Spring is the season for Dallas' dynamic young philanthropists to work hard and play hard for the causes they care about most. The next few months will bring a high-energy casino party, night at the museum, and chances to dance the night away at glamorous black-tie galas. Save the date for the biggest foodie event of the year, and put a ring on a Beyoncé-Beethoven experience like no other.
Here are the eight top social events for every Dallas young professional's spring 2025 calendar.
CASAblanca Casino Party, February 7 at The Hall on Dragon
Per tradition, the Dallas CASA Young Professionals will kick off YP social season with a rollicking casino party filled with games, cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, silent auctions, prizes, and dancing. After trying their luck at the blackjack and roulette tables, guests can get down on the dance floor to the sounds of The Special Edition band. The cocktail-attire gala is under the guidance of co-chairs Brooke Farrelly, Hannah Harpole, Vivian Satterfield, Seth Stukalin. Proceeds benefit the children served by Dallas CASA, helping to ensure they have safe, loving homes. Tickets (starting at $175 for general admission) and more information are available here.
The CASAblanca Casino Party kicks off the season.
Photo courtesy of Dallas CASA Young Professionals
Genesis Masquerade, February 28 at The Perot Museum
The Genesis Young Leaders are making their 10th annual black-tie affair a "Night at the Museum." The event promises a roaming dinner throughout the museum, signature cocktails, silent auction, live entertainment, and more. Genesis Young Leaders is an auxiliary group of young professionals dedicated to ending domestic violence. All proceeds go to the many programs of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. Tickets (starting at $125) are available here.
Yellow Rose Gala, March 29 at Longhorn Ballroom
Grab your hats and boots. The Yellow Rose Gala Foundation channels its Texas roots with the theme of “Ropin' in the Cure” and a venue change to the historic Longhorn Ballroom. The night will feature dinner, cocktails, auctions, and two-stepping to a live band. Nita Patel and Andrea Reich are the event co-chairs who'll help the organization raise money for a cure for MS. Members of the Scott Burford family are the honorary co-chairs, the Dee Wynne Courage award will be presented to Louis B. Harrell, Jr., and the night will honor the memory of Jane Lombardi. Tickets (starting at $175 for those age 35 and under) are available here.
Junior League Milestones Luncheon, April 11 at Omni Dallas Hotel
Known for attracting high-profile celebrity speakers, this year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by Alex Snodgrass, best-selling cookbook author and creator of The Defined Dish (word is, her recipes will be served for lunch). Peggy Sewell will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, co-chaired by Lauren Combest and Debbie Oates. The luncheon benefits the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports the organization's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. For more information and tickets (starting at $250 for general admission), go here.
Junior League Milestones Luncheon presents Alex Snodgrass of The Defined Dish.
Photo courtesy of Alex Snodgrass
Dallas Cotillion Club Annual Gala & Silent Auction, April 26
The Dallas Cotillion Club’s 81st annual Gala & Silent Auction promises to bring together the city’s young professionals for a black-tie evening of elegance and impact, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. The gala, chaired by Ali Hejny, will start with a dinner for VIP ticket-holders, and while the Cotillion Club is a private, membership-based social club for women, the gala is open to all young adults in Dallas. This year’s location, theme, and more details will be revealed at a Gala Reveal Party on February 18 at La Mina in The Village. Tickets to the reveal party (starting at $55 for non-members) are available here, and gala tickets will go on sale after the party. For more information, visit the website.
CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, May 1 at Astoria Event Venue
Save the date for the most delicious food event of the year (okay, we're a little biased) and get ready to raise a glass to Dallas' restaurant and bar stars. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards is a spring tradition — and tickets are already on sale. Join us Thursday, May 1 at a new location - the Astoria Event Venue - for an evening honoring the very best of Dallas' culinary scene, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Harvest Project Food Rescue. A limited number of pre-sale tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $50 for general admission and $85 for VIP (includes early access to the event, dedicated bar, and more perks). Prices will go up soon. Nab early tickets here.
Cheers to the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
Photo by Ashley Gongora
Day at the Races, May 3 at Turtle Creek Park
If you can't make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, Dallas has the next best thing in this annual soiree starring big hats and mint juleps. Guests should show up to Turtle Creek Park/Arlington Hall dressed in their Derby best for a VIP reception followed by the main event featuring Southern food and beverages, a silent auction, table games, "wagering," live music, dancing, a best-dressed and best-hat competition, and of course, Kentucky Derby viewing on the big screen. The 2025 event, now in its 17th year, is chaired by Shannon Graham and Beth Layton and benefits the work of Turtle Creek Conservancy. For more information and tickets (starting at $300), go here.
Dallas Symphony Beethoven x Beyoncé YP Experience, May 17 at Meyerson Symphony Center
As a little twist on a traditional gala, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra young professionals group will attend the DSO's concert-mashup of pop and classical music, followed by their own party. Composed and conducted by Steve Hackman, the new work promises a thrilling blend of Beyoncé’s iconic repertoire (“Girls,” “Crazy in Love,” “Texas Hold ‘Em”) seamlessly interwoven with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. It will be performed by three powerhouse female soloists and accompanied by a guest drummer, guitarist/keyboardist, and bassist. While the concert is open to the public (tickets start at $59), YPs can upgrade to VIP admission to the exclusive YPX VIP After-Party, which will include a complimentary drink and appetizers from 9-10:30 pm in the Loge. Tickets are available here.
