Black Tie Dinner is the nation’s largest single‑night fundraiser for the LGBTQ community, and for nearly 40 years it has graced Dallas’s skyline. This year the gala returns to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, promising an evening of world‑class entertainment, inspiring education, and powerful community empowerment.Mark your calendars for the weekend of November 1–2. On Friday, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the pre‑event cocktail soirée B4Black welcomes guests to sample auction items, mingle over signature c

Fall has barely begun, but Dallas is already sparkling with holiday lights and festive sounds. Start planning your family getaway and discover what the city has to offer this season.While this list highlights key events, Dallas hosts a growing array of holiday celebrations—tree lightings, performances, and artistic experiences—see the full calendar at BigDHoliday.com.Kick off Dallas styleBegin the festivities with Deck the Plaza, a tree‑lighting ceremony at City Hall Plaza on Dec. 6. That same w

The State Fair of Texas has been a beloved tradition for 24 consecutive days, drawing millions of visitors each year. As a Dallas resident who has attended every fair since 1998, I’ve seen the event evolve while its core charm remains intact. Below are 12 experiences you shouldn’t miss—each offering a unique slice of Texan culture and creativity. 1. The Butter Sculpture Creative Arts Building Marvel at the monumental butter sculpture, crafted annually by a local Texas artist to celebrate this y

World Food Championships—an international culinary showdown—arrives in Dallas for the first time. In its seventh year, chefs and home cooks from across the globe will battle for glory and prizes.What to ExpectThe event takes place from Oct. 16 to Oct. 20 at Reunion Tower Lawn. Competitors will showcase their skills in ten categories: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Chili, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Seafood, and Steak. Judges will score each dish on execution, appearance, and taste, awarding a max

The State Fair of Texas is the nation’s largest state fair, offering a vast array of attractions that can feel intimidating for first‑time visitors. This guide breaks down the essentials so your debut is smooth and memorable. Pre‑Fair Prep Start by considering the composition of your group—kids, teens, adults—and plan activities that will delight everyone. Explore the fair’s admission discounts, such as the GoPass app, which can save you $2 when you take the DART into Fair Park. Parking is anot

The 2019 Texas State Fair’s music lineup will light up the stage starting on September 28. Over 24 days of fair fun, attendees can enjoy a variety of free concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage every weekend.All concerts are free with fair admission—making it an essential part of your fair experience. Here are this year’s headline acts:Rick Springfield: Friday, September 27 | 8:30 p.m.Jacquees: Saturday, September 28 | 2 p.m.Cameo: Saturday, September 28 | 8:30 p.m.La Maquinaria Nortena: Sunday, S

The Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum has relocated to a cutting‑edge 55,000‑sq‑ft facility in downtown Dallas, reinforcing its commitment to educating the public about prejudice, hatred, and indifference worldwide. After 15 years in a temporary venue, the new space blends solemn artifacts from concentration camps and video testimonies of Dallas-area Holocaust survivors with state‑of‑the‑art interactive technology designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum now expands its scope be

Dallas has officially entered fall, bringing a vibrant lineup of festivals that celebrate the season’s bounty, culture, and community. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this guide will help you extend your staycation and make the most of Dallas’s autumn celebrations. Autumn at the Arboretum | Sept. 21 – Oct. 31 The Dallas Botanical Gardens and Arboretum transform into a pumpkin wonderland, featuring over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash amid 150,000 vibrant flowers. Named one of “The Best P

Dallas vs. Green Bay Packers – Oct. 6 | kickoff at 3:25 p.m. The first weekend of October truly marks the start of fall in Dallas. It’s the second weekend of the State Fair of Texas, so plan a visit to Fair Park for corn dogs, fried food, and classic fair fun. History buffs can explore the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum to see the Presidential Retreats exhibit before it closes. Or grab a ticket to Saturday’s Tacolandia festival at the Dallas Farmer’s Market and enjoy unlimited taco

For 14 consecutive years, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has showcased the vibrant hues of fall through its celebrated Autumn at the Arboretum display. With 150,000 blooming flowers and plants and 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash spread across its 66‑acre grounds, the Arboretum remains the premier destination for fall festivities through October 31. 1. Capture iconic moments with the Peanuts crew – The Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village, themed “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” invite

