - November 1 at Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Operation Kindness Canines, Cats & Cabernet Gala - November 1 at Sheraton Dallas Hotel
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Savor the Symphony - November 6 at the Meyerson Symphony Center
- Junior League of Dallas Auction Party - November 7 at Gilley's Dallas
- Night at the Museum - November 8 at Perot Museum
- Our Friends Our Place Gala - November 8 at Fairmont Dallas
- St. Jude Evening Under the Stars - November 8 at Omni Dallas
- A Writer's Garden Literary Symposium and Luncheon - November 11 at Dallas Arboretum
- Young Women's Preparatory Network EmpowerHER Dinner - November 13 at a private home in the Park Cities
- FGI Night of Stars Gala - November 15 at Fashion Industry Gallery
- Cancer Support Community Red Tie Gala - November 15 at On the Levee
- Folds of Honor Gala - November 15 at AT&T Stadium
- THLN’s 50th Anniversary “Boots, Bling, and Paws” featuring Paula Abdul - November 15 at Gilley's Dallas
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Diamonds & Dunks GalaGala - November 15 at Arlington Hall at Turtle Creek
- Dallas Holocaust Museum Hope for Humanity - November 18 at Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence Luncheon - November 20 at Fairmont Dallas
- Grant Halliburton Foundation Hope Party - November 21 at The Statler
- Texas Ballet Theater Tutu Chic Luncheon & Fashion Show - December 2 at Winspear Opera House
Walmart heiress and Fort Worth resident Alice Walton is $12 billion richer than she was a year ago.Alice Walton/Facebook