North Texas is a big place, with plenty to do, see, hear, and watch. So, we scour the internet every week to find events and activities for you. As always, things may change at any time, so be sure to check the official website or registration page for the latest details.
Don’t miss anything: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day. And, if you know of a great event, tell us about it. Event details courtesy of organizers.
Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19
Grapevine Main Street Fest
Hosted by Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau
Main Street in Grapevine between Northwest Highway and Dallas Road
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Celebrating its 40th year! Main Street Fest is a family-friendly festival in the heart of Historic Grapevine, Texas. It’s three fun-filled days of live music, craft beverage experiences, delicious eats, live music, shopping and so much more! Main Street Fest is family-friendly with a unique KidZone and tons of fun in the Carnival Midway. Tickets are $9 for adults, children 6-12 and seniors (62+) are $5. Weekend passes are $20.
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Wildflower Arts & Music Festival
Hosted by City of Richardson
Galatyn Park Urban Center, Richardson
6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
The Wildflower Arts & Music Festival is May 17-19 at Galatyn Park Urban Center and this marks the 32nd year of the family-friendly celebration presented by Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Among the 2024 headliners is Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” and sparked the advent of hip-hop with the 1979 soul single “Good Times.” Randy Rogers Band is an authentic definition of Texas country music as heard in their recent album Homecoming with songs like “Small Town Girl Goodbye” and “Leaving Side of Town.” The song that most notably launched AWOLNATION is the chart-topping, record-breaking, diamond-certified track “Sail” that has sold more than 10 million copies since its debut. Indie pop alternative rock band GROUPLOVE is comprised of five eclectic musicians best known for “Tongue Tied” released on their debut album Never Trust A Happy Song that topped charts around the world. KC and the Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 50 years ago. With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC and the Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the 70s and today plays over 100 live shows a year.
Attendees also will find a Battle of the Bands, Songwriter Contest, Art Guitar Auction, aerial acrobats, Cornhole Tournament, Student Art Contest, and a special kids’ entertainment section.
Wednesday, May 22
Fireside Chat Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Hosted by Women’s Business Council – Southwest
Dallas College Brookhaven Campus in Building H, Room 125 (3939 Valley View Ln), Farmers Branch
4 to 6 p.m.
This networking event brings together current and prospective members, local businesses, and corporations to develop professional relationships. It features networking, a limited number of vendor tables (for companies who provide products/services for women of color), and a fireside chat celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Panelists Gauri Junnarkar, Founder of Ayur Nutrition; Chi Nguyen, Founder of Purpose Tea; and Rajeswari Udayagiri, Founder of Radio Surabhi; will share their stories, journeys into entrepreneurship, lessons learned, and other women who have inspired them along the way.
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Tech and Leadership Talk
Hosted by DFW*ATW (DFW Alliance of Women & Technology)
CG Infinity, 5420 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano
noon
Join DFW*ATW for the second installment of the new Tech and Leadership Talk series hosted by Fern Johnson – former VP Sector CTO & Delivery, PepsiCo, Inc. Engage in dialogue designed to inform & inspire women and allies by equipping them with critical tech and leadership skills and knowledge. Come build new relationships and strengthen existing ones while forging pathways to accelerate leadership and career growth for all. Topics include AI and Gen AI, ChatGPT and Large Language Models, and Leadership On The Line. Speakers include Fern Johnson, Former VP Sector CTO & Delivery for PepsiCo; Amy Czuchlewski, Senior Director of Mobile Engineering for Footlocker; Ambika Dadwal, Global Head Merchant for JPMorgan Chase; and Dr. Geanie Asante, Executive Director for Wells Fargo.
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1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
Thursday, May 23
Health Supernova
Hosted by Capital Factory
3000 Pegasus Park Dr., Dallas
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Health Supernova brings the brightest minds in health and biotech together to drive meaningful change forward. From government to investors to entrepreneurs and more, featured speakers include Dr. Ramses Alcaide, President and CEO of Neurable; Dr. Claire Aldridge, Chief Strategy Offer of Form Bio; Dr. Amy Kruse, General Partner & Chief Investment Officer of Satori Neuro; and Dr. Renne Wegrzyn, Director of ARPA-H.
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AI Con 2024: Incorporating new tech & AI
Hosted by U.S. India Chamber of Commerce DFW
DFW Airport Headquarters, 2400 Aviation Dr., Irving
9 a.m. Tuesday to 3:30 p.m.
