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.
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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Developing a Business Plan with PNC
Hosted by The DEC Network and PNC Bank
The DEC Network @ Redbird, Suite 200, 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Take your business to the next level with expert insights and actionable strategies! This interactive workshop will provide the tools and resources you need to grow and scale successfully. Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to refine your existing strategy, developing a well-structured business plan is essential for securing funding, setting clear goals, and ensuring long-term success.
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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 23 through Sunday, April 27
USA Film Festival
Hosted by USA FilmFest
Angelika Film Center, Dallas
Various times
Among the highlights over the five-day USA Film Festival will be a star-studded Opening Night including a salute to Hollywood legend Nancy Kwan, with a look at her career and signing of her memoir, “The World of Nancy Kwan,” a salute to filmmaker Jon Avnet, featuring a screening of his latest film, The Last Rodeo, with the film’s stars Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson in attendance, and a 25th Anniversary screening of Christopher Nolan’s classic crime-thriller Memento (2000), with actor Stephen Tobolowsky in person.
Closing Night will feature a 40th Anniversary screening of Brigitte Berman’s Academy Award-winning documentary Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got (1985) and works from Texas artists and filmmakers. The festival also said that it will celebrate veteran actor Martin Kove, with a 50th Anniversary screening of the Roger Corman cult classic, Death Race 2000 (1975).
Friday, April 25 through Thursday, May 1
Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF)
Hosted by Dallas Film Society
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park, along with several other venues, Dallas
Various times
The Dallas International Film Festival, which in October was named an Oscar Qualifying Festival by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will feature screenings of more than 125 films, Q&A sessions, panels with filmmakers and actors, nightly DIFF Red Carpets, and special events. DIFF also will offer live screenplay table reads, awards, and other events and opportunities 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 worldwide, across Texas, and the United States, and include narrative features, documentaries, and short films of all genres from studios and independent filmmakers.
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park, near the American Airlines Center at 2365 Victory Park Lane, will be the host venue. Additional screenings and events will be held in the AT&T Discovery District, the Harwood District, the historic Texas Theatre, and the Virgin Hotels Dallas — which returns for the third year as the Premier Sponsor of the Festival — among other world-class Dallas destinations to be announced.
Learn more here and get tickets here.
Tuesday, April 29
BHIANT Quarterly Meeting
Hosted by Biotechnology and Health Industry Alliance of North Texas
Carter Bloodcare, 2205 Highway 121 South, Bedford
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join BHIANT for their second quarterly meeting of 2025. Meet with other industry leaders and collaborate to tackle pressing challenges, redefine shared goals, and strengthen the biotech and healthcare ecosystem across North Texas.
Wednesday, April 30
Growth & Mobility Luncheon: Impact of DART on Economic Development
Hosted by Richardson IQHQ
1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This presentation will explore the impact of DART on economic development across the region, as well as the anticipated effects of the Silver Line. Caitlin Holland, the featured speaker, serves as the Vice President of Real Estate and Economic Development for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), where she oversees the agency’s real estate, economic development, railroad management, and environmental compliance divisions.
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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 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.
Thursday, May 8
Austin Street Center’s ‘No Place Like Home’ event
Hosted by Austin Street Center
2616 Commerce Event Center, 2616 Commerce St., Dallas
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Austin Street Center’s 10th Annual No Place Like Home event is a contemporary cocktail party with special bites and sips, live entertainment by Texas country artist Pat Green, and a silent auction featuring incredible vacation homes and unique experiences — all supporting Austin Street Center’s mission to provide safe shelter and basic needs for the homeless.
Monday, May 12
The DEC Network 4th Annual Golf Classic
Hosted by The DEC Network
Hackberry Creek Country Club, 1901 West Royal Lane, Irving
9 a.m. start
The DEC Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fueling innovation and fostering economic growth while building a more diverse and equitable ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The organization aims to empower startups and small business owners by providing mentorship, training, and access to capital, helping them thrive in North Texas and beyond.
The Golf Classic’s proceeds directly benefit DEC Network programs and initiatives, helping to uplift and empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply passionate about supporting entrepreneurship, you’re invited to come for a day of camaraderie and purpose.
Wednesday, May 14
Innovation Luncheon: Changing Childhood Poverty Outcomes for Dallas
Hosted by SVP Dallas
Cooper Hotel & Conference Center, 12230 Preston Rd., Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how Friends of Children positions full-time, salaried, professional mentors to help children with long-term mentorship to graduation. Friends of the Children is a thirty-year-old national organization committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by identifying kindergarten-aged children facing the greatest obstacles and providing them with a full-time, salaried, professional mentor called a “Friend” for the next 12.5 years.
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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.
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.