Shirley and Bernard Kinsey celebrated 53 years of marriage in February. Their shared passion for the arts turned into a lifetime mission: to create one of the world’s most comprehensive exhibitions of African American art and culture outside the Smithsonian. The journey began when their 5th‑grade son Khalil asked for family history material for a school project, sparking a deeper exploration of African American heritage. Over the following decades they assembled a pioneering collection that span

Every October, thousands of football fans from both sides of the Red River converge on Dallas for the annual Red River Showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma. The highly anticipated game kicks off Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. The excitement doesn’t end once the crowd leaves the Cotton Bowl; Dallas offers a full weekend of entertainment for every type of fan. Watch Parties Game tickets sell out quickly, but you can still catch every play at a host of local venues.

The State Fair of Texas returns through October 20 and offers a range of romantic experiences perfect for couples. If you’re planning a date night, explore these seven curated activities. 1. Pose with Big Tex No visit to the fair is complete without a photo with the iconic cowboy mascot. Capture a memorable moment together and let Big Tex become the charming third wheel of your duo. 2. Explore the Fair’s Food Scene Indulge in unique treats that you can’t find anywhere else—think fried Oreos, fun

Editors note: This blog was created before COVID‑19 regulations were put in place. Please use it as inspiration for future travel to Dallas. If your adventures bring you into the city, check with each business you visit for current visitation information, follow local guidelines and practice social distancing. Go Mavs and Go Stars! Victory Park is one of Dallas’ most vibrant neighborhoods. The buzz builds as you stroll through Victory Plaza toward the American Airlines Center (AAC) clutching you

DOWNTOWN Trick or Treat on Downtown Streets Over 30 businesses are participating this year in the Trick or Treat on Downtown Streets event on Oct. 31. Adults, families with kids and even pets can explore downtown in spooky and fun costumes to celebrate Halloween. Start at Main Street Garden, where a map marks all participating locations. Return to the park by 7:30 p.m. to enjoy a screening of Hocus Pocus. Dia de los Muertos Festival For the first time, Downtown will host a Dia de los Muertos fes

What does it mean to be human? Where did we originate? And what did our ancient relatives look like? These are a few of the questions explored at the new Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind exhibit at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Open now through March 22, 2020, Origins brings the fossilized remains of two ancient human relatives—Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi—within arm’s reach. On loan from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg, Sou

With the holiday season in full swing, discover the perfect mix of jingle‑bell rock, classical masterpieces, ballet, and more to elevate your festive spirit. Dallas Symphony Orchestra The Dallas Symphony presents a robust holiday schedule—nine concerts in its “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas” series—at the prestigious Meyerson Symphony Center. Vienna Boys Choir in Concert | Sunday, Nov. 24 | 6:30 p.m. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert | Nov. 27–Dec. 1 (various showtim

Editors Note: This is our 2019 holiday guide. For a 2020 list, visit this blog or BigDHoliday.com. The holiday season brings a familiar mix of tree lightings, neighborhood tours, shopping, and carols. Here, we spotlight Dallas’ most creative celebrations—giving you fresh, festive options to make the season truly yours. Nuncrackers A-MEN!Uptown Players presents the irreverent comedy “Nuncrackers A-MEN!” at Kalita Humphreys Theatre from Dec. 6–15. Watch the sisters record their first TV special in

Dallas boasts a vibrant array of lodging options, from sleek, contemporary hotels to historic gems that echo the city’s rich past. For travelers seeking modern luxury, the W Hotel delivers. Couples craving romance can indulge in Hotel ZaZa’s themed rooms and secluded bungalows. Yet, for those who appreciate heritage and old‑world splendor, Dallas offers five standout historic hotels that date back to the early twentieth century. The Adolphus HotelBegin your historic journey at Dallas’s flagship

Festive décor lights up the city, holiday parties are on the calendar, and a crisp chill heralds the season’s arrival. Whether you’re looking to create new family memories or add a sparkle to your own tradition, Dallas has a lineup of unforgettable events that capture the true spirit of the holidays. 1. Texas Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker” (Nov. 29–Dec. 8) – Experience Tchaikovsky’s iconic score in a stunning performance at the Winspear Opera House. The classic tale of Clara, her Nutcracker P