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.
Wednesday, April 9
The Pitch 2025
Hosted by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving
6 p.m.
Join United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for North Texas’ most inspiring and exciting live event of the year, as 5 social innovative entrepreneurs pitch their ideas for game-changing prize funding.
As UWMD celebrates its Centennial anniversary, they invite you to their most exhilarating night of the year: The Pitch. Enjoy thrilling live competition, inspiring stories of impact, delicious food, fun music, networking and more!
During this unforgettable event, five social entrepreneurs will pitch their innovative ideas for improving access to education, income and health right here in North Texas. Then YOU and a panel of judges will help decide who will walk away with hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize funding and the title Social Innovator of the Year.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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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.
Wednesday, April 9 to Thursday, April 10
The Lion’s Den 2025
Hosted by Lion’s Den
Dallas Baptist University, Dallas
9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday
Join Lion’s Den for a two-day immersive event where faith-driven investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders connect to fund and scale redemptive businesses. The 10th Annual Lion’s Den conference features a Lion’s Den Pitch Competition, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, deep dive on investing, and breakout sessions covering faith-driven leadership, venture funding, and impact investing.
Thursday, April 10
Dallas Arts Expo + Speed Dating for the Arts
Hosted by Business Council for the Arts, TACA, and Social Impact Architects
The Stack at Deep Ellum, 2700 Commerce St., Dallas
4 to 6 p.m.
Business Council for the Arts, TACA, and Social Impact architects are hosting an innovative event to expose Dallasites to some amazing arts and culture groups in the community. Some 40 arts groups are participating and will share what they have to offer. This come-and-go event aims to foster impactful connections between nonprofits and the community with the goal of helping nonprofits build long-term connections with future patrons, donors, volunteers, and even board members.
Sign up to participate here.
Wednesday, April 16
Regional Business Mixer
Hosted by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest
Virtual meeting on Zoom
3 to 4 p.m.
Network with other business leaders in this online meeting.
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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.
Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25
EarthX 2025 Congress of Conferences
Hosted by EarthX
Hilton Anatole, Dallas
Various times
Earthx2025, the five-day forum bringing together the world’s foremost leaders in business, investment, innovation, philanthropy, academia, government, public policy, and environmental advocacy, will take place April 21-25, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. This “Congress of Conferences” will feature main stage conferences focused on the future of energy, the circular economy, new conservation strategies, and ocean health and the blue economy.
EarthX 2025 is a dynamic platform that covers the full spectrum of industries, policies, and initiatives shaping the future of our planet. The event seeks to shift public sentiment and policies around environmental action and investment, and it offers an opportunity for attendees to engage with some of the most influential figures shaping the strategies to protect the planet’s future within a unique immersive and interactive forum.
Wednesday, April 23
Connections to Contracts
Hosted by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest
Irving Convention Center, Fourth Floor, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving
1 to 6:30 p.m.
Connections to Contracts is a procurement-focused event connecting women-owned businesses with corporations and each other. It features networking, a workshop, corporate roundtable procurement discussions, and an awards reception. All are welcome to attend.
The goal of this event is to provide access to business opportunities between members that eventually lead to contracts, therefore helping women-owned businesses achieve parity.
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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.
Wednesday, April 30
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.
Wednesday, April 30 through Thursday, May 1
Convergence AI Dallas
Hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber
Irving Convention Center
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday
This two-day conference will bring together a diverse set of more than 600 leaders, from executives to entrepreneurs, to hear about the latest trends and innovations in artificial intelligence. Learn about the latest applications in artificial intelligence – from generative AI, robotics, automation, and more.
Connect with business leaders from all types of industries and grow your network. Participate in small table discussions led by industry experts around key issues. Events include a reception for Dallas Innovates’ 2025 AI 75, recognizing AI innovators from across North Texas.
