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.

Through Thursday, April 30

20th Anniversary Dallas International Film Festival

Hosted by DIFF
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park, Texas Theatre, Virgin Hotels Dallas, and more venues TBA
Various times and locations

Roll out the red carpet for the 20th Anniversary Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) April 23-30.

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park, located near American Airlines Center at 2365 Victory Park Lane, returns as the host venue. Additional screenings and events will be held at the historic Texas Theatre and the artful Virgin Hotels Dallas, returning for the fourth year as the Premier Sponsor of the Festival, along with other world-class Dallas destinations to be announced.

New this year will be the first-ever DIFF Industry Conference, presented in collaboration with Dallas Film Commission. The conference will feature panels on filmmaking, television production, and how to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

The Dallas International Film Festival will feature more than 125 film screenings, panels, Q&As with filmmakers and actors, nightly Red Carpets, live screenplay table reads, awards, and other events and activations where filmmakers, screenwriters, film industry leaders, celebrities, sponsors, and audiences come together to experience and discuss film. Films are curated from submissions received by filmmakers from 100+ countries worldwide, across Texas, and the United States, and include narrative features, documentaries, and short films of all genres from studios and independent filmmakers.

Learn more here.

Wednesday, April 29

Texas Women’s Leadership Foundation Forum and Awards

Hosted by the Texas Women’s Leadership Foundation
Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St., Dallas
4 to 7 p.m.

Join TWLF for an afternoon of education, inspiration, and celebration as the organization honors the 2026 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Award winners.

Texas Women’s Foundation raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations to support nearly $5 million in total impact yearly to advance the economic security, stability and success of Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking, and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has granted more than $90 million in support of Texas women and girls.

Learn more here.

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GDPC Spring Social

Hosted by the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC)
Kirksey Architecture, 143 Manufacturing St, Dallas
5 to 7 p.m.

Come connect and network with members of the Greater Dallas Planning Council at the spring social and enjoy food, drinks, and conversation. The event is free for GDPC members and a guest. Registration is requested as space is limited.

Learn more here.

Thursday April 30 through Friday, May 1

ECS AI Days 2026

Hosted by UT Dallas Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
ECS TI Auditorium, 890 Franklyn Jenifer Dr, Richardson
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday

Join the Jonsson School for a two-day symposium exploring the foundations and real-world applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Experts will discuss ethics, security, machine learning and how AI is transforming industries like health care and energy.

Learn more here.

Monday, May 4 through Wednesday, May 6

AGILE 2026

Hosted by Axxess
Fairmont Hotel, Dallas
noon to 7 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday

As care at home continues to evolve within an increasingly complex healthcare and business environment, Axxess will convene national leaders in Dallas for the 2026 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE), taking place May 4–6 at the Fairmont Hotel.

The conference is designed to support leadership effectiveness and decision‑making as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in care at home operations and oversight requirements continue to rise. Through facilitated sessions and peer discussion, participants examine how leaders can evaluate AI tools, strengthen governance, and apply safeguards that reduce misuse and fraud risk while supporting responsible growth and organizational resilience.

Learn more here.

Wednesday, May 6

RISE FW Pitch Competition

Hosted by the DEC Network and CreateFW
CreateFW, 600 Bryan Ave., #220, Fort Worth
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 7

DFW Airport’s Cybersecurity Challenge

Hosted by the IoT Texas
Hybrid event; online and in-person at SpringHill Suites Richardson/Plano, 3251 E President George Bush Hwy., Richardson
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Cybersecurity is often framed as a technology issue, but at its core, it is a leadership issue. It is about trust, resilience, and protecting the systems people depend on every day.

At DFW, that mission carries enormous responsibility. Supporting 66,000 employees, 83 million annual passengers, and a broad network of partners and stakeholders requires cybersecurity to be more than a technical function. It must be part of how the airport operates, adapts, and prepares for the future.

Dan Bonkiewicz, Principal of Technology Services, Operation and Cyber Security for DFW Airport, brings a leadership perspective shaped by years of aligning cybersecurity with critical operations and business priorities.

These are hybrid and free events. For those that can attend in person, come network with other IoT and technology professionals, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc. Find resources and learn about new trends and tech in the industry.

Come early and stay late if you can (bar opens at 5 pm. – self paid. Leave whenever you like, or when the bar closes).

Learn more here.

Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9

Nocturne 2026: Art Trail After Nightfall

Hosted by Play Frisco
Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Rd., Frisco
8:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Bringing together art, light, video, and sound, Nocturne—known as the “art walk after dark”—returns May 8–9 to Frisco Commons Park. The event’s host, Play Frisco, calls the event “two evenings of dreamlike encounters with art, nature, and the unseen.”

The outdoor gallery event features light, video, and sound installations nestled among the park’s winding trails. Created as a night-time art trail immersed in nature, the experience “invites reflection, play, and a heightened awareness of the world after dusk,” Play Frisco says. This year, Nocturne showcases 20 leading regional artists whose works can be explored on the park’s familiar paths.

Learn more here.

Thursday, May 14

Women United Luncheon: Investing in Impact

Hosted by United Way of Tarrant County
River Ranch Stockyards, 500 NE 23rd Street, Fort Worth
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join United Way of Tarrant County as they celebrate local Tarrant County women who have blazed their own paths through resilience, determination and leadership. During the luncheon, Women United will award $115,000 in grants to organizations helping women and girls access quality education, build job skills and create life-changing opportunities.

Learn more here.