Registration is open for US India Chamber of Commerce DFW’s 9th Annual Technology Conference. This year’s theme is AI Con: Incorporating New Tech and AI. The keynote speakers are Chakri Gottemukkala, CEO and Co-Founder of o9 Solutions, and George Baker Sr., Founder and Chairman of Parkhub, who will share about their paths to success in the tech field. Attendees also will hear from top leaders on the CIO Panel and AI Panel. In addition to listening to engaging speakers, you will also get the chance to network and meet tech entrepreneurs and leading professionals in DFW.
Wednesday, May 29
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
Thursday, May 30
Open Source AI with Hugging Face
Hosted by Dallas AI
Virtual program (in-person in Austin)
6 p.m. CDT
In this session, you’ll learn how open-source models can help you build high-quality AI applications, generative or otherwise, while giving you more flexibility, control, and ROI than closed-model APIs. We’ll show you how to get started in minutes. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the technical ecosystem that Hugging Face is fostering, from models and datasets, to cloud integrations and hardware acceleration. The featured speaker is Julien Simon, Chief Evangelist and Field CTO, Hugging Face.
Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2
Dreamhack Dallas 2024
Presented by Dreamhack
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
DreamHack is an immersive gaming experience where the community comes to life. At this festival, you come to experience professional esports tournaments, amateur and high school gaming tournaments, world-famous bring-your-own-computer (BYOC) LAN party, cosplay, art, activities, expo, screenings and more.
Wednesday, June 5
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
Thursday, June 6
AI in McKinney Celebration – MEDC/ Intelligage / Plug and Play
Hosted by AI in McKinney Meetup
District 121, 6731 Alma Rd., McKinney
3 to 6 p.m.
Join AI in McKinney Meetup to hear about the top AI Startups in McKinney and explore the latest trends in this leading space. For $10, you get a beer, soda, or water from Betty the Food Truck Van, and every hour you’ll hear from local speakers in Mckinney about why AI is the catalyst and pitches from local AI startups on their contributions. Relax as the Fleetwood Mac acoustical cover band clears the air!
This event is perfect for those interested in the intersection of AI and Business. Whether you are a seasoned Business owner, corporate citizen or just starting out in the tech industry, this meetup is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.
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1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour: Fundraising Panel for Entrepreneurs
Hosted by IoT Texas
Hybrid event; online and in-person at Springhill Suites by Marriott Dallas Richardson/University, 18180 Highland Springs, Dallas
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Come join IoT Texas at their next 1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour at SpringHill Suites to hear an illustrious panel of fund-raising specialists talk about the various approaches to early fund raising and the many twists and turns entrepreneurs encounter along the way. More details coming soon.
Friday, June 7
North Texas Food Bank’s Taste of the Cowboys Fundraiser
Hosted by North Texas Food Bank
Ford Center at the Star in Frisco – Dallas Cowboys World HQ, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco
6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The North Texas Food Bank and the Dallas Cowboys will host the 20th Annual Taste of the Cowboys fundraiser, presented by Ashley, on the field at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco – home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters – on Friday, June 7. The event will feature live entertainment by country star John Michael Montgomery and gourmet tailgate food stations from some of DFW’s favorite restaurants, led by Taste of the Cowboys Founding Chef, Kent Rathbun.
All proceeds from the Taste of the Cowboys provide critical funds to support the North Texas Food Bank’s Nourish the Future programs that directly target child hunger.
Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9
FAN EXPO Dallas
Presented by FAN EXPO
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
If you’re into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come to FAN EXPO and find your fandom family. From discussions, debates, comics, and gaming, there is something for everyone. Panel discussions cover everything from fabrication to acting, with a lineup of pros to show you how to take your skills to the next level. Attend a panel, check out a demo, or meet them one-on-one. Talk with comic legends, writers, and artists, check out movie props, and meet up with fans from many different genres, series, and crafts. Shop thousands of retailers. Celebrity guests include William Shatner, Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon, and Geena Davis.
Wednesday, June 12
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
Thursday, June 13
D CEO Women’s Leadership Symposium 2024: Redefining Ambition
Hosted by DCEO
Reanissance Dallas Hotel, North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas
7:30 a.m. to noon
D CEO’s Women’s Leadership Symposium is a half-day event that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of ambition, acknowledging a new era of possibility and work. Hear from dynamic speakers who are paving new paths for themselves and generations to come. The theme “Redefining Ambition” addresses the nuances of the word ambition, recognizing that for women this can take various forms and paths. This symposium will dismantle the oft-associated stereotypes and reframe the narrative around female ambition, exploring and articulating what ambition means on their own terms. It’s an opportunity to collectively shape the future while addressing the needs of women in the workplace today.
