North Texas is a big place, with plenty to do, see, hear, and watch. 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. For ongoing events, click here.
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.
Tuesday, November 26
Reese’s Book Club November Gathering
Hosted by Sheraton Dallas
The Parlor, Sheraton Dallas Hotel
400 North Olive Street, Dallas | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join Sheraton Dallas for a Reese’s Book Club Gathering at The Parlor, an upscale lounge bar in the heart of Downtown Dallas. November’s book is We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson—an “unforgettable memoir about fighting for your home and heart.” The evening features a host-led discussion, light bites, and refreshments crafted by the hotel’s chefs.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Sunday, December 1
DMA Free First Sundays: Access for All
Hosted by Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood Street, Dallas
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy free access to the Dallas Museum of Art on the first Sunday of every month. Explore exhibitions such as Frida: Beyond the Myth, The Impressionist Revolution from Monet to Matisse, and When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History—a $50 value—at no cost. Guests can also enjoy dynamic on-site programs and over 5,000 years of stunning works from the DMA’s collection, made possible through the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
The day includes Open Studio from noon to 4:00 p.m. and a docent-led Collections Highlights Tour from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
No ticket reservations are required. Learn more here.
Tuesday, December 3
The Innovation Advantage: Startups, AI, and the Future of McKinney’s Business Community
Hosted by McKinney Economic Development Corporation
Encore Wire – Employee Center, 910 Elm Street, McKinney
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Explore how startups and emerging technologies like AI are fueling economic growth in McKinney at The Innovation Advantage. Hosted by Michael Kowski, President and CEO of McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), this event will showcase how MEDC’s award-winning Innovation Fund is fostering a tech-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Moderator Kevin Parakkattu, Partner at Plug and Play, will lead a dynamic discussion highlighting Plug and Play’s role in supporting startups globally and how its Downtown McKinney office is accelerating innovation and attracting international attention.
The program will also include a panel discussion featuring McKinney-based startups, local AI experts, and business leaders who are leveraging technology and investing in innovation to drive economic growth. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Learn more and RSVP here.
Converge Institute: Disruption and Innovation with Guest Speaker Michael Gorton
Near SMU, Dallas
*Register to receive the location.
Explore the intersection of space, healthcare, entrepreneurism, adventure, and success at this engaging evening with Michael Gorton, hosted by the Converge Institute, an innovation hub that educates and advocates by creating interesting, targeted industry conversations and business opportunities. Taking place near SMU, the event is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, hear cutting-edge stories, and delve into the disruptive edge of innovation.
Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Gorton’s new book, Calamistunity, which will be personally signed at the event.
Registration is free, but space is limited, and this event is expected to fill up quickly. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this dynamic networking experience.
Register by November 29. (And join the Converge Institute movement here to sign up for exclusive events and content.)
Thursday, December 5
6th Annual Controlled Environment Horticulture Conference
Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Water Education Building, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas
8:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Virtual and In-Person Options
The 6th Annual Controlled Environment Horticulture Conference offers in-person and virtual participation for new and experienced growers interested in basics of crop production within controlled environment systems. This event is a hub for learning about the latest advancements in hydroponics, aquaponics, and integrated pest management while networking with industry experts.
“We have assembled a great lineup of controlled environment horticulture experts from Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, Arizona State University and Hort Americas, along with speakers from Texas A&M University,” said Joe Masabni, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Dallas.
Learn more, see the agenda, and register here.
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Local Buzz: Pitching to Investors
Hosted by Create FW
Create FW, 400 Bryan Avenue, Fort Worth
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Join Spencer Traver, Director of Marketing at Sustainment, for Local Buzz: Coffee & Marketing Talks at Create FW. On December 5, conclude the series with “Pitching to Investors,” offering a marketing perspective for entrepreneurs ready to seek funding.
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DEC The Halls: The Big Pitch + Holiday Mix & Market After-Party
Hosted by The DEC Network
The DEC Network, 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas
4:30 to 7 p.m.
Join the DEC Network for The Big Pitch—a pitch competition like no other! The top winners from the last four accelerator programs will take the stage, pitching their innovative businesses and vying for ultimate bragging rights. This is your chance to see the brightest entrepreneurial talent in action, learn about cutting-edge startups, and witness who comes out on top in this exciting showdown.