Tuesday, May 26 through Wednesday, May 27

Texas Venture Gala & Forum

Hosted by Texas Venture Alliance
J.W. Marriott, Austin
Agenda details coming soonnoon to 7 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday

Join the statewide innovation ecosystem’s annual meeting at the Texas Venture Gala & Forum, reconvening Texans from across 20+ cities. Hosted at the Texas State Capitol & JW Marriott in one truly Texas-sized moment, these sister signature experiences host hundreds of speakers, guests, and recognized Texans including: venture capitalists, allocators, limited partners, emerging managers, incubators, accelerators, angel networks, universities, family offices, elected & appointed officials, successful & emerging startup CEOs, and industry partners.

Learn more here.

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SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, June 3

Opportunity Summit: Powering prosperity through health

Hosted by The Dallas Regional Chamber
Women’s Museum at Fair Park, Dallas
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Dallas Regional Chamber’s 2026 Opportunity Summit, presented by EY, is a dynamic half-day program focused on the connection between health and economic mobility. Through keynote perspectives, interactive sessions, and cross-sector dialogue, leaders will explore how stronger health outcomes expand access to mobility and how strategic partnerships can drive lasting prosperity across the Dallas Region.

Learn more here.

Sunday, June 28

NAWBO DFW 2026 Induction Gala

Hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners DFW
Aloft, Downtown Dallas
5 p.m.

This signature event brings together women business owners, leaders, and changemakers from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area for a night centered on community, collaboration, and collective growth. As we honor the legacy that has brought us here, we will also set the tone for what’s ahead—creating space for connection, visibility, and opportunity. 

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, elevate your brand, or simply be in the room with like-minded women who are building and leading, this event is designed to leave you inspired, connected, and ready for what’s next. Early bird tickets are available. Tickets are limited and sales end June 19.

Learn more here.

Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2

Texas Startup & Tech Week

Hosted by AURP
Coming to a Texas city near you
Save the date

Texas Startup & Tech Week begins September 28 and culminates on October 2 — the 191st anniversary of when the “COME AND TAKE IT” flag was raised sparking the Texas Revolution. That same spirit of independence and scrappiness, the courage to fight for a cause on your own terms, and the refusal to back down to a larger force, is the same energy that drives every innovator making a big bet no matter the odds. Texas Innovation Week gatherings are for those who plant the flag and get to work.

Learn more here.

Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1

AURP International Conference

Hosted by AURP
Pegasus Park, Dallas
Save the date

AURP is proud to convene its 2026 International Conference at Pegasus Park—one of the nation’s most dynamic, mission-driven innovation districts and a powerful example of how place-based strategy accelerates impact.

Hosted in Dallas, Texas, this year’s conference will bring together AURP members and global innovation leaders for executive-level dialogue, high-value networking, and curated learning experiences. From strategic plenaries and collaborative working sessions to behind-the-scenes tours of Pegasus Park and engagement with the region’s thriving life sciences community, the program will highlight how intentional investment, cross-sector partnerships, and research park leadership drive sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.

Pegasus Park stands at the forefront of advancing new industries—particularly in life sciences—while strengthening community outcomes. Together with AURP’s mission to foster innovation, commercialization, and vibrant knowledge communities, the 2026 conference will showcase Dallas as a model for forward-looking ecosystem development.

Learn more here.

Thursday, October 1

Texas Venture Fest: North Texas 2025

Hosted by Texas Founders Arena
Arlington location TBD
Save the date

The Texas Venture Fest is a day of networking and programming highlighting the ecosystem of entrepreneur support. More than 15 cities simultaneously host this statewide phenomenon, across our small towns and the nation’s biggest metropoles, 3,000+ Texans gather to help innovation flourish! This event is part of the larger statewide innovation week (Texas Startup & Tech Week (9/28-10/2), see listing above).

Learn more here.

Wednesday, October 21

Venture Dallas 2026

Hosted by Venture Dallas
Old Parkland, 3819 Maple Ave., Dallas
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Save the date

Venture Dallas 2026 is introducing a new setting and a refined format — complete with multiple stages and spaces, curated networking alongside elevated, immersive experiences, including start up pitches. Save the date. Look for more information and tickets soon.

Learn more here.

ONGOING

Through May 2026

Frontiers of Flight: Bessie Coleman

Hosted by Frontiers of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas
Tickets are timed entry.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum’s new exhibit is a high-flying tribute to aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman and her groundbreaking achievements. Guests can follow her journey through an immersive digital experience, see her beloved plane suspended from the museum’s hangar, and take home books, dolls, and other keepsakes to support scholarships for girls from South Dallas. 

Learn more here.

Through September 7, 2026

Soccer: More Than a Game

Exhibition at The Perot Museum of Nature and Science 
2201 N. Field St.., Dallas
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Tuesday

Soccer: More Than a Game at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science boosts the cultural and educational impact of this summer’s World Cup by providing STEM education experiences for visitors, encouraging regional tourism, and offering a world-class attraction for visitors to enjoy while in North Texas.

Visitors receive an RFID (radio-frequency identification) bracelet that documents guests’ choices, creations, and progress throughout the exhibition. Guests can join a team; construct a stadium; design jerseys; create mascots; test their athletic skills; and participate in physical, mental, and digital challenges connecting soccer with science. 

Twenty engagement zones and multiple photo opportunities allow visitors to step into the locker room, onto the pitch, and behind the scenes to explore everything from biomechanics and physics of the game to the data analytics and career pathways that power soccer on and off the field.

Learn more here.

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