Registration, breakfast, and networking are from 7:30 to 8 a.m., with the program beginning at 8:15 a.m.
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A Bio Future Exploring Innovation in Biotechnology
Hosted by MassChallenge
3000 Pegasus Park Dr., Dallas
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join MassChallenge for a fireside chat that explores innovation in biotechnology. From revolutionizing healthcare to powering sustainable energy solutions, biotechnology is paving the way for transformation across various sectors and industries. Featured speakers include Janet Wu, business and innovation reporter at Bloomberg; Travis McCready, Head of Life Sciences at JLL and former President & CEO of the $1.6 billion life sciences funding agency Massachusetts Life Sciences Center; and Michael Langer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of T.Rx Capital, a Venture Capital firm focused on creation, seed, and series A investments at the intersection of technology and biology.
Whether you’re a corporate partner, entrepreneur, researcher, or simply passionate about biotechnology, this event offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain insights into how biotechnology is reshaping various sectors and industries.
- Access industry leaders and learn about the BioTech landscape, including emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Understand the unique advantages Texas’ has in advancing biotechnology innovation.
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Venturing Beyond Borders: Exploring Entrepreneurship for Impactful Changes
Hosted by The IQ Brew
IQ HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Rene Larrave talks about taking the entrepreneurial journey across borders to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities while applying conscious capitalism principles to fast track positive social and environmental change. As an entrepreneur, Larrave has launched, managed, and sold a number of businesses. Some of Mr. Larrave’s entrepreneurial ventures include: CommandHound, a business process management and accountability software company; Koios Works, a predictive inference data mining company; Calatestra Partners, an advisory, consulting, and private equity investment firm; Neptune Wave Power, a wave power engineering company; Avvantica, a national business and technology outsourcing company; Tactica Technology Group, a business and technology consulting company; Motopia, a restaurant and business center with a European motorcycle theme in the process of expanding to other locations around the world.
Thursday, June 13 to Saturday, June 15
Good Soil Forum 2024
Hosted by the Good Soil Movement and the T.D. Jakes Foundation
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas
Networking event Thursday at 7 p.m., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Good Soil plans to increase generational wealth and employment by supporting and nurturing under-resourced entrepreneurs. Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs across the globe, breaking down geographical barriers and restrictions. Good Soil will include a $500K Seed Capital Competition, in partnership with Wells Fargo, an opportunity designed to guide entrepreneurs through the crucial stages of business planning and pitching.
Good Soil Forum will feature educational fireside chats, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops in which business leaders can learn and participate in key conversations on a variety of topics from business planning and marketing strategies to financial management and leadership development, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to elevate their business. The Good Soil Forum will also feature a vibrant marketplace with a diverse array of vendors, from tech startups to artisanal craftspeople, a unique opportunity to network, discover new products and services, and gain inspiration for attendees’ entrepreneurial ventures.
Speakers include Pinky Cole, founder and owner of Slutty Vegan; Emmy Award winning actress, author, and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown; Charles King, founder and CEO of MACRO; Arian Simone, co-founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund; Gina Paige, CEO of AfricanAncestry.com; and Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Brands
Wednesday, June 19
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
ONGOING
Through May 30
Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors
Hosted by Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Regular garden hours
Travel back to a prehistoric world right in the heart of Fort Worth at the Botanic Garden’s latest exhibit, “Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors,” available from January 26 through May 30. The unique outdoor experience, created in collaboration with renowned dinosaur paleontologist Gregory M. Erickson, showcases advanced animatronic dinosaurs from every continent. Embark on a journey through the Age of Reptiles and discover a narrative enriched with the latest research.
Get ready to have your ‘Passport to Pangea’ stamped as you encounter these awe-inspiring animatronic dinosaurs in their naturalistic outdoor settings. This exhibit educates and entertains, offering a perfect blend of adventure and learning for visitors of all ages.
Go here for admission and more information.
Through July 14
Walk this Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes
Presented by the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, with supporting sponsor Neiman Marcus
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, 300 N. Houston, Dallas
Timed entry tickets available. Museum hours: 10 am. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and on Easter, March 31
From silk boudoir shoes created for the 1867 Paris Exposition to leather spectator pumps signed by the 1941 New York Yankees, Walk this Way features more than 100 striking pairs of shoes. This exhibition presents footwear – spanning nearly 200 years – from the collection of iconic shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, and businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Gershon Weitzman. An integral part of our everyday lives, shoes not only protect our feet, but tell stories centered around women’s labor activism, the fight for suffrage and equal rights, the sexual revolution, and more.