Don’t miss the Mix and Market after-party immediately following The Big Pitch! Connect with the competition winners, browse unique offerings from local vendors, and expand your network with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you’re here to support, shop, or socialize, the Mix and Market is the perfect place to celebrate innovation and community.
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Art Brought to Life with AI – Having a conversation with art
Hosted by Dallas AI
Richardson IQHQ, 1302 E. Collins, Richardson
6 to 9 p.m.
Amir Tabei, CIO Dallas Museum of Art, will explore the innovative intersection of artificial intelligence and art. He will discuss how AI can animate and interact with artworks, transforming them from static pieces into dynamic experiences.
The presentation highlights the potential for AI to create new forms of artistic expression and engagement, allowing viewers to interact with art in unprecedented ways. It also addresses the challenges and ethical considerations of integrating AI into the creative process, emphasizing the balance between technological advancement and artistic integrity.
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1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour: Kevin Patel with HermTAC
Hosted by IoT Texas
Springhill Suites Dallas/Richardson Area, 18180 Highland Springs, Dallas
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Kevin Patel, founder of HermTAC, will present more info about the company. Patel says, “HermTac is a Systems Integrator, Prime Contractor & Manufacturer. Founded after winning most of The United States COVID Make-a-Thon Challenge.gov rapid prototyping competitions hosted by Veterans Affairs (VA), we’re focused on enabling frontline to tackle connectivity pain points globally in any environment for our DoD, VA & Military Health Partner’s Missions.”
HermTAC is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) & DoD Prime Contractor and has won four National Innovation Awards. The startup just received a $40 million contract from the US government.
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Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum’s Hope for Humanity Dinner
Hosted by Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum
Omni Dallas Hotel, 555 South Lamar St., Dallas
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in celebrating Holocaust survivors. It is through their strength and passion for educating future generations that we are reminded that the past endures through the stories we pass on.
At this annual dinner, the Museum bestows the Hope for Humanity award to an outstanding individual who demonstrates a dedication to the improvement of society. The Museum is proud to honor Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns for his dedication to documenting and preserving history.
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30th Annual DIFFA Dallas Holiday Wreath Collection
Hosted by DIFFA Dallas
The Empire Room, 1225 North Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Join DIFFA Dallas for the 30th Annual Holiday Wreath Collection, a beloved tradition that kicks off the holiday season with stunning artistry and community spirit. This year’s theme, Candy Land, invites attendees into a world of sugary delights. Bid on over 50 one-of-a-kind wreaths crafted by artisans, designers, and decorators, all in support of the North Texas AIDS Service Organization beneficiaries.
In addition to the wreath silent auction, the event will feature a raffle and a separate auction with prizes including accessories, art, fashion, home décor, health and beauty products, and interactive experiences.
Tickets are $75 and proceeds benefit grant funding for North Texas AIDS service organizations.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Thursday, December 5 – Saturday, December 7
Best of Texas Robotics
Hosted at Cotton Bowl Stadium
3750 Cotton Bowl Circle, Dallas
All Day
The Best of Texas Robotics competition returns to Dallas, bringing together the world’s top teams to showcase their skills and celebrate their achievements. As the largest robotics competition in the world, this event culminates in an exciting showdown where teams compete for the title of champions at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship.
Learn more here.
Wednesday, December 11
Digital Fight Club: Marketing
Hosted by Digital Fight Club
Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Avenue, Dallas
5:30 p.m.
Tired of the same old marketing events? So is Digital Fight Club, which is turning the marketing panel on its head.
Brands want straight answers to hard questions from the marketing agencies they hire. So DFC decided to let the agencies argue it out in front of them. Eight agencies will fight in front of five brand referees and an audience full of even more brands and agencies. DFC will only let 10 AdTech vendors in. That way you won’t be swarmed. DFC promises this will be the best marketing networking event you will ever go to. The most fun marketing event you will ever attend. The most educational party you’ve ever been a part of…all in one amazing evening.
