Calendar: Not-to-Miss Events for Innovators in Dallas-Fort Worth

Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find selections to "save the date."

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.

Saturday, March 29

 

The SHIFT

Hosted by The SHIFT, a Movement for Women’s Mid-Life Health
Tower Club Dallas
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The SHIFT is a groundbreaking event dedicated to advancing awareness, education, and advocacy for women’s midlife health while positioning North Texas as the Center of Excellence for the Women’s Midlife Movement. Learn from top doctors, researchers, and advocates who are transforming women’s healthcare. This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take charge of your health. Get evidence-based solutions, challenge outdated narratives, and reclaim your vitality with the experts leading the change! Also check out the VIP Dinner at 6 p.m. March 28.

Learn more here.


Tuesday, April 1

DC Finance’s Dallas Family Office & High Net Worth Conference

Hosted by DC Finance
George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DC Finance offers not only cutting-edge education but also a networking platform for local and international families that you won’t meet anywhere else. Come meet families from the US as well as from the other side of the Atlantic, who seek investments, partners, or just good friendship. Gain valuable insights and learn fresh innovative ideas from a distinguished panel of experts from all across the globe speaking on a variety of unique topics.

Learn more here.

SMU Impact Lab Pitch Event: Profit With Purpose, Impact Without Limits

Hosted by SMU Impact Lab
SMU Collins Executive Education Center, 3150 Binkley Ave., Dallas
6 to 8:30 p.m.

Join the SMU Impact Lab for an evening of groundbreaking ideas from entrepreneurs building businesses that generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.

The SMU Impact Lab invites you to their biannual Pitch Event showcasing businesses committed to creating positive social and environmental change. Discover innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including equitable healthcare, sustainable design, mental health support systems and emerging artist platforms.

Network with like-minded innovators, investors, and community members passionate about sustainable business and impact investing.

Learn more here.


Wednesday, April 2

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.

Find your community here.


Thursday, April 3

IOT Texas Happy Hour: AI Panel

Hosted by IOT Texas
Hybrid meeting; online and in-person at SpringHill Suites Dallas/Richardson/Plano, 3251 E. President George Bush Turnpike, Richardson
6 to 7:30 p.m.

Join IOT Texas and hear a panel of AI experts answer probing questions by our moderator Andrew Hopkins about the different types of AI, what is reality vs hype, the future of AI, ethical considerations and how to approach AI as a business leader. Panelists are Gopal Gupta, Yeshwant Muthusamy, and Kristi Shock.

Come join the fun and ask your own burning questions. The bar opens at 5, so come early and stay late.

Learn more here.


Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6

Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair

Hosted by Deep Ellum Foundation
Crowdus Street in Deep Ellum, between 200 North block and 400 South block, Dallas
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

The third annual Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair (DECAF) returns April 4th – 6th, 2025, transforming Deep Ellum’s iconic streets into a three-day celebration of art, music, community, and culture. As Dallas’ largest arts festival, this free-to-attend event invites tens of thousands of visitors to explore six vibrant blocks overflowing with original art, live performances, and culinary delights.

Festival goers can discover booths from more than 120 fine and decorative artists, while enjoying
sounds from more than 80 bands and performing artists spread across four stages. A wide variety
of food and drink specials will be available throughout the weekend from the neighborhood’s
renowned restaurants and bars.

This year’s featured artist, Aaron Hunt, presents his delightful interpretation of traditional
southern folk art. A pioneer of the southern-style wood carving revival, Aaron explores relatable
themes with a modern, whimsical twist.

Learn more here.


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.

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.

Find your community here.


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.

Learn more 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.

Register here.

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.

Find your community here.


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.

Learn more here.


Wednesday, April 23

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.

Find your community here.


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.

Find your community here.


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.

Learn more here.


ONGOING


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.

Learn more here.


SAVE THE DATE


 

 

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.

Learn more here.


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.

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