Several special programs will be offered during the exhibition’s run:
- From Heel to Toe: Behind Walk This Way (March 19) – A panel with a look behind the exhibit, featuring Valerie Paley, Walk this Way exhibition curator, and Edward Maeder, author of the exhibition’s catalog.
- 9to5: The Story of a Movement (May 23) – A special documentary screening of the previously untold story of the fight that inspired a hit and changed the American workplace, featuring interviews with 9to5’s founders and actor and activist Jane Fonda.
- Immigrants, Innovators, and Icons: Jewish Americans and the Fashion Industry (July 11) – Annette Becker, curator and director of the University of North Texas’s Texas Fashion Collection, will share stories of Jewish change-makers in twentieth-century dress history.
Tickets are timed entry. Learn more and get tickets here.
Through September 1
Seward Johnson Sculptures in the Garden
Hosted by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Twenty-one life-size sculptures by the late artist Seward Johnson will be on display throughout the Garden, Mar. 1 – Sept. 1, 2024. This head-turning exhibit of “living” art will take Garden guests by surprise as they encounter sculptures that fool the eye and beg for double takes. Strategically placed to blend with their surroundings, Mr. Johnson’s unique creations strive to make everyday occurrences special and bring classic art to life. Experience the joy of discovering these lifelike sculptures placed unexpectedly, yet harmoniously in the Garden’s landscape. The exhibit is included in general admission.
Learn more and get timed entry tickets here.
Through September 22
T.rex: The Ultimate Predator
Hosted by Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator explores the remarkable features that allowed T. rex to dominate its competition, examines the sensory abilities and social behaviors of this powerful hunter, and reveals how the world’s most iconic dinosaur evolved from a superfamily that included more than two dozen species and spanned 100 million years. Explore our evolving understanding of this theropod, learn about a number of recent tyrannosaur discoveries, and find out how paleontologists study fossil specimens to understand the biology and behavior of T. rex.
SAVE THE DATE
Save the Date image: istockphoto
Tuesday, August 27
Future of DFW Life Sciences Summit
Hosted by Bisnow and presented by Mansfield Texas Economic Development
Location TBD, Save the date
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Embark on a journey into the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth’s burgeoning life sciences sector at the Bisnow Future of DFW Life Sciences Conference. Throughout the event, you’ll delve into the latest trends and innovations shaping the region’s biotech landscape, gaining invaluable insights from industry pioneers and thought leaders. From a deep dive into the current state and future trajectory of the DFW life sciences market to exploring cutting-edge design and construction trends in biotech facilities, each session promises to offer actionable intelligence to propel your business forward. Discover the driving forces behind DFW’s rapid growth in life sciences, uncover strategies to attract investment and talent amidst increasing competition, and explore the unique advantages the region offers for biotech enterprises. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and chart the course for success in DFW’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem.
Tuesday, September 19
North Texas Tech Connect Conference
Hosted by North Texas Tech Connect
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, 1502 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The North Texas Tech Connect Conference, the region’s premier single-day event for the IT executive community, provides a unique opportunity for IT leaders to gather and explore ways to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. Attendees will learn strategies for driving innovation and efficiency in their organizations. The conference aims to support the growth of the IT industry in North Texas.
Thursday, October 3 to Friday, October 4
iC Life Science Summit
Hosted by BioNTX
Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington
Save the date, 7:30 a.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday
The BioNTX iC³ Life Science Summit provides a dynamic platform for the North Texas bioscience community to engage in insightful discussions, share cutting-edge research, and explore emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the future of healthcare and biomedicine. Early registration is now open, as of March.
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R E A D N E X T
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The hybrid event in August will take place in person at SMU and virtually. The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week powered by Capital One is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region.
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You'll find deadlines coming up for a new accelerator program; and many more opportunities.
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You’ve found Dallas Innovates’ archive of news briefs from July to September 2021.
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Nonprofit BUiLT is hosting the event to highlight the success and possibilities of Black tech talent in the region. “There is no talent pipeline problem,” says Peter Beasley, co-founder of the Blacks United in Leading Technology International. “Black tech talent is widely available, especially in North Texas.”
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With Dallas ranked as one of the top cities in America for tech pros, UT Dallas and Fullstack have launched four skills training bootcamps focused on coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and DevOps. The online bootcamps begin in November with tuition at $11,995 each.