Friday, December 13 through Saturday, December 14
ISER International Conference on Genetics and Genomics in Nursing and Health Care
Hosted by ISER
Hybrid event, online and in-person at Embassy Suites by Hilton – Dallas Park Central, 13131 N. Central Expwy., Dallas
Save the date
ISER (Institute for Scientific and Engineering Research) is delighted to welcome you to the International Conference on Genetics and Genomics in Nursing and Health Care (ICGGNHC-24). This event will bring leading scientists, academicians, industry professionals, speakers, and experts to one platform. The informative discussions will highlight solutions, achievements, trending issues, and future strategies.
ISER constantly aims to present techniques, skills, and the latest information in various fields like science, technology, medical sciences, environment, education, business, banking, finance, languages, history, and much more. It helps participants to explore speaking opportunities, present their unique ideas and create significant connections. You can participate in the groundbreaking discussion, which welcomes active participation and benefits the field and humankind. So, enhance your personal and professional journey by attending the upcoming event.
ONGOING
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Through Saturday, January 4, 2025
Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant
Hosted by Dallas Zoo
650 S R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas
5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays at Dallas Zoo Lights, running nightly from November 22, 2024, through January 4, 2025. This year’s theme, “Once Upon a Wild Light,” invites you to explore the Zoo transformed into a glowing wonderland with over 2 million lights and immersive experiences.
Highlights include:
- Visions of the Wild, a 360-degree light experience exploring vibrant biomes and wildlife.
- Dino Lumina: A Jurassic Adventure, an immersive projection display at DinoLand where dinosaurs roam and come to life.
- Holiday treats, festive photo opportunities, glowing animal lanterns, live musical performances, and Santa’s Holiday Storyland.
Please note: This event focuses on festive lighting displays; most of the Zoo’s animals will be asleep by the time the lights come on.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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Through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Ice, Lights, and City Nights
Hosted by Omni Dallas Hotel
555 S. Lamar Street, Dallas
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For the holiday season, Omni Dallas is transforming its iconic Pegasus Lawn into the only ice rink in downtown Dallas. Skate under the dazzling Dallas skyline and enjoy an entire winter wonderland just steps away.
Highlights include:
- Ice skating with tickets that include skate rental and one hour on the ice.
- Hot cocoa stations for a cozy treat.
- The Elf Express train ride through the hotel’s winter wonderland.
- Seasonal craft cocktails at Blitzen’s Bar, decked out with whimsical holiday décor.
- A chance to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus strolling around.
Children 12 and under require adult supervision, and children 5 and under must have an accompanying adult skater. All participants are required to sign a waiver.
Purchase tickets here.
Through Sunday, February 9
Dutch Art in a Global Age
Hosted by The Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Open daily, except on Mondays
In the seventeenth century, Dutch merchants sailed across seas and oceans, joining trade networks that stretched from Asia to the Americas and Africa. This unprecedented movement of goods, ideas, and people gave rise to what many consider the first age of globalization and sparked an artistic boom in the Netherlands.
Dutch Art in a Global Age brings together paintings by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Gerrit Dou, Jacob van Ruisdael, Maria Schalcken, and other celebrated artists from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s renowned collection. These are joined by four Dutch paintings from the Kimbell’s permanent collection, along with prints, maps, and stunning decorative objects in silver, porcelain, and more, from the seventeenth and the first half of the eighteenth centuries. Exploring how Dutch dominance in international commerce transformed life in the Netherlands and created an extraordinary cultural flourishing, the exhibition also includes new scholarship that contextualizes seventeenth-century Dutch art within the complex histories of colonial expansion, wealth disparity, and the transatlantic slave trade during this period.
Friday, January 24
Turning Vision into Value: A Roadmap to Your Dream Exit
Hosted by Venture Opportunities
Vision Opportunities Meeting Room, 9330 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 290, Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Venture Opportunities for “Turning Vision into Value: A Roadmap to Your Dream Exit”—a powerful session designed specifically for business owners ready to take control of their business’s value. This presentation will dive into key drivers that determine business value and provide actionable insights to help you assess where your business stands. You’ll evaluate your performance on three of the most critical drivers and discover practical strategies to improve your scores. Walk away with a clear plan to increase the value of your business and move closer to achieving your dream exit. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or in the distant future this session is essential for building a business buyers can’t resist.
Cost is $25 and includes lunch.
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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.