Thursday, May 1
WEDallas Mompreneur Summit
Hosted by The DEC Network and presented by Capital One
Virtual Summit & Watch Party, online and in-person at The DEC Network @ Redbird,3560 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s Mompreneur Summit features an incredible lineup of speakers and topics! The event will be virtual, but DEC is hosting a watch party at The DEC Network @ Redbird. WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Dallas is a signature program created by Capital One and The DEC Network. This year-round series is designed to equip, inspire and empower women entrepreneurs in North Texas. WEDallas Signature Programming will include a Mompreneur Kickoff Event, a WEDallas Cohort, WEDallas Session at Women of Innovation Summit, Women X Tech and more, all focusing on elevating women entrepreneurs by providing training and resources.
While the WEDallas Mompreneur Summit is designed to empower and inspire women entrepreneurs, everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or just interested in learning more, this event is open to all.
Saturday, May 3
Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade
Presented by Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts
200 to 800 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas
8 a.m. Parade Welcome at Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson; Parade and vendors 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrating Hispanic heritage and tradition, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade – presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts (OCCA) – is set for Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Billed as the biggest and longest-running parade in North Texas, the mile-long procession will take place on historic Jefferson Boulevard, a vibrant hub for Hispanic communities and businesses. Free and open to the public, the annual celebration is funded in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District alongside other generous sponsors. NBC5 / Telemundo39 is the official media sponsor, providing in-kind promotional sponsorship.
The festivities will commence with the official welcome at 8 a.m.at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Expect a warm Texas welcome with coffee, pan dulce (pastries) and deejay music.
Wednesday, May 7
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.
Saturday, May 17
DFW CPG Brand Showcase
Hosted by DFW CPG
Smurfit Westrock, 125 E. John Carpenter Fwy., Suite 1500, Irving
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DFW CPG is bringing back the Brand Showcase this May! This event is designed to spotlight early and mid-stage CPG brands in North Texas, connecting them with retailers, industry partners, and the local CPG community.
Participating brands will have the opportunity to display and sample their products, making this a must-attend event for those looking to discover what’s new and next in DFW CPG. Space for exhibitors is limited, so brands must apply to be considered.
Thursday, May 22
USICOC Tech Conference
Hosted by the U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce DFW
Hilton Granite Park, Plano
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The DFW metro area has been consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the US, and home to an ever increasing number of tech companies: from the original Texas Instruments to startups like Alkami Technology. And it is also home to the USICOC’s extremely popular and often sold-out Annual Tech Conference.
One of the keynote speakers is Matt Creason, a Dallas based entrepreneur and healthcare innovator, best known for co-founding Shiftkey, a revolutionary healthcare tech platform valued at over $2 billion, that transformed workforce dynamics and flexibility in the healthcare sector.
Through Sunday, May 11
Titanic: The Exhibition
Hosted by Imagine and Fever
Pepper Square, 14902 Preston Road
Tickets are timed entry.
The story of one of the most important nautical disasters in history is coming to North Texas with the immersive Titanic: The Exhibition, produced by Imagine and Fever, which will open for a limited engagement in Dallas following a “highly successful” run in Chicago.
The exhibit harkens back to the morning of April 15, 1912, when the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. It’s a story that still captivates and intrigues people to this day.
The largest and most immersive touring Titanic experience, Titanic: The Exhibition is a narrative journey that focuses on the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship with stories, artifacts, and ship re-creations.
Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7
DFW Startup Week
Hosted by DSW and sponsored by Capital One
SMU Cox School of Business, Dallas
Save the date
Every year DFW Startup Week—formerly known as Dallas Startup Week—brings together entrepreneurs and changemakers to exchange ideas, collaborate, and grow. Founders are changing the Dallas ecosystem every day and this free annual event, billed as the largest entrepreneurial gathering in North Texas, highlights what’s new and next in the region.
Keep checking back for updates on the agenda and speakers. Learn more here.
Thursday, October 30
Venture Dallas 2025
Hosted by Venture Dallas
George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas
Save the date
Venture Dallas is excited to announce that Venture Dallas 2025 is set for October 30, 2025, and will be back at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the SMU campus.
As the premier gathering of innovators, investors, and industry leaders in North Texas, Venture Dallas continues to drive connections and conversations that shape the future of venture and entrepreneurship.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned here for more details.
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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.
